Re: [CR]A suggestion.. this fixie thread MUST die!

(Example: Framebuilders:Brian Baylis)

In-Reply-To: <MONKEYFOODKzGZuNY1S00003b0f@monkeyfood.nt.phred.org>
References:
From: "Sean Flores" <seaneee175@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]A suggestion.. this fixie thread MUST die!
Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2007 18:22:35 -0800
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


Sorry, that I was late to the party. I've been letting my CR digests build up and was just exposed to this hilarious ongoing thread. Quite entertaining (and sad). I do agree that it must die, but I need to get in my two cents first. Sorry George, I would have chimed in much earlier, but I've been working long and late hours.

First. I love how the generalization of all "fixie" riders as young clueless hipsters- That's a good one, really.

Second. For those who find themselves playing 'Mr. Wilson' to the fixed gear crowd's 'Dennis': Haven't you done anything you have regretted? When you first got into cycling, did you make any rookie mistakes, or were you always 'perfect'? I would find that hard to believe.

Next, everything is generational. No one want's to be like their parents. It happens with music, motorcycles, leather jackets and cars. It's the natural order of things. It's also a natural response for the previous generation to hate it. I find myself doing it with other things as well. That's just how it is. The sooner you accept it, the sooner you will let go of your inner 'Mr. Wilson'.

Lastly, not all fixed gear riders are mad butchers on a hunt for a Masi, a Dremel and can of Purple Krylon. The funny thing is, you will find that the majority of people who are truly into riding fixed and track bikes actually really hate that- They have a healthy respect for classic bikes and preserving their integrity (myself included). The Masi that started this whole mess was actually a lengthy topic of discussion and scorn on a recent SFFIXED.com thread.

Play nice and appreciate that it will create a new generation of enthusiasts. There is a learning curve (for both sides), and most will come around. Just like the 70's bike boom (that helped us get a bunch of the stuff we love), people will fall off, but in the long run it will keep the classic aspects of the sport going (and a healthy market for parts). Rather than chastise kids, teach 'em some stuff. I've come to love conversations with older riders about classic bikes. We may not see eye to eye on everything, but in the long run, I always seem to learn something.

Sean Flores San Francisco, CA

Okay, you can kill the thread now.

On Dec 3, 2007, at 7:07 AM, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org wrote:
> Date: Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:05:02 -0500
> From: George Allen <jgallen@lexairinc.com>
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: Re: [CR]A suggestion.. this fixie thread MUST die!
> Message-ID: <47541B1E.9030309@lexairinc.com>
> In-Reply-To: <006c01c83557$f8c58420$ea508c60$@net>
> References: <006c01c83557$f8c58420$ea508c60$@net>
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>
> Please kill this thread! I like fixed. I like free. I have both. I
> ride
> both. I like the French. They make great wine and cook great food. I
> know there's a delete key but my right forefinger now has carpal
> tunnel.