Originally Posted by Velo Vol

What triggered me were the posts earlier today, which I've seen plenty of times before, about one needing to get a bike whose appearance will motivate the owner to ride.

I suppose the newness factor might work for a month or so, but not long-term.

Can one like the way a tool looks? Sure. Can one develop a connection with the way the tool performs, responds to the user's efforts? Yes.

But the passion doesn't come from aesthetics. Take the Stradivarius away from the virtuoso and she'll still want to practice.

Imagine going to a running forum and reading posts about a shoe speaking to you, making you want to run.

Silly.