c'mon - not everyone who rides a finely tuned performance machine is a highly trained athlete! They're available for purchase by anyone who wants to lay down the dosh, as they should be.jules21 wrote:yes but anyone can pass the rider of a high-end bike with a quick burst of speed. but are you really "passing" them? the owners of such bikes may let you past as they are on a recovery ride, or - dare i say - don't really notice you on your steel steed, but these are dedicated, highly trained athletes who if they wished, could turn the speed on and leave all that was in front of them - behind them. it just gets a bit tiresome sometimes.misterhorsey wrote:While I do feel satisfied when passing dudes in their pinarellos/colnagos/baums/cervelos when I can
I'm talking about going on long rides. Or even when doing laps of the yarra boulevard. I pass people all the time. But I'm passed many times as well. Its awesome to be passed. Gives you something to aim for in terms of your own fitness and ability.
To me, its not a competition. I'm riding to my own rhythm as I'm not racing. It just so happens that I pass guys on super fancy bikes. And I'm not going to deny that it can feel satisfying sometimes.
And I'm well aware of the recovery ride phenomenon. Its nice to let the single speed dudes chase me down when I've done a long ride.