Hybrid Bicycles - Roadies and their egos...

Is it me or do some of those guys seem to be a little odd in the head?

I was minding my own business the other day, riding on a paved bike trail and these two dudes talking very loudly (I saw them approaching in my mirror) were flying up on me pretty quick. Well, I was already over towards the right hand side of the path, a few inches from the edge in fact and one guy had the nerve to yell, "Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left". ?? I was actually kinda shocked and didn't know if he was joking or just an idiot. I glanced over as they passed and they were both looking straight ahead carrying on their annoying, loud conversation which you could hear a mile away. I guess it wasn't a joke. Yep, the typical Lance Armstrong wannabes all decked out being the inconsiderate people they sometimes tend to be.

Now look, I don't mean to stereotype all roadies like this but the more I come across out there the more they seem to annoy me. I have just as much right on the bike paths as they do, if not more. I feel if roadies want to race leave the paths to the recreational riders, joggers and walkers. They could seriously hurt someone going 30mph on a bike path.

It's funny, when I bought my hybrid the guy in the Trek store warned me to "watch out for the racers" as he winked. At the time I didn't understand. I do now. :eek:

I change my ego drastically from bike to bike.

If your account is accurate (words said; on the MUP or recreational "bike trail"), then the morons you encountered were not "roadies". Idiots, certainly; poseurs, probably; über- or NüFreds possibly; but not "roadies" (whether such people would style themselves as such is neither here nor there).

No self-respecting (and genuine) road/racing cyclist would cycle on a recreational bike path without adjusting his/her speed according to conditions, and most certainly would not utter a remark of that kind to a recreational cyclist.

There are jerks in all walks of life. Some that you encountered that day just happened to be riding road bikes. Often times they are driving cars, or riding the bus, or walking their dogs. No need to stereotype an entire group based upon such a small sample size.

I just got my first road bike. I can't wait to get all decked out in those funny outfits and have an ego transformation.

I still don't understand what it is about road bikes that elicits so much juvenile behavior from grown men with jobs and families. You and your bike have to look a certain way or face ridicule. I mean seriously, it's like going back to junior high. That being said, it's probably less than 20% of people on road bikes I see that actually appear subscribe to that nonsense. I mean who can take seriously a man wearing a skin tight leotard saying I look like a fool because I have a saddle bag and mirror?

Mean of those guys, but don't let them ruin your opinion towards roadies.

I still don't understand what it is about road bikes that elicits so much juvenile behavior from grown men with jobs and families. You and your bike have to look a certain way or face ridicule...

I find the whole thing hilarious. I assume there's some function in their fashion, but do they not realize there's only a small percentage of on-lookers that buy into their facade, while the overwhelming majority just shake their heads and laugh?

Is it me or do some of those guys seem to be a little odd in the head?

I was minding my own business the other day, riding on a paved bike trail and these two dudes talking very loudly (I saw them approaching in my mirror) were flying up on me pretty quick. Well, I was already over towards the right hand side of the path, a few inches from the edge in fact and one guy had the nerve to yell, "Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left". ?? I was actually kinda shocked and didn't know if he was joking or just an idiot. I glanced over as they passed and they were both looking straight ahead carrying on their annoying, loud conversation which you could hear a mile away. I guess it wasn't a joke. Yep, the typical Lance Armstrong wannabes all decked out being the inconsiderate people they sometimes tend to be.

Now look, I don't mean to stereotype all roadies like this but the more I come across out there the more they seem to annoy me. I have just as much right on the bike paths as they do, if not more. I feel if roadies want to race leave the paths to the recreational riders, joggers and walkers. They could seriously hurt someone going 30mph on a bike path.

It's funny, when I bought my hybrid the guy in the Trek store warned me to "watch out for the racers" as he winked. At the time I didn't understand. I do now. :eek:
Those aren't roadies, those are asshats. Get it right.


I change my ego drastically from bike to bike.
I'm impressed you've amused me for once.


If your account is accurate (words said; on the MUP or recreational "bike trail"), then the morons you encountered were not "roadies". Idiots, certainly; poseurs, probably; über- or NüFreds possibly; but not "roadies" (whether such people would style themselves as such is neither here nor there).

No self-respecting (and genuine) road/racing cyclist would cycle on a recreational bike path without adjusting his/her speed according to conditions, and most certainly would not utter a remark of that kind to a recreational cyclist.
I think you forgot the term MUPpets, but otherwise spot on.


There are jerks in all walks of life. Some that you encountered that day just happened to be riding road bikes. Often times they are driving cars, or riding the bus, or walking their dogs. No need to stereotype an entire group based upon such a small sample size.
+100000000000000000000000000


I still don't understand what it is about road bikes that elicits so much juvenile behavior from grown men with jobs and families. You and your bike have to look a certain way or face ridicule. I mean seriously, it's like going back to junior high. That being said, it's probably less than 20% of people on road bikes I see that actually appear subscribe to that nonsense. I mean who can take seriously a man wearing a skin tight leotard saying I look like a fool because I have a saddle bag and mirror?
I'd guess it's a lot lower then 20% but I read you as being ignorant of a lot of the reasons behind roadie kits, that's fine but your coming across the same way you say you don't like them too.

"Let me know when they get here," would have been the appropriate reply.

"Let me know when they get here," would have been the appropriate reply.

This.

I've seen a few threads like this. It must be an American thing, I've not come across this attitude in the UK.

In my experience, anyone decked out in cycling gear will never smile, wave, or otherwise acknowledge my presence on a bike path. So far I haven't found an exception to this rule. They don't say anything rude to me, but they just aren't social - not even a smile.

This.

I've seen a few threads like this. It must be an American thing, I've not come across this attitude in the UK.

Our American egos are so fragile that we have to try to assert our superiority to others in some way. I always lip off to the 70 year olds on recumbent trikes when I blow past them.

Perhaps a group hug and a few bars of Kumbaya will help the sensitivity here.

In my experience, anyone decked out in cycling gear will never smile, wave, or otherwise acknowledge my presence on a bike path. So far I haven't found an exception to this rule. They don't say anything rude to me, but they just aren't social - not even a smile.

I ride an MUP here in NOLA. It is frequented by bicyclists ranging from serious road bike riders and triathletes, to families and plain old recreational riders and everything in between. Sometimes I ride a road bike and sometimes I ride my oddball hybrid. I never dress in full kit, typically shorts and a T shirt or sometimes even shirtless if the temp is right. I haven't seen any difference in response that is dependent upon the bike I am riding. Here is what I have observed. I wave or nod at everyone I encounter unless the path is ridiculously busy. On a typical 20-30 mile ride I may encounter a cyclist about every 4-5 minutes. Anemic looking roadie males in full kit will almost never wave, nod or speak. Riders with triathlete builds are a little better about acknowledging my greeting, but not much. Hybrid, commuter and MTB riders almost always give an acknowledgement. Families do too. Couples no matter what they are riding are pretty polite. Single woman are normally very polite. Here's something interesting. I can't recall a black person ever failing to return my greeting. It's an interesting study to be sure. I want to emphasize that when the trail is jam packed, you'd never stop greeting people if you waved or spoke to everyone, so it's understandable that folks dispense with pleasantries. But when you encounter someone every other mile or so, common decency dictates you should acknowledge a greeting. Some...many can't be bothered.

I have been studying this on my way to work. I ride 14 miles each way about twice a week. MTB, usually a greeting, Hybrids, a greeting and smile or nod. Road bikes, a nod and quick face to face greeting but usually nothing said from the older ones. The younger ones, usually a nod. The middle age to younger with full spandex, nothing. There are many exceptions to this but if one can gereralize, this has been my experience.

Is it me or do some of those guys seem to be a little odd in the head?

I was minding my own business the other day, riding on a paved bike trail and these two dudes talking very loudly (I saw them approaching in my mirror) were flying up on me pretty quick. Well, I was already over towards the right hand side of the path, a few inches from the edge in fact and one guy had the nerve to yell, "Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left". ?? I was actually kinda shocked and didn't know if he was joking or just an idiot. I glanced over as they passed and they were both looking straight ahead carrying on their annoying, loud conversation which you could hear a mile away. I guess it wasn't a joke. Yep, the typical Lance Armstrong wannabes all decked out being the inconsiderate people they sometimes tend to be.

Now look, I don't mean to stereotype all roadies like this but the more I come across out there the more they seem to annoy me. I have just as much right on the bike paths as they do, if not more. I feel if roadies want to race leave the paths to the recreational riders, joggers and walkers. They could seriously hurt someone going 30mph on a bike path.

It's funny, when I bought my hybrid the guy in the Trek store warned me to "watch out for the racers" as he winked. At the time I didn't understand. I do now. :eek:

Its you. So chill out.

Moving at 30 mph and still had the lung capacity to carry on a conversation with raised voices?? I ain't got the aerobic capacity to even squeeze out a fart at 25...

Seems it was just two wankers.

Wankers ride any bike, they may not even have a bike...but they exist in all parts of society.

Don't imagine it matters what sort of bike these 2 were on or that they were "all decked out".

Don't continue the stereotype...it doesn't help. I ride a road bike and a hybrid. I love them both and I'm considerate on both (yep - even when I'm "all decked out").

BUT - It seems (from your post) that you're new to cycling - so welcome - its awesome and I hope you continue. But could it be that you weren't as far over as you first thought? And could it also be that you were going pretty slow...cos I find it hard to believe they were travelling at 30mph on a bike path, having a chat...so maybe you were in the middle of the path doing 10mph? If so, I'd have had a few words to you too.

In my experience, anyone decked out in cycling gear will never smile, wave, or otherwise acknowledge my presence on a bike path. So far I haven't found an exception to this rule. They don't say anything rude to me, but they just aren't social - not even a smile.

You nailed it my friend. Yep, I don't understand it either. Or, like someone mentioned, it could be an American thing. (Shrugs)

"Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left".

No excuse for a comment like that! He's probably a major jerk on and off the bike. Plenty of them in our society. Just shake your head, vent on BF, and move on:) All roadies are not like that.

So far, I find most bicyclists I encounter to be pretty friendly: they might not go out of the way to "shake your hand", but they usually nod and carry on. However, I can see how certain subgroups of any biking community could have an.... attitude. A few bad apples spoil it for everybody: you see it in any discipline - martial arts, photography, at the office, it goes on and on...

What I do find amusing is when I'm on an MUP and there's a family or group walking 3 or 4 abreast and taking up the entire width of the path, or at least the half of the path you're supposed to ride on. They seem so shocked when I come along and ring my bell! And of course... there is a pedestrian specific path just a couple of metres away... :rolleyes:

If you want to really have fun pass them on your hybrid. Some roadies will go absolutely ballistic.

Some folks are jackasses, simple as that.

You can often tell if you've really bruised someone's ego if you overtake them and within a short time they absolutely fly past you and turn off the road shortly afterwards. Truth be told I always find it quite comical when someone does that, it's clear they want to make a point but don't want to risk finding out you can ramp up the pace as well.

I don't really understand the mentality of it all, if rider A is faster than rider B it could be that A is sprinting while B is enjoying the view, it could be B is 195 miles into a double century, could be B is on a recovery ride, maybe A is just a stronger cyclist, there's a whole host of reasons. Which makes it all the more curious when some folks apparently can't cope with being overtaken.

Should call them "Roadies", because I feel that in order to be a real Roadie, you have to ride, you know... on the Road.

I don't really understand the mentality of it all, if rider A is faster than rider B it could be that A is sprinting while B is enjoying the view, it could be B is 195 miles into a double century, could be B is on a recovery ride, maybe A is just a stronger cyclist, there's a whole host of reasons. Which makes it all the more curious when some folks apparently can't cope with being overtaken.

As far as I can tell, it's normal human behavior. We've been brought up in a society where we're told we're #1 at all times, and in order to maintain that illusion, they must constantly prove it to themselves, especially among imaginary contests where only one person even realises they're competing.

Maybe it's just me but I'd just pretend I didn't hear them and NOT move.

As far as I can tell, it's normal human behavior. We've been brought up in a society where we're told we're #1 at all times, and in order to maintain that illusion, they must constantly prove it to themselves, especially among imaginary contests where only one person even realises they're competing.

Perhaps, I guess I don't have any expectations that I'm the fastest thing on two wheels and don't really care if someone passes me.

I'd guess it's a lot lower then 20% but I read you as being ignorant of a lot of the reasons behind roadie kits, that's fine but your coming across the same way you say you don't like them too.

I didn't say 20% were asshats, just that something less than 20% adhere to the strict rules of fashion on a road bike from my observation and don't seem to care how they look. I primarily ride a road bike so I'm aware of the reason behind cycling gear (skin tight pro-fit roadie kit is not a requirement of recreational riding BTW.) I was just pointing out the irony of people in skin tight spandex ridiculing somebody for having too many spacers on their stem, a saddle bag, or a mirror. I can't think of another hobby that causes so many 30+ year old men to act like buffoons. To be clear, I'm calling out all of the jerks who ride road bikes. And no, I'm not saying every roadie in spadex is by default a jerk.

What I do find amusing is when I'm on an MUP and there's a family or group walking 3 or 4 abreast and taking up the entire width of the path, or at least the half of the path you're supposed to ride on. They seem so shocked when I come along and ring my bell! And of course... there is a pedestrian specific path just a couple of metres away... :rolleyes:

The MUP rail trail in my area is 10-feet wide paved asphalt, no markings and no separate pedestrian path. What I don't get is two people riding side-by-side on bikes, who continue to stay side-by-side when they see me coming. Yeah there's room for us all to get by, but just barely.

Also last time I was out there, there was one guy who passed me and said "passing on your left" just before. However I didn't comprehend what he said until at least 10 seconds after he passed me. Not sure if he just wasn't speaking loud enough or what, but I totally couldn't make out what he was saying as he approached from behind.

I didn't say 20% were asshats, just that something less than 20% adhere to the strict rules of fashion on a road bike from my observation and don't seem to care how they look. I primarily ride a road bike so I'm aware of the reason behind cycling gear (skin tight pro-fit roadie kit is not a requirement of recreational riding BTW.) I was just pointing out the irony of people in skin tight spandex ridiculing somebody for having too many spacers on their stem, a saddle bag, or a mirror. I can't think of another hobby that causes so many 30+ year old men to act like buffoons. To be clear, I'm calling out all of the jerks who ride road bikes. And no, I'm not saying every roadie in spadex is by default a jerk.
Often my "kit" shorts (non branded to boot!) are on under my baggy regular shorts, if it wasn't for that spandex though.. I'd be in a lot of pain from riding, I do apologize for misinterpreting your meaning there.. but there has been an awful lot of roadie bashing over small groups lately.

Who the hell seriously cares if some stranger is friendly or not? I'm friendly but if you're not I figure it's your loss and not my problem.

I'm fairly new to riding, but I have noticed I only get a 'Nod' when Im in lycra gear, and the other cyclist is in lycra gear. When I cycle I'm doing it for me, wearing what I want, and at the speed that I want. If someone feels the need to moan about my speed (which people have) that's their problem, but will happily move over to let them pass, if i know that they are there.
we should be supporting each other really, as most guys/gals here do.

If I am stopped at a light with another cyclist, I'll often exchange words, even if it's just "perfect weather" or "extra windy today". The MUP is often a busy place and people stay to the right. When I see people side by side, or someone who is in the middle, I'll yell "on your left". After I pass them, I always give them a "THANKS". Hopefully it teaches people that cyclists are just a bunch of jerks who want to yell at them.

If I nodded to every cyclist, I would get tired. I prefer road bike, but I don't look down on anyone riding a bike. I do feel sorry for the people on the overpass who never downshift and are struggling to pedal and going really slow. They have rounded helmets, no cycling gear. I am tempted to stop and give them a lesson in using their gears. I do stop and ask if someone needs assistance when I pass someone stopped. Most people who pass me just ride by and mind their own business. Fine with me, I'm busy watching traffic and the road for obstacles. I don't chat when I pass people.

The people who bug me are the ones with no helmet, smoking, riding the wrong way.

I have a lot of roadie friends who are super cool..knowing i do mostly if not ONLY MTBing. I have also heard from them that at times, other roadies will not even look at you if your bike is not "SCOOBY" with their taste. My experience with roadies have been pretty positive..whether i take my Hybrid on the SART(Santa Ana River Trail) or when i unload my MTB bike from the rack to ride the dirt, they have always made eye contact with me and smiled and even said hello. I guess you just experienced a couple of bad apples..they are everywhere whether it is bike riding to remote controlled cars to Anime Cosplayers. Just know that they aren't anything in your life and your riding is owned by YOU, no one else. Happy Riding!

If you want to really have fun pass them on your hybrid. Some roadies will go absolutely ballistic.

Yup. It works well on a vintage steel roadbike too. A couple of years ago on my 1984 Schwinn Sierra that I've turned into a hybrid, I was riding in the hills behind Cupertino. I stopped to pick up a ground-score bungee cord by the side of the road and got passed by some spandex-wearing roadies with attendant sneering comments. The looks on their faces were priceless as I pulled past 'em on the next uphill grade. I couldn't help but smile, wave and say " 'bye, guys" as I did so.

I don't buy into it, and idiot is an idiot regardless of the bike s/he is riding.

I wouldn't move over anymore than I already was.

But could it be that you weren't as far over as you first thought? And could it also be that you were going pretty slow...cos I find it hard to believe they were travelling at 30mph on a bike path, having a chat...so maybe you were in the middle of the path doing 10mph? If so, I'd have had a few words to you too.

WOW .. really??????? I am not sure .. but I didn't know that the "bike Path" had a minimal speed limit? .. so maybe next time I see some child in the middle of the path doing 5mph .. I should have a few words too!?

In my experience, anyone decked out in cycling gear will never smile, wave, or otherwise acknowledge my presence on a bike path. So far I haven't found an exception to this rule. They don't say anything rude to me, but they just aren't social - not even a smile.

So true, never a nod or a wave.:)


Hybrid, commuter and MTB riders almost always give an acknowledgement. Families do too. Couples no matter what they are riding are pretty polite.

That's my experience on the paths and streets I ride. Couples are very are chatty, probably because they've been carrying on conversation throughout their ride.

In the big picture,its not the culture its the person or persons.We have to keep in mind its who's in the saddle that makes a true cyclist.

Who the hell seriously cares if some stranger is friendly or not? I'm friendly but if you're not I figure it's your loss and not my problem.

^^^THIS^^^

Why are people so damned worried about the attitude of other irders. Just ride and stop worrying about the other guys (unless, of course, they are gonna crash into you).

My favorite are the guys who ride 2 or 3 wide and run me off the path. It's like they are playing chicken with me and I'm not about to play that game.

Who the hell seriously cares if some stranger is friendly or not? I'm friendly but if you're not I figure it's your loss and not my problem.


It's not so much that I care, but observing behavior is interesting to me and makes for a good way to occupy my mind on my ride.

If it was just the not waving thing I wouldn't care. It's all the other stuff mentioned in this thread that bugs me about the "bad apple" roadies.

WOW .. really??????? I am not sure .. but I didn't know that the "bike Path" had a minimal speed limit? .. so maybe next time I see some child in the middle of the path doing 5mph .. I should have a few words too!?

A child is a little different...but then again, I guess you knew that didn't you champ. Pretty sure the OP isn't a child either...

Nice attempt at forming an argument though...no...really. :bang:

no, no attempt at an argument here! :) I am just stating my point .. the OP has every right to be where he needs to be! if someone behind expects someone in the front to move out of their line and say "Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left" thats an EGO issue. I've been watching the Tour on the Television and guess what, it seems that all the faster riders from the back "rides around" the slower riders that is in front of them .. WOW what a concept LOL

If I am stopped at a light with another cyclist, I'll often exchange words, even if it's just "perfect weather" or "extra windy today". The MUP is often a busy place and people stay to the right. When I see people side by side, or someone who is in the middle, I'll yell "on your left". After I pass them, I always give them a "THANKS". Hopefully it teaches people that cyclists are just a bunch of jerks who want to yell at them.

If I nodded to every cyclist, I would get tired. I prefer road bike, but I don't look down on anyone riding a bike. I do feel sorry for the people on the overpass who never downshift and are struggling to pedal and going really slow. They have rounded helmets, no cycling gear. I am tempted to stop and give them a lesson in using their gears. I do stop and ask if someone needs assistance when I pass someone stopped. Most people who pass me just ride by and mind their own business. Fine with me, I'm busy watching traffic and the road for obstacles. I don't chat when I pass people.

The people who bug me are the ones with no helmet, smoking, riding the wrong way.

^ Are you talking about people that smoke without wearing helmets while riding the wrong way? I hope so.... If not why do you care who is not wearing a helmet or smoking?

no, no attempt at an argument here! :) I am just stating my point .. the OP has every right to be where he needs to be! if someone behind expects someone in the front to move out of their line and say "Move it over a little pal, some real riders passing on your left" thats an EGO issue. I've been watching the Tour on the Television and guess what, it seems that all the faster riders from the back "rides around" the slower riders that is in front of them .. WOW what a concept LOL

WOW - you've been watching the tour on TV? I bow to your expert knowledge then champ...:bang:

I met a "roadie" the other day, he was fully decked out in the spandex roadie garb, had a sweet Specialized road bike and all, but he obviously didn't know how to ride one of those. He was riding up into the sidewalks, using cross walks sometimes then coming back into the road, using the wrong gears (struggling to accelerate from the stoplight), etc.

Nothing against road bikes or their riders, love seeing them around here. Can't say I ever had any trouble with them either. Just a humorous anecdote.