by Danny G.
The world of cycling is filled with rules, opinions, and pretentious pricks who think they know what’s best for everyone else. You’ve got your Lycra-clad zealots, your “only road” snobs, and your gravel-bike cult members—each one armed with their own unassailable truth about what constitutes the “right” way to ride.
Well, here are a few unpopular opinions that’ll make the room fall silent. Go ahead and give me that side-eye. I’ve lived with it. And while we’re at it, let’s be honest here: sometimes, the truth hurts, and it’s easier to just keep pedaling and pretending the road isn’t a little bit bumpy.
1. Sidewalk Riding in Suburbs? Not That Big a Deal.
Let’s get the first punch out of the way. If you live in a suburban or rural area, riding on the sidewalk isn’t some cardinal sin that’ll send you straight to cycling hell.
Look, those sidewalks are usually empty. Not a soul in sight. So why not take advantage of them? It might be the safest bet when traffic’s a cluster of angry minivans, and you’re not trying to die for the “authentic” cycling experience.
“Real cyclists ride in the street,” they’ll tell you, eyes glazed over with righteousness. But when you’re in a place where the streets are empty and the sidewalks stretch out in front of you like a private highway, why not?
When was the last time you saw a pedestrian outside the rare lunch hour? Exactly. The real hazard? Not riding at all because you’re too scared to hop off that curb.
Just use some common sense, folks.
2. Flat Pedals Are Just Fine, Thank You.
Oh, but everyone’s gotta wear clipless pedals, right? You know, the ones that make you feel like you’re strapping yourself into a rocket just to go grocery shopping.
But listen here, flat pedals are as valid as any $300 clipless system. Maybe your feet are too wide for those fancy shoes. Maybe you don’t want to practice contorting your leg like some sort of cycling contortionist just to unclip before a red light.
Flat pedals get the job done, just like they always have. And for those who still think it’s a sacrilege to wear sneakers instead of spandex shoes, well, get over yourselves. Pedals, shoes—who gives a damn? If it works, it works.
3. Not Every Ride Needs to Be an Olympic Trial.
You don’t have to turn every ride into a goddamn time trial. That’s the thing about cycling that’s slowly turned into a cult: the obsession with metrics. Speed, power, watts per kilo. Sure, track your progress, but there’s no law that says every ride has to be about getting faster, going farther, or burning more calories than the guy next to you.
Sometimes you just need to slow down. Feel the breeze. Look at a flower. Maybe even eat a sandwich in a park. If that doesn’t sound like freedom, I don’t know what does. Ride for joy, not for Instagram likes.
4. Gravel? Get That Filthy Stuff Outta Here.
Gravel bikes are the latest cycling trend, and I don’t get it. Sure, I’ve heard all the arguments about the “freedom of the open trail,” but let me tell you—gravel is a curse wrapped in the guise of adventure. I’ve fallen off more gravel roads than I care to admit.
What’s worse, there’s always that one spot where the gravel gives way to something that feels like a surprise from Satan himself—a loose patch that sends your tires sliding sideways. And then, bam, you’re kissing the dirt.
Pavement, on the other hand, doesn’t lie to you. It’s solid. It’s reliable. The only thing that might take you out is a poorly parked car. But at least it’s not the universe laughing at you.
5. Commuting > Racing.
Let’s get real: most of us are just trying to get from point A to point B. Cycling isn’t a lifestyle choice for 90% of the population. It’s a necessity. People in cities, towns, and villages all over the world use bikes because it’s the fastest, cheapest, and most efficient way to get anywhere. But the “hardcore” cyclists—oh, they’ll scoff at this, won’t they? Tell you to “get a car, loser.”
And yet, the world’s greatest cyclists? They’re usually commuting to work or running errands. Racing isn’t the end-all-be-all of the cycling world. Sometimes the best ride is the one that takes you to the bakery.
6. Headwinds Are the Devil’s Work.
If you’ve ridden into a strong headwind, you know exactly what I mean. The wind hits you in the face like an angry fist, and no matter how much you pedal, you feel like you’re getting nowhere. The fight against the wind? It’s exhausting. And I’ll tell you this: I’d trade a tailwind for no wind at all. If there’s one thing that can ruin a ride faster than a flat tire, it’s wind resistance.
Every bike rider has been there—just one gust away from losing your cool. So let’s stop pretending headwinds are some badge of honor. They suck. End of story.
7. Riding in Lycra Is a Little Too Fancy for Everyday Life.
I’m all for comfort, but let’s be honest—wearing Lycra in public is like trying to explain why you just bought a $200 bike that you never actually ride. It’s impractical, uncomfortable for those who aren’t used to it, and let’s face it—no one looks that good in it after a few hours of sweat.
Lycra is meant for long-distance riders, racing, or some other elitist endeavor that involves going as fast as humanly possible. If you’re just out for a simple cruise to the park, jeans and a T-shirt will do.
8. Stop Signs? More Like “Suggestions.”
You’re riding down a nice, empty street. The sun’s out. There’s not a car in sight. Then, out of nowhere, you’re faced with a stop sign that’s telling you to halt. Does that stop sign still apply to you if you can clearly see that you’re the only one on the road? The truth is, 99% of the time, that stop sign is just a suggestion.
Let’s not kid ourselves. The roads are meant for everyone, not just cars. And let’s not forget that cyclists have a lot more vision (thanks to the height).
Note: This doesn’t apply to red lights – EVER. They have to be respected at all times.
Final Thoughts
Cycling’s an escape. It’s a rebellion. It’s a chance to throw the rules out the window, and that’s what makes it glorious. Yet somehow, every time you log on to a forum or talk to another “serious” cyclist, you find a new rule, a new expectation, a new way you should be doing things. But screw that. These opinions, while unpopular, might just be the voice of reason in the chaos.
So go ahead, roll your eyes. Disagree. But next time you’re out on the road, ask yourself—am I enjoying this? Or am I just trying to look like I’m enjoying it?
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