Originally posted by uciflylow
I always wanted to try drafting but now I'm not so sure about it. BTW what is a safe distance to draft? :confused:
drafting does not have to be a negative experience...
if you are going to hang on someone's wheel and you do not know them, then you better at least tell them, (it's just polite) if it is someone you know then other rules may apply. I ride with a group of people often and we draft off each other without saying a word, normally forming a paceline. Pacelines only work if everyone pulls, you cannot hang on and not pull, it is a group effort.
As for safe distances, I've gotten within inches of a rear wheel of a friend, drafting. If the person in front is experienced then they will know not to brake suddenly (or at all for that matter) and hold a straight line. If you are drafting with an unknown then you had better provide some space, as they might brake or ride all over the road causing a hazard.