Performance Bicycles: What Is Performance?

In order to talk about performance bicycles, we shouldbicycles, boy, could I talk your ear off. There are so
start by defining the term. We all know what bicyclemany 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 asaffordable 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 mechanicalownership, 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 anreceived one Christmas. The first items removed
overall concept of performance, I would like to offerwere the fancy chromed fenders and tail extension
another perspective of performance as related toand of course the chrome chain guard.
bicycles. Though we all want to be the next LanceI was not the only one of my friends who did this,
Armstrong, our own best personal performance doesrisking the wrath of parents wondering why we took
not have to reflect world's records for speed orsuch 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, performancetube upside down in the bicycle frame giving the bike
should really be an issue of finding the bike that bestthat motorcycle chopper look. This was our definition
fits your lifestyle. This is going to include things otherof 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 hasand bicycle parts that amazed me. What they did with
many non-race related factors to take underthose parts was even more amazing.
consideration. How much can I spend on a bike? I haveSustain 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 upnew bike that may not be able to afford one
making more of a difference than trimming a coupleotherwise. 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 yourrecycle can go.
bicycle, and where it will be kept when you ride it toConsider all your concerns and interests surrounding
various destinations. You may not want to have athe type of bike that will best fit into your lifestyle and
flashy top of the line bike in particular parts of townyour 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-flashydoor.