burnthesheep

Helmet thing is simple, no words to strangers and nobody allowed in the group without one, period. Pretty easy way to go about it. I've heard of folks getting DQ's at USAC races or time penalties in IM races for violation of helmet rules. Typical one is the "smooth roll up" on bike with no helmet to acquire your number/checkin. Not cool once they either DQ you or dock you time. If it's just backwards a really subtle tap to the head and then a twirl of the wrist indicating "backwards" when nobody else is watching them is usually received with appreciation.

I don't say anything about bike fit to anybody that won't be riding in physical pain or risk of injury. It's too personal. If you ask though, be prepared. It's a combo of science, witchcraft, and wisdom.

The skewer thing in all our groups would be a non starter, they'd tell you to fix it or find another group.

One local group addresses the new riders in a unique way:
-must intro into the B-group or C-group
-first meetup they do a pre-ride inspection for safety and go over all mandatory group rules and norms
-group leader stays with newbie first ride or so to chat and observe

livedarklions

The only time I'm criticizing other cyclists to their face is if they're significantly endangering themselves, me and/or other people--passing kids too close, for example or randomly popping into my lane from the other side. I also used to tell people to turn off their damn bright strobes on the bike path (that really is a safety issue), but that fad appears to have come to an end around here. I really haven't been blinded by one in at least a year and a half.

And platform pedals rule!

sacr

I see bike shops as a big part of the problem, insisting you have to have x, y piece of kit because that is what the hard core guys have.

Recently I enquired about getting a high vis waterproof jacket for my daily commute. The offerings at two local bike stores were crazily expensive and not even suitable for commuter cycling. A rain jacket that is shorter at the front, belly button... really, so one gets soaked from the undies down, what world are these people living in, was told that this is how jackets ought to be so one can still lean over the bars without restriction.

needless to say, I didn’t get a jacket from a bike shop. I get it, if I’m riding in the Tour de France, then a jacket like that makes sense, but me, I’m riding from a to b in the rain and don’t want to too wet and cold. Ended up just buying a high vis breathable vest to put over my existing lightweight gortex trekking jacket.

CyclingFever

If the rider isn't riding recklessly and endangering themselves or another than is it really anyone's place to tell them they are doing it wrong? Now if they ask for advice that's different.

COYSpurs

This is perfect and well said! Great post.

ofajen

I don’t say anything about helmets, but I’ve been thinking “put on a helmet, dummy”. But this video reminded me of the many, many miles I rode as a teen on roads and highways without a helmet. Typically wore my Campy hat and sunglasses. Only the nerdiest of the nerdy rode with a helmet back then. So, now I’m worried about them riding a MUP with no helmet. I’m thinking maybe I pay a bit less mind to adults riding without helmets. Most likely they will figure that out, I hope.

Otto

ofajen

This is our summer time and it tends to be plenty hot. I like to ride wearing a plain white t-shirt that I’ve cut the sleeves out of. Still keeps sun and heat off my back and shoulders but vents a lot. Also I have a ready supply from the undershirts I wear under dress shirts for a while and then put out to pasture as biking and pool garb.

Otto