What is a cyclist?
- Thread starter 400bhp
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Sittingduck
Legendary Member
- Location
- Somewhere flat
I have to disagree with most, on this one. For me, a cyclist is somebody who is at least interested in bikes and or cycling. I would not class a workman riding a BSO along the pavement, with grossly under inflated tyres, as a cyclist.
edit: woo-hoo, 4000 posts!
edit: woo-hoo, 4000 posts!
youngoldbloke
The older I get, the faster I used to be ...
As per the title.
When do you become a cyclist, rather than someone who owns a bike?
A "just for fun" debate when do we ever have one of those on here
OK lets get pedantic, and enter into the spirit of the OP - you become a cyclist when you start riding the bike you own - although you could also become a cyclist by riding someone else's bike. If you own a bike but don't ride it you are not a cyclist, just a bike owner.
Dayvo
just passin' through
- Location
- 59° 50′ 5.55″ N, 10° 47′ 41.89″ E
I agree with you, SiD! I wouldn't call a chav on a lower range Argos bike a cyclist, either. A bike rider, maybe, but not a cyclist.
Well done on the 4,000!
youngoldbloke
The older I get, the faster I used to be ...
Technically that workman is a cyclist - it doesn't matter where he is riding or what, or the state of the tyres. The word really needs qualification, or context, to express more than simply the physical activity. For example, the addition of keen to cyclist would help to indicate interest.
Dayvo
just passin' through
- Location
- 59° 50′ 5.55″ N, 10° 47′ 41.89″ E
Dayvo
just passin' through
- Location
- 59° 50′ 5.55″ N, 10° 47′ 41.89″ E
Exactly. I play golf but do not consider myself to be a golfer: I enjoy the activity and social aspect, but don't have a deep interest in the game, the traditions, rules, tournaments, players, equipment etc.
But with regard to cycling, I do. And for that reason, I see the difference between a cyclist and someone who rides a bike. CYCLIST -->
CHAV --> 
Sittingduck
Legendary Member
- Location
- Somewhere flat
Hahaha, nice diagram Dayvo.
The addition of a second word, like 'keen' is ideal but if it's just cyclist or not, the example rider doesn't qualify (at least in my mind).
disclaimer: this is nothing against workmen or folk riding BSOs, or indeed people riding with grossly under inflated tyres - but it's an example that I am sure we have all seen and can identify with.
The addition of a second word, like 'keen' is ideal but if it's just cyclist or not, the example rider doesn't qualify (at least in my mind).
disclaimer: this is nothing against workmen or folk riding BSOs, or indeed people riding with grossly under inflated tyres - but it's an example that I am sure we have all seen and can identify with.
youngoldbloke
The older I get, the faster I used to be ...
Of course not - because in his case he has little interest in cycling (apparently), the word is being used simply to describe the activity. He would be better described as someone who 'rides a bike'. Maybe if he blew up his tyres and oiled the chain, he could become 'a bit of a cyclist'.
Anyone who rides fewer miles than I do in a year is no sort of a cyclist. He or she is a half-arsed, part-timer fake.
Anyone who rides even half a mile more than me in a year is a dangerous obsessive and needs to get help. That person is not a cyclist; he or she should be locked up somewhere safe.
I am not a cyclist. I am a driver who owns some bicycles.
Anyone who rides even half a mile more than me in a year is a dangerous obsessive and needs to get help. That person is not a cyclist; he or she should be locked up somewhere safe.
I am not a cyclist. I am a driver who owns some bicycles.
rowan 46
Über Member
- Location
- birmingham
yes he would because that's his job. in the same way that a doctor is a doctor whether he's on the job or not. However when I'm on a bike I'm a cyclist: that is someone who rides a bike as opposed to a pedestrian when I'm walking or a passenger if I'm in a vehicle. Any other name is one we have made up to reinforce our superiority. You could argue that people here are keen cyclists or cycling enthusiasts but those who only ride their bikes to work are just as much cyclists as those who do their 100 mile road trip. maybe not as keen, but still cyclists
When your cadence is over 80.
HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
I think my cadence would have been below 80 on the Cleish Hill TT tonight, judging by my last go, did it in 7:40 tonight, I guess that would have still been below, but I guess I'm not a cyclist when compared to the excellent rides by my club members, in particular the winner 6:06
