[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by camilo

False

Incorrect.

[jwl325]

FWIW, I feel responsible for getting us in this discussion, as I posted my concern over the possibility of a CF frame breaking from a simple knock-over.

IH, I definitely understand what you were saying to me--I get that CF offers some very specific advantages to more experienced riders, and that a newer cyclist might not realize those benefits.

But, I get where Camilo's coming from as well--as it happens, it sounds like we have some of the same interests and tastes--I'm into guitars as well, and though I'm generally a couch player with an occasional jam with friends, I like what a good "player's guitar" offers.

When going from my hybrid to a road bike, I looked at some of the entry level CF offerings out there--Trek's 4 series starts for a just a few hundred $$ more than my 2.3, but ultimately I decided to draw a line on the cost for now. The AL 2.3 gets me where I'm happy, I feel good about the bike, and it makes me want to go out and ride.

Every interest I've ever been involved with, or continue to be involved with (golf, sailing, guitar, cycling) all seem to have a certain percentage of participants who feel a need to judge whether others are somehow worthy of partaking of some of the finer examples of the craft.

In general, I find it's best to ignore the folks who feel a need to classify others who participate in their sport or hobby; folks who need to do that, in my experience are usually trying to compensate for some other shortcomings in their lives. IH--I can't stress this enough, I don't mean you with this comment--as I said, I totally get what you were saying to me, and I took it as sincere, well-founded advice, which, incidentally, I followed.

And Camilo, I'm with you on the quality gear thing--let 'em call me a Fred or a poser, whatever. I know when I pick up my Ric 325 guitar and plug in no one is going to confuse me with John Lennon; I know when I swing my Pings no one in the PGA is going to lose sleep...and I know when I climb on my bike Lance isn't going to hurry off to the retirement home!

[jagonz456]

First let me thank everyone for their post. I learned a lot from you guys. I am not a Pro rider I am not sponsored by anyone so when i buy a bike its out of my pockets. I mostly ride on the weekends I average about 150 miles a week when i do ride. I played different sports growing up (baseball,football,running) and i have to say i have never seen a sport with a class system like biking. In the bicycle world you have terms like fred and ham and egger you don't see this anywhere else. I posted this before but when your a runner your a runner no matter how much you run. if your training for a marathon or just a guy doing laps around the park you are a runner. nobody cares if you have $400 shoes or $49 you are a runner. But in the bicycle world its like you have to buy the high end bikes with matching outfits in order to get respect and i don't understand that. I have never had a interest in carbon bikes i can afford carbon but i cant justify the cost almost 3x the cost of aluminum for a few pound thats crazy.I don't want to upset the carbon police if it works for you thats fine you don't need to push it on everyone else, I am not buying left handed scissors and i am not buying a carbon bike. I am not posting this for me but for the other people that are starting to bike if you see someone that is showing an interest in biking help him/her out.

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by jagonz456

First let me thank everyone for their post. I learned a lot from you guys. I am not a Pro rider I am not sponsored by anyone so when i buy a bike its out of my pockets. I mostly ride on the weekends I average about 150 miles a week when i do ride. I played different sports growing up (baseball,football,running) and i have to say i have never seen a sport with a class system like biking. In the bicycle world you have terms like fred and ham and egger you don't see this anywhere else. I posted this before but when your a runner your a runner no matter how much you run. if your training for a marathon or just a guy doing laps around the park you are a runner. nobody cares if you have $400 shoes or $49 you are a runner. But in the bicycle world its like you have to buy the high end bike bikes with matching outfits in order to get respect and i don't understand that. I have never had a interest in carbon bikes i can afford carbon but i cant justify the cost almost 3x the cost of aluminum for a few pound thats crazy. I am not posting this for me but for the other people that are starting to bike if you see someone that is showing an interest in biking help him/her out.

That's roadies for ya! If you see someone killing it on the trails riding a 1980's fully rigid MTB, they get mad respect. Every time I go to Interbike, I'm reminded that road cyclists and MTB racers are from different planets. One group seems to only be there out of some contractual obligation, and the other group shakes hands, poses for photos, signs autographs, and drinks all the free beer they can.

As long as I'm on a roll, let me point out the difference in group rides too. MTB riders gather at the trailhead, then head out on a ride where everyone has a chance to shine. Even if you're not the fastest, you can be a good climber, or clear that nasty technical section that everyone else has to dab once or twice to get through. And you get to tell jokes during the ride, and drink cold beer and margaritas afterward at the closest Mexican restaurant. A 50 mile road ride can't compare. Sure, you can have climbs, but there is no huge gap in technical skills separating riders, only fitness and bike bling. Sadly, those that can't compete in the fitness area may try making up for that with expensive gear. Stereotyping? Maybe. But the shoe often fits.

[Mike1jw]

Wow

[wild]

I don't care what thay call me. I ride because I like to ride. But most call me, crazy old man, or somthing like that. My attidude has all ways bin you can kiss it or kick it
By the way the name is Bud

[BlazingPedals]

You make it sound so fun, Hack. I tried it for a while. It was fun, but I was breaking stuff too much. A handlebar, spokes, bent my saddle rails... it was always something. I finally decided I couldn't afford it! BTW, my current roadie group doesn't care what anyone rides, as long as they can ride. We usually ride to food.

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by BlazingPedals

You make it sound so fun, Hack. I tried it for a while. It was fun, but I was breaking stuff too much. A handlebar, spokes, bent my saddle rails... it was always something. I finally decided I couldn't afford it! BTW, my current roadie group doesn't care what anyone rides, as long as they can ride. We usually ride to food.

Need to work on your skills! I crash a lot, because I do a lot of silly things. (When I got my first front disc brake, stoppies on the trail were a bit deal for me, which invariably ended with me on the ground) But I rarely broke any gear. I still dread long climbs, and I'm not a fan of really high speed downhills. But I thrive in technical sections and short climbs. My ideal ride has lots of water crossings and narrow passages, big rocks, and singletrack runs lined by small trees.

[Xela]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

It's like your grandma in an M5.

Is Madonna a grandma...she's at least old enough to be. Yeah, Hack, I know your point was an M5 is way too much car for a granny, but that reminded me of one of the coolest car commercials ever.

YouTube

YouTube

[Industry_Hack]

She's 51, if I recall correctly. And since I can't see that video at work, I can only guess that it's the one created by her ex-wife, Guy Ritchie.