| In order to talk about performance bicycles, | | | | non-flashy bicycles, boy, could I talk your |
| we should start by defining the term. We all | | | | ear off. There are so many amazing things |
| know what bicycle signifies, but what about | | | | about recycling old bikes [recycled bicycles] |
| performance? I think that many people tend to | | | | into fabulously functional and affordable new |
| define the word performance as the ability to | | | | bikes! |
| offer top operation, meaning top speeds, top | | | | |
| maneuverability, and clockwork smooth | | | | I remember when I was young, after a short |
| mechanical functioning. | | | | period of ownership, dismantling and |
| | | | customizing my very fancy red and chromed |
| While all of those minor definitions | | | | Columbia touring bicycle that I had received |
| certainly relate to an overall concept of | | | | one Christmas. The first items removed were |
| performance, I would like to offer another | | | | the fancy chromed fenders and tail extension |
| perspective of performance as related to | | | | and of course the chrome chain guard. |
| bicycles. Though we all want to be the next | | | | |
| Lance Armstrong, our own best personal | | | | I was not the only one of my friends who did |
| performance does not have to reflect world's | | | | this, risking the wrath of parents wondering |
| records for speed or distance. | | | | why we took such expensive and fancy looking |
| | | | bikes and tore them down. I remember the Wynn |
| In my opinion, for the non-professional | | | | brothers. They made chopper bicycles by |
| bicycle rider, even the more serious bicycle | | | | mounting the front wheel fork and tube upside |
| rider, performance should really be an issue | | | | down in the bicycle frame giving the bike |
| of finding the bike that best fits your | | | | that motorcycle chopper look. This was our |
| lifestyle. This is going to include things | | | | definition of a performance bicycle. |
| other than top, high speed racing | | | | |
| performance. | | | | The Wynn brothers had a collection of used |
| | | | bicycles and bicycle parts that amazed me. |
| The best bicycle for the more common user has | | | | What they did with those parts was even more |
| many non-race related factors to take under | | | | amazing. |
| consideration. How much can I spend on a | | | | |
| bike? I have to carry my bike upstairs, will | | | | Sustain ability is the way to go. Every time |
| the bike be heavy to lift? There are many | | | | we're able to use what already exists we're |
| practical concerns that may end up making | | | | giving someone a new bike that may not be |
| more of a difference than trimming a couple | | | | able to afford one otherwise. Or perhaps |
| seconds of your mile. | | | | we're merely saving a spot in a landfill |
| | | | where stuff he haven't figured out how to |
| One thing to consider is where you will be | | | | recycle can go. |
| storing your bicycle, and where it will be | | | | |
| kept when you ride it to various | | | | Consider all your concerns and interests |
| destinations. You may not want to have a | | | | surrounding the type of bike that will best |
| flashy top of the line bike in particular | | | | fit into your lifestyle and your community. |
| parts of town anyway. | | | | You may learn something about yourself and |
| | | | the other people like you living just next |
| And if you want to get into the topic of | | | | door. |