What's the right bike to ride to a first date?
#1
Still learning
Thread Starter
What's the right bike to ride to a first date?
I just turned 61 and have begun to date again.
Tuesday night's date apparently didn't think it was so cool that I rode my late 1986 yellow/white fade Trek 560 pro 4 miles to the Sushi joint for a meet and greet, because we were done in an hour.
This afternoon, I plan to meet an intelligent, self assured woman, whom is a dead ringer for Tom Cruise's 2nd ex. We plan to meet at Art Fair and she mentioned she'd be riding a bike. So who's to say no to that?
Any recommendations? Many bf members know I have more than a few to pick from, bikes that is. It will be parked and left unattended for a while, so the high dollar bikes are out of the question. @RobbieTunes, she'll have to wait to see my MV Ironman.
Results are in and listed in post #90
Tuesday night's date apparently didn't think it was so cool that I rode my late 1986 yellow/white fade Trek 560 pro 4 miles to the Sushi joint for a meet and greet, because we were done in an hour.
This afternoon, I plan to meet an intelligent, self assured woman, whom is a dead ringer for Tom Cruise's 2nd ex. We plan to meet at Art Fair and she mentioned she'd be riding a bike. So who's to say no to that?
Any recommendations? Many bf members know I have more than a few to pick from, bikes that is. It will be parked and left unattended for a while, so the high dollar bikes are out of the question. @RobbieTunes, she'll have to wait to see my MV Ironman.
Results are in and listed in post #90
Last edited by oddjob2; 07-23-17 at 02:38 AM.
#2
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,832 Times
in
2,229 Posts
Simple, ride one of your tandems.
At our age, direct messages are best.
At our age, direct messages are best.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,467
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 753 Times
in
410 Posts
Something without too much history behind it. Having a hobby is interesting for them to hear about, talking for 30 minutes about your relationship with the bike (and bikes in general) is an obsession.
#4
Senior Member
A good first impression is the most important thing. So, avoid riding the Kona "Jake the Snake". Women want somebody that's stable & dependable. So, don't ride up on a "Free Spirit". Maybe an "Ironman" is your best bet.
#5
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
Y'know, it might be jest, but this is brilliant. It'll likely be a unique, memorable experience for her.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Amsterdam
Posts: 1,662
Bikes: 1980 Koga-Miyata Gentsluxe-S, 1998 Eddy Merckx Corsa 01, 1983 Tommasini Racing, 2012 Gulf Western CAAD10, 1980 Univega Gran Premio
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 600 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
11 Posts
Depends on the signal you want to send to start the date:
1. Take your most expensive, modern, fancy bike - signal that you have money, and like to spend it, but that you're also probably preoccupied with appearances, and maybe too caught up in guy stuff to be emotionally available.
2. Take your goofiest, most interesting vintage frankenbike - signal that you're free spirited, artistic, and a bit of a show off. She'll know you're a fun guy, but might also feel intimidated if she's not equally playful and spontaneous.
3. Take your rarest, oldest, most authentic vintage bike, and let her know what it is - signal that you're smart, exacting, obsessive, and probably too OCD to be a good partner. However, if she's a cat lady or equally obsessive about something, this may be attractive.
4. Take a rat rod fixie bike, something with primer and rust and rock band stickers and drewed derailleur hanger, and casually toss it against a fence when you arrive - single that your a bad-ass dude who doesn't give a damn, even though it will be painfully obvious you spent a lot of time working to cultivate that image of not caring.
5. Take a full race bike, and show up in full race kit - signal that you aren't really interested in dating, but would like a riding partner.
6. Show up in a good looking all-arounder road bike, especially something in Celeste blue. When you arrive, don't mention the bike unless she does, and if she does, tell her thanks, that you put it together yourself, and say no more about bikes the rest of the date - signal that you have good taste, are competent with the manly arts, and aren't a deranged C&V obsessed bike nut.
1. Take your most expensive, modern, fancy bike - signal that you have money, and like to spend it, but that you're also probably preoccupied with appearances, and maybe too caught up in guy stuff to be emotionally available.
2. Take your goofiest, most interesting vintage frankenbike - signal that you're free spirited, artistic, and a bit of a show off. She'll know you're a fun guy, but might also feel intimidated if she's not equally playful and spontaneous.
3. Take your rarest, oldest, most authentic vintage bike, and let her know what it is - signal that you're smart, exacting, obsessive, and probably too OCD to be a good partner. However, if she's a cat lady or equally obsessive about something, this may be attractive.
4. Take a rat rod fixie bike, something with primer and rust and rock band stickers and drewed derailleur hanger, and casually toss it against a fence when you arrive - single that your a bad-ass dude who doesn't give a damn, even though it will be painfully obvious you spent a lot of time working to cultivate that image of not caring.
5. Take a full race bike, and show up in full race kit - signal that you aren't really interested in dating, but would like a riding partner.
6. Show up in a good looking all-arounder road bike, especially something in Celeste blue. When you arrive, don't mention the bike unless she does, and if she does, tell her thanks, that you put it together yourself, and say no more about bikes the rest of the date - signal that you have good taste, are competent with the manly arts, and aren't a deranged C&V obsessed bike nut.
#8
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
Have an English 3-speed you could take? They convey maturity, self-assuredness and a bit of sophistication. Would quite likely be some nostalgia with that also.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#9
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,328
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3898 Post(s)
Liked 4,832 Times
in
2,229 Posts
Not in jest. She probably won't ride on first date, as she brought her own bike. Early dates are about impressions, it shows a willingness to include her in your hobbies.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 07-20-17 at 11:14 AM.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 526
Bikes: 2015 Redline Conquest Elite; 2014 Fuji Tahoe 1.1 27.5er; 2006 Scott Speedster S30 (sold); 2001 Specialized S-Works CX; 1990 Trek 750 (sold); 1999 Bianchi Volpe; 1988 Bianchi Campione D'Italia.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 131 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#11
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
The saying I'm familiar with is whichever way your relationship was heading...a tandem gets you there faster.
For me that was married.
Zorro is probably right, though I think it does show some spirit.
For me that was married.
Zorro is probably right, though I think it does show some spirit.
#12
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
I like the line, "whichever way your relationship is going, a tandem will get you there faster!"
P.S. Dangit, Aaron beat me by a minute.
P.P.S. Grats on getting back on the horse, @oddjob2!
P.S. Dangit, Aaron beat me by a minute.
P.P.S. Grats on getting back on the horse, @oddjob2!
__________________
RUSA #7498
Originally Posted by noglider
People in this forum are not typical.
Last edited by ThermionicScott; 07-20-17 at 11:27 AM.
#13
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,464 Times
in
1,433 Posts
With only a few posts, this is already the best thread of the week.
I was going to say English 3-speed, too, until I saw mention of the tandem.
Is there a point to giving the impression you're not a C&V bike nutjob? Because that would be deceptive.
I was going to say English 3-speed, too, until I saw mention of the tandem.
Is there a point to giving the impression you're not a C&V bike nutjob? Because that would be deceptive.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,744
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,868 Times
in
1,439 Posts
6. Show up in a good looking all-arounder road bike, especially something in Celeste blue. When you arrive, don't mention the bike unless she does, and if she does, tell her thanks, that you put it together yourself, and say no more about bikes the rest of the date - signal that you have good taste, are competent with the manly arts, and aren't a deranged C&V obsessed bike nut.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 526
Bikes: 2015 Redline Conquest Elite; 2014 Fuji Tahoe 1.1 27.5er; 2006 Scott Speedster S30 (sold); 2001 Specialized S-Works CX; 1990 Trek 750 (sold); 1999 Bianchi Volpe; 1988 Bianchi Campione D'Italia.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 131 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Berkeley CA
Posts: 2,536
Bikes: 1981 Ron Cooper, 1974 Cinelli Speciale Corsa, 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 1, 1986 Miyata 710, 1982 Raleigh "International"
Mentioned: 97 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 930 Post(s)
Liked 1,291 Times
in
487 Posts
Duh! A Masi.
#18
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
I don't recall worrying about which bike I rode to dates because I'd assume the other person would be unlikely to care at all. It's not something I'd talk about. The tandem is an interesting choice because it's an experience.
It's also interesting how differently we all view what a different bike says about you.
It's also interesting how differently we all view what a different bike says about you.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
you have one of these?
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Bronx, NYC
Posts: 1,885
Bikes: '19 Fuji Gran Fondo 1.5, '72 Peugeot PX10, '71ish Gitane Super Corsa, '78 Fuji Newest, '89 Fuji Ace, '94 Cannondale R600, early '70s LeJeune Pro project
Mentioned: 87 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 293 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
101 Posts
What about your PX10? The Tour is in its final stages, nothing says sophistication like a French beauty and the colors are neutral so they will not clash with your ensemble.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,435
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5888 Post(s)
Liked 3,471 Times
in
2,079 Posts
...Where she'll possibly be stressed about leaving her bike sitting somewhere if she rides the tandem... Cool idea, but I think the tandem would be better left to the 2nd date.
Have an English 3-speed you could take? They convey maturity, self-assuredness and a bit of sophistication. Would quite likely be some nostalgia with that also.
Have an English 3-speed you could take? They convey maturity, self-assuredness and a bit of sophistication. Would quite likely be some nostalgia with that also.
#25
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: PAZ
Posts: 12,294
Mentioned: 255 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2588 Post(s)
Liked 4,824 Times
in
1,709 Posts
Ride what you feel and see what comes out of it. If I were going to offer advice, it would be to just be yourself - and that includes riding what you want to ride. Have fun and good luck!
DD
DD