subwoofer

Apologies as this might just be a rant thread, but I actually I wanted to try and keep an open mind and get some other opinions.

I'll start with the easy one - 'heelers' as I call them (not healers who are wonderful). Heelers put their heel on the pedal and look like ducks trying to ride/waddle on a bike. OK I should not be annoyed by them as they simply don't know any better. But really how hard is it to ride a bike correctly!

'Flats' really go hand in hand with 'Heelers' as they don't seem to realise that you need to put air into your tyres and ride along on flat tyres! Arrgh!

But now I'm really moving onto the meat of this thread - 'Bobbers'

'Bobbers' are riders who come out of the saddle, and then proceed to bob up and down - bob, bob, bob, bob, bob, bob........

It does something to me to see this. I have nothing against standing to negotiate bumpy terrain to sprint, or to just get off the saddle a moment to alleviate pressure. All of these valid out-of-the-saddle techniques don't result in bobbing.

bob, bob, bob, bob, bob....

When I sprint out-of-the-saddle, my head and body stays pretty still and all I have done is change my body position to make the most of pulling though the handlebars.

bob, bob, bob, bob, bob....-getting annoying now isn't it!

As far as I am aware, a cyclist should not really come out of the saddle on the road (off-road being a different matter of course), and even if they do for a sprint, there is no bobbing.

I now have a new regular encounter with a bobber on my commute back home. He bobs on each and ever incline for the entire climb.

This is not just about one rider, as this is something that has annoyed me for many years, but now it is being rubbed in my face every day.

Why oh why! Am I unreasonable? Could I educate this other rider by suggesting better technique (select a lower gear and ride in the saddle)?

Does anyone else here bob (am I about to get lynched)? If so why?

As I said, I'm trying to keep an open mind, so if I can be shown the error of my ways I'll readjust my attitude.

EDIT: - Just to clarify after one helpful reply posted a video link to "Climb like a Pro"

this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zam74qlzGtQ

None of the out-of-the-saddle moments shown, not one, have the type of bobbing I'm talking about. If anything, thought the rider is standing, their upper body and head are quite still (with some side to side movement of the bike). This looks right.

The bobbing that winds me up is where the rider is standing almost upright and their entire body bobs up and down about a head high (or as it happens the overall span of the cranks).

znomit

Whenever you see someone doing and of those terrible terrible things you should ride up next to them (if you can catch them, I assume you can, after all they are riding so poorly), waggle your finger at them and point out the error of their ways.

Let us know how you get on with that.

clausen

Heel on the pedal? Are you riding with people who ride with platform pedals? If so there's your problem.

Pirkaus

Before doing this you may want to check, and make sure they're not armed
Maybe try and politely point out the pedal position error and offer a friendly alternative.
As far as "bobbing" is concerned most riders do when out of the saddle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zam74qlzGtQ
If it is that much of a problem, drop them if you can, or get out of the saddle and "bob" yourself.
Pirk

pdedes

someone riding a bike isn't necessarily a cyclist

mac4095

People who get annoyed at what other people do annoy me.

subwoofer

Did you have an opinion or was it just sarcasm? I'd be interested in an opinion :-P

I am not riding with these other people. They just happen to be riding the same route as me.

That video link is a perfect illustration of my point.

None of those out-of-the-saddle moments shown, not one, had the type of bobbing I'm talking about. If anything, thought the rider is standing, their upper body and head are quite still (with some side to side movement of the bike). This looks right.

The bobbing that winds me up is where the rider is standing almost upright and their entire body bobs up and down about a head high (or as it happens the overall span of the cranks).


All too true. However there are a few very simple basics that just make it so much easier.

znomit

Correct.
It takes lycra, a flipped stem and 400W.

KevinF

Perhaps you should be the Cycling Czar? Before anybody ever rides a bike again we need to submit our riding style, attire, etc. to you for approval?

subwoofer

What an annoying thing to say

Any more relevant comments?

subwoofer

Hit a nerve did I?

(I'm not really being a wind up merchant, but seriously, are you upset by my comments?)

Dudelsack 

Not from me. I'm just here for the popcorn.

FLvector

As long as they are holding a straight line and are predictable, none of these bother me. If this bothers you so much, ride of the front and put them out of view. If not possible, slow down a bit, then resume your ride with an unobstructed view.

RUOkie

subwoofer

Qué?

znomit

Geeze, that's annoying how the cats head bobs around like that.
bob bob bob bob bob

RUOkie

grumpy cat is grumpy

and clapping


and bobbing

subwoofer

Isn't it more of a wiggle?

wiggle, wiggle, wiggle

We digress...

subwoofer

Admittedly I am a grumpy ba-sterd. You know the type who tells kids not to put their feet on the seats on buses/trains. Must be pretty annoying to others myself :-P

svtmike

What's your take on whiners?

subwoofer

You can start a new thread for that if you like. Do you have anything relevant/interesting/constructive to say regarding my OP?

svtmike

My question was 100% relevant.

vesteroid

I'll play. I think svtmike did. His post was relevant, he insinuated you were a whiner. I found his post interesting, and it depends on what you believe constructive is.

Actually we all know this is simply a troll post, but its early, and I haven't had coffee, and this his helping me wake up.

A one page diatribe on "other" cyclist in your first 50 post on the forum and you seem surprised you receive this type of feedback.

LowCel 

It must be difficult to be perfect in a non-perfect world.

gc3

Don't forget to wave....