Nice video. Comprehensive. I'm guilty of coffee snobbery though. Hey - standards. When the only "cafe" stop in the rural countryside is another Tim Hortons, better you pack your own kit.
The eBike bit spoke to me. I don't like eBikes, and it's not because of the bike itself, it's because the way some people ride them. eBikes have the potential to go much faster than the person riding it is able to manage. The added weight also makes them more difficult to stop quickly. So an inexperienced rider at fast speeds is usually dangerous. Especially, when they're not particularly aware of their surroundings. I'd rather see someone pedaling their own weight so that they can't reach high speeds without having the skill to go fast.
I don't know if its snobbery, but people who bang on about "he/she" not wearing a helmet. There are plenty of exceptions where people ride for sport wearing nothing more than a simple cap.
I'm snobbish about ebiking in Strava. I hate everyone who is riding ebike or even car in Strava, getting crowns and not marking or deleting their route properly!
My brother (God rest him) could not ride a regular bike due to an autoimmune disease of the lungs. However, on an ebike, he could get out and enjoy riding as he had not been able to do for years. Never look down on someone riding an ebike, you do not know where he or she is coming from.
This goes for e-bikes and a lot of other things in life. You just don’t know and are better off just encouraging! Thanks for sharing about your brother. Glad he got to enjoy the wonder of the outdoors when he could.
There are some folks (such as myself) who physically cannot ride a bicycle -- not even an ebike. In order to get some good exercise, I ride an adult tricycle. I don't go fast but ride at least one to two hours at a time. I wave at any other rider even the kids. I wave at folks walking, with their dog, folks out cutting the lawn, just about anyone who gives me a little eye contact. About 70% of the bike riders will return a wave or a nod. Just a couple of weeks ago, a speedy, lycra clad biker rode past me and actually SPOKE! He waved, turned to look at me and called out "good job". I don't wear kit at all, just street clothes and athletic shoes. No helmet either -- it is a trike after all. I do have front and rear lights and I ride VERY defensively so I feel pretty safe on my neighborhood streets. Oh, I'm OLD! 😁 (73). Y'all keep turning those pedals.
This is great to hear! So cool knowing that people have been sharing the cycling love 🙌keep up the riding! Would you like to see more trike content on GCN?
@@gcn -- Thanks for the response. An occasional shout out for trike riders would be nice. I haven't found ANYTHING re trike riding on UA-cam except for recumbents or etrikes, basically stuff like 'which trike is best'. I don't think trike manufacturers believe their trike customers are interested in anything except slow rides in the park or maybe a trip to the corner grocery store.
@@gcn guys drop the black kit 0:10, I know it's trendy but people dying hit by drivers who don't see them soon enough to avoid collisions, it's happening all around the world. Team Sky vanity has taken enough lives. Don't like me for this comment? I don't care. Time to be seen.
Unfortunately, a lot of snobbery i've experienced comes from - bike shops. If you purchase or have a bike that is below a certain price point, if you have a certain brand or a lower end of groupset, if you don't have carbon wheels, and especially, if you don't compete or particpate in their Saturday morning group rides, they just don't want to know about you.
@@BIIIKES hahahaha 👍 I had work done at very popular shop I asked why something was the way it was, it was correct! I wasn’t questioning the work just asking why it’s like that , guy gets all angry toned and proceeds to tell me he trusts his mechanics and I was lucky they did the job on a 20 yr old steel cheapo mentions brand 😳 he was lucky I didn’t assume the same tone and tell him to go fornicate himself 😳🤪 … never been back to that shop 👍 … ✌️🤙
I felt that bike shop snobbery when I restarted cycling after a 12 years Break. I used to own a decent race bike (good alu bike equipped with a old dura ace /good alu wheels). I brought the bike to my local bike shop to have a maintenance before to restart cycling (because I forgot a bit how to do it)... they simply refused saying the bike was to old and I should buy a new one. Snob !!
I've actually witnessed that and the opposite. Where bike shops have been snobbish about me having nice kit, saying it was pointless and just cost more for no benefit. I have enjoyed riding cheap bikes, steel frame brick from the 80s in early 90s. I am furtunate enough to have been able to buy a nice one very recently, I enjoy that too. This has meant I have now witnessed both sides.
Yeah I've seen this at my LBS, they are a bunch of cocks to be quite blunt. If you're not a part of their club and take part in their weekly time trials, then you obviously don't deserve their attention...... I shop elsewhere......
My Dad used to cycle 100 miles a week every week. He then had a triple heart bypass 3 years ago. He rides a focus e-bike now on the flat & absolutely loves it. Thank God for e-bikes!! It's meant the world to my Dad & to me for getting to ride with him still even for a few miles. He's 72 😁
Great to hear of your dad and his recovery. I was also unfortunate enough to need a quad bypass 8 years ago and riding on an e-bike gave me the opportunity to get out and about quickly and recover. Howver, after 6 month I switched back to my old steelk road bike and now ride 100km and 1000m climbs for 2 to 3 times a week albeit on a carbon bike for the last 3 years. I am 69 and feel fitter than I have been for a VERY long time. Don't let the tripple CABG stop your enjoyment.
Never underestimate a recovering heart patient! In my fit 20s, I went running with a bunch of them at the Adventist Hospital in Hong Kong. I thought it'd be an easy lope, but the "old guys" smoked me on the hills. Never judge a book by its cover. Cheers
There's enough people queuing up to have a pop at people who ride bikes without fighting among ourselves! Kudos to anyone who gets on any bike, anyhow 😁.
E-Bikes - My wife has a permanent injury that stops her from being able to climb on an normal bike or go any distance. We got an e-bike for her and she can do half centuries with me. She wears a heart monitor (as I do) and we can see she is getting exercise so, yep that is one that bugs me.
@@gcn Thanks, it has been a real game changer. She is wanting to try and do her first ever metric then imperial century with me over the summer. She could never have done this with a normal bike. Having seen what it has done for her, I am grateful to GCN for highlighting the benefits of them and taking away the perception that they are the easy way
I was out riding my Carrera Virtuoso and gave a guy a friendly nod as he passed in the opposite direction. The look he gave me on his fancy bike was one of utter disgust. The following day I overtook him on a sportive and dropped him, still makes me chuckle everytime I think about it.😊
You can tell a lot about a person from 3 real-world examples. How they treat servers at a restaurant, if they put their shopping carts back at the supermarket, and if they wave or acknowledge people (especially other cyclists) while riding a bike.
Great Video! The point is for us all to get on a bike and ride! After taking a huge break from cycling I feel like I don’t want anyone to see me on a 20-year-old bike. Also, there is the playful snobbery/banter between different types of cycling: road, mountain, gravel, track. Who the F*** cares?! We are all turning pedals to enjoy ourselves and be healthy. So glad you made this video. Thank you
Ride any bike you like! It's all about getting outside and enjoying yourself 🙌 We love to joke about our mountain bike friends... the truth is we sort of like getting mucky ourselves 😂
@@gcn I love riding my 30 year old mountain bike with my kids and my 20 year old road bike on my own. If it has pedals, pedal it ride it, right? THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GOBAL CYCLING CONTENT!🙂
I have a cycling buddy who is not just a Campy snob, but he will only EVER ride Italian frames with names that none of us common folk have ever heard of. And he would never besmirch his steed with so much as a tiny seat bag. Spare tubes, CO2 inflators - everything has to fit in the jersey pockets. He's next level but a super nice guy and a really strong cyclist so more power to him!
Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm not so sure that the guy you described is a snob. If he was making passing comments about other people's bikes not being Italian, or turning his nose up at Shimano, or belittling people for having saddle bags then, yes, he would be a real snob. Its the negativity that sets the snobs apart. If he's a super nice guy who is friendly and helpful with advice, then he's not a snob. Sounds to me like he's a 'purist' who loves the old-school gear and the old-school ways in the same way people like classic cars.
YEAY for Bottecchia ADR !!! I just picked one up from Italy and it arrived yesterday. My brother in San Diego also has one that I turned him on to. Interesting that at least 3 distinct models of this particular replica were produced in 1989-92, with different grades of tubing (Columbus or “Hi-Ten”) and more or less visible chrome on the rear triangle. Never seen the fork shown in this video. Maybe it’s a rare, top-line model. We both also have a Schwinn Paramount circa 1991 in the red-white-blue paint scheme. This variant is said to be either a replica of the USA team colors or issued to commemorate Desert Storm (no comment on the “mission accomplished” stuff). Brother collects LeMond bikes and has amassed quite a stable. Anyway, guess I’m now officially a “niche bike snob” LOL. Thanks for this video.
Me too! Several hospital visits were required for all the tiny bits of road debris to be tweezered out of my legs, arms, shoulder and arse a few years back. At no point did the diligent nurse suggest that my body hair was an infection risk.
I've got a few old-but-shiny bikes... a 1974 Raleigh International, an '82 Raleigh Team bike, etc. My friends are as old as me, and love seeing the bikes of their youth (as long as they don't have to pedal them). I do try to encourage folks to try the simple joys of old tech, but never give folks grief when the batteries in their derailleurs die. 🙂
@@nodaysoff23 I'm pretty sure the society change is a huge factor. I come across those people often, and sometimes they actually see you trying to say 'hi' but just turn away and continue riding. Lol
Don't read too much into someone who doesn't wave back. I wave a lot, but every once in a while I don't because I may be concentrating on negotiating a road hazard. Or thinking about where I need to make the next turn. A rider could be near the end of a very tough ride and heavily concentrating on just keeping the pedals turning. Yes, I'm sure some don't wave on purpose, but you don't know. Also, on a busy bike path, it can become impractical to wave. It would basically be like you're in a parade and waving all the time.
I luv Manon's facial expression in the opening minute as Conor is naming all of his ride goodies and packing gear. In my experience, top snobs are the Tri riders who won't even wave at a fellow cyclist. Seen this too many times.
A long time ago I dated a girl who was into bike racing. One time she told me I had the wrong color bar tape! She later dumped me. I'm now 68 and I have been wearing a Hi-Vis yellow jersey since they first came on the market. And every year, around Tour de France time, some young punk will make a snide remark implying that I shouldn't be wearing yellow. I'm not pretending to be a hotshot racer - I just don't want to get hit by a car.
I ride mtbs, I have experienced snobbery from roadies. The contemptuous sneer is unmistakable. And it's condemning of roadies. Misplaced belief in one's superiority, both intellectually and morally, never endears one to others. It's one of the reasons why many mtb riders stay away from roadies. Once you experience this roadie sneer you never look at roadies the same again.
That's funny because with all the potholes and parts of road that I can't describe it any other way except they look chewed up, in my area, a mountain bike would probably make good sense. I can only imagine what they think of me on my Dutch bicycle. Fenders, fully enclosed chain, integrated lights, internal gear hub, sturdy rear rack, etc.
We primarily ride recumbents. We ride past a mountain bike downhill all the time in summer. Mountain bikers are always stoked to see another bike even weirder than theirs. They are out for fun, and to them, different is cool. It's opposite for *way* too-many roadies. I commuted to work on recumbents for more than a decade. The sneering from "fancy boy" kitted out road bike riders was frequent and funny. Never understood how anyone could be angry on a bike.
MTB has worse division because the bikes changed so much. On my oldass bike I can dust $$$$$ bikes uphill, but then hold them up going downhill. 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️I WAS HERE FIRST deal with it!!
I loved this video! I am a runner looking to get more into cycling and this was good info to know (and presented in such a humorous way!). It is aggravating when runners don't wave too...😄
I was a runner too. I mourned for a while when I decided to give it up due to chronic injuries. I love cycling and tech and the community especially since I found an average joe's group to ride with. No pressure, no bad spirit, we just love riding bikes.
I was told that when I got serious about cycling I would use clipless pedals. Well, I'm 66 years old and have been on a bicycle since I've been a little kid. I love riding my Specialized Carbon expert with Race Face Atlas pedals so maybe not a serious cyclist but sure love to ride.
I was passed once in inclement weather by a dude who told me to lose the arse saver because it looked silly. I couldn’t help but chuckle observing the dirt stripe up the back of his white kit as he rode away.
So, my wife has become a regular healthy fitter cyclist BECAUSE of her ebike! She no longer turns purple/ in heart attack land at the top of a climb. Her ebike is a front wheel motor from PedalEasy near Ottawa. She only gives herself a burst at the top of a hill if she neads it and because the motor is front wheel, it doesn't interfere with her pedaling. Result is, she loves biking, uses the motor less and less to pedal the heavier bike around and when she gets on an analog bike, she can't belive how strong she has become! I wave to EVERYONE! Disarms all self righteous entitled motorists and calls out 'snobcycles'! I frequently wear long baggy cargo pants out of quick dry material (over unshaven legs) to social rides to make them more accessible. Great video and please keep content like this coming!
I live in a mountain community in So. Cal. Once in a while I'll come across an older gentlemen on his mtb. His riding kit is a heavy jacket, long pants, work boots, and work gloves. It makes me smile because I know he's out there doing it.
I often come across that guy in town who looks like he works in construction because he rides an E-Fatbike in full work attire with his steel toed boots, reflective striped parka, his hard hat and tin lunch box strapped on the rack on the back! I'm thinking "Wow! this is one dude who does'nt feel like he needs to show up to work in a Ford F350 in ordre to feel manly enough to frame up a house with a nailgun while his truck stays tucked away safe and clean all day long!!"
@@gcn no clue but it's quite hilly in Sherbrooke, Québec... Regardless of the distance, it's always quite a ride here. I do think he must get around quite a bit though, he looked totally unfazed!!
Love this video! I can relate! Whilst commuting to gym on my regular railway path route, a cyclist I never met before or (even seen on this route) cycled up beside me and proceeded to give me unsolicited advice on my set up! (Seat too low, bell in wrong place, garmin is better than your old iphone 6 maps) No wave, hello or how ya doing-just straight into- well I am going to say it, a bit of mansplaining😂
Funny when ppl don’t see the irony of spending £1000s on a high spec super-light bike and complain about ppl on e-bikes cheating. “Yeh, it’s all my power”. Whilst on a crazy efficient bike 💵
It's the other way round, guys on carbon bike looks down on guys with steel bikes. And also, you right some riders totally ignore you when you pur your hand up to other riders. Or say hi. There so ignorant, it's part of cycling. They need educating. And not forgetting, great video Manon and Conor. 😃👍
Am definitely not a cycling snob. I usually wear discounted last year's kit, that doesn't match and wave or say hello to everyone. One thing that does get to me a bit though. Is derestricted ebike riders taking KOM's on strava. Maybe am just being overly fussy. I do think ebikes are great especially if they help you keep up with faster mate's. I just think strava should have a separate category.
If they are honest ebike riders, then they will log the ride as "E-bike ride" on Strava. It then wont record times on the segments ridden by normal bikes.
@@CuillinG I've a friend that collected QOM's on her ebike. Also had a guy on a derestricted ebike take a KOM up hill with an average speed of 27mph. I was in 3rd place with 15mph lol.
@@GregLanz Well when I say last year's kit, what I mean is the cheapest discount kit from wiggle. Up until last year I was using kit I bought from Lidl lol
Nothing wrong with older kit! There are some real bargains to be had, officially Strava does have a separate category it's down to people feeling honest or not 👀
I don't know if that's an intended pun, but I have rim brakes and I, in fact, went "off course" today. Meaning I rode into a hedge because I have rim brakes :')
I was at a sportive many years ago when some stranger came over to me and picked up my bike without asking and proceeded to remark to his mate how heavy it was. He then invited his mate to feel the weight. The mate looked a bit embarrassed and changed the subject. He then proceeded to lift his own carbon bike out of his van to discover it had a puncture. He couldn't fix it and asked his mate to fix it for him. At that stage I was riding a heavier aluminium CX bike but I was probably at the peak of my cycling fitness. Rest assured that I dropped him at the start of the first climb and later learned he was riding the short route.
It's as if rich cyclists with little to no mechanical aptitude are cursed with mechanical failures. I'd like to think that puncture is his karma for simply touching your bike.
I enjoy lots of different types of cycling, and have a bike setup for each type of riding i enjoy. Which has put me in an interesting position. I have experienced being snobed by a lot of different cycling groups. E.G. Hardcore MTB riders become snobish if I turn up on my Retro Fully Rigid MTB, and Hardcore Roadies have been snobs when I am riding my Fixed Gear bike, or any of my MTBs, etc.... Im mostly happy to see people out on bikes, regardless of what they are riding. Personally my only snobbery is in regard to E-bikes. I don't mind if other people ride E-bikes, but I never will.
Aren't the hairy legs a personal decision of how comfortable you are in your own skin?! I personally don't care about people's legs and I would expect them not to care about mine.
As someone who is a die hard single speed rider, I've seen people from all sides battle one another lol and I'm guilty of the Ebike one myself but I haven't been anymore since whether its an Ebike, a fixed gear/single speed, a walmart cruiser bike or a $3000 carbon race bike so long as people ride is all that matters😁
Just as long as you use all your fingers when you wave I'll wave back. But if I am in the aero position and doing a workout. I will only give a slight gesture, make sure you watch for it. Anytime someone is out on a bike for what ever reason or with mismatched kit I think it is fantastic. We are all on our own journey. Now where did that razor go?
I wave & that’s all it is, a wave. I don’t expect anything in return. As for e-bikes, I was “against” them, but as Hank stated & others here as well, it is getting people on bikes & that’s good. Hopefully keeps the cars honest!
On the Trans Am a few years ago I saw a cyclist coming the other way, middle of nowhere Wyoming on an empty road. I waved and made to stop up for a quick chat and the lad didn’t even acknowledge me 😂😂😂
As a mountain biker, I can confirm that a lot of Roadies are a bit up them selves. The amount of times I've waved and had no response is unbelievable. Don't get it off fellow mountain bikers. Probably because we're not bothered about loosing 0.002 seconds over a 50 mile ride due to lifting a hand off the grips and not being aero for a millisecond.
Sorry but I have encountered some really snobby mtbers worst than roadies. I started with mtbing and transitioned to road bikes. There was some serious snobbery worst than any road biker I've seen from mtbers telling guys to move over cuz they think they're the shyte, or descending pass slower guys and almost clipping people without saying anything. The difference I see is that mtbers generally don't have any goals during climbs or after a descent. The only time mtbers care for anything is during their descending phase. This is why mountain biking people has more patience and spare time to chill around compared to roadies where the entire ride is a training program/goal. Unless you're a mtber that tracks watts in climbs and flat gravel, you're not really concentrating on anything. That's the main difference.
Manon, you've broken my heart. Fifteen years old is only 2008. I ride a 2008 Orbea Onix and just up graded to a compact crank set. I just can't let the thing go.
@Septic Whelk hate to admit it but as I get older, I just can’t turn the more traditional 11-24 cassette, 175 cranks and the bigger chain rings. I just needed the lower gears.
😂 the gear on the front in the first example was hilarious. Back in the 80’s we would have called you a Fred in America. Put a 20$ bill in your back fill up on water and let’s do a 100 mile ride. The snobs now would have been cycling novice back in the day
This isn’t a snobbish thing but something I’d like to get off my chest. I’m a big guy, 6’4” and I absolutely hate it when small guys sit on my wheel for miles on end, and never pull, then later say, “ you’re a great draft.” No kidding bro? Sometimes I just ride them off my wheel by upping the watts where they can’t hang anymore.
it just happens sometimes, they are just doing their own thing, you overtake them and they are not strong enough to overtake you back but can stay in your draft just going their own pace
I agree, and I can understand their limitations, but it’s those riders who just suck your wheel and are too lazy to pull through even though they are very capable, if only for a minute or two. Sharing the effort is an important part of riding etiquette.
My friend who also is my neighbour has heart issue. He rides e-mtb and I ride with him whenever I can. I always have good times with him and I like the fact he sets the pace for me. Thaks very mich e-bikes.
Personally I’ve gotten a lot of flak for riding a road bike with flat pedals. It’s not that deep, I commute in a city where I have a to frequently put my foot down at lights. The advantages of clipless efficiency mean nothing if I’m stopping anyway. At that point I just ride the city bike casually and go on my merry way, avoiding scrutiny cause I don’t look like a serious cyclist.
I imagine someone got this maybe but I think the road v mtb/spd v flats (re pedals) is interesting. Having cycled and helped several women learning to cycle in their 50's, I wish the people at the bike store had just told them to stick with mtb/flats and be done with it. Killed me to watch them fall over again and again because they couldn't unclip. One of them sold her bike after we spent an hour in an empty parking lot practicing and she dumped in 4 times 😒. I'm pretty sure none of them were on their way to hill repeats or sprint finishes. I think some of the "biker snotty" actively ends up pushing folks off their bikes
We all started somewhere, we all started shorts and sneakers while riding. Just like how we started driving, we all started as that driver with the big “ student driver “ sign outside the car. Remember your roots and be proud of it. People tend to forget that.
I still remember the days where the only bit of road cycling kit I have on myself is a jersey & a helmet and boy, do I look daft back then. Now that I have a job, I finally get to wear standard road cycling apparel, including going clipless in May 2019, after 7+ years of riding.
Thanks guys for finally drawing a line under the issue of E Bikes. I have been a cyclist all my life and have enjoyed Sunday club runs, time trials, randone's and mountain biking. As my wife and I reach our 60's and with both of us having various aches and pains we had a decision to make. Give up cycling all together or risk the negative comments and buy an E Bike. We took the plunge and bought two Haibike Trekking models. 1000 miles later and we just haven't looked back. One of the best decisions we have ever made. We are now seeing lots of people our age with E Bikes who are just getting out there and enjoying life so if you are out and about on a club run or head down on a Strava PB somewhere in Somerset and two people wave or nod to you please wave back!
All of us are guilty of being cycling snobs. The irony of the situation, reminds me of life. After we are born and as kids, we have no malice. No prejudice or hatred of one another. Same with cycling, the first time that you learn how to ride, you do not care WHAT kind or discipline of bike that you ride. You just love to ride because it is so much fun. As we enter adulthood and all it's hangups and neuroses, we start thinking of status, wealth, appearance, style and all that rubbish. Same with cycling, as we start exploring the beauty of cycling, ironically, we become more prejudice, and fall victim to the hype of cycling, obsessing about components, power numbers, weight, speed and all that rubbish. We are obsessed with numbers and hype and we are always fighting with our bike. It was cycling with so much hangups. Not really enjoying ourselves. As we enter our 50's, our physical health starting to fail, and death is now a reality, we realized that, cycling is not about obsessing about equipment or data, or the type of riding that you ride. We are no.longer affected by the hype of cycling. And just like when we first learned how to ride a bike when we were kids, we rediscover, the real reason why we ride. It is so much fun.
Cycling snobs……………we have more than our share in Colorado and they are almost always road riders. Hmmm?? But you did miss one: the bike travel snob. We all know at least one……………one of your group riders mentions that he/she did this or that pass over the weekend. the travel snob will then launch off into a litany of all the exotic rides he/she has done, "Oh, when I was in Vietnam…, Oh, that time in Mallorca……You think that climb was tough, you should have been with me when we rode blah, blah, blah……………….it gets old really fast.
Sure, we can get carried away with different stuff but I think that makes the cycling community very interesting, there is room for anyone, in the end if you put on proper miles on the bicycle there is nothing wrong with that. I did recognized myself in some of them 😁😅😁thanks, it was entertaining
Guernsey used to be super friendly, now... All the non waving snobs are incredible. I road quite often, but the R&M e cruiser to and from work is great!
I joined a club and found some on e-bikes that otherwise would have not been able to join in, for various reasons. It is good to have all along on the ride, and we all stay together. It's a good group !
I’ve just bought an e-bike, brilliant, love the tech., I can turn up at work not smelling like a sasquash. What’s not to like, I still have a road bike and hybrid for the weekends.
Can really relate on the no waving one. Riding from Long Ashton here in Bristol there's so many young guys head to toe in Rapha absolutely steaming it that blank me when I give a thumbs up. I just think to myself "oh well, who am I to interrupt their poser ride?"
I try to wave at everyone I pass (incl. motorbikes) but sometimes I have to admit I'm head down and absolutely shattered so don't have the energy to wave 😂
I love e-bikes for the same reasons mentioned, however, there is nothing more demoralising than struggling up a climb and being overtaken by grandpa on his e-bike just out for a leisurely ride. I do love that it gets people out on their bikes, though.
With ebikes, someone (not saying who) may be 70 years old, with a medical condition that causes muscle weakness and lives in the Windrush valley in the North Cotswolds but loves cycling. That person can’t cycle, without an ebike.
Sometimes people don't wave back because they are on the struggle bus. If they have blown their doors they just might not have the power to wave, or might not have even seen you.
I'm the opposite of a 'cycling snob'. More like a 'cycling Fred'!🤣 The 'snobs' used to laugh at me, but now, they ride on my wheel. I suppose after couple of times seeing me, they realized my loudly squeaking bike won't be falling apart anytime soon! And the full fenders, panniers, and my loose casual clothing makes a huge draft for them. Win win!
Personally I am particular: my cycling kit is the smartest clothing I own and my bike is a beautiful titanium one off. When I wear club kit it is possibly the most stylish club kit in the UK (Manchester Wheelers - although Penge CC comes close). But as far as everyone else goes? I love to see anybody, any age or size, in any kit riding any bike. As for those who don’t wave? We always shout after them ‘Oooo! Too ‘pro’ for hello!’ 😂
I don't really understand the waving. I don't wave at everybody on foot if I'm a pedestrian, that'd be weird. That being said, I'd gladly wave Manon back! 😍
Yessssssssssssssssss! This is what I was going to say! I laugh when I see people struggling with their wheels when it would be so much easier just to turn the bike upside down!
Used to worry what people thought of my old 'road bike' that I had cobbled up from a Halford hybrid frame, v brakes and all. But it worked, and I went miles on that thing, hairy legs and all...
Hairy legged man Here. My problem with the shaving debate is were to stop. Above the knees? Ip to the belly button? Below my Eyebrows? Or increase your training challenges by producing 4 extra watt on every ride with the help my beautiful leghair ;)
I love this and thank you for mentioning the e-bike hate. Most people are fine with them, but there are the few that feel the need to yell things at you.
I´ve been a mountain biker all my life, XC and DH but last year I inherited a nice Zeus road bike last year, so after switching the old tyres, bar tape and saddle and buying some basic kit from Decathlon I decided to give it a go and really enjoy it. Now when I wave at roadies I get a wave back or they wave at me first, but previously if I happened to be on a road on the mountain bike and wave I would rarely get a response, so I think there is definitely some snobbery amongst roadies for some reason. I laugh to myself because now they think I´m one of them but I´m a wolf in sheep´s clothing ha ha!
cycling on a road bike to the office all clad in fancy cycling gear, including the clip shoes, speeding and then having to stop at the red light anyway, - never understood that. I am from the continental Europe where everyday casual cycling in general is seen as a normal thing where you don't need to look professional and have all the clothes etc. People ride in their normal clothes, go to work like that, do not ride super fast so they don't sweat, ride to a shop, or to a pub to have a drink with mates after work, etc. A bike is not something that transforms you into a pro. What has always shocked me in London is that there are few casual, regular, normally dressed cyclists. Of course it's different when you cycle at the weekend and treat it as a sports activity, but the general attitude to casual city cycling in this country is just funny to me.
Some of my ex-colleagues do this, but one washroom at work has a shower. I've never commuted to work by bike but I won't be wearing Lycra if I ever do.
Yeah, other cyclists yelling at others for the way they are riding. I get dangerous stuff like riding wrong way or running lights but it gets to a point where I’ve gotten yelled at for not announcing myself i’m passing on a clearly wide road or pulled over to the side not on the bike path. And it’s usually people with better bikes who look like they are more well off than me. I’ve had other cyclists try to “teach me” how to ride in aggressive ways while riding 😞
GCN Germany in one their recent videos: "I hate this trend, I hate that trend, they have to go. 😤" GCN in this video: "There are people who might dislike this or that, but to each their own." Thanks GCN, you're so much kinder ❤❤❤
I am 60 now and still ride my 1984 Steve Bauer......(in mint condition) I guess that makes me a niche cyclist.....although I did go from sew ups to clinchers . How can anyone ride a bike made after 1996? Bikes are like music .....the best came from the 80's and 90's. (in my opinion as a true niche)
When it comes to waving at other cyclists you kinda have to give them the benefit of the doubt if they don't wave back. I think it's good to be friendly and try to wave but sometimes It's hard to wave when you're descending or riding through a difficult part of the road. Also when you live in an area that has TONS of cyclists and you pass by 20 other riders do you really have to try to wave at them all?
Manon would positively cringe at all the knick knacks I put on my bike. The commuter has two BRIGHT lights plus the GPS mount (which sometimes also has a light) on the front. And for Halloween it gets a basket for candy to throw at kids too. My wheels on both commuter and road bike have spoke lights (so I have side-facing lights when night riding). The commuter has a big speaker in the water bottle holder for music on the way to work..... because.... snob/safety moment here... You need to hear your surroundings! Listen for cars, pedestrians, emergency sirens! I want my tunes but if you put earbuds in you're a wretched trollop.
I usually nod or put a few fingers off the bars. A lot of other club cyclists only acknowledge you if you have a nice bike. One ride i was riding my super record cervelo r5 and a few waves, but the next day it was raining so rode my steel hack bike with mudguards etc, same riders, and was ignored! Lol!
Getting people onto eBikes who would otherwise drive is great, but it is harder to love them when you're on a long straight cyclepath with a continuous, billowing headwind, and they cruise effortlessly past
I was a bike messenger (dressing like a rodeo clown in the early 90s niche-type snobbery.) After a failed attempt of a bunny hop on the sidewalk, I remembered distinctly looking at a 2-inch patch of me on that very same sidewalk!!! Realized right then and there OH, THIS IS WHY CYCLISTS SHAVE!!!!
Is there any cycle snobbery you think we missed? 🤔
Nice video. Comprehensive. I'm guilty of coffee snobbery though. Hey - standards. When the only "cafe" stop in the rural countryside is another Tim Hortons, better you pack your own kit.
Using a 53 chain ring when you can't spin it properly :D
The eBike bit spoke to me. I don't like eBikes, and it's not because of the bike itself, it's because the way some people ride them. eBikes have the potential to go much faster than the person riding it is able to manage. The added weight also makes them more difficult to stop quickly. So an inexperienced rider at fast speeds is usually dangerous. Especially, when they're not particularly aware of their surroundings. I'd rather see someone pedaling their own weight so that they can't reach high speeds without having the skill to go fast.
I don't know if its snobbery, but people who bang on about "he/she" not wearing a helmet. There are plenty of exceptions where people ride for sport wearing nothing more than a simple cap.
I'm snobbish about ebiking in Strava. I hate everyone who is riding ebike or even car in Strava, getting crowns and not marking or deleting their route properly!
My brother (God rest him) could not ride a regular bike due to an autoimmune disease of the lungs. However, on an ebike, he could get out and enjoy riding as he had not been able to do for years. Never look down on someone riding an ebike, you do not know where he or she is coming from.
❤
If it wasn’t for an e-bike my wife and I could never ride together.
Well said Andrew! Thanks for sharing your brothers story with us, great to hear that he loved riding a bike 🙌
This goes for e-bikes and a lot of other things in life. You just don’t know and are better off just encouraging!
Thanks for sharing about your brother. Glad he got to enjoy the wonder of the outdoors when he could.
@@gcn brother’s
There are some folks (such as myself) who physically cannot ride a bicycle -- not even an ebike. In order to get some good exercise, I ride an adult tricycle. I don't go fast but ride at least one to two hours at a time. I wave at any other rider even the kids. I wave at folks walking, with their dog, folks out cutting the lawn, just about anyone who gives me a little eye contact. About 70% of the bike riders will return a wave or a nod. Just a couple of weeks ago, a speedy, lycra clad biker rode past me and actually SPOKE! He waved, turned to look at me and called out "good job".
I don't wear kit at all, just street clothes and athletic shoes. No helmet either -- it is a trike after all. I do have front and rear lights and I ride VERY defensively so I feel pretty safe on my neighborhood streets. Oh, I'm OLD! 😁 (73).
Y'all keep turning those pedals.
This is great to hear! So cool knowing that people have been sharing the cycling love 🙌keep up the riding! Would you like to see more trike content on GCN?
@@gcn -- Thanks for the response. An occasional shout out for trike riders would be nice. I haven't found ANYTHING re trike riding on UA-cam except for recumbents or etrikes, basically stuff like 'which trike is best'.
I don't think trike manufacturers believe their trike customers are interested in anything except slow rides in the park or maybe a trip to the corner grocery store.
@@gcn guys drop the black kit 0:10, I know it's trendy but people dying hit by drivers who don't see them soon enough to avoid collisions, it's happening all around the world. Team Sky vanity has taken enough lives. Don't like me for this comment? I don't care. Time to be seen.
Unfortunately, a lot of snobbery i've experienced comes from - bike shops. If you purchase or have a bike that is below a certain price point, if you have a certain brand or a lower end of groupset, if you don't have carbon wheels, and especially, if you don't compete or particpate in their Saturday morning group rides, they just don't want to know about you.
You're going to the wrong shop then. Find another, as most will go out of their way to help you, no matter what you ride.
@@BIIIKES hahahaha 👍 I had work done at very popular shop I asked why something was the way it was, it was correct! I wasn’t questioning the work just asking why it’s like that , guy gets all angry toned and proceeds to tell me he trusts his mechanics and I was lucky they did the job on a 20 yr old steel cheapo mentions brand 😳 he was lucky I didn’t assume the same tone and tell him to go fornicate himself 😳🤪 … never been back to that shop 👍 … ✌️🤙
I felt that bike shop snobbery when I restarted cycling after a 12 years Break. I used to own a decent race bike (good alu bike equipped with a old dura ace /good alu wheels). I brought the bike to my local bike shop to have a maintenance before to restart cycling (because I forgot a bit how to do it)... they simply refused saying the bike was to old and I should buy a new one. Snob !!
I've actually witnessed that and the opposite. Where bike shops have been snobbish about me having nice kit, saying it was pointless and just cost more for no benefit.
I have enjoyed riding cheap bikes, steel frame brick from the 80s in early 90s. I am furtunate enough to have been able to buy a nice one very recently, I enjoy that too. This has meant I have now witnessed both sides.
Yeah I've seen this at my LBS, they are a bunch of cocks to be quite blunt. If you're not a part of their club and take part in their weekly time trials, then you obviously don't deserve their attention...... I shop elsewhere......
My Dad used to cycle 100 miles a week every week. He then had a triple heart bypass 3 years ago. He rides a focus e-bike now on the flat & absolutely loves it. Thank God for e-bikes!! It's meant the world to my Dad & to me for getting to ride with him still even for a few miles. He's 72 😁
Great to hear of your dad and his recovery. I was also unfortunate enough to need a quad bypass 8 years ago and riding on an e-bike gave me the opportunity to get out and about quickly and recover.
Howver, after 6 month I switched back to my old steelk road bike and now ride 100km and 1000m climbs for 2 to 3 times a week albeit on a carbon bike for the last 3 years. I am 69 and feel fitter than I have been for a VERY long time. Don't let the tripple CABG stop your enjoyment.
Never underestimate a recovering heart patient! In my fit 20s, I went running with a bunch of them at the Adventist Hospital in Hong Kong. I thought it'd be an easy lope, but the "old guys" smoked me on the hills.
Never judge a book by its cover.
Cheers
At 68 years old all snobbery is out with me. I am just so happy that I can still ride. Life is a beautiful ride.
There's enough people queuing up to have a pop at people who ride bikes without fighting among ourselves! Kudos to anyone who gets on any bike, anyhow 😁.
You missed the largest act of bicycling snobbery. People that count grams with their bike while ignoring many pounds in the mirror.
🖐️🤣🤣🤣 🖐️
I always said that before moving over to carbon I need to drop 15kg myself 😂
Been loving off a bicycle now for over 3 years. I pay some attention to weight, but it matters so much less than most think (unless you are racing)
C'mon, I may be fat, but every gram counts ... right?
That's not a snob that's a new cyclist who bought an expensive bike. There is a major difference,
E-Bikes - My wife has a permanent injury that stops her from being able to climb on an normal bike or go any distance. We got an e-bike for her and she can do half centuries with me. She wears a heart monitor (as I do) and we can see she is getting exercise so, yep that is one that bugs me.
👍👍👍👍👍, same here.
Depends on if it is truly an assisted bicycle that requires pedaling or one that is, in effect, an electric motorcycle.
Supper cool to hear that the Ebike is helping your wife keep active 🙌
@@gcn Thanks, it has been a real game changer. She is wanting to try and do her first ever metric then imperial century with me over the summer. She could never have done this with a normal bike. Having seen what it has done for her, I am grateful to GCN for highlighting the benefits of them and taking away the perception that they are the easy way
@@bobnelson2828 he would have mentioned that. Anyway, if it has a throttle, it’s a moped.
I was out riding my Carrera Virtuoso and gave a guy a friendly nod as he passed in the opposite direction. The look he gave me on his fancy bike was one of utter disgust. The following day I overtook him on a sportive and dropped him, still makes me chuckle everytime I think about it.😊
You can tell a lot about a person from 3 real-world examples. How they treat servers at a restaurant, if they put their shopping carts back at the supermarket, and if they wave or acknowledge people (especially other cyclists) while riding a bike.
@D. W. You've got the generous and ethical parts down pat. 🤘
@D. W. No it doesn’t. There’s a 3rd part to my comment.
Number 3 is very dubious. It depends on where you are and how many cyclists there are. Just like you don't greet everyone on public transport.
Great Video! The point is for us all to get on a bike and ride! After taking a huge break from cycling I feel like I don’t want anyone to see me on a 20-year-old bike. Also, there is the playful snobbery/banter between different types of cycling: road, mountain, gravel, track. Who the F*** cares?! We are all turning pedals to enjoy ourselves and be healthy. So glad you made this video. Thank you
YESSSSS! Ride all the bikes. Time and a place for all of them (I own every kind, including a fat bike lol. That was my latest NBD.
Well my bike is 35 years old... Somewhat updated with modern components but still old.
Ride any bike you like! It's all about getting outside and enjoying yourself 🙌 We love to joke about our mountain bike friends... the truth is we sort of like getting mucky ourselves 😂
@@gcn I love riding my 30 year old mountain bike with my kids and my 20 year old road bike on my own. If it has pedals, pedal it ride it, right? THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GOBAL CYCLING CONTENT!🙂
Why - riding a vintage bike (esp. quickly) is really awesome! :-)
I have a cycling buddy who is not just a Campy snob, but he will only EVER ride Italian frames with names that none of us common folk have ever heard of. And he would never besmirch his steed with so much as a tiny seat bag. Spare tubes, CO2 inflators - everything has to fit in the jersey pockets. He's next level but a super nice guy and a really strong cyclist so more power to him!
Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm not so sure that the guy you described is a snob. If he was making passing comments about other people's bikes not being Italian, or turning his nose up at Shimano, or belittling people for having saddle bags then, yes, he would be a real snob. Its the negativity that sets the snobs apart. If he's a super nice guy who is friendly and helpful with advice, then he's not a snob. Sounds to me like he's a 'purist' who loves the old-school gear and the old-school ways in the same way people like classic cars.
@@steveplumb116 Yep you’re absolutely right. I stand corrected.
What about the disc brake snobs who turn their noses at anything without disc?
YEAY for Bottecchia ADR !!!
I just picked one up from Italy and it arrived yesterday. My brother in San Diego also has one that I turned him on to.
Interesting that at least 3 distinct models of this particular replica were produced in 1989-92, with different grades of tubing (Columbus or “Hi-Ten”) and more or less visible chrome on the rear triangle.
Never seen the fork shown in this video. Maybe it’s a rare, top-line model.
We both also have a Schwinn Paramount circa 1991 in the red-white-blue paint scheme. This variant is said to be either a replica of the USA team colors or issued to commemorate Desert Storm (no comment on the “mission accomplished” stuff).
Brother collects LeMond bikes and has amassed quite a stable.
Anyway, guess I’m now officially a “niche bike snob” LOL. Thanks for this video.
Lol 😆 !!! I am one of the unshaven masses!!! And proud of it.😎
With you. I love climbing and training, but no need to shave. Makes no sense.
Me too! Several hospital visits were required for all the tiny bits of road debris to be tweezered out of my legs, arms, shoulder and arse a few years back. At no point did the diligent nurse suggest that my body hair was an infection risk.
Wish i had any hair on my legs🦵🤣
@@garycole6504 🤣🤣🤣
same here, but i do shave my legs though 😁
I'm a 'Niche' cyclist. 🙂1977 Peugeot PX10, mint.
I've got a few old-but-shiny bikes... a 1974 Raleigh International, an '82 Raleigh Team bike, etc. My friends are as old as me, and love seeing the bikes of their youth (as long as they don't have to pedal them). I do try to encourage folks to try the simple joys of old tech, but never give folks grief when the batteries in their derailleurs die. 🙂
Definitely experience the lack of a wave (or two or even three) on most of my local rides. ☹️ Seems to be an actual “thing” where I live.
Ditto, chaps me. I am beginning to wonder if it's a sad society change or roadies in general.
@@nodaysoff23 I'm pretty sure the society change is a huge factor. I come across those people often, and sometimes they actually see you trying to say 'hi' but just turn away and continue riding. Lol
Don't read too much into someone who doesn't wave back. I wave a lot, but every once in a while I don't because I may be concentrating on negotiating a road hazard. Or thinking about where I need to make the next turn. A rider could be near the end of a very tough ride and heavily concentrating on just keeping the pedals turning. Yes, I'm sure some don't wave on purpose, but you don't know.
Also, on a busy bike path, it can become impractical to wave. It would basically be like you're in a parade and waving all the time.
I luv Manon's facial expression in the opening minute as Conor is naming all of his ride goodies and packing gear. In my experience, top snobs are the Tri riders who won't even wave at a fellow cyclist. Seen this too many times.
Probably coz they’re too unbalanced with those wanky bars?
Yeah, they don't even tri...
They probably think waving will ruin their aero and add 0.002 seconds to their time.
@@MichaelBosley 🤣🤣 this!!!
@@Phil-pq4ks Not allowed here. '' 'This' is not reddit'' :)
A long time ago I dated a girl who was into bike racing. One time she told me I had the wrong color bar tape! She later dumped me. I'm now 68 and I have been wearing a Hi-Vis yellow jersey since they first came on the market. And every year, around Tour de France time, some young punk will make a snide remark implying that I shouldn't be wearing yellow. I'm not pretending to be a hotshot racer - I just don't want to get hit by a car.
😂
Fluorescent yellow isn't the same as regular yellow, that kid can't tell the difference.
I ride mtbs, I have experienced snobbery from roadies. The contemptuous sneer is unmistakable. And it's condemning of roadies. Misplaced belief in one's superiority, both intellectually and morally, never endears one to others. It's one of the reasons why many mtb riders stay away from roadies. Once you experience this roadie sneer you never look at roadies the same again.
Completely different crowd, isn't it? I went from road to mtb decades ago, never looked back, the riding is much more fun, and so are the people.
That's funny because with all the potholes and parts of road that I can't describe it any other way except they look chewed up, in my area, a mountain bike would probably make good sense. I can only imagine what they think of me on my Dutch bicycle. Fenders, fully enclosed chain, integrated lights, internal gear hub, sturdy rear rack, etc.
We primarily ride recumbents. We ride past a mountain bike downhill all the time in summer. Mountain bikers are always stoked to see another bike even weirder than theirs. They are out for fun, and to them, different is cool. It's opposite for *way* too-many roadies. I commuted to work on recumbents for more than a decade. The sneering from "fancy boy" kitted out road bike riders was frequent and funny. Never understood how anyone could be angry on a bike.
MTB has worse division because the bikes changed so much. On my oldass bike I can dust $$$$$ bikes uphill, but then hold them up going downhill. 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️I WAS HERE FIRST deal with it!!
I loved this video! I am a runner looking to get more into cycling and this was good info to know (and presented in such a humorous way!). It is aggravating when runners don't wave too...😄
I was a runner too. I mourned for a while when I decided to give it up due to chronic injuries. I love cycling and tech and the community especially since I found an average joe's group to ride with. No pressure, no bad spirit, we just love riding bikes.
I was told that when I got serious about cycling I would use clipless pedals. Well, I'm 66 years old and have been on a bicycle since I've been a little kid. I love riding my Specialized Carbon expert with Race Face Atlas pedals so maybe not a serious cyclist but sure love to ride.
If you love to ride that is all that matters! 🙌
I’m friendly to everyone along my rides, so the ‘too cool to wave’ thing really miffs me! 😂
Share the love 🙌
I was passed once in inclement weather by a dude who told me to lose the arse saver because it looked silly. I couldn’t help but chuckle observing the dirt stripe up the back of his white kit as he rode away.
You got the last laugh 😂 Mudguards are cool!!!
@@scottwebb3432 Right?
Nothing wrong with Ass Savers.
So, my wife has become a regular healthy fitter cyclist BECAUSE of her ebike! She no longer turns purple/ in heart attack land at the top of a climb. Her ebike is a front wheel motor from PedalEasy near Ottawa. She only gives herself a burst at the top of a hill if she neads it and because the motor is front wheel, it doesn't interfere with her pedaling. Result is, she loves biking, uses the motor less and less to pedal the heavier bike around and when she gets on an analog bike, she can't belive how strong she has become!
I wave to EVERYONE! Disarms all self righteous entitled motorists and calls out 'snobcycles'!
I frequently wear long baggy cargo pants out of quick dry material (over unshaven legs) to social rides to make them more accessible. Great video and please keep content like this coming!
I live in a mountain community in So. Cal. Once in a while I'll come across an older gentlemen on his mtb. His riding kit is a heavy jacket, long pants, work boots, and work gloves. It makes me smile because I know he's out there doing it.
I often come across that guy in town who looks like he works in construction because he rides an E-Fatbike in full work attire with his steel toed boots, reflective striped parka, his hard hat and tin lunch box strapped on the rack on the back! I'm thinking "Wow! this is one dude who does'nt feel like he needs to show up to work in a Ford F350 in ordre to feel manly enough to frame up a house with a nailgun while his truck stays tucked away safe and clean all day long!!"
What a guy! Do you know how far he rides? 💭
@@gcn no clue but it's quite hilly in Sherbrooke, Québec... Regardless of the distance, it's always quite a ride here. I do think he must get around quite a bit though, he looked totally unfazed!!
@@G60syncro He probably lost his licence for a DUI....... lol.
@@nickmaclachlan5178 the odds of that are actually pretty high!!!
💯 behind anyone who is out on their bike enjoying life and getting exercise in whatever form gets a big 👍
Love this video! I can relate! Whilst commuting to gym on my regular railway path route, a cyclist I never met before or (even seen on this route) cycled up beside me and proceeded to give me unsolicited advice on my set up! (Seat too low, bell in wrong place, garmin is better than your old iphone 6 maps) No wave, hello or how ya doing-just straight into- well I am going to say it, a bit of mansplaining😂
E-bikes make the health benefits of cycling available to a whole new group of people, and I think that’s fantastic
Not only that but they can be great car replacements too 👉 ua-cam.com/video/3-Bt7LfsISw/v-deo.html
Funny when ppl don’t see the irony of spending £1000s on a high spec super-light bike and complain about ppl on e-bikes cheating.
“Yeh, it’s all my power”. Whilst on a crazy efficient bike 💵
Thanks for the shout-out for E-bikes.
I always try to wave but often am going too deep or not looking up in time to wave, i always feel bad.
That was you?! 👋 😊
If you’re not looking up, good luck hitting that bulldozer.
It's the thought that counts 🙌 Keep waving!
I've noticed people who aren't very comfortable taking a hand off the bar.
@@michaelmappin4425, then they shouldn’t be on the road.
It's the other way round, guys on carbon bike looks down on guys with steel bikes. And also, you right some riders totally ignore you when you pur your hand up to other riders. Or say hi. There so ignorant, it's part of cycling. They need educating. And not forgetting, great video Manon and Conor. 😃👍
I loved Manon's reaction when Conor didn't wave back. "What the hell!!". Lol. I'm guilty of that as well. 🤣
Am definitely not a cycling snob. I usually wear discounted last year's kit, that doesn't match and wave or say hello to everyone. One thing that does get to me a bit though. Is derestricted ebike riders taking KOM's on strava. Maybe am just being overly fussy. I do think ebikes are great especially if they help you keep up with faster mate's. I just think strava should have a separate category.
If they are honest ebike riders, then they will log the ride as "E-bike ride" on Strava. It then wont record times on the segments ridden by normal bikes.
@@CuillinG I've a friend that collected QOM's on her ebike. Also had a guy on a derestricted ebike take a KOM up hill with an average speed of 27mph. I was in 3rd place with 15mph lol.
Last year's kit? Well la de da, almost all of my cycling kit is 15+ years old
@@GregLanz Well when I say last year's kit, what I mean is the cheapest discount kit from wiggle. Up until last year I was using kit I bought from Lidl lol
Nothing wrong with older kit! There are some real bargains to be had, officially Strava does have a separate category it's down to people feeling honest or not 👀
Connor and Manon are such a good duo. Off course there is the rim brake snob, lingering in every comment section. 😬
I don't know if that's an intended pun, but I have rim brakes and I, in fact, went "off course" today. Meaning I rode into a hedge because I have rim brakes :')
Bob and Olly are a good pair as well
@@MR0806 I hope you are ok.
@@chrisridesbicycles All good!!
I could say the same about disc brake snob 🤷♂️ Different bike for different needs.
I was at a sportive many years ago when some stranger came over to me and picked up my bike without asking and proceeded to remark to his mate how heavy it was. He then invited his mate to feel the weight. The mate looked a bit embarrassed and changed the subject. He then proceeded to lift his own carbon bike out of his van to discover it had a puncture. He couldn't fix it and asked his mate to fix it for him. At that stage I was riding a heavier aluminium CX bike but I was probably at the peak of my cycling fitness. Rest assured that I dropped him at the start of the first climb and later learned he was riding the short route.
Geddon Andy! That guy sounds like a dickkk. Never touch without asking. No boundaries! Glad you dropped the turd. I love Alu!
It's as if rich cyclists with little to no mechanical aptitude are cursed with mechanical failures. I'd like to think that puncture is his karma for simply touching your bike.
I enjoy lots of different types of cycling, and have a bike setup for each type of riding i enjoy. Which has put me in an interesting position. I have experienced being snobed by a lot of different cycling groups. E.G. Hardcore MTB riders become snobish if I turn up on my Retro Fully Rigid MTB, and Hardcore Roadies have been snobs when I am riding my Fixed Gear bike, or any of my MTBs, etc.... Im mostly happy to see people out on bikes, regardless of what they are riding. Personally my only snobbery is in regard to E-bikes. I don't mind if other people ride E-bikes, but I never will.
Aren't the hairy legs a personal decision of how comfortable you are in your own skin?! I personally don't care about people's legs and I would expect them not to care about mine.
Shaving really is more about crashing. Those pros get bandaged up all the time. Leg hair and road rash = bad news
Pure fun commentary - great points too ! Anyone in the saddle deserves positive acknowledgment.
As someone who is a die hard single speed rider, I've seen people from all sides battle one another lol and I'm guilty of the Ebike one myself but I haven't been anymore since whether its an Ebike, a fixed gear/single speed, a walmart cruiser bike or a $3000 carbon race bike so long as people ride is all that matters😁
When someone sits in for an entire ride then crushes the final sprint and everyone acts surprised and offended; #Priceless!
Just as long as you use all your fingers when you wave I'll wave back. But if I am in the aero position and doing a workout. I will only give a slight gesture, make sure you watch for it. Anytime someone is out on a bike for what ever reason or with mismatched kit I think it is fantastic. We are all on our own journey. Now where did that razor go?
I wave & that’s all it is, a wave. I don’t expect anything in return. As for e-bikes, I was “against” them, but as Hank stated & others here as well, it is getting people on bikes & that’s good. Hopefully keeps the cars honest!
On the Trans Am a few years ago I saw a cyclist coming the other way, middle of nowhere Wyoming on an empty road. I waved and made to stop up for a quick chat and the lad didn’t even acknowledge me 😂😂😂
As a mountain biker, I can confirm that a lot of Roadies are a bit up them selves. The amount of times I've waved and had no response is unbelievable. Don't get it off fellow mountain bikers. Probably because we're not bothered about loosing 0.002 seconds over a 50 mile ride due to lifting a hand off the grips and not being aero for a millisecond.
Preach, brotha.
Sorry but I have encountered some really snobby mtbers worst than roadies. I started with mtbing and transitioned to road bikes. There was some serious snobbery worst than any road biker I've seen from mtbers telling guys to move over cuz they think they're the shyte, or descending pass slower guys and almost clipping people without saying anything.
The difference I see is that mtbers generally don't have any goals during climbs or after a descent. The only time mtbers care for anything is during their descending phase. This is why mountain biking people has more patience and spare time to chill around compared to roadies where the entire ride is a training program/goal.
Unless you're a mtber that tracks watts in climbs and flat gravel, you're not really concentrating on anything. That's the main difference.
@@bonbonflippers4298 there are idiots in every discipline and activity in life.
Manon, you've broken my heart. Fifteen years old is only 2008. I ride a 2008 Orbea Onix and just up graded to a compact crank set. I just can't let the thing go.
@Septic Whelk hate to admit it but as I get older, I just can’t turn the more traditional 11-24 cassette, 175 cranks and the bigger chain rings. I just needed the lower gears.
I guess I’m a niche snob, been riding the same steel bike for 25 years. Just put new 12 speed Record on it, and yes, rim brakes. 😂
Oooo sounds very nice!!! Nothing wrong with enjoying some bling tech ✨
What you ride is your business. How you think about it vs others is where snobbery comes in. You do you!
The worst is when you wave or say hello and they look straight at you and don’t wave or say hello back 😂
yeah! where I live that is very common with weekend cyclists...
Yes, too cool to wave. Pathecic
I often ride with ebikers and discovered that on a decent road bike with a basic fittness level I have no problem keeping up (except for hills)
regarding waving I don't wave only one doing really hard interval/sprint, or doing VO2 Max session sorry :D
Short sock snobs… I wore short socks as a newb omg it was an outrage 😂 occasionally I go sockless just to upset people 🤣
I never wears socks, even when riding
No socks for me unless it’s cold
Not wearing socks is old fashioned snobbery.
SOCKLESS! Now that is bound to grind some gears ⚙
Preparing myself to be flamed by the cycling snobs but I prefer riding with ankle socks.
What do you mean ankle? Jogging, then no, but those that cover right over the ankle, then yes! I don't get the long socks thing at all.
In the summer here in NYC? You'd be crazy to wear anything else. With you 100%.
@@kewgardensstation It's often over 100 degrees where I live so sometimes even ankle socks feel like too much!
Doesn’t matter to me, my trousers cover them.
Wow very controversial 👀You do you 🙌
😂 the gear on the front in the first example was hilarious. Back in the 80’s we would have called you a Fred in America. Put a 20$ bill in your back fill up on water and let’s do a 100 mile ride. The snobs now would have been cycling novice back in the day
This isn’t a snobbish thing but something I’d like to get off my chest. I’m a big guy, 6’4” and I absolutely hate it when small guys sit on my wheel for miles on end, and never pull, then later say, “ you’re a great draft.” No kidding bro? Sometimes I just ride them off my wheel by upping the watts where they can’t hang anymore.
it just happens sometimes, they are just doing their own thing, you overtake them and they are not strong enough to overtake you back but can stay in your draft just going their own pace
I agree, and I can understand their limitations, but it’s those riders who just suck your wheel and are too lazy to pull through even though they are very capable, if only for a minute or two. Sharing the effort is an important part of riding etiquette.
My friend who also is my neighbour has heart issue. He rides e-mtb and I ride with him whenever I can. I always have good times with him and I like the fact he sets the pace for me. Thaks very mich e-bikes.
Personally I’ve gotten a lot of flak for riding a road bike with flat pedals. It’s not that deep, I commute in a city where I have a to frequently put my foot down at lights. The advantages of clipless efficiency mean nothing if I’m stopping anyway. At that point I just ride the city bike casually and go on my merry way, avoiding scrutiny cause I don’t look like a serious cyclist.
I imagine someone got this maybe but I think the road v mtb/spd v flats (re pedals) is interesting. Having cycled and helped several women learning to cycle in their 50's, I wish the people at the bike store had just told them to stick with mtb/flats and be done with it. Killed me to watch them fall over again and again because they couldn't unclip. One of them sold her bike after we spent an hour in an empty parking lot practicing and she dumped in 4 times 😒. I'm pretty sure none of them were on their way to hill repeats or sprint finishes. I think some of the "biker snotty" actively ends up pushing folks off their bikes
We all started somewhere, we all started shorts and sneakers while riding. Just like how we started driving, we all started as that driver with the big “ student driver “ sign outside the car. Remember your roots and be proud of it. People tend to forget that.
Very true! We've all been beginners, just imagine the fun that new person is probably having whilst out riding 🙌
I still remember the days where the only bit of road cycling kit I have on myself is a jersey & a helmet and boy, do I look daft back then.
Now that I have a job, I finally get to wear standard road cycling apparel, including going clipless in May 2019, after 7+ years of riding.
Thanks guys for finally drawing a line under the issue of E Bikes. I have been a cyclist all my life and have enjoyed Sunday club runs, time trials, randone's and mountain biking. As my wife and I reach our 60's and with both of us having various aches and pains we had a decision to make. Give up cycling all together or risk the negative comments and buy an E Bike. We took the plunge and bought two Haibike Trekking models. 1000 miles later and we just haven't looked back. One of the best decisions we have ever made. We are now seeing lots of people our age with E Bikes who are just getting out there and enjoying life so if you are out and about on a club run or head down on a Strava PB somewhere in Somerset and two people wave or nod to you please wave back!
All of us are guilty of being cycling snobs.
The irony of the situation, reminds me of life.
After we are born and as kids, we have no malice.
No prejudice or hatred of one another.
Same with cycling, the first time that you learn how to ride, you do not care WHAT kind or discipline of bike that you ride.
You just love to ride because it is so much fun.
As we enter adulthood and all it's hangups and neuroses, we start thinking of status, wealth, appearance, style and all that rubbish.
Same with cycling, as we start exploring the beauty of cycling, ironically, we become more prejudice, and fall victim to the hype of cycling, obsessing about components, power numbers, weight, speed and all that rubbish.
We are obsessed with numbers and hype and we are always fighting with our bike.
It was cycling with so much hangups.
Not really enjoying ourselves.
As we enter our 50's, our physical health starting to fail, and death is now a reality, we realized that, cycling is not about obsessing about equipment or data, or the type of riding that you ride.
We are no.longer affected by the hype of cycling.
And just like when we first learned how to ride a bike when we were kids, we rediscover, the real reason why we ride.
It is so much fun.
a wave that is not returned can swiftly be converted into a middle finger at the last second. I find that gets more of a reaction for some reason 😁
Play nicely please 😂
E-bikes got me commuting 60km a day, now I'm considering getting a second De Rosa.,🤔
The Worst - when you're riding in the same direction and a cycle-train passes you - and none say hello. The worst!
The only reason why I consider shaving my legs is that in the end of last year I had a bad crash and the wound was rather annoying to clean
Cycling snobs……………we have more than our share in Colorado and they are almost always road riders. Hmmm?? But you did miss one: the bike travel snob. We all know at least one……………one of your group riders mentions that he/she did this or that pass over the weekend. the travel snob will then launch off into a litany of all the exotic rides he/she has done, "Oh, when I was in Vietnam…, Oh, that time in Mallorca……You think that climb was tough, you should have been with me when we rode blah, blah, blah……………….it gets old really fast.
Sure, we can get carried away with different stuff but I think that makes the cycling community very interesting, there is room for anyone, in the end if you put on proper miles on the bicycle there is nothing wrong with that. I did recognized myself in some of them 😁😅😁thanks, it was entertaining
We've all got a little bit of snobbery in us 😂 Cycling can be whatever it needs to be for you... there is room for everyone 🙌
Guernsey used to be super friendly, now... All the non waving snobs are incredible. I road quite often, but the R&M e cruiser to and from work is great!
I joined a club and found some on e-bikes that otherwise would have not been able to join in, for various reasons. It is good to have all along on the ride, and we all stay together. It's a good group !
I’ve just bought an e-bike, brilliant, love the tech., I can turn up at work not smelling like a sasquash. What’s not to like, I still have a road bike and hybrid for the weekends.
Can really relate on the no waving one. Riding from Long Ashton here in Bristol there's so many young guys head to toe in Rapha absolutely steaming it that blank me when I give a thumbs up. I just think to myself "oh well, who am I to interrupt their poser ride?"
I try to wave at everyone I pass (incl. motorbikes) but sometimes I have to admit I'm head down and absolutely shattered so don't have the energy to wave 😂
I love e-bikes for the same reasons mentioned, however, there is nothing more demoralising than struggling up a climb and being overtaken by grandpa on his e-bike just out for a leisurely ride. I do love that it gets people out on their bikes, though.
With ebikes, someone (not saying who) may be 70 years old, with a medical condition that causes muscle weakness and lives in the Windrush valley in the North Cotswolds but loves cycling. That person can’t cycle, without an ebike.
Sometimes people don't wave back because they are on the struggle bus. If they have blown their doors they just might not have the power to wave, or might not have even seen you.
Excellent message! Always good to see “authorities” promoting fair minded messages like this.
I'm the opposite of a 'cycling snob'. More like a 'cycling Fred'!🤣 The 'snobs' used to laugh at me, but now, they ride on my wheel. I suppose after couple of times seeing me, they realized my loudly squeaking bike won't be falling apart anytime soon! And the full fenders, panniers, and my loose casual clothing makes a huge draft for them. Win win!
Personally I am particular: my cycling kit is the smartest clothing I own and my bike is a beautiful titanium one off. When I wear club kit it is possibly the most stylish club kit in the UK (Manchester Wheelers - although Penge CC comes close). But as far as everyone else goes? I love to see anybody, any age or size, in any kit riding any bike. As for those who don’t wave? We always shout after them ‘Oooo! Too ‘pro’ for hello!’ 😂
I don't really understand the waving. I don't wave at everybody on foot if I'm a pedestrian, that'd be weird.
That being said, I'd gladly wave Manon back! 😍
Proud member of the Hairy Legs Club 🙋♂️
and a very sore infected one when you fall....
Shaved legs is much more about the weight shavings.
🤦♂️
I may have been *slightly* looked down on for tipping a bike upside down to take the back wheel off
Yessssssssssssssssss! This is what I was going to say! I laugh when I see people struggling with their wheels when it would be so much easier just to turn the bike upside down!
That's pretty much the only way to prop your bike if there's nothing around to hang your bike by the saddle.
If someone doesn't wave I just assume they know me 😅
🤣😂
Used to worry what people thought of my old 'road bike' that I had cobbled up from a Halford hybrid frame, v brakes and all. But it worked, and I went miles on that thing, hairy legs and all...
How about the snobbery for those who have lower end bikes?
Hairy legged man Here. My problem with the shaving debate is were to stop. Above the knees? Ip to the belly button? Below my Eyebrows?
Or increase your training challenges by producing 4 extra watt on every ride with the help my beautiful leghair ;)
Nice video! And Manon's bike ist simply wonderful!
Thanks Conor and Masnon....more Ollie in a shrub , please...that was hilarious. Gotta love the angry DS .....Manon has the fire !
I love this and thank you for mentioning the e-bike hate. Most people are fine with them, but there are the few that feel the need to yell things at you.
i just rly dislike these new roadbikes that try to hide the fact that they are ebikes...
I'm curious, why? I was actually thinking about getting something more discreet and lighter than my 26" fat tire.
I´ve been a mountain biker all my life, XC and DH but last year I inherited a nice Zeus road bike last year, so after switching the old tyres, bar tape and saddle and buying some basic kit from Decathlon I decided to give it a go and really enjoy it.
Now when I wave at roadies I get a wave back or they wave at me first, but previously if I happened to be on a road on the mountain bike and wave I would rarely get a response, so I think there is definitely some snobbery amongst roadies for some reason. I laugh to myself because now they think I´m one of them but I´m a wolf in sheep´s clothing ha ha!
cycling on a road bike to the office all clad in fancy cycling gear, including the clip shoes, speeding and then having to stop at the red light anyway, - never understood that. I am from the continental Europe where everyday casual cycling in general is seen as a normal thing where you don't need to look professional and have all the clothes etc. People ride in their normal clothes, go to work like that, do not ride super fast so they don't sweat, ride to a shop, or to a pub to have a drink with mates after work, etc. A bike is not something that transforms you into a pro. What has always shocked me in London is that there are few casual, regular, normally dressed cyclists. Of course it's different when you cycle at the weekend and treat it as a sports activity, but the general attitude to casual city cycling in this country is just funny to me.
Some of my ex-colleagues do this, but one washroom at work has a shower. I've never commuted to work by bike but I won't be wearing Lycra if I ever do.
Yeah, other cyclists yelling at others for the way they are riding. I get dangerous stuff like riding wrong way or running lights but it gets to a point where I’ve gotten yelled at for not announcing myself i’m passing on a clearly wide road or pulled over to the side not on the bike path. And it’s usually people with better bikes who look like they are more well off than me. I’ve had other cyclists try to “teach me” how to ride in aggressive ways while riding 😞
Great video as always 🙌 Anyone wearing a GCN kit would stand out from the crowd 😉😉
yup... absolute snob :P
That was fun! Definitely guilty of some serious snobbery at times, but thankfully not guilty of not waving back 😅
GCN Germany in one their recent videos: "I hate this trend, I hate that trend, they have to go. 😤"
GCN in this video: "There are people who might dislike this or that, but to each their own."
Thanks GCN, you're so much kinder ❤❤❤
Same here. There is nothing better then British politeness and humor. ❤️
I am 60 now and still ride my 1984 Steve Bauer......(in mint condition) I guess that makes me a niche cyclist.....although I did go from sew ups to clinchers . How can anyone ride a bike made after 1996? Bikes are like music .....the best came from the 80's and 90's. (in my opinion as a true niche)
Right! And the best people were born prior to 1965!
When it comes to waving at other cyclists you kinda have to give them the benefit of the doubt if they don't wave back. I think it's good to be friendly and try to wave but sometimes It's hard to wave when you're descending or riding through a difficult part of the road. Also when you live in an area that has TONS of cyclists and you pass by 20 other riders do you really have to try to wave at them all?
Manon would positively cringe at all the knick knacks I put on my bike. The commuter has two BRIGHT lights plus the GPS mount (which sometimes also has a light) on the front. And for Halloween it gets a basket for candy to throw at kids too. My wheels on both commuter and road bike have spoke lights (so I have side-facing lights when night riding). The commuter has a big speaker in the water bottle holder for music on the way to work..... because.... snob/safety moment here...
You need to hear your surroundings! Listen for cars, pedestrians, emergency sirens! I want my tunes but if you put earbuds in you're a wretched trollop.
I usually nod or put a few fingers off the bars. A lot of other club cyclists only acknowledge you if you have a nice bike. One ride i was riding my super record cervelo r5 and a few waves, but the next day it was raining so rode my steel hack bike with mudguards etc, same riders, and was ignored! Lol!
Getting people onto eBikes who would otherwise drive is great, but it is harder to love them when you're on a long straight cyclepath with a continuous, billowing headwind, and they cruise effortlessly past
I was a bike messenger (dressing like a rodeo clown in the early 90s niche-type snobbery.) After a failed attempt of a bunny hop on the sidewalk, I remembered distinctly looking at a 2-inch patch of me on that very same sidewalk!!! Realized right then and there OH, THIS IS WHY CYCLISTS SHAVE!!!!