Do you offer advice to other/newer riders on the road?
05-17-13, 10:21 AM
#26
Portland Fred
If they give some indication that they'd like a little input, then yes. Otherwise don't even attempt to do more than setting a good example.
05-17-13, 10:40 AM
#27
Senior Member
(j/k)I'm still new at riding, so I don't offer any advice nor do I want others to criticize me. To be quite honest, if you don't like the way I'm riding, go around me.
05-17-13, 10:49 AM
#28
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Unless I am riding with someone I probably will not offer advice unless a rider is doing something dangerous. On a group ride, I will immediately correct problem behavior, like half wheeling but I won't offer technique advice unless it is sought.
05-17-13, 11:06 AM
#29
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Rarely; however, twice in the last 2 yrs I have.
1. Giving a new road rider tips to stay up before riding with me and another guy such as: be careful not to overlap his front wheel with someone's rear wheel; when at the front, point out road hazards; carry food and water (he was used to riding with zero water bottles & no food); purchase a mini pump and carry at least 1 tube and levers. He told me he appreciated the tips.
2. Last year, another new rider had a very crunched up leg position (just about 90 degree angle). I asked him, "would you mind if I gave you my opinion on your position?" He said sure. So in a respectful, unarrogant fashion, i did. He thanked me some months later when I saw him again.
So, I try not to, but if I do, i try to be as respectful, non-condescending, with no know-it-all attitude, as possible, and I try to keep it in the realm of safety and well-being, and not to do with personal style or personality.
1. Giving a new road rider tips to stay up before riding with me and another guy such as: be careful not to overlap his front wheel with someone's rear wheel; when at the front, point out road hazards; carry food and water (he was used to riding with zero water bottles & no food); purchase a mini pump and carry at least 1 tube and levers. He told me he appreciated the tips.
2. Last year, another new rider had a very crunched up leg position (just about 90 degree angle). I asked him, "would you mind if I gave you my opinion on your position?" He said sure. So in a respectful, unarrogant fashion, i did. He thanked me some months later when I saw him again.
So, I try not to, but if I do, i try to be as respectful, non-condescending, with no know-it-all attitude, as possible, and I try to keep it in the realm of safety and well-being, and not to do with personal style or personality.
05-17-13, 11:10 AM
#30
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if they have their helmet on backwards i would tell them. Otherwise unless someone asks it's not my place
05-17-13, 11:20 AM
#31
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Usually, no. Only a couple of times I've stopped when someone was obviously a total beginner and had their saddle so low it was clear they were struggling, pedaling little baby circles. I start off by apologizing for being a buttinsky, but I noticed this and it may be of help...
The most recent time, we raised the young lady's saddle about 3 inches and she was amazed at how much of a difference it made. She just didn't know and was grateful for some polite help. The fact that my wife was with me on the tandem may have made some difference in the accepting attitude. We also told her about a beginners group my wife has started. The other time, I think they felt they needed to be able to stand flatfooted while on the saddle. So I was thanked and the suggestion ignored.
The most recent time, we raised the young lady's saddle about 3 inches and she was amazed at how much of a difference it made. She just didn't know and was grateful for some polite help. The fact that my wife was with me on the tandem may have made some difference in the accepting attitude. We also told her about a beginners group my wife has started. The other time, I think they felt they needed to be able to stand flatfooted while on the saddle. So I was thanked and the suggestion ignored.
05-17-13, 11:51 AM
#32
SuperGimp
I can't even get my kids to take my advice so I keep it to myself where others are concerned.
I was cruising up the bike path a couple months ago having a great time and booking along at about 95-100 rpm and some guy who looked nearly homeles, sitting on the top tube of some BMX looking bike and moving himself with his feet thought to tell me that I needed a bigger gear.
If that was any of you guys, zip it - I know what I'm doing.
I was cruising up the bike path a couple months ago having a great time and booking along at about 95-100 rpm and some guy who looked nearly homeles, sitting on the top tube of some BMX looking bike and moving himself with his feet thought to tell me that I needed a bigger gear.
If that was any of you guys, zip it - I know what I'm doing.
05-17-13, 11:57 AM
#33
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Never on technique, always when safety related and I always ask "is everything is all right" when someone is on the side of the road. Infrequently men can be curt in a response like I was insulting them, but most all men and almost all women tones are appreciative in response to the question. Just this week a women had her shoe off on the side and when asked said sharply "just my toe" but maybe 15 min later we pasted on opposite sides of a boulevard and she gave me a hardy wave.
05-17-13, 12:06 PM
#34
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Case in point, today is "Bike To Work" day here; as a result, there are many once-a-year type of riders out on the road. I helped a couple of riders by pointing out that in one case, his saddle was way too high and another his chain was rubbing. They both got adjusted at the service tents set up to support the riders today. I hope both of them would find it to be more enjoyable when they ride again.
05-17-13, 12:11 PM
#35
You Know!? For Kids!
I just about told a sleeveless jersey wearing aero bar riding tri geek to learn some ettiquette last weekend. Was on the cool down portion of my ride a few miles from home and the guy comes up on me from behind and yells Howdy as he passes on the left and I was getting ready to turn right within a 100 feet or so of an intersection. He was racing me and he won I quess, because he pulled over and stopped at the intersection.
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05-17-13, 12:15 PM
#36
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I'm a new rider, although I've spent a lot of time looking up proper techniques for spinning, shifting, etc. I do appreciate any advice which will help enhance my ride in either terms of quality or performance. I don't get passed by a lot of cyclists (perhaps it is just where I'm riding) and if anyone passes, it's usually me (now that I said that, I'm going to get destroyed), but it would be really easy to sound condescending if a passing cyclist offered some advice - especially if they got out of the saddle to get back to their original pace. If a good cyclist passes me, he/she needs not to speak. I'll most likely analyze how they're form looks and try to compare myself and see what I should or should not change.
That being said, when we're in the group ride, I do ask a lot of questions at the start and then settle in and try to watch and learn. If I look a bit concerned, the cyclist next to me might mention some tip or advice, but that's about the only time I appreciate randomly offered advice on a ride.
That being said, when we're in the group ride, I do ask a lot of questions at the start and then settle in and try to watch and learn. If I look a bit concerned, the cyclist next to me might mention some tip or advice, but that's about the only time I appreciate randomly offered advice on a ride.
05-17-13, 01:49 PM
#38
SuperGimp
05-17-13, 02:37 PM
#39
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If I see an obvious safety issue, I will point it out, I don't consider that advise, otherwise no unless I'm asked. Bikes, equipment, fit, training, technique, nutrition, etc, doesn't matter. I hear all the "expert" advise given on rides sometimes, and i just chuckle inside.
05-17-13, 03:07 PM
#40
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The other morning I saw a rider on a beach cruiser with the front wheel on backwards. I really wanted to say something, but held my tongue.
05-17-13, 04:12 PM
#41
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05-17-13, 04:19 PM
#42
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What's with all this political correctness. If someone noticed me doing something wrong I would hope they point it out so I can improve. If I see something I can help another person with I give them the advise, If they can't take it then they have bigger issues.
05-17-13, 04:31 PM
#43
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Never on technique, always when safety related and I always ask "is everything is all right" when someone is on the side of the road. Infrequently men can be curt in a response like I was insulting them, but most all men and almost all women tones are appreciative in response to the question. Just this week a women had her shoe off on the side and when asked said sharply "just my toe" but maybe 15 min later we pasted on opposite sides of a boulevard and she gave me a hardy wave.
If I see someone stopped by themselves by the side of the road I will slow a bit and see if there is obvious duress. If they look like they are struggling I will ask them if they have everything they need. Asking the question this way gives them credit for being capable but leaves it open enough that they could ask for assistance without feeling foolish or having their manliness challenged.
If they don't ask you to help they are either fine or too stupid to ask for help when they clearly need it.
If they do ask then I stop and do what I can to help them get rolling again.
IMHO, we are all part of a cycling COMMUNITY. And should act as such.
05-17-13, 04:35 PM
#44
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If someone is stopped, I'll yell/ask you good? Responses range. If they need help, I'll stop.
Unless they are on a beach cruiser and are putting the front wheel on backwards. Then I will point at them and call them names.
Unless they are on a beach cruiser and are putting the front wheel on backwards. Then I will point at them and call them names.
05-17-13, 05:42 PM
#45
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The only thing Ive ever told anybody is that their front quick release was open 
05-17-13, 07:37 PM
#46
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I'm a beginner, and I'd greatly appreciate any advice I could get! Having no biking friends, and internet being only a "theoretical" source of info, quality advice is tough to come by. I feel very weird approaching people and asking for advice because I don't even know what I should be asking!
At the very beginning one rider approached me and told me my seat was too low! He then adjusted the seat and wow, what a difference! I'm still grateful to him to this day!
So yes, offer advice, but do it nicely. If you see someone struggling or doing something wrong, I'd think the best way would be to ask if that person is alright or needs help. If the reply is "no, I'm perfectly fine" - ride on. If the person actually complains or ask for help - go all out.
True beginners who are willing to learn will always be grateful. Some people are out there just for fresh air with no goals in mind - they don't want to be bothered. I think it's worth the risk being yelled at. Just don't take any abuse personally. But when you help someone out - that great feeling lasts for a LONG time - and it's worth all the negative looks you might get from ungrateful people.
That's how I feel about it, IMHO.
At the very beginning one rider approached me and told me my seat was too low! He then adjusted the seat and wow, what a difference! I'm still grateful to him to this day!
So yes, offer advice, but do it nicely. If you see someone struggling or doing something wrong, I'd think the best way would be to ask if that person is alright or needs help. If the reply is "no, I'm perfectly fine" - ride on. If the person actually complains or ask for help - go all out.
True beginners who are willing to learn will always be grateful. Some people are out there just for fresh air with no goals in mind - they don't want to be bothered. I think it's worth the risk being yelled at. Just don't take any abuse personally. But when you help someone out - that great feeling lasts for a LONG time - and it's worth all the negative looks you might get from ungrateful people.
That's how I feel about it, IMHO.
05-17-13, 07:45 PM
#47
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Advice from "road forum" members is almost always wrong. Luckily, it's usually so obviously stupid that no one in their right minds would listen to it.
Hope that helps!
Hope that helps!
05-17-13, 09:33 PM
#48
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05-17-13, 09:49 PM
#49
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I don't give unasked for advice. If asked I help as best as I can. If it is a safety issue and I'm riding with that person I'll mention it and leave it at that.
