Let’s Talk About How Much You Need to Know
We all love cycling, right? But how much do we really need to know about our sport and industry? As part of our regular “Let’s Talk” feature, we’re asking you to provide feedback on how much you feel a cyclist really needs to know including your thoughts on pro cycling, technology, and anything else related to the bike.
Watch the short video below where I share my thoughts on the subject, or just skip on down to the comments and let us know what you think.
[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-bxQm4-sAM’]
Let’s Talk.
I think that it’s an individual choice. I do think that at the very least having a spare tube, a hand pump or CO2 system, and the skills to change out a flat would come closest to being necessary.
I think that it all depends on your personality…I am a pretty outgoing so it is just natural that I try to keep up with those that are bringing wider public recognition to the sport I love. Concerning mechanics, I am not very handy, so I know the basics and then keep my LBS in business!
I have learned so much from this site and Cycling 360 podcasts. I am a recreation/fitness kind of cyclist (when I grow up, I want a road bike!!). I bike on a paved bike trail, in Milw, WI, that is popular with cyclists. I can understand their actions by what I have learned from you. I’m like Denise: I need to know the weather. It’s 5F outside today…I will not be riding outside!
As long as you are out on the bike, that’s all that counts. However, following professional racing does motivate me a bit. I don’t do racing, but it does motivate me to perform better each time I’m out there on the bike. Knowledge of components, and what’s out there is fun, and it can be beneficial at times. However, it’s not mandatory to know about it.
Need to know how to fix a flat, or, have all the tools to fix it and a friendly smile.
I’m with Al on this one. At least regarding the question “How much do you really need to know to be a cyclist?” I think you should have the skills to change a flat or, as Al says, all the tools and a friendly smile.
Personally, I eat up all the tech stuff and am always interested in the articles/reviews of the new bikes and technology coming out. I also follow procycling (road) closely so I like to stay up on that as well. But that’s just me. 🙂
I absolutely agree. After having to push my bike 2+ miles with a trailer attached and 2 young ones and 90+ heat, I will never get caught without a spare tube and that knowledge again. I may not know anything else, but that I will know.
Agreed … and I think this knowledge actually starts with the concept that you *can* fix a flat on a bike, and that it’s pretty easy.
I have been disturbed to learn that people actually don’t know this. Bikes get flats and get hung up in garages, thrown away, or sold. It’s sad, because those bikes are built to be happiness machines, and all it takes to keep your happiness engine going, much of the time, is a tire lever (or suitable substitue), a tube or patch kit, and a pump.
I thought this widespread ignorance was a myth until I read a review of an e-bike that was given one star (out of five) by the reviewer because of a defective tube. The reviewer returned the whole bike, paying shipping to do so, and complained that tires (not tubes, tires) were not covered by the warranty, since they were considered consumable parts.
The whole debacle would’ve been avoided if the reviewer had realized how easy it is to swap out a tube (or how cheap it is to pay someone else to do so) even on an e-bike. Had it been me, I would’ve asked the manufacturer for a replacement tube (the tube was bad from the start; the reviewer never even got to ride the bike), but I would’ve been willing to cut my losses and pay the $5 – $10 at the LBS if they didn’t send me one, and I would’ve had my electric happiness machine back. Ignorance isn’t bliss, it’s demoralizing and costly.
I need to know the number of my local bike shop that will pick me up if I have a flat of other bike related emergency. I have tube, pump, and other gadgety thingies when I ride but if I don’t have the good fortune of Samaritan assistance I’ll be walking and pushing ma bike – this has happened before, hence the bike shop number being tattooed on my brain. I like to ride, the rest just isn’t my thing.
Need to know ,, not much. The boys at the shop fix whatever needs fixing.
I’m not a cluby,, just ride.
The weather,, that’s all I need to know.