Comments on: Don’t Sell Me A Lifestyle

By: Nate Bassett

Nate Bassett — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:19:32 +0000

The problem is the consumerist mindset of America. The “lifestyle” notion is just corporate neuro-linguistic programming designed to introduce you to an entire line of products, fashioned to meet all your needs. These products can make you happy by solving the minor inconveniences of cycling (old bikes are heavy, buy a aluminum one), appealing to your fashion sense (I want stuff that looks cool when I ride), and so on. It does no good to just get on and ride when there is so much out there to buy and augment your habit! So what would be a simple method of transportation, as it is in China, Amsterdam, and other countries, experiences “cultural commodification.” This happens when you identifying with your bike is more important than the purpose it serves. As I’ve started to ride, I’ve realized I’m slowly becoming a “commuter cyclist,” rather than a guy who rides a bike to work and the grocery store. I’m more interested in what other people with similar habits are like, what sort of products are available to suit my habits, and what can I do to promote this “lifestyle,” which startles me when I step back to look at it.

Really, the best answer is just to ride. Ride where you need to go, not because you enjoy the identity, or because it’s fashionable, but because it’s efficient and intelligent. Anything you need to get from point a to point b becomes about function instead of style. When I think about it like that, my 35 year old bike becomes just as valuable to as any other, because it suits my needs just fine. If other people thought this way, maybe we’d have more “utility cyclists,” instead of “commuter cyclists.”

By: John B.

John B. — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:17:40 +0000

Andy,
Thank you for the plug and the very kind words. You see what I’m after in that first post, so I look forward to seeing what you have to say about the second one.

By: Andy Cline

Andy Cline — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:11:22 +0000

Keri… I agree that coping with cold weather is easier.

By: Keri

Keri — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:00:18 +0000

I love promoting the community value. I love the sense of community connectedness I get from riding a bike. I exchanged friendly greetings with 4 people on my way to work today. That’s a pretty normal day on the bike. I have human contact with no one if I drive a car.

But now I want to discuss sweat. Sweat is a constant part of my life here. Sweat is a trade-off for all the benefits I get from cycling. Sweat is a little easier for me to deal with because I work for myself and I don’t have to get all dressed up here. Even so, sometimes sweat gets on my nerves.

I love to ride in regular clothes. For the most part, I do – shorts and a t-shirt.

In the Florida, there are only a few months where one can ride in the same clothes one intends to wear all day (especially office clothes).

In the northern states you may be able to get away with wearing office clothes for a short commute. It is usually cool in the morning, even if it gets really hot during the day. Here it is warm and extremely humid in the morning. Despite my uber-casual pace on my 3 mile commute, I am always drenched when I arrive.

A few weeks ago, I made the mistake of thinking the coolish morning would afford me the ability to ride to a meeting in nice-casual attire (pedal-pushers and a pressed shirt). I really didn’t feel like carrying clothes and changing in a public restroom. But oh did I wish I had! I arrived soaked, sweat dripping off my face, running in rivers down my skin, my clothes sticking to me, making me feel miserable and disheveled… and I had not exerted myself at all on the ride.

Adding the hassle of having to shower and change after the shortest of trips is a HUGE factor in dissuading people from using a bike for transportation. It is not at all trivial and deserves consideration in southern cities.

Coping with cold weather is actually easier than hot, humid weather. Adding rain pants or warm clothing is much less of a hassle than having to change and shower after a casual 1 mile ride.