What type of rider are you?

[chengher87]

Are you a climber? Sprinter? Rouleur? Puncheur? Time-trialist? And what pro rider do you most ride like?

Me, I'm a pure climber. And my style is probably more akin to Sastre, Contador, Pozzovivo climbers where I alternate huge surges of power (at lower gears, but not that low, I still ride a standard crank) with short periods of rests (compared to other climbers like Schleck and Pantani who essentially "lift the pace" at higher gear ratios and sustain that consistent tempo over longer periods of time on the climb. Although Pantani could qualify in both climbing styles, but he rode a 42-21!).

But the riders I would consider myself closest to in riding philosophy is probably Pozzovivo, Moncoutie and Pantani. Climbing is essentially all I do (can't sprint and not enough discipline to time-trial). Plus, I love attacking and putting other riders (myself included sometimes) into difficulty. Furthermore, I am either at the front of the race attacking or yo-yoing at the back of the peloton and for the reasons like the three riders I mentioned, I am just not comfortable in the peloton at high speeds. If I am descending hairpins, I'd rather be alone whether that be in the front or back.

So who are you most like?

[jr59]

a slow, non-racing one!

but still having to much fun

[akelman]

I'm most like this guy (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u4A-ytR8ePM/S-NjI-SN_pI/AAAAAAAABQM/_QAtj8nznFI/s1600/former+pro+cyclist.jpg).

[Steve in SLO]

Are you a climber? Sprinter? Rouleur? Puncheur? Time-trialist?

Poseur

[joosttx]

Like a skinny scraggly bearded guy who rides a bike on a rural Highway in Georgia because he got too many DWI's. By the way, there is a cigarette, limp, in my mouth and I smell of beer and duck butter.

[akelman]

Come to think of it, I'm just like joosttx. Mmmmm, duck butter.

[Joachim]

In my younger days...

[Lewis Moon]

I pose as a poseur, but I fool no one.

[Lewis Moon]

In my younger days...

This guy needs to pee in a cup.

[Joachim]

This guy needs to pee in a cup.

Don't mock ze East German program.

[Lewis Moon]

Don't mock ze East German program.

Ever since Katarina Witt showed up at the Olympics with a porn 'stache, I've wondered about them.

[Joachim]

Ever since Katarina Witt showed up at the Olympics with a porn 'stache, I've wondered about them.

and now you are mocking my wife....nice.

[KidWok]

and now you are mocking my wife....nice.

hehehe...good one...

I'm a domestique...these days, my riding is pretty much limited to leading novice training rides where I help others get faster...which means I pretty much soft pedal all day. Life stays too busy otherwise for me to get out much. Just glad I still get to lead training rides.

Tai

[redir]

TT's are my strong point. I've won quite a few and the skills have helped me win road races and crits at least on the cat 3 level. I can't do crap in a 1/2 field. Only way I could win a race was to get off the front by my self when the timing was just right because my legs look and feel like wet noodles in a sprint, I just can't do it :(

For a tall guy at 6'3" I've been a descent climber but those are fading memories now :(

[shovelhd]

strong like bull****

[sc53]

I am a cyclotourist. I go at a moderate pace that slows badly up hills, I admire scenery, read historical markers and signs, stop and take photos of old barns, houses, cabins, sheds, ruins, rivers, streams, creeks and animals, and just generally enjoy the outdoors via bicycle. I am never in a hurry, except to get to the top of a hill, when ironically I slow down the most. I often seek out gravel and dirt roads just to go even slower and stop even more than I do on the paved roadways I travel. Oh and I forgot to add: I put on the brakes if I get past 30 mph downhill! Whoa!

[bikingshearer]

I'm the classic all-rounder. I climb like Mark Cavendish, sprint like Alberto Contador and time-trial like Frank Schleck.

Oh, and I have the tactical sense and commitment to truth of Richard Virenque.

[cmg]

old, slow, overwieght, who only just recently discovered high or higher cadence (spinning), reformed masher. Doesn't matter, never been fast, never will be and that's O.K.

[chengher87]

These responses are too hilarious! Man, you guys are quick thinkers. Granted, I asked the question wanting to know how you ride your bike, but not necessarily as a racer. I mean I'm a climber because I choose to work on climbing (me being 5'5" and 130lbs doesn't hurt either) and I love climbing because I like to pretend I'm climbing the Stelvio or Angilru.

Granted my legs, quads, glutes and lungs don't enjoy it quite as much as my psyche. Mind over matter!

[Formulasaab]

strong like Einstein, smart like ox

[MattTuck]

I'm like Jan Ullrich. I come into most seasons (after a winter of being a hog) too heavy, and finish most seasons in decent shape.

When I'm good, I'd consider myself a decent rouleur, no one would mistake me for a climber, but I can hold a pretty high level of power on the flats.

[Lanterne Rouge]

Me, well I'm a pedal masher (or masher de pomme de terre as it's known if the TdF); an out and out masher of pedals. My pedalling technique is so undesirable that people cover their eyes when they pass me (and they do pass me a lot) for fear of my ugly technique being contagious.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2135/1835461914_68b432b24c.jpg

I am a cyclotourist. I go at a moderate pace that slows badly up hills, I admire scenery, read historical markers and signs, stop and take photos of old barns, houses, cabins, sheds, ruins, rivers, streams, creeks and animals, and just generally enjoy the outdoors via bicycle. I am never in a hurry, except to get to the top of a hill, when ironically I slow down the most. I often seek out gravel and dirt roads just to go even slower and stop even more than I do on the paved roadways I travel.

+1 That's a good way to ride.

[christian]

I'm a fat, slow, approaching-middle age amateur.

[maunahaole]

escargotseur

[regularguy412]

I'm like Jan Ullrich. I come into most seasons (after a winter of being a hog) too heavy, and finish most seasons in decent shape.

When I'm good, I'd consider myself a decent rouleur, no one would mistake me for a climber, but I can hold a pretty high level of power on the flats.


^^ This ^^

But I did win a few State USCF TTs (in my group , that is) in my day.

Mike in AR:beer:

[palincss]

Are you a climber? Sprinter? Rouleur? Puncheur? Time-trialist? And what pro rider do you most ride like?


I'm a tourist and a slow, short-distance randonneur. I don't ride like any kind of pro rider, have no interest in racing at all, and I don't measure myself against racers or emulate them. Racing has zero relevance for cycling as far as I'm concerned.

[firerescuefin]

Racing has zero relevance for my cycling.

Fixed it for you.

I'm curious why you chose to respond to the question...other than being disagreeable/take a shot at the OPs question.

[firerescuefin]

Cheng...I'm more of a roleur...I hate dudes like you in the mountains:help:....love guys like you on the flats and rollers:)

[firerescuefin]

I'm a fat, slow, approaching-middle age amateur.

Sandbagger:fight:

[Joachim]

Sandbagger:fight:

So I got the "you look like a sprinter" last weekend. Sound familiar?

[charliedid]

Multi-faceted, middle age, skinny and slow but I can go long time...

I can climb well, but who cares if you are afraid to go fast down hill.

Dork

[MattTuck]

I can climb well, but who cares if you are afraid to go fast down hill.


I've never seen a descent from Alpe D'huez or Ventoux.... just sayin', pick your battles right and it's all good. ;)

[firerescuefin]

So I got the "you look like a sprinter" last weekend. Sound familiar?

When I met A. Pruitt the first time, he said "you're a track rider?".... Thanks Andy:no:

[charliedid]

I've never seen a descent from Alpe D'huez or Ventoux.... just sayin', pick your battles right and it's all good. ;)

Amen

[Joachim]

When I met A. Pruitt the first time, he said "you're a track rider?".... Thanks Andy:no:

Haha. Show up in a local Belgium Kermesse weighing less than 170lbs you will soon be pushed into the gutter with a few laughs.

[sc53]

oops

[sc53]

Multi-faceted, middle age, skinny and slow but I can go long time...

I can climb well, but who cares if you are afraid to go fast down hill.

I am!

[palincss]

Fixed it for you.

I'm curious why you chose to respond to the question...other than being disagreeable/take a shot at the OPs question.

So the only acceptable types of riders are those who relate to racing? I think I explained fairly clearly what type of rider I am, and it has nothing to do with racing.

Back in the day, there were two kinds of what we called "serious riders" -- racers and tourists. I was a tourist. The tourists rode sport touring bikes, had wide range gearing, used 27 x 1 1/4" tires; the racers used sewups, typically rode Italian racing bikes. Some of you who go back to the bike book the way I do may recall.

I don't think that's disagreeable.

[firerescuefin]

So the only acceptable types of riders are those who relate to racing? I think I explained fairly clearly what type of rider I am, and it has nothing to do with racing.

Back in the day, there were two kinds of what we called "serious riders" -- racers and tourists. I was a tourist. The tourists rode sport touring bikes, had wide range gearing, used 27 x 1 1/4" tires; the racers used sewups, typically rode Italian racing bikes. Some of you who go back to the bike book the way I do may recall.

I don't think that's disagreeable.

I interpreted your post to say racing has nothing to do with cycling. If you're on the bike and smiling, then you're winning in my book. Plenty of room under the tent for every type of rider...from randonneur to racer and everything in between. Gravelbikes and randonneuring will be my next chapters....sorry if I misinterpreted your post.

[Joachim]

Plenty of room under the tent for every type of rider...

Recumbents?

[T.J.]

I ride like no pro...that's why I am stuck at cat2:bike: but seriously, I really don't ride like any pro , I ride clean :banana:

[enr1co]

Strategic drafter:p

[biker72]

I think "old and slow" pretty well covers all aspects of my cycling ability.
It's still a lot of fun...:)

[Ardan MacNessa]

Haha. Show up in a local Belgium Kermesse weighing less than 170lbs you will soon be pushed into the gutter with a few laughs.
Head winds and pissing rain, 6°C. You still ride it in tapered sleeves, shorts, no socks in order to evacuate extra weight with excessive amounts of clothing which absorb into anything but the naked skin.

When asked about the event, you reply, "It was a fair day."

http://www.pavedmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/KRAMON-3-2.jpg

[gavingould]

i'd probably be a sprinter if i could survive the pace long enough for it to be a factor and had a train of guys to drag me to the front.
i don't climb. but i'd probably do well on a non-technical, slightly downhill course.

[chengher87]

Cheng...I'm more of a roleur...I hate dudes like you in the mountains:help:....love guys like you on the flats and rollers:)

Haha, if only a race were 10km or so of climbing, I'd win every time! Anymore climbing and my legs and lungs would be blown to pieces. With flat sections in between, I would easily be caught. Never won a race yet, but I do love the competition and since I love riding in general, suffer some delusions of grandeur for soloing to a victory on a mountain top finish..even if it means racing against riders twice my age and the mountain being a tiny hill to snag one. Can't be worse than doping to win righ? :)

[dave thompson]

I seem to ride mostly 'lantern rouge' because I'm usually the only rider that has a frame pump, spare tubes and I fix flats.

[chengher87]

I'm a tourist and a slow, short-distance randonneur. I don't ride like any kind of pro rider, have no interest in racing at all, and I don't measure myself against racers or emulate them. Racing has zero relevance for cycling as far as I'm concerned.

Riding like a pro rider doesn't mean you emulate them solely to hone your riding style (although it can if you choose to). Like I said, the type of my riding developed because I'm shorter and my fast twitch muscles are...well crap for sprinting (although I personally hate sprinting any way because it is way too chaotic). My philosophy of riding in the front or dropping off the back is due to a fall on a nasty descent in a group. Not that I don't trust my descending skills, but it's far more dangerous and frantic when you have cyclists literally wheel to wheel jockeying for the best line down a mountain. That it is similiar to Pozzovivo, Moncoutie and Pantani is not uncommon because..well there are plenty of people that have the same fears. I was using the rider types and pro comparison as a frame of reference. I mean...it would be hard to compare yourself to a famous touring cyclist....because well...they don't dope and therefore aren't particularly visible enough for people to know who you are talking about.

[carpediemracing]

I love the answers, too funny. I can say that I'm getting slower but more powerful in my old age. Slower on the bike and more powerful off it.

I wrote in to CyclingNews back when they had letters. It had to do with sprinting vs climbing sort of debate. A different website picked it up and published it on their site, with my permission.

http://www.aboc.com.au/tips-and-hints/aki-sato-on-sprinting

[shovelhd]

CDR, just when I thought I had read everything you have ever written, you pull out this gem. Holy crap, was that good.

[William]

...I wrote in to CyclingNews back when they had letters. It had to do with sprinting vs climbing sort of debate. A different website picked it up and published it on their site, with my permission.

http://www.aboc.com.au/tips-and-hints/aki-sato-on-sprinting



Great write up! You did great job of hitting on the tactics, adrenaline dump, fight and excitement of crit racing and mass finishes of road racing. Walking that fine line between excitement and disaster. If you like being in the thick of it up close and personal there is no better place to be.:cool:

"The Crit rider stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and they will fail, to the ruin of all." ;)






William

[MattTuck]

I love the answers, too funny. I can say that I'm getting slower but more powerful in my old age. Slower on the bike and more powerful off it.

I wrote in to CyclingNews back when they had letters. It had to do with sprinting vs climbing sort of debate. A different website picked it up and published it on their site, with my permission.

http://www.aboc.com.au/tips-and-hints/aki-sato-on-sprinting

That almost makes me want to go down to Boston this weekend and do the Wells Ave crit. However, I value my life, limb and property too much to risk it :)

[Gummee]

I interpreted your post to say racing has nothing to do with cycling. If you're on the bike and smiling, then you're winning in my book. Plenty of room under the tent for every type of rider...from randonneur to racer and everything in between. Gravelbikes and randonneuring will be my next chapters....sorry if I misinterpreted your post.Gravel is loads of fun. ...best part? Many fewer cars. The cars you DO meet are typically nicer on the gravel roads than when you meet em on the tarmac. There's something about about gravel...

Me? Built like a sprinter, but think like an endurance athlete. Leads me to put in attacks when I *should* be surfing the back waiting for the sprint.

I think of myself as a trackie. HATE hills. If the biggest hill I have to climb again is the banking of the velodrome, I'll be perfectly happy.

M

[fiamme red]

Are you a climber? Sprinter? Rouleur? Puncheur?Flâneur.