Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,560
Likes: 44
From: Milledgeville, Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
I always find it easier to let a slower rider lead than to try to guess what speed they are comfortable riding.
A similar situation comes up on some of the no-drop social and beginner friendly rides our club does. Most beginners want to stay at the very back in case they can't keep up. Sometimes it can be frustratingly difficult to convince them to move closer to the front of the group so that we can adjust our speed to theirs. If they ride in the rear, it can easily happen that we don't know they are having trouble until they have fallen off the back.
As they get a little stronger, I do encourage them to follow someone so they can benefit from the draft, but still not at the very back.