The Bike Type Attractiveness Poll
01-22-18, 10:59 AM
#27
- Soli Deo Gloria -
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And lets please stop using the "Fixie" word. Not only is it archaic but there's just so much baggage tied to it. Let's just agree not to go there, hm kay?
-Tim-
01-22-18, 11:09 AM
#28
Cycleway town
There's beauty in practicality, comfort, and general engineering sense. From bottle openers to microwave ovens, the most desirable items, or the ones which stand the test of time, seem to be those that make the most sense.
So when i see a state-of-the-art carbon road bike with a seat tube the shape of a number 5, it just looks awkward, i don't like it. And that's before i even see someone apparently breaking their back on one.
I don't think the bike alone is the only aspect. If the seat is twice the height of the bars, i know it looks uncomfortable. This is a deal-breaker. Same for tiny wheels on a folder, or any matter of heavy compromise.
I like to see. Scenery. The sky. Ain't nobody got a smile like someone on a shopper bike.
There's something very 'right' about a '90s mountain bike. The one above is all flashy, but in fact it's the simplicity of them, and that common-sense profile, the balance of sizes everywhere - the promise of BMX agility, cruiser riding position, wide gearing, toughness, ability, comfort.. the subconsciousness falls in love and the shape becomes attractive.
As a young teen i'd tried all manner of bikes, but never had i wanted a bike as much as i did when i saw a mountain bike. Falcon Sierra or Muddy Fox Courier, i wasn't too fussed. I knew an 'All Terrain' bike was the bike for me. And since subsequently buying a Diamond Back Topanga in 1989, i've never really looked back. And i still own a '96 Merlin today.
So when i see a state-of-the-art carbon road bike with a seat tube the shape of a number 5, it just looks awkward, i don't like it. And that's before i even see someone apparently breaking their back on one.
I don't think the bike alone is the only aspect. If the seat is twice the height of the bars, i know it looks uncomfortable. This is a deal-breaker. Same for tiny wheels on a folder, or any matter of heavy compromise.
I like to see. Scenery. The sky. Ain't nobody got a smile like someone on a shopper bike.
There's something very 'right' about a '90s mountain bike. The one above is all flashy, but in fact it's the simplicity of them, and that common-sense profile, the balance of sizes everywhere - the promise of BMX agility, cruiser riding position, wide gearing, toughness, ability, comfort.. the subconsciousness falls in love and the shape becomes attractive.
As a young teen i'd tried all manner of bikes, but never had i wanted a bike as much as i did when i saw a mountain bike. Falcon Sierra or Muddy Fox Courier, i wasn't too fussed. I knew an 'All Terrain' bike was the bike for me. And since subsequently buying a Diamond Back Topanga in 1989, i've never really looked back. And i still own a '96 Merlin today.
01-22-18, 11:22 AM
#31
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
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No, a fixed gear bike is not a single speed. It has a single gear ratio but a single speed bike has a freewheel.
And lets please stop using the "Fixie" word. Not only is it archaic but there's just so much baggage tied to it. Let's just agree not to go there, hm kay?
-Tim-
And lets please stop using the "Fixie" word. Not only is it archaic but there's just so much baggage tied to it. Let's just agree not to go there, hm kay?
-Tim-
FG and SS can not only look nearly the same, but as you are aware a particular bike can easily be both. (flip/flop hub)
While I personally don't use the term "fixie", it bothers me none if others do. It's really not any more cutesy than hm kay, is it?
01-22-18, 11:25 AM
#32
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
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01-22-18, 11:32 AM
#34
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Thread Starter
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Also, as the OP, my personal choice is a drop bar bike with off-road tires, so a gravel or cyclocross bike...steel prefered...Salsa has some good ones.
01-22-18, 11:44 AM
#35
vespertine member
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On the topic of fixed gear bicycles: let us not forget about the possibility of a variable speed fixed gear! Sturmey-Archer | S3X Silver
I'm also kind of over the term "fixie". It was kind of cute back in 2004, but now brings up thoughts of cheap crap bicycles in which the builder paid more attention to matching parts than to the practicality or durability of components. Check ebay for good examples. Nothing against fixed gear bicycles - I have one and ride it - they're just not cool or unique any longer.
As for me, I'll drool all day over a high end road bike.
I'm also kind of over the term "fixie". It was kind of cute back in 2004, but now brings up thoughts of cheap crap bicycles in which the builder paid more attention to matching parts than to the practicality or durability of components. Check ebay for good examples. Nothing against fixed gear bicycles - I have one and ride it - they're just not cool or unique any longer.
As for me, I'll drool all day over a high end road bike.
01-22-18, 11:45 AM
#36
Senior Member
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Lugged, steel road bike. Or a 80s bmx with mag wheels, I never had one as a kid.
01-22-18, 12:03 PM
#38
Sr Member on Sr bikes
01-22-18, 12:47 PM
#39
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
01-22-18, 01:15 PM
#41
Senior Member
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01-22-18, 01:17 PM
#42
Senior Member
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TT bikes just look awesome. They're the cutting edge. But there's something perfectly timeless about a steel-framed track bike.
01-22-18, 03:11 PM
#43
Happy banana slug
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01-22-18, 04:01 PM
#44
Lopsided biped
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Rolling billboards. Like Tommy Hilfiger shirts. Somebody is laughing; you're paying (maybe extra) to advertise their product for them.
01-22-18, 05:18 PM
#45
Senior Member
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Classic steel road bike (or modern interpretation of a classic road bike) with lots of shiny silver instead of dull anodize black.
01-22-18, 05:30 PM
#46
- Soli Deo Gloria -
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Neither a single speed bike nor a fixed gear bike have gears. Both have sprockets.
Sprockets are connected by chains. Gears mesh directly without chains linking them. Both have variable and multiple speeds depending on the cadence of the rider.
-Tim-
01-22-18, 06:14 PM
#47
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Neither a single speed bike nor a fixed gear bike have gears. Both have sprockets.
Sprockets are connected by chains. Gears mesh directly without chains linking them. Both have variable and multiple speeds depending on the cadence of the rider.
-Tim-
Sprockets are connected by chains. Gears mesh directly without chains linking them. Both have variable and multiple speeds depending on the cadence of the rider.
-Tim-
Dan
01-22-18, 06:24 PM
#48
Senior Member
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01-22-18, 06:25 PM
#49
Senior Member
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01-22-18, 09:39 PM
#50
Senior Member
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Pure "Steel Is Real" Road without a doubt! Any Flavor!
Italian made for American Company:
Italian:
Japanese for American Company:
Japanese:
English:
American:
Subdued:
Bold:
Just plain pretty:
Yep, that FOR SURE, road bikes!!!!
Italian made for American Company:
Italian:
Japanese for American Company:
Japanese:
English:
American:
Subdued:
Bold:
Just plain pretty:
Yep, that FOR SURE, road bikes!!!!
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
