rev:text
| - I don't like this place at all. I think it's very pretentious, but the cool staff have the attitude that they're not pretentious. How pretentious is that!
It is true that they explain things to you. Mansplaining. But they also make sure to tell you how there's no pressure to buy, they're inclusive, etc., in many words. It comes across as creepy, intrusive/nosy, and presumptuous.
They push Surly and Velocity and fat biking and other hipster stuff or fashionable bike parts. Of course they'll work on your old bike too because they're so cool and open-minded (Oh, thank you Revolution Cycles!). As usual with bike shops, you need a special bike for touring, a special bike for the winter, special classes for women only, a special bike for commuting, special gear, a special hat, and other special skill-sharing meetings. And I think you need to drink too. The goal is "community", not independence, and to become something. In this case, a cyclist. I'm not sure what they are revolting against and what their revolution will bring, but it's ultimately very institutional to me.
|