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Oh boy! Have we got news for you!
Earlier this week we brought you a lovely warm fuzzy video from Focus that featured riders from across the world showing what bikes mean to them, and now Shimano has brought out this ‘All bodies on bikes’ video. Are we seeing a shift in bike marketing from the old tropes of the Velominati – the harder, faster, more, more – to a more inclusive and welcoming ‘bikes are great, they make you smile, come try it’ approach?
Kailey Kornhauser and Marley Blonsky are on a mission – a mission to change the idea that people in larger bodies can’t ride bikes. The duo aims to make cycling more inclusive, beyond just inviting people of all sizes to ride bikes, but by changing the entire idea of what it means to be a cyclist — not just on screens, but on trails and in people’s minds.
The video talks about body image, but the negative feelings of wondering if you’re good enough to do a ride, of being left behind your friends, of worrying about what others think of you – these can apply to so many people. Likewise, the expressions of feeling alive, enjoying being outdoors, having fun and appreciating what your body can do will be familiar to many. Harness the warm glow, and remember that if you’re a person on a bike, you are a cyclist.
You can follow Kailey and Marley on Instagram here:
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Hannah came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. Having worked in policy and project management roles at the Scottish Parliament and in local government, Hannah had organisational skills that SIngletrack needed. She also likes bikes, and likes to write. Hannah likes all bikes, but especially unusual ones. If it’s a bit odd, or a bit niche, or made of metal, she’s probably going to get excited. If it gets her down some steep stuff, all the better. She’ll give most things a go once, she tries not to say no to anything on a bike, unless she really thinks it’s going to hurt. She’s pretty good with steri-strips. More than bikes, Hannah likes what bikes do. She thinks that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. Hannah tries to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.
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If Shimano really believe in making cycling accessible to all body types then then they need to work on some deep bar stuff with a gear lower than 30×34
Really enjoyed this video and it made me consider the way that I think about others which is always a good thing. Kudos to Kailey & Marley. Gotta love the power of bikes.
Like this. The physical feel-good of riding bikes shouldn’t automatically cross into celebration of athleticism.
Ampthill +1, let’s hope this is a sign that Shimano and other influential brands are realising that racing does not ‘improve the breed’, it just creates specialisms.
Love this, so inspiring, more bodies on bikes less on couches, keep on keeping on
Sent to Mrs Sandwich as she thinks going slowly is less fun for me. Do what you can do and the fact you’re out is a better effort than a great many of your friends and peers.
More of this please Hannah!
What a positive video…. Bikes are great.
Great vid. I also feel really sad that they have gone through those feelings.
Really great video. It’s such a shame we’ve inhabited the planet for 10,000 years or so, and we still can’t get our heads around inclusion!
I came across Mirna Valerio a while back (a runner as well as a cyclist); she’s a Salsa sponsored rider – https://salsacycles.com/people/mirna_valerio
“To be a cyclist you just need to be a person riding a bike”
I think everyone should dance like that at the end of a ride.
Such a good video. I’ve long said that no matter how you feel about the increasing awareness and importance of diversity and inclusion, no one can deny that it’s good for the bottom line of every business. Still, I for one am all for a more understanding and inclusive world of riding bikes for fun.
Like I always say, two wheels good. But it’s not just about two wheels. As my nan used to say, “It takes all sorts to make a world.” A person is defined by their actions, not their appearance, so whether they are on a bike or not, they are just a human being, as we all are, and deserve to be treated as such.
Excellent video.
Nice one.