Hipster or not?

Well I'm in a quandary. I'm at a stage I could go either way. Do I got for respect or do I go hipster? Here's the background;

• I am a biker (well was). I used to race BMX's back in the 80's and raced mountain bikes in the 90's. I haven't however been a road racer. I've owned them but just as transport.
  
• I wanted a new bike as I'm moving to london, got a few MB's but rode my mates classic racer and I wanted one. Knew about Fixie bikes as I'd ridden one a few years ago and liked the feel.
  
• I don't intend to race again. I may get the bug and get involved but right now I don't see it happening. Going to do some rides but nothing on the track.
  
• I'd seen some amazing looking bikes and loved the fixie aesthetic. I love clean design and yes I admit it's fashion accessory as well as transport.
  
  

Sometimes I wish I never joined here, then I could be riding my sick Fashixie (Fashion Fixie) blissfully unaware people wanted me to die! But that's not the case. If I do something I like to research and really get involved. I decided against buying a track bike. 1 because I'm not going to use it on the road and 2 because I really didn't want to end up butchering a classic bike because I didn't know what I was doing.

So I ended up with a 90's lugged Basso. Nobody is going to miss it so I'm free to do what I want with it. Now most people want the respect of the tribe that's relevant to them (and the situation) Hipsters want other hipsters to respect them and normal people to envy them. "Real Riders" (we need a term for the alternative of Hipsters!) want other real riders to respect them and envy them.

I either try to go with restraint and make sensible aesthetic choices form and function but I could easily get it wrong. There's a lot to learn and I can just imagine the Quill choice handlebar angle fail I'd get. The frame is already to small for me (6'4") so that's instant abuse but too late I love her already.

Or I make choices based on form over function. Nothing to stupid I'm not that kind of guy, not brakeless with flats. Just looks a bit before brains. God sometimes I want to get an Arrospok just because I shouldn't. Maybe with "Yeah it's an Arrospok but it's pretty" on it. I loved my mag wheels in the 80's but I think I'd look stupid with 20" wheels.

So what should I do? Go respect and then be envious of the way other people's bike look or go fakenger and know I'd feel guilty the whole time? Difficult questions at difficult times.

Sorry, has he finished yet?

You've gone to a lot of trouble for a piss take...

:p

"fixie"

pukes all over cock

Deliberately all over your cock, or did it just happen to be out while you're sitting at your computer?

Do whatever you feel like. Why should it matter what other people think? If you want arrspok, buy arrospok.

Here is basically what I'm working with. It's changed a little but not much. It's definitely a work in progress....

Rear brake is going to go. That's already decided...

Miche hubs, Mavic rims. But I do like the look of deep wheels.

Deliberately all over your cock, or did it just happen to be out while you're sitting at your computer?

I was trying to 'get to it' at the time, if you know what I mean.

Jesus you bastards are fast. I hadn't finished.

No I am being serious. The Arrospok was a lie but I was looking forward to the reaction. Did not see the puking on the cock coming. That was.... unexpected.

I'm definitely a work in progress....

+1

"fixie"

pukes all over cock

Some people would pay you good money for that

Did not see the puking on the cock coming. That was.... unexpected.

+1

whats the little screw on the dropout? ive not seen that before

Do whatever you feel like. Why should it matter what other people think? If you want arrspok, buy arrospok.

Beautiful words. Shame it's not true.

I don't want a stupid bike because I picked the wrong forks and it ruins the geometry. I want a great bike to ride so what knowledgeable people think is very important.

you started your first year assignments already?!?

isn't wanting people to respect you part of being a 'hipster'?

Do what you like, balls to what people think

..

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IMO, that bike looks pretty nice as it is. You've got a decent set of wheels there. If you decide that deep section is the way you want to go, you could sell them on to someone else.

Can't really tell from the photo, but if you're ditching a brake and going fixed, you should get some clips and straps, or clipless pedals, for safety's sake

But what Mattttttttttttoomanyt'sy said – do what you want, it's your bike. Don't let the nazis tell you what to do.

whats the little screw on the dropout? ive not seen that before

They would go. (Correct me if I'm wrong) but they are used for bikes with derailers or chain tensioners. You get your wheel in the perfect position and then tighten the screws up to the axle. Then when you next replace the wheel you just move the axle back to it's position up against the bolt, quick and easy wheel adjustment.

OH MY ACTUAL FUCKING GOD, trend over. it's gone full circle and now it's caught in a self-perpetuating frenzy of ironic self-loathing and neon apathy. i no longer understand the world.

pukes all over cock

ate you have idenitity fucking crisis.

Don't let the nazis tell you what to do.

Right, kids?

IMO, that bike looks pretty nice as it is. You've got a decent set of wheels there. If you decide that deep section is the way you want to go, you could sell them on to someone else.

Can't really tell from the photo, but if you're ditching a brake and going fixed, you should get some clips and straps, or clipless pedals, for safety's sake

But what Mattttttttttttoomanyt'sy said – do what you want, it's your bike. Don't let the nazis tell you what to do.

The wheels are nice so I may use them on another bike.

Keeping the front brake. Got clips ordered.

That's the point kinda. I don't know what I bloody want any more. I've lost my vision. It's getting powder coated but in the same colour. It's such a lovely red I want to keep it.

This bike does inspire me but I think I want it to stand out more....

ate you have idenitity fucking crisis.

Which one of me are you talking to?

I want a great bike to ride so what knowledgeable people think is very important.

I wouldn't know about that.