Can a bike feel boring?
10-08-21, 02:31 PM
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Portland
Posts: 357
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 161 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 267 Times
in
98 Posts
Can a bike feel boring?
I just took 4 of my bikes out for a quick spin around the block and one of them feels very neutral and boring, a 1997 Trek 750. Now I’m wondering if a seat, handlebar change or tires would help or does it get put on the chopping block. The other bikes for reference are an 84 Trek 850, a 91 trek 990 and a Lyon. Could it be that the 750 has the thinnest tires of the bunch at 38 and my butt is accustomed to 42’s or larger?
10-08-21, 02:41 PM
#2
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Barboursville, Va
Posts: 278
Bikes: N+1
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 94 Post(s)
Liked 419 Times
in
159 Posts
The hybrid had different geometry, and is made for a stable, neutral, kind of boring ride. It’s for people who just want to ride rations the neighborhood and local bike trails.
so, yeah, it’s boring but it’s made to be.
so, yeah, it’s boring but it’s made to be.
Likes For Flatforkcrown:
10-08-21, 02:44 PM
#3
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,952
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6178 Post(s)
Liked 4,795 Times
in
3,307 Posts
Yes.
Larger frames and certain headset and fork geometry can make them feel more stable and not as twitchy. But if you like twitchy, which to me is actually more "agile", then smaller frames I'm finding more fun to ride.
I'm sure everyone is different with how they perceive their "fun" out of a bike though.
Larger frames and certain headset and fork geometry can make them feel more stable and not as twitchy. But if you like twitchy, which to me is actually more "agile", then smaller frames I'm finding more fun to ride.
I'm sure everyone is different with how they perceive their "fun" out of a bike though.
10-08-21, 02:49 PM
#4
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
Not a fan of hybrids on any type of gravel.
10-08-21, 02:53 PM
#5
Mother Nature's Son
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
Posts: 3,107
Bikes: 2014 Orbea Avant MD30, 2004 Airborne Zeppelin TI, 2003 Lemond Poprad, 2001 Lemond Tourmalet, 2014? Soma Smoothie
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 852 Post(s)
Liked 1,433 Times
in
815 Posts
I think that is much more about the perspective of the rider, not so much the bike. Certainly, there are differences in the handling, speed, comfort, general feel, etc., but what one finds boring, another will not. I ride numerous bikes with a lot of differences, while I definitely have preferences, I find none of them boring. But I just plain like riding bikes. There are people that find riding any bike boring. I have never been on a fat bike, while I have no urge to buy one, I would like to try one out.
Likes For delbiker1:
10-08-21, 03:31 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
I've told my kids that boring is under appreciated. It means that you don't have any badness staring you in the face.
Could it be that your 750 is just so perfectly balanced that nothing stands out?
Could it be that your 750 is just so perfectly balanced that nothing stands out?
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
Likes For Retro Grouch:
10-08-21, 03:40 PM
#7
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,270 Times
in
1,439 Posts
With its 17" chainstays, 70.5º X 73º geometry, and 11" bottom bracket, the 750 isn't going to feel too exciting no matter what tires you run. I think 24 years ago, "boring" was the goal.
Likes For Rolla:
10-08-21, 06:38 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,217
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18398 Post(s)
Liked 15,494 Times
in
7,317 Posts
There are no boring bikes, only boring rides.
Likes For indyfabz:
10-08-21, 06:57 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,481
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7649 Post(s)
Liked 3,465 Times
in
1,831 Posts
Likes For Maelochs:
10-08-21, 08:40 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,801
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1943 Post(s)
Liked 2,164 Times
in
1,323 Posts
^ This
You want more excitement? Go find some 700x40 or 42 tires with a little bit of bite, whatever will fit on your frame, and take that 750 out on some dirt trails.
Even though it is not a mountain bike, it’ll go on some lower technical trails.
John
You want more excitement? Go find some 700x40 or 42 tires with a little bit of bite, whatever will fit on your frame, and take that 750 out on some dirt trails.
Even though it is not a mountain bike, it’ll go on some lower technical trails.
John
10-09-21, 04:54 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,381
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4387 Post(s)
Liked 4,828 Times
in
2,984 Posts
Define "boring"? I've heard of narrower tyres being described as "harsh" or maybe "fast", but "boring" is a new one for me. I would tend to equate "boring" with a bike that was sluggish handling or just very bland in performance or even just looks. Like say a low end mass-produced road bike with a budget groupset and upright geometry. That would be "boring" to me.
10-09-21, 05:29 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kips Bay, NY
Posts: 2,212
Bikes: Ritchey Swiss Cross | Teesdale Kona Hot | Haro Extreme | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp | Cannondale F1000 | Shogun 1000 | Cannondale M500 | Norco Charger | Marin Muirwoods 29er | Shogun Kaze | Breezer Lightning
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 576 Post(s)
Liked 1,001 Times
in
488 Posts
I have a 94 750 with the same tubing and construction. It is not a very lively ride and feels harsh and stiff, especially in the rear but it tracks true, and fast. I wouldn't call it "boring," per se, mine is a lot of fun - just not as plush as my nicer steel bikes.
10-09-21, 06:38 AM
#15
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Barboursville, Va
Posts: 278
Bikes: N+1
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 94 Post(s)
Liked 419 Times
in
159 Posts
this. I have a early 90s bianchi volpe, and it’s not the most exciting on the road. I set it up for riding mountain bike trails though and its great for that.
10-09-21, 06:49 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 1,694
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 815 Post(s)
Liked 1,647 Times
in
776 Posts
Is a 12,000 HP top fuel dragster more exciting than your Toyota Corolla? Sure.
Would you want to drive your top fuel around all day? I doubt it.
Years ago, I had a touring bike. I also had a bike built just for racing. Comparing the two, the touring bike was "boring", but sometimes, boring is what you want.
Would you want to drive your top fuel around all day? I doubt it.
Years ago, I had a touring bike. I also had a bike built just for racing. Comparing the two, the touring bike was "boring", but sometimes, boring is what you want.
10-09-21, 02:13 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 520
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 229 Post(s)
Liked 327 Times
in
179 Posts
That looks a lot like the circa 1990 Bianchi Boardwalk I had (might have been a 3x7 Suntour groupset and 32mm tires). It was my sole mode of transportation when I was in high school/college and "boring" was what I needed. I don't recall anything noteworthy about the bike except it put up with lots of abuse being ridden year-round in Montana.
10-09-21, 03:11 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,217
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18398 Post(s)
Liked 15,494 Times
in
7,317 Posts
10-09-21, 03:15 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,217
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18398 Post(s)
Liked 15,494 Times
in
7,317 Posts
I only ride with Interstate traffic. I was concerned that I might have to ride against it once, but it turned out I didn’t. Had the entire westbound lanes of I-90 in Montana all to myself. Fun experience.
10-09-21, 03:27 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,381
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4387 Post(s)
Liked 4,828 Times
in
2,984 Posts
Likes For PeteHski:
10-10-21, 03:55 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 4,083
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2333 Post(s)
Liked 2,097 Times
in
1,314 Posts
Steel bikes with 0.4 wall top tubes and low trail are tiresome, sort of like a needy girlfriend.
