Allow me to translate facial and body language.
"This is everything. There is no more."
When you line up for a race there are certain things an
experienced racer can spot that reveal a lot about the other riders; none more
than the top tube.
In the final minutes before the race starts you can’t
stop yourself from visually sizing up your completion. The untrained eye might consider things such
as body type, leg tan, team kit, shaved or unshaved legs, facial hair or
tattoos. The bike factors into the
equation as well and we often rush to judgment and dismiss the rider on the ten
year old aluminum bike.
When I see a bike with a nasty top tube, I know the rider
has come intending to do battle. A top
tube with dried drops or puddles from sweat or sticky drool that glistens tells
me this guy has paid some dues in the pain cave and is ready to throw down the
hurt when the gun goes off. When those
drips and streaks get a light coating of dust so they stand out they testify to
the hurt that went into training. Nobody
does intervals for fun. Intervals are so
you can go fast when it counts.
This guy looks so ready his seatpost is getting excited.
When you see a bike with a nasty top tube, don’t question
the rider’s bike maintenance habits but instead give a knowing nod to the
rider. While it is good to avoid being
too judgmental, don’t even think about touching that nastiness. Aside from providing a training and hygiene
barometer, it’s just gross.
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