Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ?

Jul 2, 04 9:14

Post #1 of 29 (5023 views)

Why are there so many people who seem to give shit about whether a slow triathlete rides a Litespeed Blade with 10sp Dura Ace or a 20 year old Schwinn 7 spd ?

Why does it matter? I haven't heard any reasons, only that they think slow triathletes shouldn't waste money on expensive bikes. Why do you care? What makes it a "bad thing" that I'm slow, but that I want a great bike?

Here's a better question... What exactly is a poseur? Assuming two triathletes have the exact same bike... say, a P3 that cost exactly the same amount and has exactly the same components... Where's the line between them that defines which one's a poseur and which one isn't?

Is a poseur a state of mind? I.e., I buy the bike because I want people to think I'm fast, even though I'm not. Is that what a poseur is? Or do I achieve "poseur-ness" simply because I own Kestrel Airfoil Pro, and I typically finish MOP to BOP?

Is this "poseur" shit simply something so that people can complain because other people make more money than they do? What is the deal? Why do you care? Is it to make you feel better about yourself?

I'd really like to know.

-------------------------------------
Steve Perkins

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [steveperx] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 9:21

Post #2 of 29 (5012 views)

I like poseurs, they realize how cool I really am.

-The poseur with a Felt DA is one super-kick-ass poseur

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [Ze Gopha] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 9:24

Post #3 of 29 (5001 views)

i once had a goldfish that was silver. he was a poseur and I named him that.

http://www.barefootrunning.org

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [steveperx] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 9:28

Post #4 of 29 (4985 views)

As T. D. would so aptly present....

Hmmm

The next level of this would be why does anyone else care, if anyone else care's, about how everyone else does what, how, and why?

Seems like lots of folks have an interest in other's desires, goals, and their approach to life to the point of absurdity. But since we are all human that makes us individually unique. So we all have the option of expressing our personalities differently. Otherwise, this would be a pretty boring place to hang out.

Train hard...race well.
www.jimmishler.com
"Jim, I happen to agree with you" DougStern

and you guys think roadies are snotty! :p [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 9:35

Post #5 of 29 (4961 views)

I'm a roadie. we have our share of poseurs too. I just live and let live. better than wasting one's money on an SUV.

steveperx's analogy about the 2 identical P3s is a good one! and, as with everything in life, there is no clearly defined answer. truth often has a large degree of fuzz factor. the guy on the Kestrel finishing at the back may have been hit by a car, and bought the Kestrel to reward himself for just frickin' surviving.

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [steveperx] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 9:40

Post #6 of 29 (4950 views)

Because they are losers, socialist, democrats or all 3 :-) Just ask them.

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [steveperx] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 9:49

Post #7 of 29 (4933 views)

It beats me. A few weeks ago, there were posts a'plenty about the increasing problem with obesity. Now, people are raggin' on folks who are at least getting out and getting some exercise. It doesn't matter what the price tag of your ride is as long as you--

RIDE IT LIKE YOU JUST STOLE IT!!!!!!

Brett

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [steveperx] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 9:50

Post #8 of 29 (4930 views)

Because it's funny that someone would invest soooo much money into something even though they can't tell the difference. Their splits would be the same on a 10 year old Trek or a Cervelo. I personally enjoy beating people that have all the equipment in the world but can't race worth a s##t....

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [turn n' burn] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 9:54

Post #9 of 29 (4919 views)

You should enjoy beating people that trained as hard as you did, regardless of the equipment they have...

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [steveperx] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 9:54

Post #10 of 29 (4919 views)

See.... I was right!

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [turn n' burn] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 9:55

Post #11 of 29 (4912 views)

Those are probably the only people you can beat.

Last edited by: BigWaveDave: Jul 2, 04 9:59

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [turn n' burn] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 10:01

Post #12 of 29 (4903 views)

I think anyone who drafts is a poseur

Anyone who plays by the rules and finishes is likely not.

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [jaime876] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 10:05

Post #13 of 29 (4893 views)

In Reply To:

You should enjoy beating people that trained as hard as you did, regardless of the equipment they have...

but that's impossible to tell. What is easy to tell is the guy with the $3000 bike, Ironman Look pedals and shoes can't keep up. We are all competitive and in my opinion it's just another aspect of being competitive "I can still beat you even though you have top of the line stuff"

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [steveperx] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 10:09

Post #14 of 29 (4883 views)

To me, a "poser" is someone who is representing himself as someone s/he is not. There's an element of intentional deception there. Having a nice bike doesn't tell anyone that I am fast, or even that I think that I am fast. Have you talked to me? If you did, you wouldn't hear me dropping podium placings or times on you.

Besides, If I got upset that someone who "looked" fast wasn't, then I should be getting upset at the people riding not-so-great bikes that post great times. Hey.....wait a minute....ummm, nevermind.

Back to the deception angle. All this nonsense about people using equipment that is not "commensurate" with their performance level is a load of crap. Now, if someone lies to you and tells you that s/he is fast when s/he's not (or tells you they're slow when they're not), that's a different story.

Russ

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [turn n' burn] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 10:17

Post #15 of 29 (4858 views)

Granted, I really don�t mind about the equipment, but I do mind about the attitude, I guess I would like to have the 3000 dollar bike and the performance of the guy who just beat me... I�m gonna have to work hard to obtain both :)

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [jaime876] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 10:23

Post #16 of 29 (4844 views)

That's the best post I've read in a long time. Short... sweet... to the point... and so damned right on target that you can't argue it.

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Steve Perkins

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [steveperx] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 10:26

Post #17 of 29 (4831 views)

I used to ride in T-shirts cuz I didn't want people to think I was trying to buy speed. But then I was speed-skating and not bicycle racing. I know now why people ride with those funny shirts. When I was skating, even though I was just an average skater, I couldn't see putting myself at a disadvantage right from the start. At the level I skated at, I had to buy the good stuff.

Moving on to bikes, for a person just starting out, it seems to make sense to put some dollars into a bike cuz they will get better if they stick with it. When they do get better, if they bought a cheap bike, they will probably buy something better later, so why waste the money on a cheap bike and put yourself at a disadvantage right from the start?

I would feel funny riding a $4000 bike and being a MOP rider, but that is me and that's why I ride a $1400 bike hopped up a little. Do I smirk at the slower riders with a great bike? maybe a little, but if it gets them off of the couch, more power to them.

jaretj

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [steveperx] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 10:47

Post #18 of 29 (4792 views)

Whoever has the smaller calf implants is clearly the poser. ;-)

Marty Gaal, CSCS
One Step Beyond Coaching
Triangle Open Water Swim Series | Old School Aquathon Series
Powerstroke� Freestyle Technique DVD

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [turn n' burn] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 10:57

Post #19 of 29 (4768 views)

"I personally enjoy beating people that have all the equipment in the world but can't race worth a s##t...."

---------

I enjoy buying stuff you can't afford.

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [turn n' burn] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 11:20

Post #20 of 29 (4736 views)

Just another troll....you seem grumpy..tired? Doesn't McDonalds have a day shift?

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [steveperx] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 12:08

Post #21 of 29 (4705 views)

I can reply on my own behalf, and I think that I might speak for others here... Posers are usually not talented. They do not annoy me so much as the do make me laugh. They attempt to make up for lack of talent by buying the best stuff as to look good. Thus..vanity is an unlikable trait.

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [Graz] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 12:36

Post #22 of 29 (4678 views)

In Reply To:

They do not annoy me so much as the do make me laugh.

Just like your post does. When did Dan start letting 3rd graders into the forum?

Re: Why so many people who worry about "poseurs" ? [Ready2run] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 12:53

Post #23 of 29 (4665 views)

Are you kidding me?

Yes I find "posers" comical..If i am the only one who got a good laugh at a poser, then..oops..bad on me......but they don't bother me. So, either you fit the poser profile or you are way to serious.

Posuer, here... [weiwentg] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 13:33

Post #24 of 29 (4635 views)

"the guy on the Kestrel finishing at the back may have been hit by a car, and bought the Kestrel to reward himself for just frickin' surviving."

I crashed and burned last year and couldn't race. So to keep my sanity, I bought and built a new bike while I was getting fat. When I got back, I'm basically no slower. I think that's because I've got this rockin' TT bike with a disc wheel and really sleek one-piece Aero bars (HED).

I'm FOP/MOP in my AG, been on the podium a time or two, even made the top step, but I'm 50-54, so my best race still puts be behind a lot of folks.

So I'm posing as a young triathlete. If I keep my helmet on, the girls can't tell how old I am. Once I get my TSR colors, I'll be the envy of everyone...

�:o)/

Cousin Elwood - Team Over-the-hill Racing
Brought to you by the good folks at Metamucil and Geritol...

Speaking on behalf of posuers everywhere... [steveperx] [ In reply to ]

Jul 2, 04 13:40

Post #25 of 29 (4617 views)

I like to look good. Whenever my girlfriend takes my picture on the bike, I ask her to use a really slow shutter and pan with me so the background will be really blurry. That way I look scary fast.

OK, so that's NOT me... I look like that if the picture is taken right.

I have a closet full of bike and tri duds, two bikes that cost more than my car, and I shave everything that shows, except the top of my head.

I rarely win anything (the occasional open-water swim or local sprint tri) but I'm always stylin'

I'd rather be me and so irresistably cool and good-lookin' than to be the fastest guy out there but can't get a date...

OK, I lied.

Cousin Elwood - Team Over-the-hill Racing
Brought to you by the good folks at Metamucil and Geritol...

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