Originally Posted by
Russ Roth
I've actually found that while most roadies are fairly cool there is a bit more pretentiousness among them then other aspects of the sport. Actually had a conversation with a guy (spouse of a friend) who asked if I like to ride bikes, told him sure, he response was "but do you really ride a bike" not certain what he meant I told him yeah, whatever kind of riding I'm in. "yeah but can you ride a road bike?" My only mental thought was that I only have 2 of those in my dozen+ collection before answering yes. Honestly a cool guy but road is everything. Working in shops roadies could often be the biggest hassle; those who saw me at the group rides on a regular basis were typically chill and easy to help but a good number who didn't know I rode road often seemed like they needed to be judgemental over if a repair would be good enough or if I knew what I was doing. Only other group that seemed to be as freaky over the quality of their repairs were the DHers though they're the group that probably should be and from them I get it. There's also the MUP roadies who really have a complete attitude over anyone who might be in the way or that they have to slow down for or who aren't perfectly on their side; I know there's proper etiquette but don't expect it from a 7yo who's parent is trying to deal with a 5yo with training wheels, it's multi-use for a reason, slow down and go around and move on without a nasty comment.
Road is my favorite aspect of the sport but I think the reputation for snobbery or arrogance isn't completely unearned; though as others have mentioned others can also be over sensative when a wave or a nod isn't returned because you're too busy trying to set a personal best or up your speed to notice and that's a part of what makes cycling fun.
Does cycling have its shares of ******s who think they are Lance? Of course it does. Road cycling is the race-oriented segment and so it attracts its share of wannabes - those who think they are superior to non-racers, the MUP racers, etc. But I challenge you to find any subset of sports which doesnt have a small percentage of people who are not dicks. From personal experience of sports that i have played, I know jujitsu, MMA, hockey, triathlon and squash all have their share. I can also vouch for the fact that golf, tennis and running also have their own share of a-holes. Outside of sports - try hobbies. You'll always have guys who are snobs about gear. And the more gear intensive a sport, the more gear-focused people tend to be.
As far as riding on tarmac goes, road cycling probably requires the greatest commitment to the sport and so also has the people with the most active involvement in other aspects - gear, training, etc. Most hybrid riders I know have a very passing knowledge about their bike - OTOH, most roadies are probably more intimate with their bikes than their wives. And with that commitment comes greater involvement. Eg, if i was taking my Venge to a bike shop I didnt know, I'd probably fuss a little more about the mechanic as well, compared to dropping off my Surly touring bike.
(As an aside - i do not wave when i ride. I'd like to think that i am a pretty easy-going person off the bike, but I am not particularly big on inane small-talk or its equivalent, and waving to strangers falls in that category for me - at most, i will acknowledge another rider if i pass them with thumbs up. But i dont really believe that just because another guy is on a bike, he and i are part of some brotherhood and so need to bond. Arrogance? No. More like indifference.)
No one is denying that cycling doesnt have its share of ******s. What I am challenging is the rather casual assumption that this percentage is higher than in other sports - or among humans in general. Road cycling has the same personality quirks that you get with any sports as you more towards the more competitive edge of the spectrum.