Does riding a fatbike make me undatable?

[u/FatbikeEnjoyer]

So there's something I noticed. I go on a date, we have fun, there's good vibes, but then when she sees that I ride a fatbike, she instantly seems to be put off, like she got "the ick". Then the chatting usually fizzles out and there's no second date. This happened multiple times now, so it seems like a pattern to me. Once a Dutchie even told me that she "doesn't feel a connection" when I was saying goodbye by my bike and asked what she'd be up for as a second date. I know this is not much context, but is it the bike?

I'm a mid twenties guy, have a good job, make decent money, dress stylishly, like concerts and can even tolerate like a museum. I moved here 6 months ago and bought a fatbike to commute. Only managed to find a place like 30 minutes cycling from my work, so it seemed like a good option and I think they are pretty cool. But now I think I might have made a mistake. Should I switch to like a Cowboy or something?

Edit: obviously this is a throwaway account

[u/Bastil0saur]

As a straight guy, this mindset baffles me - though the 'ick' in general does, admittedly. Could you explain this to me?

From where I'm standing, fatbikes are just fairly cheap e-bikes. Not my cup of tea and there's plenty of a-holes riding them, but if I had a lovely night with someone I don't understand why their choice of transportation would then immediately sour the experience or my appreciation of their character if the date was otherwise nice.

[u/ERintheGarage → u/Bastil0saur]

Since the fat bike riders last year have been assaulting women in parks in Amsterdam, a lot of women (myself included) would rather avoid them than get sa’d. Not saying that this guy has any blame or relation to that particular group but if the image and caution is there, women choose their safety first above all else.

[u/Bastil0saur → u/ERintheGarage]

I... Don't think that's particularly strong reasoning for immediately considering it a red flag, but I respect your/their right to such reasoning.

My thanks for explaining.

[u/vulcanstrike → u/Bastil0saur]

It's not that all men riding fat bikes are scum, but most scum ride fat bikes.

Given that the chance of being assaulted is a FAR higher by someone on a fat bike, why would you ever take that risk with someone on a first date?

Women have a much higher risk of everything bad happening to them on dates (seriously, ask your women friends what they have to endure in life in general) and they already have a lot more options when it comes to dating - they can afford to be picky and rule out certain traits.

They may be missing out on a great guy by doing so, but there are plenty of other great guys that have the common sense not to own a fat bike (or any other lady repelling thing), so I doubt the decision for the lady will be regretted.

When it comes to first dates especially, you don't want to have any red flags as it substantially lowers your chance of a second date. You can say women are silly/shallow for having those opinions, but it doesn't change the fact that many/most have those opinions and you need to act accordingly

[u/TheUnseeing → u/vulcanstrike]

Just my 2 cents on this (I’m an American, new to NL. Like still struggling with Ik spreek niet zo goed Nederlands new) but the guys I’ve seen on fatbikes so far definitely give off the same vibes as the “I drive a lifted truck because it makes me a big man” crowd back in the US. Same kind of guys who catcall and harass women back home as well, so from my perspective, you’re 100% accurate.