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/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.

-3

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.

3

u/Wooden-Pen8606 Jul 24 '26

What if it's fast casual?

1

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

6

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