[CR]Re: Fat, pampered Americans, was NOS Carrera frames - tubing used

(Example: Framebuilders:Chris Pauley)

From: "Stephen Barner" <steve@sburl.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <CATFOODk35m6xD8Ycsg000033bb@catfood.nt.phred.org>
Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 22:46:32 -0500
Subject: [CR]Re: Fat, pampered Americans, was NOS Carrera frames - tubing used

Well, I disagree. I have heard this argument many times and I want to speak out against it. I don't think that one needs to race to want to ride a great machine. I can't ride every day, and I fight the battle of the waistline, though no one has ever called me fat (there are certainly times when a few more pounds might tip me into that category, however). Still, I don't see why that is any reason not to ride the best bike I can afford, if that's where my interest lies. I believe that when you dig down into the reasons why Europeans tend to ride bikes of a certain level, you will find that it is related to economics and social pressures. Economic, because riders didn't have the disposable income to sink into the best machines. Social pressures, because your buds are going to be displeased with you if you show up with a much better bike than they can afford, while you are the pokiest rider. These statements portraying the fat Americans on their fancy bikes, while the rest of the world rides 'appropriate-to-the-task-and-rider' machines don't stick with me. I don't ride as fast as some, but faster than most, and when I do get the chance to ride, I want to ride a bike that gives me back what I put into it. Compared to most "toys" that guys of my age are interested in, it's a pretty cheap thrill. I can appreciate second and third-line components, but please forgive me for riding a full-Campy, handmade bike.

I realize that Jerry was speaking in sweeping generalities and I acknowledge the truth in his comments, though I suspect the desire for quality equipment is as strong in Europe as here in the states, when money is available. I just don't think any weekend warrior needs to feel guilty about wanting to put a Masi between his legs.

--Steve Barner, Bolton, Vermont


----- Original Message -----


> Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 14:34:31 -0600
> From: "jerrymoos" <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
> To: "Fred Rafael Rednor" <fred_rednor@yahoo.com>,
> <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Subject: Re: [CR]NOS Carrera frames - tubing used
>
> I agree, the Europeans, at least in the past, weren't such poseurs as we.
> It seems particularly American for fat, out-of-shape, would-be weekend
> athletes to insist on only the latest, trendiest, most expensive gear, be it
> at golf, tennis, running or bicycling. As if we could spend ourselves into
> shape.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
> Houston, TX, "The Fatest City in America, and Home of the upcoming Super
> Bowl"