I have often thought about the appropriateness of advising another rider (typically as I ride up on them) my opinion as to their bike fit. We all have seen it: a very poorly fitting bike such that the rider is widely bow legged or has hips rolling left-right, etc. and its is not surprising that we (me) would want to assist. Perhaps they don't know of their fits issue or perhaps they have a reason for it....but, thankfully, I have never brought myself to making such a comment and now I am convinced keeping my mouth such is the correct way to go....

I have been riding for over (25) years and over that time I have owned perhaps 15 - 20 road bikes. I have raced and done 1000's of miles of club riding (tempo) and many more solo riding. About (12) years ago I went though the full fit process when I purchased a new "expensive" road bike. Since that time, I have kept my fit in close proximity to those fit dimensions and angles. I current have (3) road bikes that I switch between and they are all within a hair of each others measurements for all the key fits, i.e. saddle height, reach, bar width, etc. Over the last (12) years of cycling I have not once had any pain or tinges of pain related to fit. No back issues, no hand issues, no knee issues, no neck issues...it been all good!

Ok, so last week I am on a morning ride ( +/- 20 miles) when a club ride of about 15 speedsters came up on me. (Note: I am a "lifetime" member of this club and while not so much any more, I used to ride with them 4-6 time a week and I no longer wear the club kit.). As the leaders passed, I pedaled up and hung with the "sitters-in" for a couple miles, but, as that those first riders made their initial pass a complete stranger yells out" Hey, that bike is way too small, your knees are going to get blown on that ride....I am just telling to you this out of courtesy!" (yes, his exact words)

Beside this statement being so far off base or founded in reality, I was truly confounded as to (1) why this guy thought his (inaccurate) opinion would be seriously considered, (2) why he felt it was necessary to even offer his opinion, (3) why would he offer such an opinion in the middle of a rather speedy portion of said club ride, (4) why he thought he could fully assess my fit as he passed me at 25 mph and (5) why would I have every thought to offer such advise to another rider....

So, should you, like I have, ever entertain the idea of offering unsolicited and uneducated advise to another rider as you pass them by, think again and don't do it. Just don't do it. Its true, there is a time and place for everything and this guy came off as a total d*ck for his comments, IMO.

Now I know....