Are You A Cyclist?

I don't know how many times I have heard "I am not a cyclist" from the casual rider. Sorry, but yes you are! If you get on a bicycle and ride any distance then this is written for YOU! The misconception is that to be a cyclist you must ride a hundred or so kilometers a day, wear spandex, and ride like the wind.

I must admit that some of us are "Bike Nobs", that is true, but show me a bike nob and in most cases I 'll also show you a person that would gladly tell you everything they know in order to share their cycling passion with you. The transformation from a casual bike rider to a spandex wearing "bike nob" is a road that we all travel down. Just as a trail has a starting point, so does a cyclist. We all start as a casual rider that tours around the block and maybe to the local variety store. Then we go for a casual evening ride with a friend or maybe the kids. Then we start exploring trails and the distance keeps increasing as does the intensity.

For the casual rider a bike shop can be a scary place. The perception is  they are not interested in your type of cycling. Most bike shops will welcome you with open arms- they started cycling just as you have. They are no different, other than the fact that their experience has taught them the benefits of bike tune-ups, quality parts ,and yes- even the spandex!

The next huge fear you need to overcome and keep you outside looking through the window, is the belief that everything is too expensive. A car dealership showcases their newest , hottest models, while the old used clunkers are at the back of the lot- a bike shop is no different.

As a bike shop owner, I can tell you that regularly I am told "Is that all? I thought it would be a lot more". You are quite right about there being expensive stuff inside (and there does not seem to be a top end), but it is not all expensive. Remember- you do get what you pay for. Sometimes it maybe that that expensive item is inappropriate, so this is where you need to rely on the shop to give you some guidance. Remember- they were casual cyclists once upon a time and still use most of what you see before you or at the very least, talked to someone who has. Use their expertise!

Did you know that those spandex shorts have a padded bottom? Did you know you can get spandex with a loose fitting short over top so you look like a "normal" person instead of a "cyclist"? So peel your nose off of the front window and go in and have a conversation with the folks inside. Find out what you are missing!

Grow and mature as a cyclist. Visit your local bike shop to check out all the cool stuff that is available. Rely on the experts that specialize in cycling. Travel the trails and most importantly- enjoy yourself!