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often when we are infatuated with a culture, a way of life, an aesthetic or a new muse we focus on what consumer items said aesthetic/ muse/ culture/ way of life buys/utilises or desires. The process being that buying said items will somehow bring us in line with what it is we hope to emulate. We often skim past the fact that the desirable traits of what we covet are actually the product of their environment rather than a synthesis of their aesthetics.
that kepler looks every bit a copehagen city splitter as a stridsiland baby carrier or wheelied omnium, the issue is where it's ridden is a gremlin island where rent is so high it makes one think about if they can justify the modest asset of a nice bike. any copohagen inspired bike will be trapped by the same conditions, but with the added layer of dissonance from its environment forever making it feel some what of a simulacra.
I'd sell the road bike (the kepler works fine as one) and use the funds to either return to coponhagen, maybe even with the kepler. failing that, put said funds to wards a nice sticker pack and an evening course or hobby you can cycle too in the cool, london evening air once a week.
that said if they're not sparking joy:
a grand for the kepler (on fb market place or the like, maybe split here)
600 for the roadbike if you split i reckon - it's rim and a sad state of the world
concur with the lads, a nice rim brake cross bike with flat bars and a set of jorts.
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Eloquently put as usual Maj! Luckily I too have a nonsensical MA from Goldsmiths also so I can appreciate your comments haha.
It was a tongue in cheek joke more than anything. Fundamentally, I’m just not currently arsed about ‘cycling’ yet also like riding bikes around so I don’t need to rely on public transit as I don’t intend on buying a car as long as I’m here in the big smoke of hellhole brexit island. But the thought of moving furniture, taking my S\O out without having to endure the tube, and doing silly errands for friends does make me smile (: Like everyone who likes bikes, we’ve all dreamed of owning a cargo bike, figure I may as well give it a try.
Also about to engage in a bit of a career change that means my free time for the next 2 years is gonna be very minimal, no time for long bike rides :(
+1 for jorts though
And for the price estimate! Everyone else vote pls
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often when we are infatuated with a culture, a way of life, an aesthetic or a new muse we focus on what consumer items said aesthetic/ muse/ culture/ way of life buys/utilises or desires. The process being that buying said items will somehow bring us in line with what it is we hope to emulate. We often skim past the fact that the desirable traits of what we covet are actually the product of their environment rather than a synthesis of their aesthetics.
that kepler looks every bit a copehagen city splitter as a stridsiland baby carrier or wheelied omnium, the issue is where it's ridden is a gremlin island where rent is so high it makes one think about if they can justify the modest asset of a nice bike. any copohagen inspired bike will be trapped by the same conditions, but with the added layer of dissonance from its environment forever making it feel some what of a simulacraThis thought is so well put out that i've already came back a couple times to read it again and elaborate on it. Food for thought, really @Maj
for context:
for one reason or another trail running and backpacking has kinda taken over the itch that gravel used to scratch. The road bike buy was a bit of an impulse decision when I thought I’d give ‘serious cyclist’ life a try. But I still get so much joy from cycling for utility around the city, so the fixie is still fun.
So, fresh off a couple days in Copenhagen with a burning desire to try to mimic a small little slice of that idyllic European city, cycle friendly, slower pace of life, up at 10am to ride with some friends or a S/O to grab a coffee and a pastry or to a park for a nap, kinda life. I am led to the conclusion that buying an Omnium Mini Max is the answer to all my wants, problems, and desires.