This green Earth is home to billions of people of all ages, colors, and creeds. Each day, the sun rises and sets over countless cities and towns, full of folks doing their thing. Humanity takes all kinds of shapes, and this is true even within the subculture of cycling. The cyclist weaving through packed downtown streets and the cyclist winning a world championship may come from very different walks of life, but they both share a love of moving via two wheels. In a mid-sized to large city, you may come across one or more of these cyclists on a regular basis:
10. Fixed gear hipster
The fixed gear hipster is recognizable even without their bike in tow. Their bicycle often serves as their means of transportation, and is usually not far from its rider, but this cyclist’s love of tattoos, graphic tees, and rimmed glasses easily distinguish them out in public. They may also don a mustache or short shorts, sometimes even both at the same time.
They are often found in coffee shops, chatting up the barista who knows them by name. Though most cyclists are inseparable from their coffee, the fixed gear hipster takes this to the next level. Their knowledge of coffee brewing techniques is truly bar none. After enjoying their cup of joe, they might cruise off on their fixie to meet up with friends, possibly to hang out in a park or to catch some live music. They often wax poetic about feeling more connected to their bicycle when unable to coast, but there is no denying it – they are the definition of hip.
9. Competitive cyclist
The competitive cyclist lives in a completely different plane of existence from the fixie hipster. Their cycling comes and goes in seasons; in between training, fueling, and racing, their goals with cycling include setting personal records, age group placements, podiums, and potential sponsorships. They find joy in their workout regimens and nutrition plans, and might dabble in one or more cycling disciplines, including but not limited to road, mountain, cyclocross, or track. No matter the type of bike or terrain, it gives the competitive cyclist a thrill to stand on that starting line.
They usually were involved in sports in childhood. Coaches, parents, and teammates might have encouraged them throughout these formative years, as is the nature of sport. When this cyclist pulls on their kit, or goes over their training stats, that feeling of childhood joy might return to them, of being small but powerful at the same time. Of moving through the world unencumbered by responsibilities and fears. They sign up for their next race, constantly chasing that feeling, enjoying the anticipation just as much as the racing itself.
8. Mountain biker
The mountain biker was usually a daredevil as a child. Back in the dog days of summer, they rode their bikes with friends, hucking themselves off homemade ramps and staircases, riding off into the woods with no ETA back home. Bikes were something to have fun with and enjoy to the fullest, even if that meant a ding in the frame or mud splatters.
As the mountain biker ages, their love for exploration and the whee factor never goes away. With a hardtail or full suspension bike at hand, they will take on winding singletrack, rock gardens, and downhill bike parks. They seek to improve their skills through coaching, clinics, and sessioning of tough features. With a friend or two in tow, they explore new trails, challenge themselves, and finish each ride with a smile on their face. Their love for nature and beer is truly unparalleled. Discussions of bike parts and upgrades are often overheard between mountain bikers, and it’s true – obtaining the gear is just as fun as the riding itself. In the end, mountain bikers know how to have a good time.
7. Bikepacker/bicycle tourist
The bikepacker or bicycle tourist is a bit more elusive. They are typically found in the middle of nowhere, cruising away on rural pavement or deep in the backcountry. You might run across one at a gas station, eating hot dogs and Pop Tarts like their life depends on it. To be honest, it probably actually does; riding from morning to night, day after day, burns thousands of calories. This results in days spent eating, riding, sleeping, and doing little else. But if this sounds like a monotonous routine, think again. Unexpected route changes, inclement weather, and physical injuries can add another layer of challenge to a trip via bicycle.
A traveler by bike relishes these challenges, and can almost always find a solution. They use their resources and ask for help. People around them are more than happy to lend a hand, seeing this wandering soul on a bicycle and curious about their backstory. Although the bikepacker/bicycle tourist might spend hours in solitude on the open road, they are never truly alone.
6. Commuting college kid
Nothing holds more hope and possibility than the eyes of a college freshman newly arrived to campus, freed from the rules of parents and ready to embrace their young adulthood. The world is their oyster. What clubs will they join? Which dining hall has the best breakfast? How much or how little sleep does one actually need? When surrounded by like-minded peers, these questions are a joy to explore.
At some point, the college kid might grow weary of waking up early for their morning classes. Countless nights spent staying up late can take a toll on them, creating strain on both grade point averages and budding friendships. In hopes of saving time getting to and from classes, they eventually snag a bike. Any bike will do – the cheaper the better. While their classmates are walking to class like chumps, they glide effortlessly along wide sidewalks and campus roads. Although their bike might end up abandoned at a campus rack come winter, they got exactly what they wanted out of it.
5. Tourists on beach cruisers
This type of cyclist probably would not call themselves a cyclist. Transported to a distant and novel land in the name of leisure travel, they might spot a bike rental shop and think to themselves: “Biking on vacation? That could be fun!” And after a quick exchange with the rental shop’s owner, they are the proud owners of wide tire, banana seat equipped beach cruisers for the next few hours.
As they ride, they might gaze wide eyed at the world around them, taking in the sight of new scenery. Maybe a soft ocean breeze or the smell of funnel cakes will waft in their direction. With the sun shining above them, and with general good vibes all around, this cyclist will smile to no one in particular. They have no idea how fast they are going, how many watts they are generating, or if they are annoying other people on the path. In their blissful ignorance, they ride on. Work emails and upcoming bills might as well not exist. In this moment, they are simply enjoying their time on the bike.
4. Gravel hipster
The gravel hipster is a more recent development in the world of cycling. They come from all backgrounds, and typically have dabbled in other forms of cycling before gravel road riding. Whether they have bike commuted, bike toured, or raced, they come to gravel for one reason: to be hip and trendy. In a way, they are a souped up version of the fixed gear hipster, daring to ride off on dirt roads into the unknown.
This cyclist lives for aesthetics. They often don flannel along with their perfectly curled mustaches, and wear jorts with pride – the shorter the better. They might have multiple tattoos and a story for each one. Their bikes are equipped with color coordinated bags, and they can be found downing coffee and beer in dangerous quantities. At first glance, they might seem like a lot; I mean, who can be THAT obsessed with bikes?? But under their flannelled, mustachioed, tattooed surface, they have a heart of gold; welcoming newcomers to cycling with open arms. Their circle of friendship grows and their party rides on.
3. Folding bike rider
The folding bike rider mainly lives in large cities and small apartments. Their decision to ride a folding bike is made out of necessity; it simply would not be practical to lug a full sized bicycle down subway station stairs, or on a packed commuter train. At the very least, it would be cumbersome and annoy fellow travelers, some of who definitely do not need extra stress added to their day. In addition, your typical shoebox sized urban apartment demands creative thinking when it comes to storage, and a folding bike can save precious real estate in a limited space.
A typical day for this cyclist is spent in hustle and bustle. They navigate the concrete jungle with ease, transitioning seamlessly from foot to public transit to bike to foot. Whatever the day calls for, they know the best transportation option for their destination. They may also ride for leisure in their free time, enjoying time on the bike, even if that bike has tiny wheels and looks a little different from all the others. But in the end, a bike is a bike, and meant to bring happiness in all its forms.
2. Unicyclist
The unicyclist is a unique one. Cruising along on their single wheel, they turn heads; and for good reason. It’s a unique skill, often only honed by the truly obsessed cyclist. Many cyclists enjoy having two wheels to balance with, and riding a unicycle can feel like going back to square one. But a few dedicated folks will persevere, spending countless hours learning how to ride a unicycle. And once they get it, the knowledge fully belongs to them.
Unicyclists are usually found in circuses or college campuses. Occasionally, they can also be found on the side of a mountain. Mountain unicycling is a thing, and if you thought mountain biking was hardcore, mountain unicycling takes it to the next level. The sport attracts an eclectic bunch; the Venn diagram of people drawn to mountain bikes and people drawn to unicycles only has the slightest overlap. It may look a bit odd at first, but it’s hard to deny the joy on a mountain unicyclist’s face. With only one wheel at their disposal, they grip their crotch in a totally not creepy way and ride bravely on.
1. Child on a Strider bike
The child riding a Strider bike is a precious thing. As they scoot along on the smallest bicycle possible, the delight in their faces is contagious. Even the most curmudgeonly person cannot help but soften at such a sight. This cyclist might yell in glee as they ride, learning what it’s like to float above the ground, and how the wind feels in their hair.
Many people have been this cyclist before, if they learned to ride as a child. They may have started with training wheels, riding in the household driveway or through neighborhood streets. Maybe they fell at first and scraped a knee, shed a tear. But over time, the skills of balancing and pedaling become easier. All it takes is one hard push and then a surge forward. The world moves in a blur. Freedom is waiting all around and with just a few more pedal strokes, it’s right within reach. And it all starts with a bike.
Eunice Wang 