Bikes and their riders
You are what you ride.
“Bike culture.” I love that term. It covers a lot of ground. One of my favorite things about cycling is that it appeals to so many different people in so many different ways. From the century riders to the commuters to the racing types, everyone can find their home. Here are a few examples...
Busman’s holiday
Chai, an SF bike messenger, gets away from it all with his reversible 2-tone Marin road bike.
Why he likes this bike:
“The chrome!
It’s a racing bike the handling is so tight, made in Italy
Fine Italian craftsmanship.”
He rides because:
“I like to be mobile and I don’t like to breath exhaust. It’s the right thing to do. And when I catch some big air or drop off a scary drop I feel alive. Yeah mostly I feel alive riding my bike. More alive than anything.”
Holy drill press!
In case you’re wondering, Don’s scale says 9 lbs 9 oz. His latest is more than a pound and a half lighter lighter (I promise). This goes way beyond mere obsession.
Why he likes this bike:
“It’s lightweight, strong, comfortable, it looks good...”
He rides because:
“It’s fun and I feel good after the ride, it’s healthy and I am a competitive person, enjoying some racing.”
Easy rider
You can’t help but love Tzufen’s bike, what with the extended fork, bowling trophy and bouquet on the back.
Why she likes this bike:
“It’s badass and sweetness all rolled into one.”
She rides because:
“It’s ecologically sound.”
Fixer upper
Jack, like many of us, has had eternal project bikes and long-time friends. He even keeps some BioPace rings in the parts bin!
Why he likes this bike:
“It survived Boston winters, San Francisco drivers, and lots of foul language. It may have had plenty of nicks, scratches, dings, chips, and replacement parts, but it still rode without too many complaints – unlike me. It did what any decent late-80’s steel, lugged frame should – it kept going and going and going.” Until it didn’t.
He rides because:
“I have different reasons throughout the course of my life.
– When I was a kid, it was the only way to get around without a car.
– When I was in my 20’s, I thought that my bike messenger look would attract women. (It didn’t.)
– When I hit 30, I needed to drop a few pounds and pretend that age wasn't catching up with me.
– Now I ride because of the above reasons, except my wife prefers the racing look to the messenger look.”
Ludwig’s loooong ride
Cross country? Twice? Hand-rolled cigarettes? Madness!
Why he likes this bike:
“Very comfortable, perfect for traveling, very reliable.”
He rides because:
“Love cycling, the perfect way to get to know a foreign country, cultures, people, you really get in contact with nature very closely – winds, rain, hills, heat, sands, desert.”
Start ’em young
Natasha is a budding downhiller with a sense of style you have to admire. A fine mechanical sense too.
Why she likes this bike:
“The colors. I like the purple parts the best.
She rides because:
“It’s good exercise for my legs. And I like going down the ramps – it’s fun!”
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