Let's stop the divisions within cycling (with Peter Flax)

[@Shifter_Cycling]

What do you think? Do these divisions between different types of cyclists exist where you live?

[@Kattbirb]

The division absolutely exists here in Western Washington. Roadies, MTB, casual and commuter; acoustic vs. Ebike. All get sneered at by a few gatekeeping jerks from all angles.

[@BoknoyBuhisan]

road cyclists speeding on a riverside boulevard that i frequent on made the city ban bicycles on that area and now i don't have anywhere to bike that doesn't look like a shitty city street.

[@Alfadrottning86]

in short - no, they do not exist. most people here have what i would call - mountain bikes (usually big knobby tires and strong frames)... what do most people do with those? ... ride from A to B ... the vast majority of those bikes never sees a mountain. they are used like city bikes. Personally, i have a classic Dutch bike (for grocery) - and a Vanmoof e-bike (for commuting .. because i am lazy - especially considering my commute is less than 3 km) Does anyone care what bike you ride? havent met anyone that does. However - if you happen to ride around in a 15000 $ superbike made out of titanium ... in your bibs .. .you WILL become a laughing stock - not because you ride something different .. but more because you look rediculous. (oh, and your bike will be stolen)

[@kailahmann1823]

clearly yes - especially the race bike guys, who are aggressively against bike lanes.

[@thorbenbohrer9226]

I got a fixie, a roadbike and an upright one for cargo or rain. I can assure u, I'm just one person, no differences whatsoever.

[@-NateTheGreat]

In my area for every 1 cyclist on the road there are about 3000 cars. Bickering between bike riders is really splitting a hair. Need to band together and look out for each other on the road. The odds are stacked against us.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Totally agree. We all face the same challenges.

[@agilemind6241]

Exactly, I even go beyond bicycles: scooters - whether electric or leg powered - skateboarders, rollerskatists, and even pedestrians. We're all people out in our community doing what we want to be doing rather than what poor urban design tries to foisted upon us.

[@poisonpotato1]

Hahaha cyclists always have and us vs them mindset. Can't phathom some people might prefer both cars and bikes. "Share the road" doesnt include sharing it with cars apparently

[@Casual_Stroll]

@@poisonpotato1 Plenty of cyclists do not think in an "us vs them" mindset, though, yes, most people don't like being on a bike next to SUVs going 40 mph... that's an incredibly normal feeling.

[@Frostbiker]

@@poisonpotato1 cars make our streets dangerous, noisy and polluted. Some of us don't want to contribute to any of that. Of course driving a car is often the most convenient method of transportation in a car-dependent area -- but only for the person inside the car, and at the expense of everybody outside of it. So for many of us it's a matter of civility: we make a little sacrifice for the convenience of others, and hope that they will return the favor. It's not all Me Me ME.

[@notl33t]

i have to admit, as a commuter cyclist who does this everyday and gets to see all the different types of bikers, i get really happy when we can get together and do stuff like bike rolls or fun bike related events.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

This is the answer!

[@grottybt5006]

I just feel like a casual observer of cycling enthusiasts, seeing what their perspective is or any cycling pitfalls I haven't already noted. I just ride my bike to get from A to B.

[@mesiroy1234]

I love your wjolaomw chnnel​@@Shifter_Cycling you are simpl mne

[@elizabethraworth64]

I am working on a "no car grannie who does all grocery shopping for the family" pyramid. So much fun ! Its aweful to have any negative attitude toward any cycler.

[@Gatitasecsii]

See, honestly, not having a label for yourself is probably why you think it's awful, and it is! I don't know why people see the need to separate themselves from others by saying "I am a cyclist, and nothing more, all my worth is pedaling a bike fast, and therefore I am superior."

[@michellamontagne6092]

ya been riding forever & I gotta say that it's always been fun for me but there was a time when I rode with riders that thought thet were superior....30 years later the culture of the club has changes, less judgemental

[@woodywoodverchecker]

A couple of weeks ago, I helped a bike traveller couple from overseas to fix a flat tire. I have to say, it felt even better _because_ we were so different.

[@Frostbiker]

I used to be in a career pyramid, so I can relate to the feeling of freedom and relief that came from leaving it behind. There is also a sense of loss and even pity for the people still caught in it. Sometimes we put other people down to feel better about ourselves, but it is a fragile and unkind approach. Live and let live.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Preach.

[@JMulvy]

Career pyramids are the worst. I was in one for 20 years and it made me so miserable I had to change not just employers or positions but my market profession also. It cost me a relationship too because I wasn't making as much money anymore but the peace I found and the self-identity I reconnected to after the fact was so worth it.

[@Screech9]

I got into cycling intending on being a commuter. Turns out I really like working on bikes and am now training to be a bike mechanic, and I've developed a bit of a roadie tendency. I recently finished building a solid commuter build and this pyramid concept really helps describe the difference. When I'm on that thing, I'm not performing, improving, competing, it's instead entirely practical, and "falling off the pyramid" was a great way to describe it. Thanks for this one!

[@keithbuddrige5064]

I've seen this with the e-bike boom, cyclists who ride non-powered bikes seem to go tribal and treat e-bike rides almost how the WW2 veterans treated the Vietnam Vets (oh and I am a Veteran btw) however the reality is the e-bike riders may not have been able to get out on the road without the assist the e-bike provides. They are still out and riding ... they are enjoying the area as much as the traditionalist cyclist does ... They assume the same level of risks and they ARE OFF THE COUCH ... It's time to put aside the pettiness (and yes, I've been through that phase) and enjoy our bike. Also, more folks cycling will ensure we can get safer infrastructure for our cycling communities ... Great video, please keep the awesome content coming.

[@tconnolly9820]

I just got my first e-bike two weeks ago and what a difference. I've commuted the 20 km to work 70% of the time since instead of driving. Compared to my ordinary bike it saves 10-15 minutes on the way but I arrive fresh and only slightly sweating for usually pretty exhausting 13 hours night shifts. I'm using the minimum assist practical whilst taking the grind out of the commute. But on the way home which is generally against a strong prevailing wind and also gaining elevation it saves me at least a full half hour of hard grind on the ordinary bike. And the last few days have been particularly windy. It's still making the round trip by e-bike about 50 minutes longer than if I take the car limited to 25 kmh assisted, but the difference is it's not an exhausting effort on top of an exhausting word shift. Not giving up on my old hybrid bicycle but e-bikes can open up a whole new world of accessibility for many people. The biggest concern using an e-bike for commuting and utilitarian transport is that some thieving little scrote won't end up stealing the bloody thing on me when I lock it up and walk away from it for hours.

[@chelseashurmantine8153]

So true. Nobody needs to defend their right to get fresh air :D

[@chelseashurmantine8153]

@@tconnolly9820yay that’s awesome welcome to the club 🎉

[@anthonywalsh2164]

So many people I know with e-bikes who say they wouldn’t be riding but for the e-bike.

[@setmymindinmotion]

The main gripe I have with e-bikes is that it's that we keep needing to pass eachother all the time when riding on the same stretch. A non-powered cyclist either goes generally faster or slower than me (non powered) and we attain a equilibrium of sorts. But the e-bike passes me on the uphill parts and I drive past on the flat parts because I find most e-bikers aren't as fit and drive slower on the flat parts, in general of course. If you're in a city with a lot of bikers then constantly switching lanes and driving past eachother is a bit annoying. Other than that, if an e-bike is what gets people biking and skipping the car then great!

[@BoulderHikerBoy]

I kinda teared up at the end of this one. An important message, a beautiful message, and, really, a call to unite as vulnerable road users.

[@mx4211]

Yup. I was on the pyramid until I realized that I am on a bike and I can go anywhere at any time, and it changed my way of riding because I am more open to conversation with other bike riders and more interested and willing to share with others. I ride more consciously and know when to push and when to just relax and enjoy my surroundings more. So thanks for this video because it is super important if we want to move forward and create a more sustainable future in cities such as Los Angeles, where I live and bike every day.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Thanks for watching. I also love the idea that you can embrace all of the bike pyramids from day to day, depending on how you're riding.

[@MrPharmageek]

I ride an ancient rigid mountain bike with a trailer for school drop off, a goofy frankensteined hybrid for commutes to the train station, and wear ALL the lycra when I throw a leg over my fancy road bike. And i enjoy and respect all of these styles. More power to those who ride, whatever, wherever.

[@kathryngarcia8800]

Oh, I love this! Paused the video to order the book!!!

[@NickCombs]

This doesn't have much to do with the video, but I just learned my city is building a multi-use path along the only stretch of highway 101 into town from my neighborhood. It's surprisingly emotional for me. Not only will it be more convenient to go out since I don't drive, but it could literally save my life. That highway is dangerous with a steep slope, no shoulder, and huge logging trucks. They just had sharrows on it.

[@Korina42]

Highway 101 goes through my city of Arcata Ca and it sucks out loud. Where are you?

[@NickCombs]

@@Korina42 Near Lincoln City OR. Hope they make improvements where you're at too!

[@Korina42]

@@NickCombs The Humboldt Bay Trail between Arcata and Eureka should be finished before the end of the year, so no more riding on the highway! I'm super glad you won't have to deal with sharrows any more. Logging trucks are terrifying.

[@Tom-bp6no]

Interesting piece. I do think the commonality of the everyday bicycle in the Netherlands has helped build a large tribe with strength in numbers.

[@bearclaw10]

I love the message of this video! We all ride bikes just because we love to. I mostly use my bike to commute, get errands done, and get around town. But I love to go fast like a roadie and go on adventures like a trail rider. There's no reason to separate us all. We gotta all stand together like you said!

[@mattpujol4787]

I so much agree with this. E bikes are the latest splinter. I tell the e bike haters that, if you live long enough, odds are an e bike is in your future. I met a guy with an e trike. I was thrilled that he was riding. My personal pyramid moment was deciding not to ride with a speedometer on my handlebars. I still track my rides with Strava, but I don't watch the numbers in the moment - I live cycling in those moments. I rode however it feels good. The interesting thing is my fitness didn't suffer, just the opposite. I'm beating PRs I set a decade ago...the real benefit is mental fitness has increased by leaps and bounds. Again...thanks for this!!!

[@reecedawson6113]

Anyone on a bike is a good person just ride your bike guys

[@RichardMackenzieaus]

Does "anyone on a bike is a good person" include those who wear Lycra? 😮

[@derekjolly3680]

I'd reckon there are some dirtbags riding bikes the same as anyone else on the streets. It doesn't make you a good person. Being a good person in ways makes you a good person.

[@RichardMackenzieaus]

@derekjolly3680 Just a light-hearted jibe. 😀

[@derekjolly3680]

@@RichardMackenzieaus If you mean road bike guys, some of us can be pretty awesome. The clones and pods with gay spandex pants and cone heads, well they do look ridicules.

[@derekjolly3680]

@@RichardMackenzieaus Was directed to the other chap.

[@garyseckel295]

Family cargo bikes and trikes are beautiful to me! Ride my Hase Lepus with E-assist here.

[@dudestir127]

The biggest division I see among bike commuters is ebike or non-ebike. My bike is not an ebike, but I personally don't care if someone else does ride electric. One more car trip turned into a bike trip is always good.

[@esthers3906]

One of the beautiful things about cycling is the sense of community among cyclists. I am currently recovering from a cycling accident and while cars were nonchalantly passing by, the first cyclists who showed up immediately stopped to help. Whether you're in it for speed, exploring nature, using a more eco-friendly and economical mode of transportation, getting exercise, or commuting, we are all united by our love of the bicycle, and we are stronger together than divided.

[@drmontreal6165]

My main comment is "Amen." From a one time road racer (briefly, I wasn't so into masochism as it turned out), lots of long distance bike touring in Canada, Europe, and India, but mostly daily rides in my quotidian... now I'm 72 with shot knees on an e-bike and enjoying it just as much. The one last category of "bicycle" I rather look askance at are those e-scooters pretending to be a bicycle with a gratuitous (apparently?) pair of miniature cranks and pedals, rarely used. They make me think of those tiny front arms on a T-Rex. ;) I'll get over that I'm sure, give me time. ;)

[@jrsanchez6603]

All of you are my people🚴👍

[@lakrids-pibe]

We are all individuals !

[@BillPraught]

I'm not!

[@mma0911]

Critical Mass is when we can see all sorts of riders come together. Commuters, hardcore cyclists, kids, e-bike riders, bakfiets riders, unicycles, even skateboarders.

[@jeanschyso]

To your question, I think about my cycling as a thing I do to go places in my town. There is no summit to reach. It's just something I do and I don't understand the concept of "getting better at commuting". Sure some people do bike sports, but I'm over 300 pounds dude. People around me say that it's so amazing that I'm cycling, but like.. really.. It's easier than walking because of how fat I am.

[@Korina42]

Exercising while sitting! Does it get any better than that? 😁

[@daniellarson3068]

Been there - Then I learned about carbs. I never knew carbs turned into sugar inside you. Nobody is going to tell you. Medical industry wants to sell you medicine. Food industry wants to sell you food. Just suggesting you look into it. Can't hurt.

[@jeanschyso]

@@Korina42 it's not exercising, it's just a lazier way for me to go to the local smoked meat place than walking, with less trouble finding parking. Yeah I'm moving, but I would be moving too if I was just walking 20 minutes to go there.

[@michaeltsui3435]

@@jeanschyso now try to keep a 90 rpm cadence. You become a roadie now.

[@Korina42]

@@jeanschyso At least you're moving. Keep moving, whatever that looks like.

[@comounaverdura]

In my city we ride as one. We don't care what type of bike you have or what you look like.

[@Mr_Zzzeee]

Great message. Totally agree.

[@coolworx]

I'm a "This is how I get around and do my shopping" rider.

[@FredChagnon]

You've done a lot of great videos. But boy you're gonna have to do something amazing to top this one. Well done.

[@paolocruz8392]

As a bike commuter I still feel like I'm at the bottom of the pyramid with all the cars and mopeds on the road. Little to no bike infra. Cars cutting you and not respecting the painted bike lane. But I enjoy the city more on a bike than when in a car.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I think bikes are overlooked and neglected in all kinds of cities. That's a whole other kind of pyramid.

[@NeverTooTiredToRideTwoTyres]

when i get cut off i just think "wow you're so bored in your car you have to save every possible second of time, or use your phone while driving"... drivers are brainwashed so if you're on a bike you should be proud you've broken free of the matrix. you're also getting your 30 mins recommended daily exercise so time well spent 👍🏻👍🏻

[@timschaefer73]

Great video Tom! Was just having a conversation on Threads the other day on this topic in the context of the concept of Fietser. So many non riders in North America see bike infrastructure and “cyclists” as being those on the road bike pyramid. That bias perspective blinds them from understanding there are lots of people who just want a safe place to ride their bicycle for transportation. Yes we are all riders and we it’s okay to be on our own pyramid journey, so long as we don’t fall in the trap of putting up barriers… unless those barriers are safe bike infra of course! 😂

[@spennysailor]

As someone who commutes on a 50 year old granny bike, but also a very avid mountain biker and gravel rider, I have noticed that I get treated very differently by other riders when I am on my commuter vs any of my other bikes; no one will wave back, less likely for other riders to return the small talk while waiting at a light etc. I will always reciprocate the passion for cycling with someone no matter where they're on their journey or what they want to do with the bike!

[@jonjurgens7412]

I started out as a full on roadie in my early 20s, then moved to Europe and got a city bike. Now at 43, I’ve started commuting solely by bike, and even bought myself an E-bike for those hot summer days. I love being on a bike. The only mode of transportation I’ve found where I’m smiling even in the rain. I love bike, no matter what kind I’m on. I’ve still got a nice road bike as well for when the mood strikes.

[@aureliusp1330]

I think this is a good message. I think the people who are all Lycra'd up are the ones who need to do most the work in changing their perspective and behavior. I started commuting by E-bike in late March, I have over 2,000 miles so far. Minneapolis, and the surrounding suburbs to be honest, has really incredible bike infrastructure and trail networks. I take the Midtown Green Way, Cedar Lake Trail, and Minnesota River Bluffs Trail for my commute. The transition between the Midtown Green Way and Cedar Lake Trail is pretty narrow, with a few tight turns with blind spots; the people who are all Lycra'd up DO NOT slow down at all in this area. A couple of them have also drafted on me, a completely random stranger. I feel like they need to take safety and personal space a bit more seriously. Obviously a bike on bike collision isn't as bad as one with a car, but I still feel like they should learn to slow down. It seems like they just care about being aero and as fast as possible. We're not in a race or marathon here, these are multi use path ways for people of all abilities. And drafting on a random stranger, without their permission is such a violation of personal space, and extremely dangerous; if I needed to stop short, we would've both gone down for no reason. Riding a bike is only a competition in very specific circumstances, but they seem to think it's an ongoing competition.

[@jasonarthurs3885]

Not gloating, just sharing; I'm at 51 359kms travelled (31913 miles). I wouldn't trade a second of that time for anything. Also 2000+ miles (3219+kms) in 5ish months is impressive. Keep going! I've been commuting by e-bike for 4 years now and have shared many of your experiences. The unwelcomed drafting is such a crazy violation; here's how I deal with it. Adopt a gentle serpentine path, slowing weaving your bike back and forth as you move forward. They either mimic you or loose the draft effect. The gentle weaving also exudes an energy alien to the lycrabound crowd; they find it off-putting and mojo-messing. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!

[@michaeltsui3435]

Why MAMILs need to change? they just need to realise that they are above the safe speed for the trail and should go on the open road.

[@jasonarthurs3885]

@@michaeltsui3435 Would that not constitute a change?

[@VolkanTaninmis]

Since I'm riding bike for 3 years with 36 years old no-name steel frame with mid-low end shimano components. Let me tell you something, I hate bikers. I hate people who is missing the joy of biking. Excellent video. Congrats.

[@Phalaenopsisify]

What a lovely video! For every cyclist out there there is one fewer car trip. My mountain is the "I want to keep our ecosystems functioning and the climate from getting too bloody hot", preferably while looking somewhat cool.

[@zeemon9623]

I often comment about how much I love my disc brakes because that tends to attract the worst of the elitists. And while I genuinely believe disc brakes to be the better brakes (because they brake better), I would not make fun of people with other types. Because I want more people on bikes (which means fewer people in cars) with little regard to what kind they ultimately choose to ride.

[@smelly551]

that last speech was so wholesome

[@ianbarr4716]

Could not agree with this video enough......WELL DONE !

[@lyha91]

Thank you. Riding bikes is amazing, no matter what kind and also just be good to everyone. Great Kuss shirt, he's the nicest guy.

[@Geoff240ti]

I commute in a small Saskatchewan City, I get excited if I see someone else riding. I use to judge people on Canadian tire bikes but now I'm just happy to see anyone out riding. Love the message in this video!

[@grottybt5006]

It's liberating. No car tax, insurance etc. no financial cost to factor in for fuel and it increases fitness instead. You're less possessive over a cheap bike you can just buy again, unlike a car. No life on your conscience if you have an accident or property damage to pay for, jail time etc. You can service and repair it yourself. You never get trapped in traffic. I used to drive but I'd never go back now. You're right about them being one of the greatest inventions ever

[@philwyeth]

This is one of your best videos to date Tom. Already a Shifter vintage episode.

[@Vectrum0013]

the more bicycles i see everywhere, just makes me happier

[@wsams]

I switched from a mountain bike to a road bike to an ebike over my first 40 years or so of life. Then got a Linus Dutchi 3i and it has been the best bike ever. $200 on Craigslist with no issues. It's so comfortable and it's a blast to ride. I haul a cargo trailer and do most of my commute with it. I think I fell off this pyramid too. ❤

[@rgkeys72]

Thank you

[@Dav1dChui]

Started cycling as a Mountain Biker, then picked up road biking for the off season (winters in CO), then got cargo ebikes for my 50 mile commute and grocery runs. Growing family now, got a bakfiets. Cycling is cycling, idk why this tribalism exists.

[@TwiiKuuTF2]

In French, "pannier" sounds a lot closer to pan-yay than pan-yur

[@Korina42]

Russ of Path Less Pedaled once interviewed a gentleman from Miriam-Webster Dictionary (who also happened to be a rider), and ultimately he said both pronunciations are correct.

[@guyroebuck8510]

OMG. This is amazing. For me when I am in a negative mood I go for devision. And when I am in a positive mood I think , YES, cycling can, and should be encouraged to change the world for the better. Bravo for your content inspired by a great book it seems😊

[@orthicon9]

I think much of the appeal of riding bikes (for any reason) is what I call "rapid motion with some (but not much) effort". It also goes for skating, skiing, roller skating, tobogganing, hang-gliding, surfing, and so on.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

What an amazing articulation of the Power Over Dominator conformity principle!!! There's a reason that often Bicycling is so associated/aligned with Males (esp old white ones) and those silos/walls perpetuate the power dynamic and demand conformity of those 'lower' on the pyramid. Thanks to you and Peter Flax and Russ Rocca (Path Less Pedaled) for busting these myths/power dynamics that effectively suck all the joy out of the experience of cycling! It's so affirming for me to come to your channel for content like this that gets us thinkin/questioning and pushing back on these toxic expectations! Great content as always Tom!!!!!! Thank you!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I love Russ's channel as well.

[@Poptartsicles]

We are not cyclists (derogatory), we are People Who Ride.

[@simonmandrakejones]

I am not sure if my experience of cycling is different than that of other people. I commute on my bike and it has steadily become my main form of transport over the last year. However foe me cycling is quite a solitary and mindful thing. I am not thinking about anything else. It is almost meditative for me.

[@cattegrene]

Thank you! This video is much needed!

[@blores95]

I've never been a bike rider for sport/fitness but I do definitely feel myself second guessing about what kind of bike I might need just because of all the high end options that aren't really super practical for short rides or commutes, like clips or fancy computers. Living in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area, of the major groups of bike riders (for sport, no other option/being broke, and for leisure), commuters are definitely the smallest ones. I don't see much elitism between bike riders around here but I'm also not really in a biking group, but seeing events like CicLAvia and how busy the beach/riverbed bike paths are, I think biggest non-infrastructure impediment to bike commuting is people's perception. People don't want to be seen as broke, and people vastly overestimate how much effort riding a bike is. Bike riding doesn't have to be super tiring and a 15 minute bike ride can be a lot more peaceful than a 15 minute car ride in traffic.

[@carpediem44]

I usually make a point dressing nicely on my bike and wearing jewelry. I am sending a message. I am not homeless. I am not impoverished. And if someone hits me, it is going to cost them 💸 💅💸

[@JMulvy]

The comradery is real. I was walking my dog and saw someone decked out in cycling gear, coming down the hill on the opposite side of the street in a recumbent bike. No idea who he was and never seen him before. The 40 year introvert that I am, I instinctively waved at him and he looked right at me and bowed his head as he sped by. He has no idea who I am and I have no idea who he is, but because I ride a hybrid for fun now, I feel like I am part of his identity and he is a part of mine. I like to think that he knew why I was waving because he had been in that same feeling at some very early point in his cycling journey too.

[@cyclicmusings2661]

I respect cyclists of nearly all types, from the homeless person just trying to get around on an old rusty cruiser bike to the lycra-clad dude on a carbon fiber road bike. I have a small collection of different types of bikes - road, MTB, hybrid, folding and can relate to various cycling "subcultures." However, I say "nearly all types" because there's a specific group of bicycle riders that I simply can't tolerate, I call them "wheelie kids" - I think it's a subsect of the BMX crowd that pull stupid stunts that constantly endanger other cyclists, pedestrians, and themselves. I experienced it firsthand sometimes when one of these guys decides to roll past me, pop a wheelie, and lean in my direction like he's about to collide into me and pull away at the last second. But the stupidest thing these guys do is play chicken with oncoming cars - it's like watching Darwin Awards play out in front of me but luckily I have not been traumatized by seeing an actual collision that resulted in the death of the rider... yet. Though I've seen plenty of falls and nasty injuries these guys sustain doing their thing, bonus points on them for never wearing helmets. It's hard enough to shake off the general negative image of cyclists that motornormative "car brain" Americans might have, but some groups in our cyclist family seem bent on damaging our image even further, and they should be called out at every opportunity.

[@michaeltsui3435]

I'd say fixie and BMX culture is not doing themselves any favours - and roadies usually eat the blunt of their carnage

[@cyclicmusings2661]

@@michaeltsui3435 I think most people think of roadies when they hear "cyclist" and they do seem to unfortunately catch most of the flak for bad behavior other cyclists might do, even if they aren't entirely innocent sometimes. Interesting that you bring up fixies - my perception of those are of city commuters on single gear road bikes with the occasional hipster aura. Unless you mean something else entirely.

[@VeeVeeArcher]

​@@michaeltsui3435kids on ebikes are a new force in the war. Racking up points against bikes. I've seen both sides of the spectrum. Safe and confident kids, and reckless kids without helmets, taunting traffic and zipping around with their throttle ebikes

[@Zoyx]

This video makes great commentary on the impacts of tribalism on all walks of society.

[@erikd2628]

Ride ALL the bikes.

[@thehousecat93]

I wish! I somehow ended up on the mailing list of some high end cycling newsletters and these guys advertising $10k road/racing bikes… woowee. I wanna ride that one.

[@tvuser9529]

I ride or have ridden a city bike, BMX, fatbike, ebike, folding bike, fixed gear bike, cruiser bike, recumbent bike (2 and 3 wheels), and unicycles. And I STILL have found some _other_ form of cycling to look down upon. But I try to keep it quiet, at least :)

[@test40323]

breaking down silos isn't just corporate speak. it promotes solidarity in common good and lowers barriers to the timid...just because you are alone on your ride, you are not alone. Thanks!

[@Shifter_Cycling]

I love that sentiment. Thank you for the amazing support!

[@Richarddraper]

Lovely video and I totally agree. I was probably in the road pyramid, although commuting on my bike kept me fairly grounded. What really took me out was an accident, broken wrist and surgery to fix it. While I was off the bike recovering, I couldn't help but realise that I was trying to ride fast on a dodgy road and it was a mistake to be close to the edge of my bike handling abilities in that scenario. Now it's eveerything in its place and I'm not racing myself when I'm riding to work.

[@philipbyrne3037]

It is the dilemma that Bike Snob NYC grappled with in the early days of the internet. He vacillated between satire and self deprecation. It seems Peter is adopting a more affirming tone. When Lance Armstrong was at the top of the pyramid he sought validation from people like Bike Snob and Robin Williams. So there is loneliness and insecurity at the top but perhaps more liberation being immersed anonymously in the greater mass and the greater good.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

Great points. Thanks for sharing.

[@nerigarcia7116]

I was a roadie and got caught up in the all the roadie stuff of the latest bike tech and kit. But I also rode gravel, fixed gear, utility, and commuted on an ebike. I realized while doing all other types of riding that you can't maintain your roadie identity, so I also realized I don't need to care about all that. Plus, I was tired of everything changing so rapidly in the industry and keeping up with the latest tech they kept pitching, that I stopped chasing it all and just rode my bike(s). I wore whatever I wanted, I rode whatever bike I felt, I didn't care what anyone thought, how fast I was going, or that the guy with the $10k bike just past me. I was just enjoying riding my bike. And that's what it is all about.

[@clacclackerson3678]

That was a great video, thanks from a rider.

[@gingermany6223]

I'm on the "how many short bike trips in my neighborhood can I take by bike" pyramid. Already reached the top of "how many kids can I take on my cargo bike" pyramid.

[@DanGleebowls]

I have respect for almost every road user I encounter, apart from my local food delivery riders, they have endangered me more frequently than cars in the last few years. We're talking close passes, wrong way down narrow bike lanes, running reds and nearly tboning me, if I see a food delivery bag i know theyre going to be on the cheapest mountain bikes they could find with not road legal ebike conversion kits strapped on and no upgrade made to the brakes.

[@garethwatkins6347]

Very true - excellent video ❤❤❤

[@MultigrainKevinOs]

I get that roadies, tri and MTB riders are coming from a generally privileged position for what are quite prohibitively expensive sports. But, it is equally frustrating that we are always the punching bag of the cycling community. I am just as out there on the roadways, risking injury dealing with cars, being called slurs, close passing, and always the lightning rod of any bike commenting section. The constant dehumanizing by everyone makes us just as vulnerable. The core point of unity on two wheels you are making comes from both directions. Also, highly recommend Ultraromance AKA Ronnie's content for a great philosophy of post competitive cycling to just enjoying and experiencing life by bike

[@I270Exit1]

Unfortunately, in any activity that requires gear and has specialized areas, there will be snobs who look down on people with lower priced gear or do things differently. We need to remember that some people can only afford a department store bike that they ride to work. We need to remember that some people love riding but have physical restrictions such that they need an e-bike to go uphill. We need to remember that the person on an inexpensive bike might be able to afford a $3,000 bike, but it doesn't fit his/her needs. Just ride.

[@drill_fiend1097]

Some department store bikes are just badly built, although some are improving (Ozark Trail, etc). We do need more non profit shops and used bike exchanges that can reach out to a lot of people before they go to Target or Walmart to buy bikes. At least in that way people can get bikes that are built with acceptable, normal parts.

[@rayfordham9230]

I live near and use the Tarka Trail in North Devon, my wife and me have in the last year bought a pair of Cube electric bikes, we are both in our mid/late 70s with a leg weakness, so we can continue riding for as long as possible. The trail is used by walkers, invalid buggy users and leisure cyclists you name them they use it and yet you see the Lycra clad lovelies trying to break the land speed record especially of a weekend and woe be tide you if you get in their way, they see a long straight and being an old railway line some are very long and the're gone without a thought for any body else . Disgusting behaviour.

[@Johnthetripper]

"Everyone who rides is on your team" I'm gonna get that on a T shirt

[@definitelynotacrab7651]

Very well said

[@SonnyDarvish]

Never liked gatekeeping or gatekeepers.

[@AnotherDuck]

Looking down on people is a sign of weakness. Maybe not when it comes to some moral issues (feel free to look down on criminals, corporate bosses, and people who talk at the theatre), but absolutely when it's about hobbies and activities. If they enjoy it, let them enjoy it. Even better, enjoy it with them. Share the joy. If you're having fun, you're doing it right. Back when I was cycling a lot, I had this weird amalgam of a bike. Part mountain bike with broad tires and front suspension, but also a package holder for transportation. I used it for everything. Commuting, shopping, having fun exploring everywhere I could get to, including through forests where no bike has any right being, and the occasional trip between Västerås and Stockholm, about 110 km (~70 miles). People did say it was a bit weird, but it was _my_ bike, for _my_ purposes.

[@MrCyclist]

The divisions exist here in Toronto. I ride a carbon road bike, for outside the city, a city bike and a touring bike for log rides within the city. I notice the looks I get from my roadie crowd depending on which bike I ride. Since retirement, I ride my road bike 98% of the time since it is what gives me the greatest pleasure as I like to ride 70 + kms per ride because I can. It is so easy to take the subway into the suburbs or the intercity train far out to the farming areas to bike and return. A car is not an option. I will read the book.

[@rotaxtwin]

There is beauty in the utility of cycling. Not the kind of thing that will get splashed around in a magazine ad (remember those?) But yeah, it's there.

[@HKSkansei]

The biggest barrier to new cyclists, is other cyclists. Like any other hobby it has become infested with people that think you need to be the most specialised cyclist to be valid. And people that treat it as an ego contest, showing off their most expensive parts etc. It's exactly why i have never got into any social aspects of cycling.

[@HKSkansei]

If I had to choose a worst culprit though, its road bikes. Whenever I'm out riding, its often the road cyclists who ride aggressively and often treat public roads and paths like its their own personal racetrack and "how dare" pedestrians or other cyclists dare to want to use it too

[@jordanmiller42]

@@HKSkansei you did a great job understanding the point of this video

[@Casual_Stroll]

I'm someone who got into cycling as transportation several years ago and have been an advocate for the last 2 years. I've approached it from an inclusive, progressive point of view so I've never had much interest in isolating myself from others, and fortunately I haven't encountered it in the wild yet, but to the extent it exists... yea, it's very dumb.

[@sreeser3512]

This division is definitely real. I was absolutely torn into once in a local community Facebook group because someone asked for tips on keeping energy levels up on a bike ride, and I had the nerve to suggest eating a banana, fresh berries, dried mango, and nuts or granola before and during a ride. The first reply was, "Nobody actually eats like that, real cyclists use gels and electrolyte mix." A few others jumped in to talk about how light and metabolically efficient those are, and one of those added "I'm just trying to picture someone at a race stopping to stuff their face with seeds and berries." The OP just wanted to try to ride with his kid on the gravel trails at the park and was a little nervous.

[@KimeeZM]

I like to go on night time social rides, and I sort of injured myself last week, so I couldn't really bike. I showed up to the ride on an e-scooter, because that's what I could ride without further injuring myself. At first a few people thought it was a bit weird, but it was like, well better you're here with your half-bike-half-skateboard-escooter-monstrosity then if you had to stay home... And this week, my friend got an escooter and we both rode escooters on a social ride.

[@Gatitasecsii]

The whole thing about identity just made me feel nauseous. Why can't people be without labels. Like, I draw for a living, but 'artist' is not my identity, it's my occupation. Even though drawing is also my dream job and my passion and I love it, I don't have to diminish myself to it. There are so many other things in life, to love, to care about, to pursue. Identifying as something is just so narrow-minded, so simplistic and diminishing.

[@joe42m13]

I never really considered myself a "cyclist", just a guy who enjoys biking for its practical and experiential benefits

[@Scartoons-t1h]

Im in a strange position. Im a lycrafree helmetless commuter on an ebike, but also a MTB rider, also a triathlete on a TT bike and also a roadie in the peloton. My rule is: if you're on a bike, you're awesome.

[@benjaminxue4017]

I'm a folding bike rider which occasionally might take longer rides for fitness and mental health and I've noticed there is definitely a pyramid. It is probably especially pronounced in small city-states like Singapore where space is already at a premium, and therefore 'I'm going to buy the most expensive and the most amount of gear' and therefore 'I 'own' the right of way on a shared biking road'. That mentality is expressed by the lack of empathy of newbie riders, slower riders, and even family-oriented riders. It's caused quite a fair bit of hostility (and accidents) between bicycle riders in Singapore and fellow road users like cars and even pedestrians.

[@michaeltsui3435]

Honestly that 25km/h bike road is not make for roadies. I don't understand the speed limit either, anyone riding seriously would be at the limit.

[@zachwhite2716]

I don’t look down on anyone except those who ignore my friendly wave or nod. Doesn’t matter who you are, if I ride by you I will acknowledge you with one or the other. I hope you’ll make my day by waving/nodding back.

[@jonathanbenn2241]

I wear a lot of cycling hats. Commuter, MTB, gravel, road, phat winter biker, former adult BMXer , ride leader for a large club. As much as I would like to say everyone who rides a bike is part of my tribe, I just see too many riders who I don't want any part of. The asshats who blow through red lights. Mr. Wheelie down the middle of a busy city street. Bike path hero on a TT Bike going 25 mph and yelling at people to get out of his way. MTB rider who won't let the trails dry out and leaves ruts for the rest of us. Like any population cycling is mostly really good people doing great things. There are those who are not good people and ride a bike. Let's not get to Polly Anna.

[@krob9145]

When I was commuting one day to work and was in a crowd of fellow riders awaiting on the greenbike light I could only smile. The more the merrier. Some would be lycra clad, some in summer dresses, school children in uniform, delivery guys etc. I wasn't sure where this was heading when you started off with bike pyramids but I figured there was more to it so I watched the video all the way through. I'm not a racer. I just enjoy getting to places and doing errands in a peaceful enjoyable way. My bike is also my most convenient, quickest and economical transport without involving long walks (I also like walking). A lot of times when parking I get into a chat with another cyclist. It's kind of a thing to have the usual bike chat. It can be with a racer, a child and parent discussing them getting their first balance bike, pensioner talking about back in the day etc. It's all good.

[@Shifter_Cycling]

There's nothing better than being part of a diverse group of people on bikes on a safe bike lane in a city. It feels so empowering and warm and always makes my heart sing.

[@TARHAN2076]

Teşekkürler.

[@derekjolly3680]

All of this makes sense to me. I mean I get it. This having a sport cyclist mindset in your own narrow way that clicks for an identity. Probably that's more for road cyclists compared to other ways and bikes since that's the higher caliber athletic form and outlet, and the more traditional form as well. Of course, road bike cycling is less popular where I live, and is more popular in other places, but that it's a "pyramid" mentality more for that than for other forms as an assertion, is true none the less. Ok but regardless of if that's an individual's thinking or not, and whatever kind of a bike or bike ride is the norm for an individual, I see the most important component as getting the outside exercise physical reward out of it, hopefully intensely every day, (or alternating it with something cardio, on par or better) for health, fitness, and well being. For if not, you might as well be taking the bus for trips, or not get in exercise at all.

[@HolgerNestmann]

The metaphors in this video feel a bit weird to me, as I have not yet ascended any pyramid. Other riders can be a bit startling by going quietly on different speeds - but I agree I think we all enjoy the same essential connectedness with our surrounding while travelling. Cycling is great

[@Psi-du2lw]

There are e-motorcycles now though.

[@esgee3829]

yep. i see those walls when i'm on some mixed use path and a lycra clad dude going 40kph shouts at some pedestrians walking 2 or three abreast or see a bike commuter nearly get run over by a model x or 4runner with a very expensive thule rack on the back, veering into a painted bike lane or turning into the cyclists right-of-way.

[@EriebyCycle]

❤

[@mutualin4mation]

Tom can you do a video on how well matched the bicycle is to the endurance aspect of humans? I heard that humans are at the apex of endurance. Humans can run down any animal. Not the fastest or the strongest but we last the longest. But the bike multiplies that by a hundred. That would be a good video.

[@natalihoeg227]

Love this topic! The background music on this video was a little loud and distracting :(

[@thurstonrider]

Cycling for the past 22 years, many types of cycling has interested me. I've always viewed other riders as my peers. I began cycling not only as a recreational activity, but a way of commuting to and from work while saving gas and mileage on my car(s). Only until last year when e-bikes spiked in popularity did I have a dark moment of egotism. It wasn't the e-bikes themselves, it was what I kept seeing on KZbin. The E-moto riders zipping in and out of bike lanes and trails at 40+ mph. I started believing ALL e-bikes went this fast and that ppl only wanted e-bikes to purposely outpace conventional riders. I found out I was wrong and have learned more about e-bikes and many ppl needing an e-bike to get out to cycle. After all, I'm getting older and slower (not in my 20s anymore 😆) so an e-bike may be a great option down the road--but not now.

[@Brad-cb2dt]

I’m trying to convince a friend of mine to join me for a fast road group ride on his fat tire e-bike. Shatter those walls and ride! 🚲

[@jordanmiller42]

Moral of the comment section: let's not create division! Except against road riders.

[@HITABikes]

Still trying to get to the top of the dadbike pyramid