Skinny seats are probably the best conversation starter. Lay people often look at my ample rear end and my narrow bike seat and feel compelled to comment.

With my cycling friends, the best conversation starter is probably for me to show up w/something new and/or unusual, or that I haven't ridden in awhile -- for example, when I dragged out my 26er again after two seasons of 29er riding, or when I built up a Giant STP with pink handgrips for the local skatepark.

The trick in my book when it comes to commenting on parts is to make people feel good about what they have. Commenting on a CK headset is no challenge at all. (My comment would be along the lines of "waste of money"). The real trick is to be able to talk up someone's Trek 4500 or similar bike.

Two years ago my cousin bought her two children bikes. I made quite a few comments about the 26er for the older girl, and hardly said a word about the 20-inch wheel bike for the younger girl. Whereupon the younger girl was distraught. Whereupon I learned to always, always, always find something on any bike to talk about and compliment.

So, what can you say to make your neighbor feel good about his brand new wally-world bike? That's the real challenge.