written by Danny G.
You see them, don’t you? The ones who ride in full-spandex glory, their faces a mask of judgment, their eyes scanning the street like they’re on some kind of high-horse.
They judge your old bike, your outdated gear, your humble choice of pedals that haven’t seen the carbon fiber light of day.
And when they talk, you can almost hear the unspoken words, “You’re not a real cyclist. You don’t belong here.”
They forget, of course, that most of them were once you. They too were beginners, sweating it out in thrift-store jerseys, getting smoked by the wind and the road, cursing their quads for not knowing how to handle that damn hill.
So, before you go slipping on that high-and-mighty persona and start scoffing at some poor soul’s ride, let’s talk about why you should back off the snobbery.
Now let’s get something straight. You don’t have to ride like a king to love cycling.
Hell, most of us are just trying to stay in shape or kill a few hours away from the grind. If you’ve got the best bike money can buy, good for you. But don’t become that jerk who points out every little flaw in someone else’s ride or gear.
And don’t get me started on that guy who critiques the Garmin 130 like it’s some kind of electronic joke. Newsflash, pal: It’s a bike computer, not a freakin’ spaceship.
You don’t need to spend two grand to feel like a “real” cyclist. You need two wheels, a little heart, and a fair amount of grit. And above all, you need to stop acting like you’re better than everyone else just because you can afford the latest carbon fiber wheels.
Let’s get into it.
1. Because It’s Not About the Gear, Man
We all know the drill. Some guy rolls up to a group ride with a bike that looks like it was pulled from the depths of some junkyard, complete with rust and an unidentifiable brand.
And there’s always that one guy who makes it his personal mission to rip into him.
“You’re really riding that? You know you can get a nice set of carbon wheels for just a couple of grand, right?”
Yeah, well, good for you, buddy. For most of us, cycling is about the love of the ride, not the love of the gear. Sure, we’d all like to have the latest gadgets, but not everyone has the cash to drop on a $3,000 bike just to get some street cred.
2. Don’t Forget Your Roots
Remember when you first got into cycling? Yeah, that’s right. Your bike was a rusty piece of junk, the pedals were flat and broken, and your “cycling kit” was a mismatched pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt.
The only thing you had going for you was the dream. So, don’t act like you’re the second coming of Lance Armstrong now that you’ve got a sleek, top-of-the-line road bike.
The road didn’t get smoother for you because your gear got better. It got smoother because you put in the miles, and you’ve forgotten what it was like to feel that struggle. New cyclists? They’re just trying to get to that point.
3. Not Everyone Can Afford $2,000 Wheels
Don’t be that guy. You know the one—the one who doesn’t hesitate to drop $2,000 on deep-dish carbon wheels and then recommends them to some poor soul riding a $500 entry-level bike.
You’re not helping. You’re being a jerk. Instead of being some kind of elitist bike gear snob, try offering a word of encouragement, or hell, just ride alongside them.
Performance and fun shouldn’t come with a price tag that alienates people from the sport. You’ve been fortunate enough to afford that fancy setup, but not everyone can. And honestly? Those $2,000 wheels won’t make you faster than a solid rider on a mid-range bike.
4. Bike Shops Aren’t Your Personal Fashion Boutique
Ever walk into a bike shop and get looked down on because your bike isn’t “elite” enough for them?
One time, I took my beloved gravel bike into a shop for a repair, and the mechanic laughed in my face. “We only deal with elite-level bikes,” he scoffed.
Really? This shop wasn’t a place for the everyday cyclist—just the kind of place that thinks it’s too good for the working-class.
They sent me packing, and I learned to fix my bike myself with a little help from YouTube. You’re not too good for the guy who’s trying to make the most of his old clunker. Don’t be a shop snob. We all deserve to ride.
5. If You’re That Guy, You’re Probably the Weakest Link
Sometimes, the guy who has everything in cycling gear—the $500 helmet, the $200 jersey, the $5,000 bike—suddenly turns into the guy who’s out of breath on the first climb.
Guess what? It’s not the gear that’s holding them back. It’s the rider. If you’re one of those that constantly talks about your carbon fiber this and your titanium that, but can’t keep up with the pack, maybe it’s time to shut up.
Equipment doesn’t make the cyclist. The cyclist makes the equipment. So, when you’re sucking wind on the ride, don’t blame the guy with the 10-year-old bike—blame your lack of fitness.
6. We’re Not Here for Your Ego
I once had a guy ride up next to me in a group, going on and on about how he was the “fastest in the club.” Yeah? Well, you sure as hell didn’t look like it on that hill, my friend.
Sure, maybe your bike looks like it came straight off the Tour de France, but you’ve forgotten what it feels like to be the new guy.
You’ve forgotten what it’s like to be the one struggling to keep up. Don’t be that guy who throws around his speed just to make people feel bad. You’re not a cycling god—you’re just a guy with a bike and a bit of time on your hands. Chill.
7. Cycling Should Be Inclusive, Not Exclusive
Cycling should be about camaraderie, not about exclusion. The guy who’s rocking the new carbon fiber wheels and the snazzy kit might be the fastest guy in the group, but it’s the guy riding the old steel-frame bike with the mismatched pedals who’s keeping the spirit alive.
It doesn’t matter what bike you’re riding. If you’re out there, sweating, pedaling, laughing, and pushing yourself, then you belong. The group ride isn’t about impressing each other. It’s about having fun. So stop with the elitist attitudes. We’re all just here for the ride.
8. You Don’t Need a Fancy Garmin to Ride
I once got chewed out by a guy in my cycling club for using an old Garmin 130. “Can you even see that thing?” he said, like I was riding a toaster oven on two wheels.
Sure, I might not have the latest model that tracks every micro-calorie burned and analyzes my soul mid-ride, but who the hell cares?
It’s a bike computer. It tracks my miles, my time, and that’s all I need. The real question is: What are you tracking, huh? Your ego? Get off it. No one’s impressed by your $500 gadget if you can’t ride a decent pace.
9. The Mentality of “More Expensive = Better” is a Scam
Yeah, that shiny new bike you just bought might look nice, but it’s not going to make you a better cyclist. Want to know who the real badasses are? The ones who ride the 10-year-old bikes, the ones who keep that rusty chain running smooth, the ones who know the real meaning of grit.
That $3,000 bike isn’t going to save you when the hill gets steep. Your legs are what’s going to get you to the top, not your bike. So stop throwing your money around like it’s going to turn you into a pro cyclist.
10. At the End of the Day, It’s All About the Ride
Don’t forget why you started riding in the first place. It wasn’t about the gear, the bikes, or the snobby attitude. It was about the freedom.
The wind in your face, the thrill of the road stretching ahead of you, the joy of finishing a long ride. That’s what cycling is about. It’s not about how much your bike costs or how many watts you can push.
It’s about getting out there, doing the damn thing, and enjoying yourself. So let’s make it simple: ride what works, ride hard, and keep your damn mouth shut about other people’s gear.
Anti-snob Table Summaries
Table 1: The Real Cost of “Elite” Cycling Gear vs. Actual Performance
| Gear Type | Cost (Approx.) | Performance Boost? | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Fiber Wheels | $2,000+ | Marginal at best for casual riders | More useful for saving weight at professional levels, but for most of us, it’s just luxury |
| High-End Garmin GPS | $500+ | Doesn’t make you faster | Basic models do the same job at a fraction of the price |
| Aero Helmets | $200+ | Aerodynamics help at speed | Most cyclists don’t ride at speeds where these are necessary |
| Lycra Kits & Jerseys | $100+ per piece | Doesn’t affect ride performance | Comfort over style—save the fancy stuff for the races |
Table 2: The Struggle is Real — From Beginner to Pro
| Rider Type | Gear Quality | Speed | Attitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newbie with an old bike | Budget gear, hand-me-downs | Slow and steady | Enthusiastic, learning the ropes |
| Casual Cyclist | Mid-range equipment | Moderate to fast | Friendly and supportive, doesn’t judge |
| Elitist Roadie | Fancy, expensive kit | Fast, but often arrogant | Thinks they’re the king of the road |
The Ride is for Everyone
Stop the judgment. Stop pretending you’re the god of cycling just because you dropped a load of cash on your gear. We’re all here for the same thing: the ride.
The joy of pushing yourself a little further, of battling the elements, of feeling the wind and the sweat and the freedom.
So, throw your snobbery aside, ride what works, and remember that at the end of the day, it’s not the bike that matters. It’s the ride. And you can’t buy that.
Danny G.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.