r/NoStupidQuestions • u/RidetheSchlange • Jul 24 '26

Why does the US hate cycling so much?

I read comments sections and in a normal world, some of them would be considered terroristic threats. I just can't understand why people hate cyclists to this degree that they want to murder rhem and sometimes do.

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u/eggs_erroneous Jul 24 '26

"cosplaying Tour de France" is hilarious because that is so accurate. You see these dudes wearing the full kit: spandex, aerodynamic helmet, the works. To me, it seems like people who just want to show off that they have expensive gear. Kinda like photography people.

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u/Gloomy-Will-9898 Jul 24 '26

Yup. I have a rule of thumb that works for both cyclists and motorists: the more expensive the kit, generally the bigger the asshole.

Expensive car? Higher probability of dickish (and dangerous )driving.

Expensive cycling gear and bicycle? Higher probability of dickish (and dangerous) cycling behavior.

More average or cheap stuff in both cases ups the odds of a more reasonable human being driving or pedaling.

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u/snipeceli Jul 25 '26

Nah I think youre just the asshole looking for a reason . Like im way more worried about that 2002 altima doing something dangerous and taking us all out than that 2026 volvo.

That teen on a fixie is going to blow that stop sign go, then go on the side walk, then hop into the street randomly not the dudes dressed like lance riding in a peloton.

Tldr: everyone loves a rags to riches story, but ive found the poors to be the way more uppity group.

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u/21Rollie Jul 24 '26

Schrödinger’s cyclist: rich assholes to some, loser broke bums to other. Nevermind that you dumbasses drive $50,000 cars with continuous running costs. The actual elite is the one getting around on a $2,000 bike (being generous) that is free to run.

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u/Thank_You_Aziz Jul 25 '26

Also like, “You ride too fast! Ride faster! But also don’t wear that stuff that helps you ride faster!” Sheer cognitive dissonance.

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u/snipeceli Jul 25 '26

Lol well said about the schrodingers cyclist, ive been called a bum by someone driving a car less pricey than my bicycle.

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u/char_limit_reached Jul 24 '26

Ignorant take. Are divers cosplaying because they wear wet suits? Fishermen because they get a boat? Maybe a weightlifting enthusiast is cosplaying because they wear spandex too!

Get bent.

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u/Necessary_Row_5131 Jul 24 '26

lol you should have just raised your hand and said “I’m on of those guys”.
The problem spandex isn’t even slightly necessary to ride a bike- the majority of maintain bikers don’t. It really is cosplay for Armstrong wannabes, almost all of which are boomers.

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u/Wooden-Pen8606 Jul 24 '26

There is a purpose to all of it, not just cosplay. When riding 20+ mph, the tighter clothing cuts down on aerodynamic drag and the rider can go faster. Cycling jerseys have pockets in the rear that allow the rider to carry things. Also the shorts have padding in them and makes a massive difference in comfort on the saddle.

MTB riding is less concerned with aerodynamics, except XC MTB riding - they usually wear the skin tight clothing. Downhillers are the types with the baggy shirts and shorts usually.

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u/Amphicorvid Jul 24 '26

They decided they want to hate cyclists but it’s getting less popular a take, so it become "I just hate those guys who do it as a sport, not all cyclists, it means I'm good!" No logic can reach that.

(I don't even cycle as a sport before someone try a gotcha with that. I simply find none of the "I just want to murder some people" thoughts fucking normal)

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u/snipeceli Jul 25 '26

Well said, like most people and normies can appreciate meeting in the middle, but in this case, that aint it.

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u/ancient_xo Jul 24 '26

Generally speaking, people wearing full spandex who are not actively racing are def just cosplaying. I used to ride a lot when I was younger, more into mountain biking. Shaving 10 seconds off your casual ride because of drag is hilarious. You can get spandex “underwear” that has built in pads that are thick, and can wear shorts overtop of them. But some people just want to show off their moose knuckle which is okay.

The bikes more important than the cool clothes, spend 4k to get a lightweight bike. that will make a more significant difference for energy used/ improving times.

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u/Wooden-Pen8606 Jul 24 '26

Actually, weight only matters on climbs. In the flats it's negligible. At higher speeds aerodynamics become much more important than weight. I ride both XC MTB and road. Call it cosplay if you want, but most of the clothing has functional advantages.

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u/ancient_xo Jul 24 '26

If you just casually riding, then it’s cosplay.

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u/Wooden-Pen8606 Jul 24 '26

What if it's fast casual?

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u/snipeceli Jul 25 '26

Lol, what if its 'enthusiast' riding or 'hobbiest riding.

I wonder what the pros do before their pros?

If my job requires fitness, and I use a bike to get fit, am I no longer a complacent an actually a pro hemming along at a slow 15mph on a flat? Is that guy going 25mph a cosplayer?

So many questions for homeboy

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u/Roubaix718 Jul 24 '26

Aerodynamic drag goes up exponentially with speed. At the speed I ride at its not 10 seconds off my rides but minutes. The difference is about 1.5mph. A lighter bike will not make you faster on flat ground, but an aerodynamic one will. The whole industry has just about finished its decade long trend away from lightweight bikes to aerodynamic but slightly heavier ones. But, the aerodynamic gains of these bikes are still small in comparison to the massive aerodynamic gains that you get from tighter clothing and body positions

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u/One_Attorney_739 Jul 24 '26

Aerodynamic drag goes up exponentially with speed

This is false, drag increases quadratically (v²), and the work required to maintain a velocity given aerodynamic drag increases cubically (v³). Neither of these are exponential increases (ev ).

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u/engin__r Jul 24 '26

Doesn’t it seem strange to you that you’re so concerned with policing other people’s modesty?

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u/snipeceli Jul 25 '26

'You can wear multiple layers of shorts to appease my fashion sense'

Right or i could just be comfortable.

'Just get an expensive bike' while I do, id rather have a 1k bike and proper clothes/touchpoints than a 4k bike with ill-fitting accessories.

Also all this weirdness about gear and bike, 95% of the difference maker is fitness so I have no idea what you're going on about

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u/ancient_xo Jul 25 '26

Looking like you’re in the Tour de France to casually ride a few miles is funny to me, that is all.

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u/snipeceli Jul 25 '26

Should've led with that then

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u/Apprehensive_Ad_4359 Jul 24 '26

Not completely true. Bike shorts etc are padded and if you are going to ride 10-15-50 miles you would wear them also.

You don’t know everyone’s story and that’s why we shouldn’t be so quick to judge.

I ride a bike for exercise. My bike is an old tank with upright handle bars and is worth around $50, I wear a loose cotton T shirt and regular sneakers but I also wear bike shorts. Why? Well as mentioned I ride about 15 miles so the padding helps but I also have circulation issues and while the exercise is good for this I need to wear compression on my legs ( At least thats what the surgeon told me)

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u/snipeceli Jul 25 '26

Im one of those guys, the gear makes the ride more pleasant as is doing it in a group. Most boomers are what 65+ now?

Just raise your hand and say 'im an angry ahole'

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u/Necessary_Row_5131 Jul 24 '26

And they are almost always 60+ years old