tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post6226545322871993136..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: On Bicycle ReviewsVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87104238388954375652012-05-11T11:47:28.391-04:002012-05-11T11:47:28.391-04:00i think it's ok because your subjectivity is c...i think it's ok because your subjectivity is clearly part of it, it all reads like an experience, rather than some expert opinion. though, to be fair, i felt a bit queezy when i read a comparison of carradice saddlebags to some modern knock-off, and wondered where you were coming from. on the other hand, i just fitted some belleville bars and reverse levers to a bike after reading about it here, and it's just groovy..derfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15596980838764306792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-27641621132069293872011-09-16T09:57:12.659-04:002011-09-16T09:57:12.659-04:00: ) Nice try. The Gazelle is staying, particularly...: ) Nice try. The Gazelle is staying, particularly considering the things I've just seen at Interbike (the new Gazelles seem to be losing more and more lugs every season).Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-30591691472348331592011-09-16T09:52:16.866-04:002011-09-16T09:52:16.866-04:00Your evolution is still too slow for me: I am wait...Your evolution is still too slow for me: I am waiting for you to tire of your Gazelle and put it up for sale....let me know if it is ever eclipsed in your affections by a younger, sexier bike.Atlantichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13587759935946361159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-69845231043128632612011-09-15T10:17:40.889-04:002011-09-15T10:17:40.889-04:00One key thing a review should provide is informati...One key thing a review should provide is information. For example, toe overlap is a fact. The interpretation - whether it is a concern - is up to the reader. At Bicycle Quarterly, we try to provide information, and leave the evaluation to the reader. Everybody has different preferences, which is why we'd never select a winner in a "3-bike shootout" or crown a "Bike of the Year."<br /><br />Of course, every reviewer has preferences. There is no way around it. For example, we make no secret of the fact that we prefer bikes that respond well to spirited riding. If you share this preference, then Bicycle Quarterly's reviews will be most useful to you. However, even if you don't, you'll get useful information on whether the bike is well-made, or whether parts fall off over the course of our 200-mile test.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-43899855067984672582011-09-14T21:32:15.362-04:002011-09-14T21:32:15.362-04:00I learned from reading your blog that all types of...I learned from reading your blog that all types of bicycles and any given bicycle are a compromise and that people change over the years. That being said I still would value your opinion more than the opinion of many... because (but not only) you are never "pontificating" on any subject.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-44038845476745473352011-09-14T21:08:15.566-04:002011-09-14T21:08:15.566-04:00I don't want to make it seem like this is a fr...I don't want to make it seem like this is a frequent thing or like I get "blamed" per se. More like some people get nervous when I introduce ambiguity into ideas they were hoping would be more clear cut. Like, with my Rivendell - I thought it was fast a year and a half ago, and it was - compared to any other bike I'd ridden prior to it. Since then I've ridden racing bikes and it no longer seems like a fast bike. Some readers are unable to process this change in perspective, and they interpret it as my saying "never mind, the bike is not as good as I thought" even though that's not what I'm saying at all. <br /><br />Anyway, overthinking this stuff can make one paralised with doubt about expressing their impressions and opinions, which I think would be a shame. The way I see it, the reviewer's responsibility is to provide disclosure, while the reader's responsibility is exercise interpretation.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-67099742873523581002011-09-14T20:43:36.997-04:002011-09-14T20:43:36.997-04:00Big decisions, including purchases, are made irrat...Big decisions, including purchases, are made irrationally. Buyers remorse is also emotional. How exhausting! No wonder they blame you. Even if you claim caveat emptor.Bifhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05543158648103470697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-73077298811977888102011-09-14T20:24:12.919-04:002011-09-14T20:24:12.919-04:00Anon 3:08 - Very true, though to be fair I clearly...Anon 3:08 - Very true, though to be fair I clearly state that I am a newish rider in the "About Me" page. If a reader thinks highly enough of this blog to value my opinions, surely they ought to at least glance at the About page - at which point they would notice this information. <br /><br />I also think that the whole beginner vs experienced rider dichotomy is somewhat misleading, in that *everyone's* preferences and opinions change over time - sometimes radically. When cycling experts give advice, it is based on their (or the industry's) understanding of a concept at the time. As new information becomes available, they will often alter their recommendation. <br /><br />Finally, just to point out that many people in the bicycle industry who do officially dispense advice have even less experience and knowledge than I do. I often overhear conversations in bike shops, where the salespeople or even mechanics feed customers misinformation. I also know framebuilders who got into cycling later than I did. They know how to build a particular kind of frame very well, but lack a wider base of knowledge. <br /><br />All in all I think it's important to keep in mind that blogs are neither manuals nor advice columns, but are usually documentations of one individual's experience/growth/journey/development/ whatever you want to call it. Any review posted on a blog should be interpreted in that context.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-9178097615157984302011-09-14T20:09:20.220-04:002011-09-14T20:09:20.220-04:00I agree with all the points you made about what ne...I agree with all the points you made about what needs to be taken into consideration when reading bike reviews. But, at the same time I can understand the readers sense of betrayal too. Often times, people like to tell others that so-and-so wrote a great review, which helped them with their decision to buy the bicycle. In the end, the way I look at it, if they still like the bike--despite your new opinion--then your opinion really shouldn't matter, as long as they are still happy with the bike. But, if they agree with your opinion, and realize the bike is not right for them... well, there's always Craigslist :).Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12235831374184428641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-23379364911923010192011-09-14T20:05:51.042-04:002011-09-14T20:05:51.042-04:00@ Montrealize
I'll tell you the name by e-mai...@ Montrealize<br /><br />I'll tell you the name by e-mail because I don't want to discredit this store for maybe my problem with them was an exception and not the rule.<br /><br />d r h g i l l e s @ m e . c o mAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-17353235267583583782011-09-14T15:08:41.341-04:002011-09-14T15:08:41.341-04:00I think this is an outstanding post. In addition ...I think this is an outstanding post. In addition to pointing out important features of ANY bike review, you are also acknowledge that<br /><br />"Having started this blog as a beginner, my preferences are in a constant state of evolution, making me an inherently untrustworthy reviewer"<br /><br />I think that is a particularly important point for new readers. One of the paradoxes of Lovely Bike is that the site has all the visual hallmarks of having been written by an expert. It's very well written and illustrated. It is filled with links to "Bike Reviews" "Product Reviews" "Manufacturer's Profiles" etc. The site has attracted lots of commercial sponsors. New readers coming to the site see you designing bikes, doing test reports, collaborating with manufacturers, traveling to Interbike trade show. Because of all those trappings of expertise, many readers may not realize that you are actually a newish rider, and are still learning and experiencing many things for the first time yourself. <br /><br />Whether you want to be viewed as an expert or not, your highly successful web presence means you are SEEN as an authority. That increases the impact of what you write, but also means that people may put undue weight on your temporary opinions, which are themselves rapidly changing as you gain more experience. Reader (and writer) beware.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-67625806966200573752011-09-14T12:02:23.862-04:002011-09-14T12:02:23.862-04:00Dottie wrote "The most helpful part of bike r...Dottie wrote "The most helpful part of bike reviews for me is the opportunity to see more photos (...)".<br /><br />Did you notice that the photos often are different from the actual bicycle, even on manufacturer's sites? For instance all colors are not available in all countries, the brakes or wheels may not be identical, the bicycle may come with a pannier or not, etc.Gilesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31910337372666624092011-09-14T11:54:46.400-04:002011-09-14T11:54:46.400-04:00@ Giles
Would you mind telling what store it was?...@ Giles<br /><br />Would you mind telling what store it was?Montrealizehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08689176985812848399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-24781434029513191812011-09-14T00:21:42.325-04:002011-09-14T00:21:42.325-04:00Great topic! All of those considerations are real...Great topic! All of those considerations are really important for people to remember when researching bikes online. Personal reviews are so helpful during the initial research/obsession part of bike shopping, but can never replace one's own personal experience with a bike. The most helpful part of bike reviews for me is the opportunity to see more photos and get more info about a bike than is ever available from the manufacturer. Especially helpful for me when researching which city/Dutch bike to buy were photos of people actually riding the various bikes. Reviews provide great bonus material. :)Dottiehttp://letsgorideabike.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21473966095119984702011-09-13T21:32:22.330-04:002011-09-13T21:32:22.330-04:00In fact I bought a Marin Inverness "fixed-gea...In fact I bought a Marin Inverness "fixed-gear" last week (my first bicycle since 30 years - I'm 65) and I was very satisfied with it for the first four days but then I started hearing strange metallic noises coming from the rear wheel. The mechanic re-aligned the wheel but the noise came back the next day ; I went back to the store and another mechanic re-aligned the wheel again. The same metallic noise came back the next day... After a polite discussion the owner of the store became impatient with me and in short he told me I was imagining things and that the bike was perfect. I phoned to Marin Bikes but no help from them since I live in Montréal. I searched the web but nobody seems to be experiencing this problem — or nobody writes about it.<br /><br />I sold the Inverness "as is" to a neighbor and now I was considering a Globe Roll 3 (I like pseudo-vintage bikes with white tires, etc.) but I didn't find any useful review on this bicycle. I'll take another chance with this one. Ainsi va la vie !<br /><br />(I hope you don't mind my somewhat being off-topic.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-52969454584483510702011-09-13T20:49:28.635-04:002011-09-13T20:49:28.635-04:00I've noticed that as well. It's possible t...I've noticed that as well. It's possible that people who ride "normal" bikes aren't sufficiently obsessive about bicycles to write reviews about them?Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-63213921004640250542011-09-13T20:45:10.198-04:002011-09-13T20:45:10.198-04:00It's true enough that a cross-country biker wo...It's true enough that a cross-country biker won't even review a 3-speed city bike and that some blogs won't even consider reviewing less-than-5000$ bikes but there's also the problem of not finding any (serious) review anywhere on the web for some not particularly rare bikes ; I'm thinking of the "Marin Inverness" or the "Globe Roll", for instance.Gillesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-63643451500372680682011-09-13T18:45:56.272-04:002011-09-13T18:45:56.272-04:00"f writers needed liability insurance..."...<i>"f writers needed liability insurance..."</i><br /><br />Oh god, what a terrible thought!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-53224260124852556732011-09-13T17:40:39.830-04:002011-09-13T17:40:39.830-04:00I enjoy reading your reviews, V. and, as my mother...I enjoy reading your reviews, V. and, as my mother would say, window shopping cost you nothing.<br /><br />Those who have owned one or several bikes have learned what does and doesn't work for them. For those who are in the market for a first bike, reading reviews and test riding each model can help them narrow down their choices, but it's in the owning, riding and caring for a bike that they will learn its strengths and shortcomings. I would advise anyone who is buying their first bike (or first in a long time) to start with a model that has been in production for a good number of years and has a track record of good reviews. I would also advise them not to break the bank on it, because once they learn what works or doesn't work for them, they will need to begin saving for a new bike.Anne Welchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07773939487916426557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-22974015439453326772011-09-13T16:28:10.720-04:002011-09-13T16:28:10.720-04:00Perfect bikes DO exist. I've owned 20 bikes, a...Perfect bikes DO exist. I've owned 20 bikes, another 20 passed my hands briefly. Maybe another 20 ridden long enough for a review.<br />The '73 Cinelli was perfect. The '63 Rickert is presently perfect. The Eastman DL-1 is near perfect. Some of the most imperfect - say the Moulton - evoke fond memories.<br />Readers should learn to read. Writers need to write. This reader thinks V is a fine writer, and improving. If writers needed liability insurance in the event their readers did something foolish with their words, none would ever take up the craft.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-52307982120422422702011-09-13T15:29:51.836-04:002011-09-13T15:29:51.836-04:00Cherilyn - I don't think it's negative per...Cherilyn - I don't think it's negative per se, just human instinct. And I admit I've had similar feelings toward other blogs. I was disappointed when ecovelo sold their Pashleys for instance. I also think a lot of it has to do with people really wanting there to be the perfect solution, the perfect bike - whereas in reality such a thing does not exist.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-54227340078924949992011-09-13T15:17:09.596-04:002011-09-13T15:17:09.596-04:00Anon 12:21 - Good idea, I'll do that.Anon 12:21 - Good idea, I'll do that.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-49151932873676274612011-09-13T15:08:04.702-04:002011-09-13T15:08:04.702-04:00It was awfully wonderful of you to turn negative r...It was awfully wonderful of you to turn negative reader mail into an educational post, and not the ranting sort of "Take responsibility for your own damn decisions!" sort of thing. I would have been tempted to do the latter, at least inside my head. :) <br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to do such thorough reviews and writing a post like this.Cherilynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16091536510203894162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-78372647131762431552011-09-13T13:58:13.287-04:002011-09-13T13:58:13.287-04:00There are many bicycles I could have ordered onlin...There are many bicycles I could have ordered online based on positive internet reviews. However, all the reviews in the world can't substitute for a basic test-ride so if I couldn't find one in the flesh, I didn't consider it. This drastically cut down my bicycle choices but ultimately any review of any product online is always a guide rather than gospel and as consumers it's our responsibility to choose how informed we are prior to purchase. Doesn't matter if it's a toaster or a bicycle.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-20731599832751626502011-09-13T13:34:31.859-04:002011-09-13T13:34:31.859-04:00interesting! Yes I have read reviews of bikes that...interesting! Yes I have read reviews of bikes that I have ridden and it's been interesting to see if I feel similarly or not to the reviewer. <br /><br />and also when reading your reviews I feel like we may percieve bikes somewhat similarly which is why I enjoy your take on things. Of course I still want your opinion on the bikes I have ridden most and I feel like that will tell me if we actually do perceive a bike the same....MamaVeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09519007680870604271noreply@blogger.com