A Chopper Or A Riser?

When I was mountain biking, bikes were often equipped with quick-release seat post clamps.  This allowed seat height changes for different parts of the ride.  On a technical section, you might  lower your saddle.  Then you could raise it when riding a flat, straight section of a trail.

Now, I admit that I didn't change my saddle height very often--or, at least, not as often as I was led to believe I would.  Still, I didn't mind having the quick release on my seatpost clamp.  I just had to remember to remove my seat and post when I parked my bike on the street.

I guess some people feel they need easily variable seat heights on all of their rides--even their commutes.  At least, that's what this rider seems to like:

Bikes Under The Tree

From Tree Hugger

For many people, a quintessential childhood memory is one of finding a bicycle under the  Christmas tree.  One generation dreamed of a shiny Schwinn balloon-tired bikes; the next yearned for three-speed "English racers."  Then there were those who lusted after slick-tired "Choppers" or "low-riders" or cruisers with sweeping curves--and, later, ten-speeds, which seemed as fast and exotic as sports cars.

If you've ever found a bicycle under the tree on Christmas morning, you know that nothing--not even getting that custom frame you'd been dreaming about--is ever quite as exciting.  Perhaps things are different for the current generation, but for mine, and those that came earlier, a new bike was the ne plus ultra of rewards Santa (a.k.a., Mom, Dad or other adult) bestowed upon you for being a good little boy or good little girl.  Not that I was ever either one... ;-]    In fact, as an adult, I was once given a bike for Christmas for being naughty, if you know what I mean!


So, dear readers:  I'd love to hear about the bikes you got, or gave, for the holidays.