What is a BSO?

[User76022]

I'm posting in the beginners section despite having ridden and maintained bikes for about 40 years because it seems modern lingo is new and unknown to me.

I keep encountering the term BSO. The context around it usually seems to imply something derogatory. But I genuinely don't know what it means. Who can enlighten me?

 

[matiz]

Bicycle shaped object e.g poor quality .

 

[Racing roadkill]

Anything like this.


https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/apollo-transfer-mens-hybrid-bike-18-21-frames

A B.S.O. or Bicycle shaped object.

 

[Bodhbh]

It generally refers to something like a 50 quid full susser from Tescos.

 

[User76022]

So who decides what is a BSO and what is not?

 

[Katherine]

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/forum-cycling-acronyms.1590/

I had to make good use of this thread when I first joined the forum!

 

[Cycleops]

This is good example. Usually weigh a ton and come equipped with poor quality components.
BSO? Usually decided by posters on here.

 

[DCLane]

@User76022 Try this rule of thumb:

"Did it cost less than my weekly food shop?": In the 'Corona' case below it came free and unused. It was even free with beer for the original owner.

"Are the components of basic standard?": Corona bike was abysmal before use, let alone after. The brakes wouldn't work / stop binding, the wheels wouldn't true and the gear shifter only vaguely worked. Passes @Cycleops BSO test

"Does it have 'full suspension' when only rolling to the pub and back?": Absolutely. Although none of it actually worked. Passes @Bodhbh BSO test

"Would I get more than £20 re-selling it?": Actually I did. I got £23 from someone who wanted it for a laugh at a party.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Is that not Wiggos TDF winning bike then? We all know yellow bikes go faster.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

So who decides what is a BSO and what is not?

 

[Drago]

Boardmans Special Orifice - A derogatory term used to describe the source from which the self style cycling pundit obtains his views.

 

[Jody]

So who decides what is a BSO and what is not?

Who decides if a young lad is a chav or not? Or a young lad in a car is a boy racer or not?

Its just a term banded about for a cheap bike. No need to get caught up with the technicalities as its open to interpretation.

 

[User76022]

Terms like BSO when used in the context they often are, are really quite patronising.

BSO implies a 'my bike is better than your bike' or 'my cycling is more valid than your cycling' attitude.

If I adopt the term BSO, then by the definitions shared here, my kids both ride BSO s. Yet they both love their BSOs. They both pedal good distances on them, practice road skills on them, have a continually developing awareness of safety considerations through their use, and are both learning basic maintenance skills. Both ride cheap appollo bikes.

Are they not yet cyclists?

But where is the threshold. My bike was a little bit more expensive because I ride more. I paid 260 quid for my Rockrider 520 mountain bike. Is that a BSO? In the 6 months I've had it, since replacing its 12 year old predecessor, I've rode over 1000 miles so far on it.

 

[Jody]

Terms like BSO when used in the context they often are, are really quite patronising.

BSO implies a 'my bike is better than your bike' or 'my cycling is more valid than your cycling' attitude.

You're over thinking this one Anf. It doesn't imply my bike is better than yours or your cycling is more valid. Its just a term for a cheap bike.

 

[beepbeep]

big sweaty orifice ??

I'll get my coat .