Can we be told in advance about BOTM?

[Neil]

Sometimes I think that there's a certain demograph who contribute to BOTM who've lost perspective, whilst they play to the crowd. If everybody who competed in most things, mountain bike races, marathons, you name it, did so purely on the basis that they had a strong chance of winning, rather than just taking part, they'd be a whole deal more boring for everybody.

Right. I would be willing to bet that 90% of people who run marathons do so for personal goals. But the length and route doesn't change for those folks. If you trade marathon for BOTM, then what BBB is saying that he doesn't have enough have enough money to train for a marathon, so he'd prefer we all run a half marathon instead so he'd have a fighting chance.

Two things:-

1. It's not like it's a permanent suggestion, and the odd BOTM themed that some may not be interested in, is hardly un-inclusive.
2. It's meant to be fun in the first place, so fer fecks sake have fun with it. There's no point trying to foist professional standards, on a bit of fun, done by, and taken part in by enthusiastic amateurs.

Some people - and I've seen quite a few over many BOTMs realise they don't have any chance of winning - but just appear to enjoy taking part - just the same as many amateur sporting events.

Perhaps some people just want to see some bikes that are either more realistic to them now, or were more realistic to them back in the day. I'm not talking about BSOs, here, but sometimes playing to the crowd means being revisionist.

I'm all about mixing it up with themed BOTM competitions. It keeps it fresh, and the "rider" month was great. But the "budget" month, IMO, just doesn't belong. Who wants to go to a racetrack to see stock 86 Toyota Camrys race around? Or worse, to a car show where they're on display?

Whether you approve or otherwise, there's plenty of people who go to, or participate in things I suspect you'd see as worthless.

What's wrong with inclusion - who does it harm? Is there some elite junta some are constantly trying to appease or something? Sometimes I just don't get it - the whole concept is predicated on nostalgia, rather than objective appraisal - nobody (as far as I can see) is wanting old crap, BSOs celebrated, so where or what is the harm?

 

[dbmtb]

i think more emphasis on the BIKE part of bike of the month is needed. Far too much wallart around here these days.

I was going to press "like" and then remembered it wasn't Facebook.

 

[Drencrom]

Nope, just sayin' that you can chose to run the marathon, or you can chose to go for a jog. But dont email the race director a month before and ask to make the course easier

And that is fair enough - I agreed that it should be left the way it is, but the original issue about knowing the BOTM category in advance seems to have been overtaken by your assertion that mid-level bikes and mediocre builds aren't worthy of respect, or indeed a BOTM occasionally for non-exotica. I disagree with that.

Seems like you feel that the OP is fishing for a BOTM that gives him a better chance?

 

[We_are_Stevo]

Nope, just sayin' that you can chose to run the marathon, or you can chose to go for a jog. But dont email the race director a month before and ask to make the course easier

And that is fair enough - I agreed that it should be left the way it is, but the original issue about knowing the BOTM category in advance seems to have been overtaken by your assertion that mid-level bikes and mediocre builds aren't worthy of respect, or indeed a BOTM occasionally for non-exotica. I disagree with that.

Seems like you feel that the OP is fishing for a BOTM that gives him a better chance?

I don't think anyone one was championing 'mediocre' builds in the first place??

To my mind a 'mediocre build' would be where someone hadn't put in much effort, submitting a bike (could just as easily be an expensive frame...) with mis-matched components and in dire need of a good clean!

A showroom example of a 200GS equipped early '80's icon would hardly classify as 'mediocre' by comparison, and would probably beat it hands down in the public vote...

 

[ridevintagemtb]

Seems like you feel that the OP is fishing for a BOTM that gives him a better chance?

Yes!

but the original issue about knowing the BOTM category in advance seems to have been overtaken by your assertion that mid-level bikes and mediocre builds aren't worthy of respect, or indeed a BOTM occasionally for non-exotica. I disagree with that.

I'll leave my personal feelings on these types of bikes at the door, but for the purpose of this discussion, there's absolutely nothing wrong with them. Low-mid lever bikes get people off the couch and out the door (most of the time) and that's awesome. Anyone who has passion for one should certainly feel welcome to enter one alongside a "wall hanger," and the community here will probably support and vote for them in an "open" BOTM competition. This month so far is a good example.

To my mind a 'mediocre build' would be where someone hadn't put in much effort, submitting a bike (could just as easily be an expensive frame...) with mis-matched components and in dire need of a good clean!

Like this guy?

Can we have a "jesus christ what the hell is that, none of the parts are period correct and none of the ano matches" month.

I think I've said all I can. IMO the "competition" should remain open and unregulated to foster better bikes and photos. If it was easy, then everyone would do it. "The hard is what makes it great."

 

[MiniNinjaRob]

I'm not intending to offend anyone, but if you can't play because of [insert excuse here: money, time, ability], then maybe stay off the field?

Probably too harsh for some of you.

Well you obviously have offended - me included. You appear to be saying that BOTM should only be accessible to rich people.
RetroBike is all inclusive, or haven't you noticed?

The different categories are obviously meant to bring different kinds of bikes out on show and give them some recognition.

Just because a bike is mid range from a big manufacturer doesn't mean it takes less effort or desire from the owner to get it to a BOTM winning standard.

No one is saying that a BOTM should be able to win if it is presented badly, or is built with poor attention to detail. I have seen bikes that are worth no more than a couple of hundred quid have a better standard of presentation than some superbikes.

 

[drcarlos]

you dont need to spend loads to build a lovely looking bike

for example, this one i saw recently and i think it's great looking

I agree with that, reminds me of the Sorcerer in my sig.

Carl.

 

[Grannygrinder]

Right. I would be willing to bet that 90% of people who run marathons do so for personal goals.

And 60% of those are doing it for charity not for any 'prize' and certainly not to compete directly with world class athletes, more for fun

 

[MiniNinjaRob]

I'm all about mixing it up with themed BOTM competitions. It keeps it fresh, and the "rider" month was great. But the "budget" month, IMO, just doesn't belong. Who wants to go to a racetrack to see stock 86 Toyota Camrys race around? Or worse, to a car show where they're on display?

Me!

I have a couple of reasonably expensive modern bikes, costly enough to swap for a top-end Klein or Yeti if I sold them. But I like to see bikes that people used to ride, that evoke memories and good times. They need to be immaculately presented and built to get my vote.

This isn't the bike equivalent of Pebble Beach, it's like a local car show where the immaculate Mk1 Ford Escort can easily get more attention than the Ferrari next door - and it's all the better for it.

 

[Drencrom]

This isn't the bike equivalent of Pebble Beach, it's like a local car show where the immaculate Mk1 Ford Escort can easily get more attention than the Ferrari next door - and it's all the better for it.

So, using the analogy above, would you prefer BOTM to be a free for all every month without any 'theme', or if there is one for it to not be based on price?