Wierd bikes
Embrace the weird in the cycling world
The term "weird" has become a political buzzword in recent times. Weird inspired me to explore the increasingly unconventional world of bicycle design. As the definition of a bicycle blurs, it challenges what is normal and acceptable. Weird describes that dilemma perfectly.
I am a fan of the Shifter YouTube channel where urban cycling, bike commuting, and how people use bikes in urban spaces. Tom Babin shared his experience with a Dutch bike that became part of his daily life. People frequently comment that his bike is weird.
Bicycles as defined by Google
A bicycle is a human-powered vehicle with two wheels. It typically has handlebars for steering, a saddle seat, and pedals that propel it forward. The rider sits on the saddle and uses their feet to turn the pedals, which drive the rear wheel through a chain.
Bicycles defined by the State of Ohio
“Bicycle" means every device, other than a device that is designed solely for use as a play vehicle by a child, who is propelled solely by human power upon which a person may ride, and that has two or more wheels, any of which is more than fourteen inches in diameter.
Challenging definitions and perceptions
Beyond the dictionary or legal definition, we can all envision a bicycle as a mode of transportation with components like handlebars, a seat, pedals, wheels, and a chain that takes us from point A to point B.
The bicycle is undergoing a radical transformation that defies our traditional image. E-bikes, in particular, are revolutionizing how Americans perceive bicycles. With their fat tires, baskets, racks, and heavier weight, e-bikes often depart from the traditional bicycle frame and shape.
I have enjoyed many European cycling tours in my retirement years. The evolving bicycle styles that many Americans find weird are commonplace in Europe. Bicycles are integrated with daily life and designed for function and durability.
I often include my mantra when I speak or write, “If you ride a bike, you are a cyclist.” I might add that “Whatever shape your bike takes, it is a bike.” All types of bicycles, no matter how weird and unconventional, deserve the same respect as the traditional bike.
Some of the things that people see as weird are not so weird. An upright seating position enhances rider visibility and awareness. Accessories like baskets, racks, and kickstands improve functionality. Durability and ease of use are prioritized over reducing weight. This contrasts with the performance-oriented focus of road bikes that often sacrifice versatility for speed.
Why should you embrace weird bikes? Anything that encourages more people to ride is a win. A weird ride can simplify daily errands and commutes. Increases in weird bike use benefit cyclists and communities alike. Weird makes comfort and safety paramount for the ride, If a weird bike helps people feel more secure, that's yet another victory.
I'm not suggesting you ditch your road bike or any other traditional cycle. They have a well-deserved place in cycling history and continue to be popular choices. However, I encourage you to broaden your perspective on bicycles and cyclists to include the emerging weirdness.
My regular rides introduce me to a diverse range of bicycles. Weird designs becoming increasingly common. My years of cycling and working for the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure exposed me to an endless array of weird bikes. Despite their differences, both traditional and unconventional bikes share a common denominator: the joy experienced by their riders.
Fun and insightful post, Tom! Isn't Bicycle Heaven incredible?