Ever wondered what makes cyclists cringe harder than an unlubricated chain?
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a dedicated racer, chances are you’ve fallen prey to at least one of these temptations – but which ones are you guilty of?
Lust (The Endless Desire for New Gear)
Let’s talk about that feeling when you’re scrolling through bike websites at 2 AM, drooling over carbon fiber frames and shiny new components.
Your current bike is perfectly fine – maybe even great – but something about that new Canyon or that sleek Specialized screams at you.
We’ve all been there. That N+1 mentality where N equals the number of bikes you currently own, and the answer to “how many bikes do I need?” is always “just one more.” It’s the cycling equivalent of having a wandering eye, except instead of people, you’re ogling titanium frames and electronic shifting systems.
My Townhouse Has Little Storage So I Used My Bikes As Wall Art
by inmalelivingspace
Just remember – your bank account might not share your enthusiasm for this particular sin!
Pride (Biting Off More Than You Can Pedal)
We’ve all done it – looked at a route and thought, “100 miles? That’s basically like doing my usual 30-mile loop three times… how hard can it be?”.
Suddenly you’re 60 miles in, bonking harder than a toddler’s head on a coffee table, and the only thing more empty than your water bottle is your soul. Ouch!
Pride makes us think we can handle that epic group ride or tackle that mountain climb we saw on the Tour de France. Next thing you know, you’re sending that dreaded “Can someone pick me up?” text to your significant other, while trying to convince yourself that this totally counts as “character building”.
Remember folks: there’s a fine line between ambitious and foolish – and it’s usually marked by a cramping calf muscle! And you really don’t want that experience.
Greed (Drafting and sheltering from the headwinds)
Ever met that rider who mysteriously appears behind you when the headwind kicks up, but vanishes like a ghost when it’s time to take their turn at the front?
They’re the cycling equivalent of that friend who always forgets their wallet at dinner time. 💵
They’ll happily sit in your draft for miles, conserving energy, while you battle the headwind.
When you turn the corner out of the wind, or you’ve run out of batteries, surprise! – they’ve miraculously “recovered”, sprinting past with fresh legs while you’re gasping for your next breath.
Envy (Bike Jealousy – Always Wanting What Other Cyclists Have)
We’ve all been there – sitting at the traffic lights when another cyclist pulls up on a brand new bike that probably cost more than a decent used car.
And you bike might not even be a year old!
Your head starts spinning with thoughts like “If only I had those carbon wheels” or “Maybe I do need electronic shifting.”
Before you know it, you’re spending hours online looking at bikes you can’t afford, convincing yourself that a new bike would definitely make you faster. Meanwhile, your current bike – the one that’s carried you on countless adventures – is perfectly adequate for what you do.
The truth is, most of us are guilty of wanting what we don’t have.
I know I am! 😳
Gluttony (Overeating At The Cafe Stop)
There’s something about a cafe stop that makes cyclists lose all sense of portion control.
You’ve only done 20 miles, but somehow you’re ordering a full English breakfast, two slices of cake, and enough coffee to keep an entire office awake.
The best part, is the mental gymnastics we use to justify it. “I’ve burned 800 calories already!” or “I need the energy for the ride home!”. Never mind that the ride home is mostly downhill and only 5 miles away.
And the funny thing is you probably could have made it home just fine with a banana and a coffee!
Before your ride (if it’s quite big) consider eating properly before you set off:
Wrath (Road Rage Against Other Cyclists Or Drivers)
Car cuts off cyclist and goes into full road rage asshole.
byu/rLeJerk invideos
One minute you’re enjoying a peaceful ride, the next you’re shaking your fist at a car that passed too close or muttering under your breath at the cyclist who jumped the red light.
Sure, that driver probably shouldn’t have parked in the bike lane, and yes, that wheelsucker should take a turn at the front – but losing your cool won’t fix either situation.
Besides, it’s hard to look intimidating as a cyclist anyway!
Sloth (Not Looking After Your Bike)
We’ve all been guilty of putting off basic bike care.
This guy has a good excuse, seeing as he’s on an event:
I guess dirty bike pics are now a thing, here’s me at Unbound
byu/peggz223 inBicyclingCirclejerk
“I’ll clean it next weekend” becomes next month, then next season. Before you know it, your chain’s so dirty it could qualify as an archaeological dig site, and your gears are shifting with all the smoothness of a garbage disposal.
The funny thing is, most basic maintenance takes less time than making excuses about why you’re not doing it.
But somehow, watching three hours of cycling videos on YouTube seems more appealing than spending 15 minutes lubing your chain 😆
Thanks for reading. What is your “sin” when it comes to cycling? Let us know in the comments below
