Volt, Schmolt; Get a Bike Instead

Blimey, Pinto. I haven't seen you on here for ages (or have you just been hangin' out in FHOP?). How have you been?

 

I don't think if what I posted came across as "anti-bike" but it isn't, I'm pro bike! I was very happy to see a bike lane that wasn't there before near where I live. I think people should use bikes when it makes sense and mass transit when THAT makes sense and walk when that makes sense.

 

the op has set up a strawman that invites the type of invective seen in many of these posts. people who want to bike will bike and people who love their priuses will drive and some will do both. that's what makes the world go round!

 

China has cyclists everywhere. Is that how they got such clean air?

 

I get up every morning and feed the cat, that must be why the sun rises in the East.

 

Knock knock! Wake up, Rip Van Winkle, and prepare to enter the 21st Century. Most of China's bicycles were melted down and turned into cars.

 

Yeh, there was that 60-mile long traffic jam; I think it was mostly bicycles, wasn't it?

 

re: bicycles

I wouldn't call it outdated on the days it is faster than 21st century motor traffic.

No lycra or spandex for me. I'm not cruel, and don't wish to appear on any of Blackwell's lists.

 

So frustrating, my bike is making this knocking noise when it's cold...

Oh, wait, that's your Prius.

 

And what's funny is, the ICE is 19th Century technology, too.

 

There is no pleasure in dressing in lycra, it's a necessity for serious mileage. But then, most people can't even cycle 500 yards to the store, they are so out of shape. A pleasure dressing in lycra/spandex would be, if cagers wouldn't care. Instead they are throwing bottles/McDonald bags or other things out of their car windows trying to hit me while I'm minding my own business.

It always makes me smile when people I chat with are dumbfounded that I cycle 70-100 miles a day on the weekends just for fun. Little less in the winter, since the water in the bottle starts to freeze when it's cold out.

'You can cycle that far?????' while they are stuffing their 3rd serving of processed foods into their mouth.

 

I rode a Specialized Sequoia bicycle off and on to work 5 miles for about a year in fair weather and I used to go on bike club rides of 40+ miles quite often.

Honestly, the work part of it was about half the route was dangerously close to cars, and there was no viable alternate route.

Sufficient space would need to be provided for riders. I've heard in some European cities there are bike lanes well removed from traffic and many ride. I'd go along with that.

What I don't want is to get run off the road of run over by a car while riding alone to work.

 

A Prius owner who rides a bike is like a fat man who eats.

 

On the right physique, it can be very pleasurable.

Actually, I find it quite comfortable. Even the tight bike shorts are great for other sports - hiking, too - though I'm modest enough in my 'old age' to add another layer.

 

The title has nothing to do with what you are writing about. Volt is a hybrid - not an EV.

Anyway, don't you worry. Peak oil will take care of fossil fuel vehicles.

BTW, my recent trip to Amsterdam was interesting. Everyone there commutes by bike (or public transport). A family on an avg has 4 bikes. Every road has bike lanes - and sometimes those lanes have their own traffic lights ;-)

ps : The most efficient transportation, in terms of emissions, is electric bikes using renewable energy. Better than a bike rider who eats local organic food.

 

I haven't done a weekend century in months....work sucks
That said: I might invest in a new Ridley Noah or an Orbea Orca this winter.....

Yeah but you don't end up with the same physique. I like noticing women looking at my nice person.

 

Yeh, my cycling is all about the commute. I don't really ride that much for pure pleasure, although much of my riding is pleasurable.

There's no lycra in sight, either; some of the areas I ride through are a bit gritty and more urban look, combined with a bike that isn't flashy and expensive, keeps me under the radar. Then again, I'm doing 50-70 miles/week, maybe pushing 100 when the days are longer.

The area I commute in is almost completely flat: My steel framed Redline 925, with a single-speed flip flop hub, full fenders and brakes keeps costs down, has an ultra low maintenance drivetrain, and serves me quite well.

I really, really don't understand how there can be any animosity towards bicyclists, especially commuters, from Prius drivers. That's just as bad as the Hummer driver who speeds up, cuts you off, and ends up directly in front of you at the next red light.

Geez.

 

Ride now it's too darn cold to ride a century anyway. I've foolishly attempted a 160 mile solo in Feb this year and had to call in the SAG (my wife) after about 85 miles to pick me up. My toes were frozen.

Ridley Noah or an Orca is definitely a nice choice! I'm guessing you're a member on bikeforums as well?

I personally race a Trek Madone 5.2 and Pedal Force CX1 CX bike.
Fun bikes are a fixie converted 1973 Schwinn Continental and a Dahon folder :rockon:

Ok, I can agree with that! But on the roads me and my group usually ride there is barely any traffic on the weekends. Only the occasional pickup truck or smaller car with a few idiotic teenagers in it trying to prove something and making our life hell for a minute.

Now we do have two or three women in our group ride during the summer and I don't mind slotting in behind them.