Many moons ago at Uni, Psy 101 taught me about people who are ego-centric. The world revolves around 3 persons - I, me and myself. The centre of the universe is Planet Me.
This unfortunate malaise does express itself in various ways too and surfaces in ethnocentrism where wiki does a very nice definition:
Ethnocentrism is the tendency to believe that one's own race or ethnic group is the most important and that some or all aspects of its culture are superior to those of other groups.
You may ask what has this got to do with foldies? Well, I was in Bike Forum recently and came across a particular forummer who was obsessed with his Brompton bicycle. He would attack anyone literally through sarcasm, cynicism and inneundos, those who had a different opinion that the Brompton is NOT the best foldie in the world.
I do understand that we all have our favourites as can be seen by the strong and passionate opinions shared in Swift bikes but my objection is why must we insist that if it is the best for me, it must be the best for everyone else? Having such an attitude and world view smacks of incredible immaturity, zero consideration and respect for others, and just a general spoilt child syndrome.
I call this Foldicentric behaviour and I really hope that we all will be more open and appreciative of the wonderful and different engineering capabilities each foldie offers, in its own unique ways. Yes, a Brompton has the smallest and compact fold but if you need upright-ish storing exclusively, say in a packed bus or a train even, its not going to work, mate! One of the stick folders will be more suited and so on.
The late Michael Jackson is right, we need to heal the world and make it a better place, especially the wonderful world of foldies. Don't you think?
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Romans 12:16
6 comments:
I am sure if you asked anyone who is mechanically inclined, or for that matter, the designers of the individual bikes, they would have much appreciation for 'rival' brands.
Every model is designed in some sense to fit around some average for most of the features and excel in one or two or may be three specific issues. I am sure if you talked to Mark Sanders, he would be the first to admit, that it is not meant for touring. But it was not designed for touring. It does extremely well for what it is designed for - Multi modal commute in the city with very short rides.
People who are in love with their 'brands' because they plonked money and diss other 'brands' have a specific name. Photographer Ken Rockwell calls them "Equipment measurebators", almost the lowest level in the hierarchy of users. I tend to ignore comments form these people.
Internet teaches us well to rapidly filter spam even though it enters our visual cortex :)
Nat, that is such an informative link on "photographers" and I fully agree with you abt Equipment Measurebators. TU so much for your insightful contribution!
:)
Thank you! Similarly, I find it discouraging when people suggest their bike to someone else without even taking into consideration what kind of cyclist they are. For example, some recreational folks ask a knowledgeable mechanic and he tells them to get a road bike. Not good.
Hi Walter,
Fancy seeing you here! Welcome indeed and yes, I fully agree with your observation about not listening to the customers needs and recommending rubbish. I've met many bike shop owners like that...
Thankfully, you guys at BF DO listen and that is why so many folks like me are extremely satisfied BF owners.
Say, pls say Hi to my friend NAT and give him a Cool Aid. He is visiting you guys next month to pick up a NWT from Dave!
C'mon...is this site now a running advertisement for bike friday???
Foldicentrism in full effect...
E = Eastbiker I assume? Apologies if you are not...
Welcome to LTF! If you trawl the earlier posts, you will find that I do appreciate other brands too. Case in point - the latest Swift review.
However, BF seems like the only bike manufacturer interested to engage their customers from my experience hence, I enjoy dealing with them immensely.
I'm not deleting your post here because though I don't agree with your combative stance, I think there is enough room to accommodate you here.
Post a Comment