>>1009877It's a very small meme that only exists in a handful of places online. As to whether your coworker is actively participating in the game or not, you'll have to look closely at his ride, because there are two kinds of bikes in this category:
1. Ordinary mountain bikes that are largely unchanged except for their tires - these belong to people who wanted a cheap commuting bike.
2. Mountain bike frames that have been deliberately repurposed in a way that allows the owner to express their creativity and mechanical skills - these are custom bikes that don't draw much attention except from fellow mechanics and enthusiasts.