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