Originally Posted by
merlinextraligh
No you've got to wave, or you're not cool. Failing to acknowledge the other rider is uncool. However, to be cool your acknowldgement must be nonchalant, and more subtle than the other rider's acknowledgement.
Hence, the slight finger wave by racer types.
The most subtle acknowldgement wins. So you want to make the absolutely smallest move with your finger possible, that is yet perceptible.
I always wiggle my toes to acknowledge other riders. They often miss this subtle gesture and post threads on other cyclists not waving to them.