Possibly a new recurring feature for the Lookabout blog: Product reviews written by a Monkey and a Crab. Today, we introduce the characters.
Lou says:
When it comes to bikes I like new things. Basically for two reasons:
First, I am pretty much just a like a monkey. I like shiny things. There is no denying the fact that on the evolutionary scale of things I have seen little or no advancement when it comes to shiny things. They excite me and if I could swing from a tree when I see them I would.
Second, I suck at a working on bikes. I mean, basic maintenance is not a problem but when it comes to a fixed gear conversion project or rigging up something on the bike to save a little money I can guarantee you that it will take me twice as long, cost me four times as much and expand my profanity vocabulary exponentially – not necessarily a bad thing. And even if I do successfully complete a project I am way too neurotic to not let those clicking-rubbing-jangling noises bug the hell out of me and make me feel like I screwed something up along the way.
The solution: Buy new stuff!
Jamie says:
I’m suspicious of new things. And the people who sell them. And the reasons that people want them.
When I buy some new gear, I can expect days of anxiety leading up to the purchase, and then days of remorse afterwards. “Is this the right part? Will it fit? Is it stylish? Is it too trendy? Is that a good price? Should I buy it online? Should I buy it locally? … Damn! I should have bought that other one.”
But that’s my problem. The problem with the gear itself is that there’s no life in it. It’s too perfect. It has no character. Used gear may be shabby and unreliable, but most of my friends are shabby and unreliable, too. That’s what I like about them.
So, if I stick with the animal analogies, I suppose that I’m a little like one of those hermit crabs. Happy as hell to take someones cast-off shell and make it my own. It might look a bit beat, and may not fit quite right, but it’s mine and I’m proud of it.
To be continued…
