Fastfingaz

Trek the Wal-Mart of the bike industry,,, no waving allowed

PepeM

I thought Walmart was the Walmart of the bike industry.

Bikedud

I do the up side down dropped hand wave on my motorcycle when meeting other motorcyclist.

When riding a bike, I actually speak to other bicyclist when possible.

52telecaster

I ding at cyclists, I nod at motorcyclists and autos???? I fart in there general direction!

eja_ bottecchia

You are all so special.

indyfabz

We were talking about that this the other day over beers. It annoys us when a cycling stranger talks to us.

Bikedud

Not special, just gregarious and polite. Perhaps you should try it sometime.

I grew up in the rural South where you wave at passing motorist and they wave back, where you may not meet but one other motorist on a 15 mile trip, and where going to the grocery store was a 35 mile round trip that occurred once a week (double stamp Wednesday). You probably wouldn't understand just as I don't understand why someone would make disparaging comments to or about someone they do not know.

Fastfingaz

You don't get it pepe you just don't get it , I hope someone waves at you today,,,,,

eja_ bottecchia

Bless your heart. You are very special.

Oracle7775

All I ride is Trek. I've got a cousin who works in Waterloo, though, so the choice is pretty much a no-brainer due to the friends and family discount.

I usually give the peace sign when I pass other riders. What does that make me?

indyfabz

A Treknik?

Fastfingaz

Well since you're going against all the principles of this thread I guess you're an agitator,,,

enzo thecat

I'm new to the bike forum. What is the controversy with the Trek bike company and bicyclists waving to each other? I've seen it mentioned several times. I tried searching for it but can't find any such scandal.

Jeff Neese

That's an example that (to me) proves my theory. Gunnar makes great frames and you could also look at Rivendell for high-end, steel frames (and those are even lugged). There's Surly and Salsa that make great full chromoly frames too. But do you really think they are any better than the late-80s, early 90s frames being put out by Trek, Miyata, Panasonic, Fuji, etc.? What is considered a "high end" frameset these days that you'll pay upwards of $1000 or more, were standard-issue on higher-end bikes for a long time. And those are all over Craigslist for cheap. Just set up and save your searches, and one will come your way.

Why would I want to buy a Surly Crosscheck when I can build out my 1989 Trek 970 the same way, use higher-end components and tailor it precisely to me, and end up with something even better than a Crosscheck. (I don't actually race so I can't speak to the effectiveness - just the concept of a go-anywhere can't-break-it bike.) It's actually not that much cheaper, if at all, but it's a much better bike. My 1986 Fuji road bike is heavily upgraded by now (over the years) but I'd put that frame and the ride against anything being made today. And I picked it up for a song - it's that old bike someone is just trying to get ride of, that you're looking for.

I wouldn't consider buying any high-end steel frameset or complete bike when there are so many out there on Craigslist that I can turn into the dream bike of my choice. Just my 2 cents.

FrankHudson

Not plugged into all the history of Trek, but in any case were there's a larger (company) that was once a small, insurgent (company) there will be folks who believe the old days were where the soul was, and that the new, larger thing has betrayed itself.

Replace the word in ( ) with rock band and the same statement applies.

I'm reminded of a tweet after a tornado hit a beloved local indie record store, went something like "Clerks reported the tornado did significant damage, but wasn't as good as the tornado's earlier work."

I don't ride a Trek mostly because I haven't needed one, but I would if I did--woops! I forgot the family's tandem is a Trek. Guess I did need one (and how much I pay attention to what decal on the downtube).

Fastfingaz

I don't know,,,,,, you haven't needed one???

badger1

That is because the octopus-like virtual tendrils of the Very Large Bicycle Manufacturer Junta have reached out into the interwebz and obliterated all traces of this heinous act on the part of one of their number.

MRT2

Not really a bike brand at all any more. Just the name Trek slaps on its accessories and tires.

Some Bontrager labeled products are good, others, just OK. I have a bunch of their club cut Solstice Jerseys that are a staple of my spring and summer cycling wardrobe. Not the most flashy, but very good if I am just looking to not be too conspicuous, or when I am feeling bloated, since they fit so much looser than just about all my other cycling jerseys. I also picked up a pair of Bontrager brand shoes a couple of years ago at a bike expo. I am still really trying to like them, but frankly, prefer a pair of cheaper Louis Garneau shoes I bought a few years earlier.

indyfabz

I hate the sound of the name "Bontrager."

Fastfingaz

I wonder what that means ,I know (Bon )means good hmmm?

Brennan

Much easier said than done, in my experience, in my area. You should see the outrageous prices people ask for used bikes around here. Also a lot of those old frames don't have the sort of tire clearance many people look for these days. After taking advantage of a 20% discount, I picked up a new Cross Check frame for $360 shipped, and I already had a lot of compatible parts on hand. Kind of a no-brainer for me. Not everybody's desires and circumstances are the same.

indyfabz

"This is America, honey. Our names don't mean ****."--Butch Coolidge, "Pulp Fiction"

badger1

Bontrager (German) der. < Bornträger: a carrier of water; liquids (inc. booze)

born MLG (a well; a spring)
träger (a carrier of things; agentive noun derived from verb tragen)

Well, you did ask

Oracle7775

Hey maaaaan. Don't harsh my ride, duuuude. I don't roll that way.

indyfabz

Dave's not hear.