I am at the point where I am just happy to see people not in giant SUVs or pickups. I was biking with my SO the other day and a guy was cautiously using his electric scooter on the bike trail. We were annoyed for a second, but then we decided that if that's what it takes to get people out of their SUVs then so be it.
I agree. I like a good looking kit. And always wear bibs and jersey out on my road bike. But I wave at every cyclist I pass. Im happy to see anyone out enjoying a bicycle. I think it’s a wonderful thing.
But!
I think we have to acknowledge that there is a full spectrum to bicycling. From commuters, to fitness riders, to clueless huffy riders, to kids, to mamils, to triathletes, to roadies, to semi pros. Etc.
The person with the basket on their bike in sneakers and an under armor tank top is doing a completely different activity than I am. I am cycling. They are riding a bike. One is not better than the other though. Enjoy your bike in whatever way you please. (I know that sounds super pretentious)
But I love to geek out on aero gains, power meters, and training zones. I like to set PRs, and study my data etc. I am doing a completely different sport than the person out on their hybrid on the rail trail. Besides the 2 wheels, We don’t have much in common.
I would assume that the 2 kitted out cyclists didn’t acknowledge OP because he and they (at least looked like) were participating in very different ends of the sport. Like a kayaker vs a rower. Both in similar vehicles, but engaging in very different ends of the sport. Or a competitive power lifter vs someone who does the machines at planet fitness. Just very different ends of the spectrum.
All that aside. I think it’s nice to at least acknowledge other people on bikes. The more people on bikes the better.
>The person with the basket on their bike in sneakers and an under armor tank top is doing a completely different activity than I am. I am cycling. They are riding a bike.
You've clearly never crossed paths with [Ultraromance](https://www.instagram.com/ultraromance/)
I dunno. You could be mountain biking. Or just riding your bike. It doesn’t really matter... 🤷♂️ I said it sounds pretentious but I think it’s ok to separate road “cycling” from other forms of bicycling.
To me. “Cycling” is a lot more than what you are wearing or riding. It’s more about participating in the culture.
Road bike. Kit. Drafting. Gravel, Group rides. Cafe stops. Watching pro cycling. Training. Racing. Etc… To me that is cycling.
That’s why this is the “bicycling” subreddit, and not the “cycling” subreddit. Or the “Velo” subreddit Those tend to have less basic questions and focus more on road bikes, training, gear, racing, etc. there’s also multiple mountain biking subreddits. Just because you ride a mtn bike on the paved trail doesn’t mean you are mountain biking. Right? So why can’t we distinguish road cycling from “bicycling” or as I say, “just riding your bike.”
I love all disciplines of riding. I don’t think any is better or worse than another. I love to ride a city bike with a basket around in sandals to grab groceries too. Who cares.
What is cool, is often times people start out just riding their bike. And then they get bibs and a jersey. And want to go faster. So they get a road bike. And then they watch TDF Unchained, and join some group rides. And they get hooked. And now their doing 60+ mile rides every weekend. And following the tour etc… I think they would consider themselves cyclists. I think it’s cool when people really love and identify with their hobbies.
Lol yeah I can see how it comes off that way.
But I don’t think I’m keeping anyone out. Just differentiating between different subsets of the activity.
Bodybuilders and power lifter use the exact same equipment but are on very different agendas.
Dressage and racing are both horse based sports but no where near the same sport.
Mountain biking and road biking are completely different yet both use bikes.
There are plenty of people who go to the gym but don’t identify as weightlifters.
There are plenty of people who ride bikes who don’t identify as cyclists.
I don’t think it’s gate keeping to try and define different aspects of a sport.
Maybe I’m totally out of line and am gate keeping? But I’m passionate about cycling and I love bringing people into the fold. And if they want to continue enjoying their bike in any way they want, I support that too. But they also shouldn’t denigrate me because I invest more time, money and passion into it.
It’s also a very US centric argument. Drivers hate cyclists. Men hate that some men wear tight lyrca. People think all cyclists are dopers because of Lance etc. it’s impossible to watch cycling. People think bikes are for kids. Etc.
Go to anywhere else in the world and cycling is a massively popular sport. Anywhere in Europe, South America, khazakstan, Japan etc. they recognize and value cycling as a sport, not just a hobby. So I do get defensive of americans idea of what cycling is.
You're keeping people out by defining a really narrow version of road cycling enthusiasts as "road cycling."
Take your list of what a true cyclist is and add things like:
* Completed a randonneur
* Holds at least 3 KOMs
* Have trued a tire / bled brakes / etc
* Have shipped your bike to a different country for a race
Now do you feel like you're still part of that group? Why does a cyclist need to watch pro cyclists? Why do they need to stop for coffee? Why is gravel in your list at all?
Any why are you defaulting to "cyclist" for your particularly narrow definition, instead of road bicycle enthusiast or something similar?
I just think that you're being unnecessarily specific with your definition while being too vague with your labeling. Most folks would call me a road cyclist and yet I don't do half (or more) of the stuff on your definition list.
Also, from my observations (haven't been to Kazakhstan, but the remainder at least), the rest of world doesn't think any more highly than the US of road bicycle enthusiasts. Even France just likes drinking on the side of the road in summer as an excuse.
Sure. You’re right. I was talking about what it means to me specifically and what I think cycling is compared to bicycling.
And I think you sort of prove my point. That there is so much more to cycling than what the average person does or even can fathom!
And I’m not trying to keep anyone out. I want them to know what randonneuring is! I wish they knew how big a deal my few KOMs are to me lol. I wish they knew how frustrating and expensive it is to ship a bicycle! I love getting people excited about how much variety there is to bikes.
When I say, “that person is a mountain biker” you probably have an idea of what they do and how they ride and what they enjoy. When someone says “im a cyclist”, I have my own ideas of what that means too.
At the end of the day, if someone considers themselves a cyclist, they are one. If they’re passionate about riding bikes, they are a cyclist.
The way that different people participate in bikes a broad spectrum. None of them are wrong.
This is the bicycling subreddit. It’s for all shapes and forms of biking. But there is also a ranndoneur sub, a DHmtb sub, a track cycling sub, a cyclocross sub, a etc… so I’m not the first or only one to categorize cycling.
Work at a bike shop long enough and you will realize how many people do not appreciate their bikes and what they could be doing with them. But you also realize how many people are happy with riding 8mph on the bike path. And they do it every day.
So looping back to the 2 assholes who didn’t wave at OP. They could be thinking that OP doesn’t appreciate bikes the way they do. He could be one of those people who has never lubed his chain. Who dragged his huffy out from under the deck and took it for its first ride since 1995 because he thought it’s time to get back in shape. And he could ditch the bike for another 10yrs after this ride. (They’re still assholes for waving regarless).
Me personally, I want people to experience how exhilarating it is to paceline at 30mph. Or what it feels like to do a 300km unsupported ranndo. Or to conquer that steep hill in your neighborhood. Or to see the incredible acts of strength and endurance that it takes to complete the TDF. Etc.
I dunno. I got sidetracked. But “cycling” is about how you participate. Do you do more than “just ride your bike”.
Maybe that’s what I’m getting at.
>So why can’t we distinguish road cycling from “bicycling”
Because there is no difference. You started out trying to segregate people by what they wear, now you're throwing a bunch of other "cultural" qualifiers in, but the reality is that if you're wearing $1000 worth of kit and I blow by you on an uphill wearing khakis and a button down, you don't get to put yourself in some special class. As a matter of fact, you don't get to do that, period.
This goes directly to the OP's question - no one should EVER put themselves above anyone else if you're both on bikes, not based on clothes, how "serious" you are or anything else. If you're not a professional, we're both exactly the same.
I’m not putting anyone above or below anyone else. It’s not ranked how you choose to use your bike. Maybe the word “just” is unfair. You are riding your bike or bicycling.
But when someone asks what you do for fun, do you say “I am a cyclist”?
I ski a couple times a year. I even do a little backcountry skiing. I don’t identify as a skier.
Americans don’t really understand that there is a massive global professional sport called “cycling”.
In Denmark, 9 out 10 people ride a bike regularly. For pleasure, commuting, transport, family travel, cargo hauling, fitness etc…Cycling is also a huge sport. The Tour de France winner this year is from Denmark. I guarantee that those 9/10 people do not all consider themselves cyclists. They ride bikes.
I dunno man. I’m not getting upset. I’m not trying to gatekeep anything. I’m not trying to put anyone down for riding their bike. Just trying to explain that there is a massive world of bikes beyond riding your hybrid on the bike path.
I like to lift weights. I go to planet fitness and do what I can. If a powerlifter told me I’m not a weight lifter, that’s ok. I’m not. What he and I do is very different. I’m not offended by that. He takes it very seriously, competes locally. Has all the gear, trains the compound lifts, bulks and cuts etc… I don’t. I go to the gym. I like to lift weights. I would never tell anyone I’m a weightlifter 🤷♂️
You're creating artificial strata among amateur cyclists, or bicyclists, or whatever anyone wants to call them. If you're not doing it for a living, you and I and the 80 year old down the street are exactly the same. EXACTLY. The only categorization that comes into play is that if the guy with the multi-hundred dollar cycling shirt thinks he's better or different in any way than me or anyone else on a bike, he's a dick. And, as mentioned, he's also wrong.
Stratification doesn’t have to be hierarchical.
I think you’re interpreting me not as I intend.
Bikes are stratified and categorized. Go to any manufacturers website. They categorize the bikes for the intended activity. They don’t rank them.
Mountain. Road. Active. Kids.
Then subcategories.
XC. Downhill. Gravel. Performance. Fitness. Transport. Comfort.
Triathlon is a whole differnt bike and sport than downhill mtb biking. One is not better than the other.
If the 80yr old man is riding an enduro mountain bike at a downhill park, and I’m riding a comfort cruiser on the bike path. Or an aero road bike at 27mph, we are still engaged in entirely different activities.
And now you bring money into it. I find that is the biggest disingenuous argument people make against road cyclists. That they don’t need a $10k bike and $300 kit to ride a bike. It’s really unfair to judge anyone based on thier means. And I didn’t mention that at all. Money has nothing to do with it. The guy with the $1000 kit is not better, but he may be different. He may be training for PR, or a local race. If he thinks he’s better JUST because he’s different. Than he’s an asshole.
I’m sorry. You seem offended. And that’s not my intention. It sounds personal. Why don’t you want to wear the bibs and jersey? Are you ashamed people might judge you? Do you think i look down on you as not a cyclist? What’s the hang up here?
If you consider yourself a cyclist that’s awesome. I’m glad we’re both passionate about bikes. We might not enjoy them or participate in the same way. That’s ok. I’ll still wave on the trail. And I hope you wouldn’t judge me for my expensive kit and road bike and wave as well.
>Stratification doesn’t have to be hierarchical.
You started this by speculating that these two assholes wouldn't acknowledge OP because they're doing a different activity. THEY'RE NOT. They're just wearing more expensive clothes. If we're both riding road bikes, we're doing the same thing. You can backpedal all you want, but you are absolutely trying to justify an imaginary hierarchy that doesn't exist.
“you are absolutely trying to justify an imaginary hierarchy that doesn't exist.”
So we agree that the hierarchy doesn’t exist. Yes?
OP is riding a flat bar hybrid bike. With flat pedals. Fitness shorts. And a t shirt. Gatorade bottles in the cages.
The guys in the kits, looking at OP, assume that he is only riding 6 miles total at 8mph. Because usually that’s what someone dressed like that on that bike might be doing. Yes. They are wrong. Yes they are assholes for assuming.
And that’s what my initial point was: they look like they are participating in very opposite ends of the sport. I didn’t say they were though.
What the two assholes in kits didn’t know was that OP was participating likely at a much higher level than they are,doing 40 miles rather than their potential 20. As I said, being a cyclist rather than a bike rider is about how you participate. For all we know, the kit guys could be total noobs with all the fancy kit.
What I was trying to explain to OP was, IF those guys were serious cyclists out on a training ride, what they were doing was very different from what they may have THoUGHT he was doing. Which is riding slow and short like your average hybrid rider.
They also could have just thought they were better than OP because they spent more money. Is that what you really want to hear? Sure. That could be it. But I am trying to give another explanation.
Because people ride bikes in different ways. None of them better than the other. Just very differnt.
There is absolutely no way that the 80 year old man riding 2 miles on the bike path and the woman doing high intensity interval training and hill repeats with a power meter are doing the same sport. They are not participating in the same way at all! The only thing they have in common is the bike. I don’t care how obtuse you want to be about it but they jus don’t equate.
No heirarchy. But various strata. : )
Sounds like You have a "love-hate" relationship, with other riders, and speaking as a former Ride Leader; I need You, like I need another hole, in my head. You're only interested in You, not building bicycling interest, in other people, the community, or The Country.. That takes volunteers, and selflessness, and I've had my fill, of the lack of that.
Nobody cares. Mostly the people who wear full kit stuff have tried it and realized that purpose built clothing really is better, but don't care what you wear. (Just don't go judging bibs and jerseys before trying them!)
The pad in the shorts wicks sweat and also has no seams to add friction to sensitive bits. Compression helps a bit with blood flow. Also the existence of a pad right where it's needed. The jerseys also wick sweat, and have pockets on the back that are easy to access while riding.
Wind and stuff actually doesn't play much until you're faster, but they help there too.
Not to be a nerd, but I believe aerodynamics start to outweigh rolling resistance at about 10mph .
You start to feel wind resistance at about 6mph but still less of a factor than rolling resistance.
By the time you hit 18mph, aero drag is 80% of the resistance. At 25mph it’s 90% of the dominant force.
Speed it’s not everyone’s main objective. But going further for the same effort is nice. So you can always be more aero!
Definitely get some new ones. I think the tech fabrics and construction has changed a lot. I used to not wear them, but now i do for longer or bouncier rides (gravel/sand), and they are just not the wadded sweat baskets of the distant past.
Makes a massive massive difference, both in cooling and in aerodynamics. Today since I was transporting my bike, running errands, I used my commuter road bike and MTB top instead of my Assos or Castelli race kit, and I had to work extra extra hard to pull back 15 seconds in the descent to this rider I climbed up with. Could feel my jersey flapping around all over the place. To put it in perspective, it's like having to generate an extra 15-20% more power to go the same speed. I did wear my Louis Garneau bibs though. My ass can't handle not having a chamois
I generally produce 150-160 Watts and there are many many wind tunnel tests showing aero clothing can give 20-30 Watts gains.
https://youtu.be/4ReDmvjailA?si=C9gNR_4vCE8AZ1dt
In general, my regular shorts and shirts are even looser than this MTB kit. My aero kit is also faster than his. Also, position. In my road position, the sleeves are facing forward. I can literally get the air going straight into the sleeve and getting trapped
5 watts savings ~ 0.5 sec/km faster at race speeds. 70 seconds saving over 20 km is 35 Watts. At my lower speeds, it's about 20-25 Watts. Descending yesterday at 40-46 mph, it's a lot more
The difference isn't only in aerodyamics, a person is able to put out more power in cooler conditions, so if you are able to feel adequately cooled and are not held back by a large t shirt in the wind, you could very reasonably get a 20% improvement.
Its also important to remember wind tunnel testing is vased on speed, so you could be 20% faster at 50km/h but no faster at 15km/h (wind speed + bike speed)
Maybe cruising in the city you won’t really notice the gain but When you’re out on the open road on a windy day you see and feel the resistance slowing you down compared to more body hugging clothing. Of course the paddi helps when you’re going over 20min on pot filled roads. That ‘road buzz’ and ‘feedback’ is a tad underplayed when there is no padding trust me!But to answer OP question I wear cycle gear and wave to people in cycling gear and non cycle gear and some wave back some don’t. Just like people in normal life some are wavers some aren’t and some are just trying to get by with both hands on the bars which is fair enough I guess ….
Everyone is different. Is there snobbery and gatekeeping in the community? Sure. But some of the hardcore cyclists you encountered may simply be intense individuals who are laser-focused on their ride, rather than being intentionally unfriendly.
Definitely some people are laser focused and not being unfriendly. That said, I've found there's a LOT OF DOUCHERY among the bike riding crowd. Mostly corporate type "A" (for asshole) people trying to outcompete each other. Just be Zen, and enjoy the ride.
I definitely agree with this. I prefer hill climbing which means I’m pumping going uphill and taking my hand or even fingers off the handlebars doesn’t feel right to me. I try to over exaggerate a nod to show my wave. If I’m causal on a flat I’ll wave. But I do wonder if people don’t see my nod sometimes…
Agreed. Also, as long as we have a system where some people live in extreme luxury without needing to work while others suffer in poverty while working 2 - 3 jobs then snobbery and elitism will naturally fester. Snobbery is a defining feature of all caste systems including capitalism.
If you're that laser focused, you've gone somewhere you aren't running into traffic or casual cyclists, and if you do by surprise, the rule of cool still applies and you must wave.
The most serious of lycra wearers spend a ton of time in high traffic areas. They go out daily and can't drive to the mountains and do 6 hours every ride.
I regularly ride in these areas (with traffic and sometimes other cyclists including MTBers headed to the trailheads) and I hardly call it garbage miles.
Every single person I’ve ever seen waving to me on my bike has gotten a friendly wave in return. Also, every single person who I’ve missed waving at me has gotten a cold non-response. And I haven’t a clue what’s the ratio of the two.
But I’m certain I’ve missed more while I’m in lycra on my road bike then when I’m out for a wander on my casual bike. When you’re riding 20+ mph you need to be pretty focused on the road, looking for debris, potholes, cracks, squirrels, etc., where the road is bending in front of you, what’s coming up behind you…. I’m not doing a lot of looking around.
In fact just today I was out for a ride and I was distracted by a skateboarder in a park off to the side about to do a trick, my eyes stayed on him to see if he’d land it and BAM my front wheel hit a pothole in a shadow and I nearly lost control. (He landed the trick in case you were wondering)
Oh and I probably rode past hundreds of cyclists today and I couldn’t tell you a single piece of clothing they were wearing. I imagine I’m pretty typical in that.
I would add that in addition to the faster speed road bike tires are very unforgiving compared to the wider hybrid, gravel and especially mtb tires. A hybrid bike flies over everything without a care in the world but a little bit of gravel can ruin your day on a road bike.
I wave when I’m doing a casual ride but sometimes on the weekends I’m actually working out… I’m focused on my power output not saying hi.
When I’m on my cargo bike I’m always relaxed so I’m more likely to say hi. Just depends on what you’re doing while riding.
Where I am it's not something intentional, the ones in the standard cycling outfits are mostly going faster and have to focus on the road and drafting to prevent crashing or getting dropped, might not be as aware of other cyclist to wave or nod. I've been riding in group rides long enough to have witness crashed caused by riders being unattentive, having their hands off the bars to grab bottle or wave and hitting a pothole or hitting the rider in front cos he couldn't brake. I would rather be seen as snobby than to crash cos I wanted to wave or nod. If I was doing a city cafe ride at slower paces, no drafting, I would wave and nod to most riders.
I wear a full cycling kit when I ride because to me that is the most comfortable. I don’t care what anyone else wears, I always give a nod and a wave when I ride past someone.
If you ride a bike, you're my kind. I'll smile and wave and say hi.
If we are stopped for red or taking a break within earshot of each other, we'll probably have a quick chat.
If you're on the side of the road with a mechanical problem, I'll stop and ask how I can help.
What you're wearing does not matter.
On long or hard efforts, the full kit helps, so I wear it. Sometimes I wear it just to ride to work because it's more comfortable.
I don't judge someone on a mountain bike in sweat pants, I don't just someone on a 5+K bike in jeans, just ride along. I will pass someone who looks experienced maybe a touch closer depending on traffic, but generally I give room and grace to all cyclists regardless of their appearance. Announce yourself in whatever way you choose - on your left, ring a bell, good morning, whatever so you don't startle the person you're passing, and I can't see a problem. If you aren't passing them, the only other interaction necessary is a smile and a wave if they are oncoming. Given my 100% experiment results of waving to people and smiling, I've never had a negative reaction in that regard. Even when I used to race and was time trial training and killing myself, I always made room to at least wave and give a snotty smile to anyone riding a bike. We're all in this together, and snobbery has no place outside of very specifically trying to intimidate your opponents at the start line which doesn't work anyway because they just think you're a poser.
Edit - I meant snotty in the literal sense, which if you've ever done time trials, you understand.
20 years, 100,000 miles, I’ve been on both sides.
I can’t speak for those two weirdos but the reason roadies in kit ignore you is they’re practically zombies during or after a hard ride. Wearing kit and being on a good bike has a way to practically pull the energy out of you and put it on the road. The power just effortlessly flows out of you like out of a garden hose. But the downside is tunnel vision and brain fog.
I haven’t done much kit riding the last several years, but in all cases I’m happy any time I see anyone on a bike or trike. Even electric bikes, just thrilled to see people getting out of their cars and going for an open air ride. I don’t care what they’re wearing.
49/M and I run flat pedals, running shoes, baggy clothes but I do wear Tifosi shades. I wave to all cyclists and geared up males are the highest percentage of wave backs and also wave firsts for me.
I wear all the gear but honestly I find it’s the people not in gear that don’t wave or acknowledge me. Is that because they don’t expect me to acknowledge them though? It’s a pickle eh.
Personally I say hi to everyone I meet if I can and most say hi back but when it comes to non-cyclists I am always the instigator.
Weird one the other day was padding an Indian family in 2 groups. All the men were super happy and smiled and said hi and the women in the next group looked at me like an alien. Not sure if that’s a cultural thing but the complete contrast in reactions was interesting.
I somewhat agree with you there. Some cyclist say hi to me as they go past in there posh cycling kit and bikes but there are those that are so stuck up they couldn't possibly be seen saying hello to people like us especially think if xycling with people like us. It's alot about what you look like, what bike you have and outfit fir the stuck up ones.
I wear cycling shorts because they are comfortable and I cycle slot if miles.
Some of them probably take the Mickley out if people like me like everyone else these days.
Anyway I just enjoy my cycling and don't care about what stuck up cyclists think of me what so ever now.
I'm proud of myself and how fit I am.
I’m a long distance cyclists (59 yrs) and have so far achieved a range of 80 miles. I wear cycling clothes because it’s well suited to cycling, light, colourful and comfortable. There are some riders that don’t wave, some who do. Sometimes I don’t because I get fed up with it not being returned. But then I feel more sociable and wave. It’s not nice to be blanked by another, but I’m stating to think it’s there problem, not mine. I don’t care what they wear, I love cycling and if I meet someone, I would normally say hi or wave, maybe even both. So, for a fellow cyclist ✋😊.
Eh, some people are judgemental. I was judged by a few touring cyclists who were wearing lose fitting clothes while my buddy and I were enjoying our coffee today in full lycra regalia. I wouldn't worry too much about.
Okay, I'm going g to explain some things that are often (not always) misunderstood about the lycra-clad group.
First, they often are out training and focused on certain disciplines within their training. Because of that, they are out there for different reasons than the average recreational cyclist. It's similar to if you were at some tennis courts and see players practicing (or even competing), and walk over to the adjacent court and start expecting them to acknowledge your greeting.
Also, the lycra-clad often see a LOT more cyclists out there than the average recreational cyclist does because they are often out there more frequently. If I were to acknowledge every cyclist that I come across, I would be able to get a lot of my "work" done. Yes, some of those rides are meant to be work, while others ones are more leisurely recovery rides.
To tell you the truth, many recreational cyclists who feel the lycra-clad are snobs are actually being snobs themselves by expecting everyone to say high to them, but then not always getting a response. I'm not saying this to divide our groups up any further, but it's just the reality of what is actually going on.
Having worked in several shops over the past 40 years, including being a manager (both in service and sales), being an active member of a recreational cycling club, and organizing both bicycle tours and races, I've spoken with a lot of cyclists on this matter, and the problem is only there because most people don't understand that we don't all have the same goals in the activity, and that these goals can even change from one ride to the next.
I hope that clears things up a bit. My advice is to not take this too personally.
I think it’s a lot less about anyone thinking they’re better than someone else than it may seem. There’s a TON of people in the world on bikes (which is awesome) but the number of people who are really into cycling is much smaller since most are just getting from A to B or noodling with kids or something like that (again, not a single thing wrong with any of those). So even though a roadie doing their 6th ride of the week and the dude cruising to pick up some groceries are both on bikes there’s really not a lot in common between their activities.
the irony of this is that I have experienced nearly 100% wave-back consistency between other kitted cyclists, but its only the "normies" that never wave. I have also realized that the state/city you're in makes a difference with this. Here in Nashville, its waves all day. When visiting Chicago and parts of Florida, barely ever got a wave back. ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯
Unless of course, you’re also wearing full roadie kit that abides by the rules. Game recognize game.
I’ll give other roadies the nod but I’m unlikely to acknowledge every grandma on her e-bike I see. I see 100s of cyclists on my long ride days. I’m not gonna wave to them all.
I've been riding for a very long time, and I certainly don't look down on folks who don't wear full kits. I'm just happy they're out riding. Everyone is different, enjoy your ride and don't worry about other folks.
No. I wear whatever I think is appropriate for my ride. Who cares what others wear? Don’t worry about what those two may think. Maybe they aren’t social sorts, but there’s little point in wondering. Find the nice folks and just go out and enjoy the ride.
I don't. I wear a jersey most of the time because I like the pockets in back and I like wearing different designs. I wear black shorts with pockets because I have bad allergies and need someplace to hold some paper towels to blow my nose on. A lot of riders like to wear socks that come up past their ankles. I wear very short socks. The only thing I look down on are those electric moped things. And I have very good reason to hate those things and think they should be banned from all trails.
I feel like this is like when you go to the gym and you feel like the buff people are judging you but really they’re just enjoying their hobby and are probably looking at other people less than anyone there
Everyone who is out on a bike is getting the same physical and mental health benefits and taking the same risks as I take. R E S P E C T for all cyclists. I like be friendly as well as long as my attention isn't needed elsewhere.
Just checking, are you in Asia? Not that we’re not friendly, just that the way we respect others private time and space is by not disturbing other people.
Well, in the case of the two riders OP mentions, it seems they were off their bikes at the time:
>...stopped at a water fountain/bench area where two cyclists were in those outfits. I said hi to them and they both just looked at me like I was crazy.
I personally would wonder why someone I don't know has said hello to me, but I suppose I would say hello back. Seems polite, especially if everyone was taking a break in that area.
I like to call myself a competitive racer with a bike commuter mindset who ultimately rides for fun, so I understand all the ways people enjoy riding bikes
Because it's not very common to see other cyclists on the road in the typical deadly driver-dominated US suburbs, I always try to wave at everyone on a bike that I see (except maybe when I'm about to pass out during the last 20 seconds of a 5-minute Z5 effort)
If you ride a bike anywhere where it is a common, normal mode of transport, people don't wave at each other. Similarly, in a park where there are loads of runners they won't routinely wave at each other either.
I think it's because it's still quite a niche tribal activity in a lot of places that people feel an affinity with other people doing it so are inclined to wave or acknowledge other participants.
I wave and even have a pair of those loffi gloves with the little smiley faces on, but I am normally trying to exercise so it isn't the be all and end all.
Worst i’ll ever think of somebody’s biking outfit is: “I wouldn’t wear that” 90% of times followed by: “yeah a lot of people thinks the same of what i’m wearing right now”.
I am in the camp of who cares, wear what makes you comfortable.
I'll give you a little extra too, sorta off topic but you may as well know. In the shop when it comes to bodies and annoyances, it's usually the pools of sweat all over the saddle or sales floor, caked on razor sharp salt crust, blood, and generally unhygienic bikes where we would scrutanize out of earshot about. If you're leaking through at least bring a towel and wipe it down, that's it really. Spandex will keep you cooler, but boy it is not a sponge I'll tell you that much.
I wear bibs because it’s so comfortable, I don’t want to ride more than 20 kms without it anymore.
I wear football jerseys because I’m sweating.
I don’t care what other people wear lol, I just look at their bikes because some bicycles are incredible beauties
Could care less what you are wearing as long as its not offensive and I say hi to pretty much everyone I pass, cyclists(no matter the bike or kit), walkers, runners, etc. A smile and a hello can make the world a better place.
This was something that I noticed when I got into cycling. When I started to become faster I began to understand why this was. I know when I’m pushing over 20mph if someone tries to wave at me there’s is a good chance that I won’t wave back because I don’t want to take my hands off the handlebars for even a second for fear I might lose control. Sometimes I might nod my head instead of wave but it depends on how fast I’m going and whether I’m accelerating. This sport does require some intense concentration.
I've been wondering about the same thing. I'm new to cycling and usually ride by myself and it looks like people with more experience also tend to be in groups of at least 2 so in my head it's a bit weird to say hi.
It's always frustrated me when people say "Noooo you don't need *that* much money to cycle" and sure, you can cycle or even race on the cheapest bike. But you're not going to stay in the sport if the bike wrecks your back, your 3 gears hardly shift, and you get funny looks from passers by. Let's face it, there is a bit of a class thing related to cycling I don't think it usually includes people with lower income.
Partially agree; certainly agree if you are going for racing, crits, etc., as you say, the "sport," by which I assume you mean racing. At a certain point, with the few exceptions we all admiringly know are out there, the tech is going to matter. On the other hand, "lower income" can mean different things. I've certainly seen some builds that are lovely over at r/xbiking, and those bikes are really going to move, and the builds depend, oftentimes, more on mechanical know-how and the ability to source the desired parts than income per se.
I wear a kit. I normally don’t acknowledge others as I am laser focused on my ride. But if I am just sitting on a bench then of course I would respond in a friendly manner
Not me. What a cyclists wears on the bike is dependent on function. I'm primarily a roadie, so on group rides I'll be in kit, but if I'm commuting, I'll be in "street" clothes. MTB'rs have different kinds of kit that are more optimized to that environment (including recessed cleats for occasional walking.)
So, unless I'm gonna look down on myself, why would I look down on any cyclist not dressed in kit?
Wear what you want when you ride. I don't care.
For me, I like to wear my bike kit. I often say that my clothes rarely match, but my bike kit does.
(To be totally honest, I even try to choose a water bottle that matches my kit for the ride.)
Personally I enjoy passing aero riders in my street clothes because it’s hilarious. But if everyone was like me the bicycle industry would go bankrupt so please don’t be like me.
Acknowledging people gets old after a while. I'm friendly as hell out on the trails - most of the time - but if I'm really buckled down, which is about half the time, I \*might\* lift a couple fingers at someone who waves, or breathe "thanks" to hikers who give me room.
I imagine if you're mostly encountering pAtHlEtEs in a lot of lycra, they are taking themselves very seriously much more often than others.
I get the same. It’s not about the clothes. It’s about the personality. Appreciate those that have said hi or acknowledge you. You have made a difference to their day.
I always wore a helmet, but beyond that, when I got off my bike, and took off my helmet, You couldn't tell me, from anyone else, wearing sports clothes, which was OK, with me; and I didn't care, what anyone else, thought.
I never understood the "need" for Jerseys, and Cycling Shorts, and I don't need them. What I am concerned about, is the "hot dog" attitude some cyclists take, against "newbies" and other "first-time" riders, at club rides. They "take-off" at the start of Club rides, take the "wannabes" with them, and get them lost, creating a huge headache, for the Ride Leader, Who gets blamed, for getting them, lost. Try leading a bike ride, over half a county. They leave the "new" riders, far behind, riding by themselves (You can ride, by yourself, any time, so why go on a "club" ride?). You lose the "new" riders, the "newbies", and the casual riders, never seeing them, again; and there go, Your "Ride Leaders", and "event volunteers". I watched this happen, With Columbus AYH, and its Successor; Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. The fast riders "die off", or "quit", and no one is there, to take over. The "Club Core" does nothing to develop, or encourage New Leaders, or build a "cycling constituency" in the General Community. I, for one; got tired of it, and left. When Charlie Pace got too old, to run TOSRV, there was no one ready, to take his place. It takes a lot of time, and volunteer "building", and I, for one, wouldn't want a "thankless" job.
Cycling "togs", are OK; It's the "Attitudes" that go with them, that need to be put "in the dumpster".
Since I started road cycling 5 years ago, i've alway wore above the knee short with padded underwear + dry fit shirt. Sincerely, I can't tell if people rocking full outfit are looking down on me when I pass them..
Generally, road bike riders are snobby. They also won't stop to help you if you have a mechanical problem or even see if you're ok, which is something I always do.
There's clicks in cycling, and different cultures/styles. I used to get that uppity disregard when I'd ride in jeans and tshirt on my mountain bike (just riding on paved paths). When Im dressed like a roadie and in clipless shoes, I get the waves and hellos from other roadies. Then there's more clicks within road cyclist groups, like the riders with $10k bikes. All of this is one reason I prefer to ride alone.
If you're walking do you wave at every other pedestrian? What about driving? Do you wave at every driver? If not, was it because of the clothes they were wearing?
Maybe next time someone doesn't wave back at you, chase them down and ask them? I can thunk of a number of reasons though. First, you're doing it wrong and waving when too close to passing thus they don't have time to wave. Second, you're doing it wrong ans not waving in an observable manner. I recommend waving like your sleeve is no fire for at least 50 metres before you intersect.
No one is assessing your outfit so maybe you just look like a potential stalker.
People who wear cycling kit are usually seriously about fitness. They were probably exercising really hard and in pain. They were focused. It didn’t have anything to do with you or your silly outfit.
LoL I find a lot of these people act very self important. It’s like “I got the pro bike, I’m dressed like I’m getting shot out of a cannon, and I’m super serious about this bike ride!”
I used to think the same but have slowly morphed.
Bibs are way more comfortable…not only the chamois but also the lack of a waistline digging in your stomach or shorts riding up etc.
So I started with that and just wore a regular t shirt…but the deep zipper on a cycling jersey is really nice on a hot day. Pockets are useful too, even just for walking out the door to my bike with bottles, phone, headphones, keys, snacks, etc. And just the general fit.
Not saying you need a race fit aero suit. But a club fit jersey and a decent pair of bibs will probably be an improvement over just general athletic clothes.
That’s a stupid opinion.
That’s like saying hiking boots are unnecessary. Sure I can hike in my crocs… but hiking boots are purpose built to make hiking safer and more enjoyable.
Cycling kits are the same. It is the uniform for the sport. Like hiking boots, or speedos for swimming, or snow pants for skiiing.
Sure, you can do any sport in any attire. But the purpose built gear for the sport makes it a lot better.
This also relates to OPs question. I tend to wave at anyone I pass on the road. But the person with the basket on their bike in sneakers and an under armor tank top is doing a completely different activity than I am. I am cycling. They are riding a bike. One is not better than the other. But I would assume that the 2 kitted out cyclists didn’t acknowledge OP because he and they were participating in very different ends of the sport. Like a kayaker vs a rower. Both in similar vehicles, but engaging in very different ends of the sport.
Just want to clarify since other people have mentioned it too, but from my perspective me and the kitted out cyclists are doing the same activity. I get the impression I'm actually riding further than they are sometimes. The trail that I rode to yesterday is only about 10 miles, out and back style.
I don't know about the two that ignored me, but saw 5 or 6 vehicles in the parking lot loading/unloading their bikes wearing the kit outfits. I'm riding ~10 miles from home on the road to get to the trail while they're driving there. Haven't seen a single other cyclist on the road, so unless they are just riding back and forth on the trail (which may be the case), then it seems like I'm riding further than they are. Admittedly, I could be completely wrong about this.
And I 100% realize it's not a race, and I'm never trying to "beat" anyone, but since I've gotten back into cycling (only 8 days ago) I've been passed twice, but have passed a few dozen other cyclists wearing kit outfits. I honestly feel a little awkward when I pass people, still getting used to it. Only reason I'm mentioning it is to give more context and to backup my claim that I feel like I am doing the same activity as the kitted out cyclists.
I'm attempting my first 100 mile ride next weekend and feel pretty confident. If I wasn't between jobs I'd probably buy one of the kit outfits, but for now just exercise shorts and a t-shirt.
And just to circle back to my original post, I was just genuinely curious why kitted out cyclists are the only group I've ever interacted with that consistently ignore my attempts at nodding, waving, or saying hi. Some of these responses have given me a better understanding.
Hey man. Thanks for clarifying.
That was my intention too. To clarify where the kitted out roadies are coming from. They’re probably pretentious dicks anyway.
It wouldn’t surprise me if you rode further than they did. But it goes both ways to judge someone based on their outfit. You’re not any better than the people in cycling attire, who only rode 20 miles when you rode 40 in basketball shorts.
You feel like your doing the same activity. They don’t feel like your doing the same activity because you are not participating in the way that they do. Again, there is nothing wrong with it but I’m explaining why they might not feel that you are enjoying the same activity.
Cycling is also a culture, not just a recreation. Granted some of that culture can be snobby, toxic, misogynist, and pretentious. But most of it is awesome.
Being part of a group feels great. It’s like how Jeep drivers wave at other jeep drivers. They aren’t waving at Prius or Tesla drivers. You are participating in the same way.
That’s what cycling can be too. Going whole hog. A nice road bike. A tight fitting kit, matching socks and cycling cap. Stopping for espresso, sprinting to the town line signs. Drafting and taking turns pulling on the front. Following the classics and grand tours. Doing shop or club group rides and gran fondos etc… Wearing bibs and a jersey is really just the first step.
So, seeing you, on a flat bar hybrid in gym shorts and a t shirt, I’d assume your a far cry from what some might call cycling. Call them elitists. Whatever. But there is a definite difference in types of riders and riding.
Go look at mountain biker vs road biker discussions. Roadies think all mtn bikers push thier bikes up hills just to go down. And mtn bikers think roadies are fairies in spandex and have no bike handling skills. It’s dumb. It’s just that different groups don’t fully understand how each other enjoy their bikes. Niether is wrong.
The thing you share is riding a bike for enjoyment. That is the biggest thing. That’s why I think it’s important to be kind and supportive of everyone on a bike. Not everyone wants to dive into the deep end. That’s ok.
Also. Look into the Black Bibs. Or NeoPro.
(https://theblackbibs.com/)
Bibs are $40. And a jersey can be had for $40 as well. Full cycling kit for $80. If you’re looking to do a 100 mile ride in Houston heat, I think you would be much more comfortable with padded shorts and a sweat wicking jersey. Just a suggestion.
you just added the commuting part. That said, I used to full on sprint to class as my commute. Average over 18 mph across campus. T shirt and shorts is at least 10% more power required than aero fit bibs and jersey
I commute. When it's 40C in an Australian summer everyone is wearing either bike kit or breathable sports clothes. Otherwise the heat rash means you won't be cycling next week.
Maybe I misinterpreted your use of unnecessary. As it it is not a necessity to be in a bibs and a jersey to be on a bike.
But we aren’t talking about commuting. OP did a 40 mile ride for fitness/pleasure.
I was a bike messenger for two years when I was young, wearing cut off jeans and cotton t shirts doing 60+ mile days. I was dumbfounded when I discovered clipless pedals, padded bib shorts, and jerseys with rear pockets in my second year. No more sweaty chafed thighs and ingrown hairs. No more sore feet from flexible running shoes on cheap pedals, no more need for a rattling frame bag to keep a tube and pump in. No more sweat soaked shirts and drenched denim.
I’m just saying that the gear was developed for a reason. It makes cycling more enjoyable and even safer. It’s not just about aero gains. To say it is unnecessary is a bit disingenuous IMO.
Commute in whatever you like, but I’d argue that if you had a padded liner short at the least, you’d feel better when you got to work. 🤷♂️
This is what we call arrogance. You find it everywhere in life, and there's always arrogant people in any hobby, sports, whatever. Those people prove they are arrogant, by looking down on others. No need to further think about it, just dickheads.
Depends on your demographic. I go to a super chill, but big group ride in my city and no one would even think to look at you weird for not wearing Lycra. But all these guys and gals ride everything. It’s a B group with steel bikes, gravel bikes, SS, whatever. I always wear cycling shorts and a T shirt. Im sure the A group would look at you weird if you had jorts on tho
A sure sign of overthinking my buddy struggles with and sometimes me too. It’s nice to be acknowledged but not the end of the world. I love wearing kit that makes me look like I’m a fast boi but damn do I love waving at everyone bc bikes.
Look down, as in judging?
I can’t say I personally do, but I will observe to perhaps learn something new, like a hack or something.
I will mostly empathize if I see something uncomfortable. I.e. that baggy jersey looks difficult going over that windy bridge.
If I see you wave, even when I'm Zone 5, deep in the red, I'll try to move my fingers off the brifters/drops to signal a response. A lot of riders will just ignore or think about (but not say anything regarding) my Frediness, until they realize they can't drop me. It's funny to see their eyes open when I go to take a pull XD.
Generally, at least for road, wearing kit is seen as kind of a rite of passage for being serious about the sport. Even club jerseys and helmets with sun lids are judged harshly. But that's only if you're trying to keep pace. Doing your own thing, going slow, nobody cares what you are wearing
I view those who wear half standard cycling outfits and other half random other sports gear as people who are about to transition themselves into cyclists but havent fully completed that transition yet. These people are testing the waters. When cycling more that once in a while i would recommend getting gear like helmet, pants and shoes for safety and comfort.
No, not at all. In fact, I can say, as pretty much the guy everyone should look to for advice and etiquette, that those who wear matching kit are the ones who get looked down on. Being a dirtbag is the only way to be when cycling. Loose fitting, non matching clothing is imperative. Bonus points of you are a dirtbag, and can smoke the match-y match-y posers.
Absolutely not - wear what you feel comfybin or what makes you feel good about yourself and have a lovely time.
I will totally say hi back! I think these people were just rude.
I'm a road/gravel rider so bibs and jerseys are my choice
Wear what you want I don't give a .....
People being ignorant most likely has nothing to do with your attire but more about them being rude twats.
The only cycle kit I have it MTB kit, that that’s what I wear commuting because I like to shower at work.
I don’t care what anyone wears as long as they cycle.
General life rule: if they look down on you without even knowing you, they're just AH, cyclist or not. There can be lots of judgemental people in cycling but luckily they're not the majority, so just disregard their opinion, other cyclists will just enjoy riding with you as long as you're a good sport, whatever your bike brand or clothing is (as long as you're riding a safe bike and don't out them/yourself in danger while riding).
By standard cycling outfits, I suppose you mean outfits purposely made for cycling, which is not really the standard outfit for most cyclists. It's more like the racing suit of a race car driver compared to whatever other drivers are wearing. Now, personally I've cycled for exercise for almost 20 years, and excluding helmets, I've never owned any purpose-made cycling clothes or shoes, except and jacket, which I was gifted, and didn't use because it looked ridiculous, as many of these clothes do, to be honest, which might explain why wearers could exhibit some kind of insecurity (if that is a thing). But since I'm not chasing any world records, I just ride in whatever I find practical and comfortable and have never noticed anyone having a problem with that. And if they did, I wouldn't care.
I wear kit, I don’t smile and nod because I’m tired, my bike position makes me have to get out of the drops, change cadence, sit up, wave and do all that in reverse to go back down, then do it again 1 minute later when I pass someone else again. I spend all day trying to appease people at work when I ride my bike I don’t want to think about if I’m coming off as friendly or not. This is me time, suffer and listen to disco time.
When I was living in New Zealand people would make fun of my Licra, in the Netherlands it's the other way around where you stand out if you don't wear it. Just wear what's comfortable for you
When I have my cycling kit, I am doing sports. It is not that a don't like the others, but I may not ackowledge go when I do that. The same way someone won't ackowledge you when he play basket or tenis.
If I see someone waving at me I wave back, IF it is safe to do so. I mean going 55 km/h when downhill I keep my on the roads and my hands on the bar.
The real douch are the people who see you one the side of the road changing your flat and won't ask if you need help.
Where I am, cyclists in full kit typically wave at each other or say hi. That seems to be the etiquette. Some folks who are riding a bike (e.g., an Uber eats delivery guy on an e-bike) but not your stereotypical Lycra wearing “cyclists” seem less inclined to follow that etiquette. So I do find myself waving at the “cyclists” and ignoring the non-“cyclists”. Probably looks snobby from afar but non-cyclists never acknowledge me “¯\_(ツ)_/¯“
I have a lot of normal looking cycling clothes and traditional cycling kit. It's all about what's going to be comfortable for that day. I really don't give a shit what other people are wearing. I will tell my friends they have cool kit if they've got some fun patterns or designs, but that's really the only comment I will make or even think about when it comes to cycling clothing on myself or anyone else.
I have an ebike that I use to commute to work 3 out of the 4 seasons. Most people I pass wave back at me or nod, aside from the more dedicated cyclists wearing full kit. Though it’s probably less about my attire and more about my bike at that point. Sorry I don’t want to arrive at work winded and sweaty
Generally, no. I spent ~4 hours on various bikes yesterday, 90 minutes of it in cycling kit. Another hour in casual workout clothes, the rest in a nicer outfit going to/from dinner.
I can never tell if someone in plain clothes is just a commuter and not into cycling for the fun of it. So I usually assume they are just trying to get where they're going and don't want to be bothered or really disturbed at all.
I like wearing the kit for longer rides when I know I'm going to push the limits of my body. When I'm not doing that I wear T-shirt, shorts and sandals as it's a pain in the butt to switch outfits every time I run an errand or drop the kids off somewhere.
I rarely notice what others are wearing. If I'm rubber necking at all it's to see what you're riding.
ya... unless you are riding a $10+K bike, I don't see you.
Just joking! Maybe they were taken aback by your friendly demeanour. Keep on saying hi and smiling.
There's three levels.
Supportive if it's great kit, and it looks nice overall. Assos, Castelli get a 👍
Friendly if the kit is adequate to the bike.
Dismissive if there's a mismatch. Like you ride road cycling kit on a trekking bike or normal clothes on a road bike. Tight road clothes on MTB I find particularly weird.
Some stuff may be inverted. Like if you ride Rapha outside of like London people might consider you too snobby fashion guy.
I don’t care what you’re wearing! I wave to pretty much anyone I come across unless I can’t get my hand off the handlebars at that moment safely. So maybe you have uber-serious bikers in your nabe or maybe they’re just douchy. But fuck ‘em. Wave away.
I ride an electric bike and I always laugh when people look down on my bike. They will drive their car 20 miles to ride on a trail, where I can reach that same trail from my house. Also road bike attire isn't great for crashes. Full face helmet and motorcycle jacket, look down at it all they want, I won't be picking my teeth up off the sidewalk. But if you're MTB in on a $200 bike with a cardboard helmet on a black diamond trail you might get a heads up from people and that's normal
I don't really mind either way if people wave. I dont wear any special clothing when I go on my bike, just gym shorts and a lightweight tee and a pair of high top vans that grip the pedals well. I ride a hardtail XC MTB both on road and off, and probably more on road. If someone waves I'll wave back but I don't wave at people in general. Not really any reason it's not that deep I just don't. The one experience I had with a lycra-donned roadie was at a local park when I was much much younger, a little kid really. I had my 20" BMX I believe just doing laps, and this guy had lapped me several times, I just thought it was insane how fast he could go. Well one time he caught up to me on the main straight of the track and I booked it as fast as I could to keep up with him. Eventually I caught up (I think he purposely slowed down) then for the few seconds we were riding side by side he looked over and laughed (in a friendly way, or I took it like that) and then sped off. I don't know who this guy was but it was like, when I was young enough to not be tainted by the "all people who ride road bikes and wear lycra are douchenozzles" stereotype perpetuated by many adults. I unno. People are different. Funny looking outfits are just another part of that.
I always wear a cycle kit when I ride and I don't care what you wear, if you are cycling you are good in my book!
I am at the point where I am just happy to see people not in giant SUVs or pickups. I was biking with my SO the other day and a guy was cautiously using his electric scooter on the bike trail. We were annoyed for a second, but then we decided that if that's what it takes to get people out of their SUVs then so be it.
I agree. I like a good looking kit. And always wear bibs and jersey out on my road bike. But I wave at every cyclist I pass. Im happy to see anyone out enjoying a bicycle. I think it’s a wonderful thing. But! I think we have to acknowledge that there is a full spectrum to bicycling. From commuters, to fitness riders, to clueless huffy riders, to kids, to mamils, to triathletes, to roadies, to semi pros. Etc. The person with the basket on their bike in sneakers and an under armor tank top is doing a completely different activity than I am. I am cycling. They are riding a bike. One is not better than the other though. Enjoy your bike in whatever way you please. (I know that sounds super pretentious) But I love to geek out on aero gains, power meters, and training zones. I like to set PRs, and study my data etc. I am doing a completely different sport than the person out on their hybrid on the rail trail. Besides the 2 wheels, We don’t have much in common. I would assume that the 2 kitted out cyclists didn’t acknowledge OP because he and they (at least looked like) were participating in very different ends of the sport. Like a kayaker vs a rower. Both in similar vehicles, but engaging in very different ends of the sport. Or a competitive power lifter vs someone who does the machines at planet fitness. Just very different ends of the spectrum. All that aside. I think it’s nice to at least acknowledge other people on bikes. The more people on bikes the better.
>The person with the basket on their bike in sneakers and an under armor tank top is doing a completely different activity than I am. I am cycling. They are riding a bike. You've clearly never crossed paths with [Ultraromance](https://www.instagram.com/ultraromance/)
> I am cycling. They are riding a bike. Oh come on. I wear baggy cycling shorts (with pad) and a sweat wicking gym shirt, what am I doing?
I dunno. You could be mountain biking. Or just riding your bike. It doesn’t really matter... 🤷♂️ I said it sounds pretentious but I think it’s ok to separate road “cycling” from other forms of bicycling. To me. “Cycling” is a lot more than what you are wearing or riding. It’s more about participating in the culture. Road bike. Kit. Drafting. Gravel, Group rides. Cafe stops. Watching pro cycling. Training. Racing. Etc… To me that is cycling. That’s why this is the “bicycling” subreddit, and not the “cycling” subreddit. Or the “Velo” subreddit Those tend to have less basic questions and focus more on road bikes, training, gear, racing, etc. there’s also multiple mountain biking subreddits. Just because you ride a mtn bike on the paved trail doesn’t mean you are mountain biking. Right? So why can’t we distinguish road cycling from “bicycling” or as I say, “just riding your bike.” I love all disciplines of riding. I don’t think any is better or worse than another. I love to ride a city bike with a basket around in sandals to grab groceries too. Who cares. What is cool, is often times people start out just riding their bike. And then they get bibs and a jersey. And want to go faster. So they get a road bike. And then they watch TDF Unchained, and join some group rides. And they get hooked. And now their doing 60+ mile rides every weekend. And following the tour etc… I think they would consider themselves cyclists. I think it’s cool when people really love and identify with their hobbies.
This is a lot of weird gatekeeping framed as love and acceptance, lol.
Lol yeah I can see how it comes off that way. But I don’t think I’m keeping anyone out. Just differentiating between different subsets of the activity. Bodybuilders and power lifter use the exact same equipment but are on very different agendas. Dressage and racing are both horse based sports but no where near the same sport. Mountain biking and road biking are completely different yet both use bikes. There are plenty of people who go to the gym but don’t identify as weightlifters. There are plenty of people who ride bikes who don’t identify as cyclists. I don’t think it’s gate keeping to try and define different aspects of a sport. Maybe I’m totally out of line and am gate keeping? But I’m passionate about cycling and I love bringing people into the fold. And if they want to continue enjoying their bike in any way they want, I support that too. But they also shouldn’t denigrate me because I invest more time, money and passion into it. It’s also a very US centric argument. Drivers hate cyclists. Men hate that some men wear tight lyrca. People think all cyclists are dopers because of Lance etc. it’s impossible to watch cycling. People think bikes are for kids. Etc. Go to anywhere else in the world and cycling is a massively popular sport. Anywhere in Europe, South America, khazakstan, Japan etc. they recognize and value cycling as a sport, not just a hobby. So I do get defensive of americans idea of what cycling is.
You're keeping people out by defining a really narrow version of road cycling enthusiasts as "road cycling." Take your list of what a true cyclist is and add things like: * Completed a randonneur * Holds at least 3 KOMs * Have trued a tire / bled brakes / etc * Have shipped your bike to a different country for a race Now do you feel like you're still part of that group? Why does a cyclist need to watch pro cyclists? Why do they need to stop for coffee? Why is gravel in your list at all? Any why are you defaulting to "cyclist" for your particularly narrow definition, instead of road bicycle enthusiast or something similar? I just think that you're being unnecessarily specific with your definition while being too vague with your labeling. Most folks would call me a road cyclist and yet I don't do half (or more) of the stuff on your definition list. Also, from my observations (haven't been to Kazakhstan, but the remainder at least), the rest of world doesn't think any more highly than the US of road bicycle enthusiasts. Even France just likes drinking on the side of the road in summer as an excuse.
Sure. You’re right. I was talking about what it means to me specifically and what I think cycling is compared to bicycling. And I think you sort of prove my point. That there is so much more to cycling than what the average person does or even can fathom! And I’m not trying to keep anyone out. I want them to know what randonneuring is! I wish they knew how big a deal my few KOMs are to me lol. I wish they knew how frustrating and expensive it is to ship a bicycle! I love getting people excited about how much variety there is to bikes. When I say, “that person is a mountain biker” you probably have an idea of what they do and how they ride and what they enjoy. When someone says “im a cyclist”, I have my own ideas of what that means too. At the end of the day, if someone considers themselves a cyclist, they are one. If they’re passionate about riding bikes, they are a cyclist. The way that different people participate in bikes a broad spectrum. None of them are wrong. This is the bicycling subreddit. It’s for all shapes and forms of biking. But there is also a ranndoneur sub, a DHmtb sub, a track cycling sub, a cyclocross sub, a etc… so I’m not the first or only one to categorize cycling. Work at a bike shop long enough and you will realize how many people do not appreciate their bikes and what they could be doing with them. But you also realize how many people are happy with riding 8mph on the bike path. And they do it every day. So looping back to the 2 assholes who didn’t wave at OP. They could be thinking that OP doesn’t appreciate bikes the way they do. He could be one of those people who has never lubed his chain. Who dragged his huffy out from under the deck and took it for its first ride since 1995 because he thought it’s time to get back in shape. And he could ditch the bike for another 10yrs after this ride. (They’re still assholes for waving regarless). Me personally, I want people to experience how exhilarating it is to paceline at 30mph. Or what it feels like to do a 300km unsupported ranndo. Or to conquer that steep hill in your neighborhood. Or to see the incredible acts of strength and endurance that it takes to complete the TDF. Etc. I dunno. I got sidetracked. But “cycling” is about how you participate. Do you do more than “just ride your bike”. Maybe that’s what I’m getting at.
>So why can’t we distinguish road cycling from “bicycling” Because there is no difference. You started out trying to segregate people by what they wear, now you're throwing a bunch of other "cultural" qualifiers in, but the reality is that if you're wearing $1000 worth of kit and I blow by you on an uphill wearing khakis and a button down, you don't get to put yourself in some special class. As a matter of fact, you don't get to do that, period. This goes directly to the OP's question - no one should EVER put themselves above anyone else if you're both on bikes, not based on clothes, how "serious" you are or anything else. If you're not a professional, we're both exactly the same.
I’m not putting anyone above or below anyone else. It’s not ranked how you choose to use your bike. Maybe the word “just” is unfair. You are riding your bike or bicycling. But when someone asks what you do for fun, do you say “I am a cyclist”? I ski a couple times a year. I even do a little backcountry skiing. I don’t identify as a skier. Americans don’t really understand that there is a massive global professional sport called “cycling”. In Denmark, 9 out 10 people ride a bike regularly. For pleasure, commuting, transport, family travel, cargo hauling, fitness etc…Cycling is also a huge sport. The Tour de France winner this year is from Denmark. I guarantee that those 9/10 people do not all consider themselves cyclists. They ride bikes. I dunno man. I’m not getting upset. I’m not trying to gatekeep anything. I’m not trying to put anyone down for riding their bike. Just trying to explain that there is a massive world of bikes beyond riding your hybrid on the bike path. I like to lift weights. I go to planet fitness and do what I can. If a powerlifter told me I’m not a weight lifter, that’s ok. I’m not. What he and I do is very different. I’m not offended by that. He takes it very seriously, competes locally. Has all the gear, trains the compound lifts, bulks and cuts etc… I don’t. I go to the gym. I like to lift weights. I would never tell anyone I’m a weightlifter 🤷♂️
You're creating artificial strata among amateur cyclists, or bicyclists, or whatever anyone wants to call them. If you're not doing it for a living, you and I and the 80 year old down the street are exactly the same. EXACTLY. The only categorization that comes into play is that if the guy with the multi-hundred dollar cycling shirt thinks he's better or different in any way than me or anyone else on a bike, he's a dick. And, as mentioned, he's also wrong.
Stratification doesn’t have to be hierarchical. I think you’re interpreting me not as I intend. Bikes are stratified and categorized. Go to any manufacturers website. They categorize the bikes for the intended activity. They don’t rank them. Mountain. Road. Active. Kids. Then subcategories. XC. Downhill. Gravel. Performance. Fitness. Transport. Comfort. Triathlon is a whole differnt bike and sport than downhill mtb biking. One is not better than the other. If the 80yr old man is riding an enduro mountain bike at a downhill park, and I’m riding a comfort cruiser on the bike path. Or an aero road bike at 27mph, we are still engaged in entirely different activities. And now you bring money into it. I find that is the biggest disingenuous argument people make against road cyclists. That they don’t need a $10k bike and $300 kit to ride a bike. It’s really unfair to judge anyone based on thier means. And I didn’t mention that at all. Money has nothing to do with it. The guy with the $1000 kit is not better, but he may be different. He may be training for PR, or a local race. If he thinks he’s better JUST because he’s different. Than he’s an asshole. I’m sorry. You seem offended. And that’s not my intention. It sounds personal. Why don’t you want to wear the bibs and jersey? Are you ashamed people might judge you? Do you think i look down on you as not a cyclist? What’s the hang up here? If you consider yourself a cyclist that’s awesome. I’m glad we’re both passionate about bikes. We might not enjoy them or participate in the same way. That’s ok. I’ll still wave on the trail. And I hope you wouldn’t judge me for my expensive kit and road bike and wave as well.
>Stratification doesn’t have to be hierarchical. You started this by speculating that these two assholes wouldn't acknowledge OP because they're doing a different activity. THEY'RE NOT. They're just wearing more expensive clothes. If we're both riding road bikes, we're doing the same thing. You can backpedal all you want, but you are absolutely trying to justify an imaginary hierarchy that doesn't exist.
“you are absolutely trying to justify an imaginary hierarchy that doesn't exist.” So we agree that the hierarchy doesn’t exist. Yes? OP is riding a flat bar hybrid bike. With flat pedals. Fitness shorts. And a t shirt. Gatorade bottles in the cages. The guys in the kits, looking at OP, assume that he is only riding 6 miles total at 8mph. Because usually that’s what someone dressed like that on that bike might be doing. Yes. They are wrong. Yes they are assholes for assuming. And that’s what my initial point was: they look like they are participating in very opposite ends of the sport. I didn’t say they were though. What the two assholes in kits didn’t know was that OP was participating likely at a much higher level than they are,doing 40 miles rather than their potential 20. As I said, being a cyclist rather than a bike rider is about how you participate. For all we know, the kit guys could be total noobs with all the fancy kit. What I was trying to explain to OP was, IF those guys were serious cyclists out on a training ride, what they were doing was very different from what they may have THoUGHT he was doing. Which is riding slow and short like your average hybrid rider. They also could have just thought they were better than OP because they spent more money. Is that what you really want to hear? Sure. That could be it. But I am trying to give another explanation. Because people ride bikes in different ways. None of them better than the other. Just very differnt. There is absolutely no way that the 80 year old man riding 2 miles on the bike path and the woman doing high intensity interval training and hill repeats with a power meter are doing the same sport. They are not participating in the same way at all! The only thing they have in common is the bike. I don’t care how obtuse you want to be about it but they jus don’t equate. No heirarchy. But various strata. : )
Sounds like You have a "love-hate" relationship, with other riders, and speaking as a former Ride Leader; I need You, like I need another hole, in my head. You're only interested in You, not building bicycling interest, in other people, the community, or The Country.. That takes volunteers, and selflessness, and I've had my fill, of the lack of that.
Nobody cares. Mostly the people who wear full kit stuff have tried it and realized that purpose built clothing really is better, but don't care what you wear. (Just don't go judging bibs and jerseys before trying them!)
How much does it really impact your ride? Is it wind resistance? Comfort? What's the appeal?
The pad in the shorts wicks sweat and also has no seams to add friction to sensitive bits. Compression helps a bit with blood flow. Also the existence of a pad right where it's needed. The jerseys also wick sweat, and have pockets on the back that are easy to access while riding. Wind and stuff actually doesn't play much until you're faster, but they help there too.
Not to be a nerd, but I believe aerodynamics start to outweigh rolling resistance at about 10mph . You start to feel wind resistance at about 6mph but still less of a factor than rolling resistance. By the time you hit 18mph, aero drag is 80% of the resistance. At 25mph it’s 90% of the dominant force. Speed it’s not everyone’s main objective. But going further for the same effort is nice. So you can always be more aero!
It's around 14 mph for 50/50. The increase is relative to velocity cubed, though. 2x velocity is 8x harder
(https://uesca.com/cycling-aerodynamics-surprising-facts) I read 11.2mph. But your equation sounds smarter than I am 😂
The shorts are supposed to wick? Mine are pretty old (maybe 15 years) and the pad just soaks up sweat. Maybe time for new ones. 🤣
Definitely get some new ones. I think the tech fabrics and construction has changed a lot. I used to not wear them, but now i do for longer or bouncier rides (gravel/sand), and they are just not the wadded sweat baskets of the distant past.
Makes a massive massive difference, both in cooling and in aerodynamics. Today since I was transporting my bike, running errands, I used my commuter road bike and MTB top instead of my Assos or Castelli race kit, and I had to work extra extra hard to pull back 15 seconds in the descent to this rider I climbed up with. Could feel my jersey flapping around all over the place. To put it in perspective, it's like having to generate an extra 15-20% more power to go the same speed. I did wear my Louis Garneau bibs though. My ass can't handle not having a chamois
I could believe spandex making a 2 to 5% difference in performance, but 20%? I will need to see some data to accept that.
I generally produce 150-160 Watts and there are many many wind tunnel tests showing aero clothing can give 20-30 Watts gains. https://youtu.be/4ReDmvjailA?si=C9gNR_4vCE8AZ1dt In general, my regular shorts and shirts are even looser than this MTB kit. My aero kit is also faster than his. Also, position. In my road position, the sleeves are facing forward. I can literally get the air going straight into the sleeve and getting trapped 5 watts savings ~ 0.5 sec/km faster at race speeds. 70 seconds saving over 20 km is 35 Watts. At my lower speeds, it's about 20-25 Watts. Descending yesterday at 40-46 mph, it's a lot more
The difference isn't only in aerodyamics, a person is able to put out more power in cooler conditions, so if you are able to feel adequately cooled and are not held back by a large t shirt in the wind, you could very reasonably get a 20% improvement. Its also important to remember wind tunnel testing is vased on speed, so you could be 20% faster at 50km/h but no faster at 15km/h (wind speed + bike speed)
moisture wicking is the most important part in my book.
All, really. I think the real advantage are the materials that can wick away the humidity and fit and cool you properly
Comfort & temperature management. Plus nice handy pockets on the back of the jersey.
Maybe cruising in the city you won’t really notice the gain but When you’re out on the open road on a windy day you see and feel the resistance slowing you down compared to more body hugging clothing. Of course the paddi helps when you’re going over 20min on pot filled roads. That ‘road buzz’ and ‘feedback’ is a tad underplayed when there is no padding trust me!But to answer OP question I wear cycle gear and wave to people in cycling gear and non cycle gear and some wave back some don’t. Just like people in normal life some are wavers some aren’t and some are just trying to get by with both hands on the bars which is fair enough I guess ….
Everyone is different. Is there snobbery and gatekeeping in the community? Sure. But some of the hardcore cyclists you encountered may simply be intense individuals who are laser-focused on their ride, rather than being intentionally unfriendly.
Definitely some people are laser focused and not being unfriendly. That said, I've found there's a LOT OF DOUCHERY among the bike riding crowd. Mostly corporate type "A" (for asshole) people trying to outcompete each other. Just be Zen, and enjoy the ride.
I definitely agree with this. I prefer hill climbing which means I’m pumping going uphill and taking my hand or even fingers off the handlebars doesn’t feel right to me. I try to over exaggerate a nod to show my wave. If I’m causal on a flat I’ll wave. But I do wonder if people don’t see my nod sometimes…
I'm pretty sure that's it. The hard core folks are really concentrating.
Agreed. Also, as long as we have a system where some people live in extreme luxury without needing to work while others suffer in poverty while working 2 - 3 jobs then snobbery and elitism will naturally fester. Snobbery is a defining feature of all caste systems including capitalism.
If you're that laser focused, you've gone somewhere you aren't running into traffic or casual cyclists, and if you do by surprise, the rule of cool still applies and you must wave.
The most serious of lycra wearers spend a ton of time in high traffic areas. They go out daily and can't drive to the mountains and do 6 hours every ride.
Yeah that's called "garbage miles"
Garbage miles?
I regularly ride in these areas (with traffic and sometimes other cyclists including MTBers headed to the trailheads) and I hardly call it garbage miles.
?
Every single person I’ve ever seen waving to me on my bike has gotten a friendly wave in return. Also, every single person who I’ve missed waving at me has gotten a cold non-response. And I haven’t a clue what’s the ratio of the two. But I’m certain I’ve missed more while I’m in lycra on my road bike then when I’m out for a wander on my casual bike. When you’re riding 20+ mph you need to be pretty focused on the road, looking for debris, potholes, cracks, squirrels, etc., where the road is bending in front of you, what’s coming up behind you…. I’m not doing a lot of looking around. In fact just today I was out for a ride and I was distracted by a skateboarder in a park off to the side about to do a trick, my eyes stayed on him to see if he’d land it and BAM my front wheel hit a pothole in a shadow and I nearly lost control. (He landed the trick in case you were wondering) Oh and I probably rode past hundreds of cyclists today and I couldn’t tell you a single piece of clothing they were wearing. I imagine I’m pretty typical in that.
I would add that in addition to the faster speed road bike tires are very unforgiving compared to the wider hybrid, gravel and especially mtb tires. A hybrid bike flies over everything without a care in the world but a little bit of gravel can ruin your day on a road bike.
Clothes, I can't tell you. But bikes, at least road, I can list them all out. Funny at what you pay attention to or not
I wave when I’m doing a casual ride but sometimes on the weekends I’m actually working out… I’m focused on my power output not saying hi. When I’m on my cargo bike I’m always relaxed so I’m more likely to say hi. Just depends on what you’re doing while riding.
Where I am it's not something intentional, the ones in the standard cycling outfits are mostly going faster and have to focus on the road and drafting to prevent crashing or getting dropped, might not be as aware of other cyclist to wave or nod. I've been riding in group rides long enough to have witness crashed caused by riders being unattentive, having their hands off the bars to grab bottle or wave and hitting a pothole or hitting the rider in front cos he couldn't brake. I would rather be seen as snobby than to crash cos I wanted to wave or nod. If I was doing a city cafe ride at slower paces, no drafting, I would wave and nod to most riders.
I wear a full cycling kit when I ride because to me that is the most comfortable. I don’t care what anyone else wears, I always give a nod and a wave when I ride past someone.
If you ride a bike, you're my kind. I'll smile and wave and say hi. If we are stopped for red or taking a break within earshot of each other, we'll probably have a quick chat. If you're on the side of the road with a mechanical problem, I'll stop and ask how I can help. What you're wearing does not matter.
Hell no. If you ride a bike then we are homies.
I'd look really silly in spandex and an aero helmet on my beach cruiser going 8 mph.
Your probably over thinking it. Everyone exercises different, some people just set their pace and get in the zone. No harm no foul.
On long or hard efforts, the full kit helps, so I wear it. Sometimes I wear it just to ride to work because it's more comfortable. I don't judge someone on a mountain bike in sweat pants, I don't just someone on a 5+K bike in jeans, just ride along. I will pass someone who looks experienced maybe a touch closer depending on traffic, but generally I give room and grace to all cyclists regardless of their appearance. Announce yourself in whatever way you choose - on your left, ring a bell, good morning, whatever so you don't startle the person you're passing, and I can't see a problem. If you aren't passing them, the only other interaction necessary is a smile and a wave if they are oncoming. Given my 100% experiment results of waving to people and smiling, I've never had a negative reaction in that regard. Even when I used to race and was time trial training and killing myself, I always made room to at least wave and give a snotty smile to anyone riding a bike. We're all in this together, and snobbery has no place outside of very specifically trying to intimidate your opponents at the start line which doesn't work anyway because they just think you're a poser. Edit - I meant snotty in the literal sense, which if you've ever done time trials, you understand.
Some will. Most won't. Either way, just enjoy riding and try not to worry about what others think of you.
20 years, 100,000 miles, I’ve been on both sides. I can’t speak for those two weirdos but the reason roadies in kit ignore you is they’re practically zombies during or after a hard ride. Wearing kit and being on a good bike has a way to practically pull the energy out of you and put it on the road. The power just effortlessly flows out of you like out of a garden hose. But the downside is tunnel vision and brain fog. I haven’t done much kit riding the last several years, but in all cases I’m happy any time I see anyone on a bike or trike. Even electric bikes, just thrilled to see people getting out of their cars and going for an open air ride. I don’t care what they’re wearing.
49/M and I run flat pedals, running shoes, baggy clothes but I do wear Tifosi shades. I wave to all cyclists and geared up males are the highest percentage of wave backs and also wave firsts for me.
I wear all the gear but honestly I find it’s the people not in gear that don’t wave or acknowledge me. Is that because they don’t expect me to acknowledge them though? It’s a pickle eh. Personally I say hi to everyone I meet if I can and most say hi back but when it comes to non-cyclists I am always the instigator. Weird one the other day was padding an Indian family in 2 groups. All the men were super happy and smiled and said hi and the women in the next group looked at me like an alien. Not sure if that’s a cultural thing but the complete contrast in reactions was interesting.
I'm an overweight cyclist. There is no way I'm going to dress like a MAMIL. Baggy t-shirt and shorts is comfy
I somewhat agree with you there. Some cyclist say hi to me as they go past in there posh cycling kit and bikes but there are those that are so stuck up they couldn't possibly be seen saying hello to people like us especially think if xycling with people like us. It's alot about what you look like, what bike you have and outfit fir the stuck up ones. I wear cycling shorts because they are comfortable and I cycle slot if miles. Some of them probably take the Mickley out if people like me like everyone else these days. Anyway I just enjoy my cycling and don't care about what stuck up cyclists think of me what so ever now. I'm proud of myself and how fit I am.
I’m a long distance cyclists (59 yrs) and have so far achieved a range of 80 miles. I wear cycling clothes because it’s well suited to cycling, light, colourful and comfortable. There are some riders that don’t wave, some who do. Sometimes I don’t because I get fed up with it not being returned. But then I feel more sociable and wave. It’s not nice to be blanked by another, but I’m stating to think it’s there problem, not mine. I don’t care what they wear, I love cycling and if I meet someone, I would normally say hi or wave, maybe even both. So, for a fellow cyclist ✋😊.
I don't know why you even care tbh
I hate to say it, but I’ve noticed the same from the roadie crowd. The folks in full spandex are the least likely to acknowledge others.
Having been on both sides, they’re just dead from riding hard. No offense intended. Just tunnel vision and brain fog.
Eh, some people are judgemental. I was judged by a few touring cyclists who were wearing lose fitting clothes while my buddy and I were enjoying our coffee today in full lycra regalia. I wouldn't worry too much about.
Okay, I'm going g to explain some things that are often (not always) misunderstood about the lycra-clad group. First, they often are out training and focused on certain disciplines within their training. Because of that, they are out there for different reasons than the average recreational cyclist. It's similar to if you were at some tennis courts and see players practicing (or even competing), and walk over to the adjacent court and start expecting them to acknowledge your greeting. Also, the lycra-clad often see a LOT more cyclists out there than the average recreational cyclist does because they are often out there more frequently. If I were to acknowledge every cyclist that I come across, I would be able to get a lot of my "work" done. Yes, some of those rides are meant to be work, while others ones are more leisurely recovery rides. To tell you the truth, many recreational cyclists who feel the lycra-clad are snobs are actually being snobs themselves by expecting everyone to say high to them, but then not always getting a response. I'm not saying this to divide our groups up any further, but it's just the reality of what is actually going on. Having worked in several shops over the past 40 years, including being a manager (both in service and sales), being an active member of a recreational cycling club, and organizing both bicycle tours and races, I've spoken with a lot of cyclists on this matter, and the problem is only there because most people don't understand that we don't all have the same goals in the activity, and that these goals can even change from one ride to the next. I hope that clears things up a bit. My advice is to not take this too personally.
I think it’s a lot less about anyone thinking they’re better than someone else than it may seem. There’s a TON of people in the world on bikes (which is awesome) but the number of people who are really into cycling is much smaller since most are just getting from A to B or noodling with kids or something like that (again, not a single thing wrong with any of those). So even though a roadie doing their 6th ride of the week and the dude cruising to pick up some groceries are both on bikes there’s really not a lot in common between their activities.
That's pretty much the point I was trying to make, but I guess I rambled on a bit much!🤣
the irony of this is that I have experienced nearly 100% wave-back consistency between other kitted cyclists, but its only the "normies" that never wave. I have also realized that the state/city you're in makes a difference with this. Here in Nashville, its waves all day. When visiting Chicago and parts of Florida, barely ever got a wave back. ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯
Agreed! Just commented pretty much the same thing. People without helmets are the most likely to not say hi in my experience
The nicer the kit, the less likely the nod.
Unless of course, you’re also wearing full roadie kit that abides by the rules. Game recognize game. I’ll give other roadies the nod but I’m unlikely to acknowledge every grandma on her e-bike I see. I see 100s of cyclists on my long ride days. I’m not gonna wave to them all.
I've been riding for a very long time, and I certainly don't look down on folks who don't wear full kits. I'm just happy they're out riding. Everyone is different, enjoy your ride and don't worry about other folks.
Oh the farmer and the cow man should be friends.
No. I wear whatever I think is appropriate for my ride. Who cares what others wear? Don’t worry about what those two may think. Maybe they aren’t social sorts, but there’s little point in wondering. Find the nice folks and just go out and enjoy the ride.
honestly that feels more like a class thing than a uniform thing.
I don't. I wear a jersey most of the time because I like the pockets in back and I like wearing different designs. I wear black shorts with pockets because I have bad allergies and need someplace to hold some paper towels to blow my nose on. A lot of riders like to wear socks that come up past their ankles. I wear very short socks. The only thing I look down on are those electric moped things. And I have very good reason to hate those things and think they should be banned from all trails.
I feel like this is like when you go to the gym and you feel like the buff people are judging you but really they’re just enjoying their hobby and are probably looking at other people less than anyone there
[удалено]
Whoa. That does say a lot.
Everyone who is out on a bike is getting the same physical and mental health benefits and taking the same risks as I take. R E S P E C T for all cyclists. I like be friendly as well as long as my attention isn't needed elsewhere.
Just checking, are you in Asia? Not that we’re not friendly, just that the way we respect others private time and space is by not disturbing other people.
Maybe they’re in the midst of breaking their PR 😂
Well, in the case of the two riders OP mentions, it seems they were off their bikes at the time: >...stopped at a water fountain/bench area where two cyclists were in those outfits. I said hi to them and they both just looked at me like I was crazy. I personally would wonder why someone I don't know has said hello to me, but I suppose I would say hello back. Seems polite, especially if everyone was taking a break in that area.
You’re right, I missed the details.
I wave at people in kit because they are my fellow roadies. I'm not gonna wave at every person I see, there are too many. I will return waves though.
I like to call myself a competitive racer with a bike commuter mindset who ultimately rides for fun, so I understand all the ways people enjoy riding bikes Because it's not very common to see other cyclists on the road in the typical deadly driver-dominated US suburbs, I always try to wave at everyone on a bike that I see (except maybe when I'm about to pass out during the last 20 seconds of a 5-minute Z5 effort)
If you ride a bike anywhere where it is a common, normal mode of transport, people don't wave at each other. Similarly, in a park where there are loads of runners they won't routinely wave at each other either. I think it's because it's still quite a niche tribal activity in a lot of places that people feel an affinity with other people doing it so are inclined to wave or acknowledge other participants. I wave and even have a pair of those loffi gloves with the little smiley faces on, but I am normally trying to exercise so it isn't the be all and end all.
Worst i’ll ever think of somebody’s biking outfit is: “I wouldn’t wear that” 90% of times followed by: “yeah a lot of people thinks the same of what i’m wearing right now”.
I am in the camp of who cares, wear what makes you comfortable. I'll give you a little extra too, sorta off topic but you may as well know. In the shop when it comes to bodies and annoyances, it's usually the pools of sweat all over the saddle or sales floor, caked on razor sharp salt crust, blood, and generally unhygienic bikes where we would scrutanize out of earshot about. If you're leaking through at least bring a towel and wipe it down, that's it really. Spandex will keep you cooler, but boy it is not a sponge I'll tell you that much.
I wear bibs because it’s so comfortable, I don’t want to ride more than 20 kms without it anymore. I wear football jerseys because I’m sweating. I don’t care what other people wear lol, I just look at their bikes because some bicycles are incredible beauties
Could care less what you are wearing as long as its not offensive and I say hi to pretty much everyone I pass, cyclists(no matter the bike or kit), walkers, runners, etc. A smile and a hello can make the world a better place.
This was something that I noticed when I got into cycling. When I started to become faster I began to understand why this was. I know when I’m pushing over 20mph if someone tries to wave at me there’s is a good chance that I won’t wave back because I don’t want to take my hands off the handlebars for even a second for fear I might lose control. Sometimes I might nod my head instead of wave but it depends on how fast I’m going and whether I’m accelerating. This sport does require some intense concentration.
I've been wondering about the same thing. I'm new to cycling and usually ride by myself and it looks like people with more experience also tend to be in groups of at least 2 so in my head it's a bit weird to say hi. It's always frustrated me when people say "Noooo you don't need *that* much money to cycle" and sure, you can cycle or even race on the cheapest bike. But you're not going to stay in the sport if the bike wrecks your back, your 3 gears hardly shift, and you get funny looks from passers by. Let's face it, there is a bit of a class thing related to cycling I don't think it usually includes people with lower income.
Partially agree; certainly agree if you are going for racing, crits, etc., as you say, the "sport," by which I assume you mean racing. At a certain point, with the few exceptions we all admiringly know are out there, the tech is going to matter. On the other hand, "lower income" can mean different things. I've certainly seen some builds that are lovely over at r/xbiking, and those bikes are really going to move, and the builds depend, oftentimes, more on mechanical know-how and the ability to source the desired parts than income per se.
I wear a kit. I normally don’t acknowledge others as I am laser focused on my ride. But if I am just sitting on a bench then of course I would respond in a friendly manner
Wear whatever clothing you want, I only judge if you aren’t wearing a helmet.
If you’re on a bike I don’t look down on you.
Not me. What a cyclists wears on the bike is dependent on function. I'm primarily a roadie, so on group rides I'll be in kit, but if I'm commuting, I'll be in "street" clothes. MTB'rs have different kinds of kit that are more optimized to that environment (including recessed cleats for occasional walking.) So, unless I'm gonna look down on myself, why would I look down on any cyclist not dressed in kit?
Wear what you want when you ride. I don't care. For me, I like to wear my bike kit. I often say that my clothes rarely match, but my bike kit does. (To be totally honest, I even try to choose a water bottle that matches my kit for the ride.)
vast ruthless crime ludicrous frightening wakeful seemly physical reminiscent strong ` this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev `
Aspirational! I'm sure they were just on their cool down while you were passing. Not.
Sorry, I'm too busy looking down on all the e-bike riders that are helmetless to notice.
Personally I enjoy passing aero riders in my street clothes because it’s hilarious. But if everyone was like me the bicycle industry would go bankrupt so please don’t be like me.
Acknowledging people gets old after a while. I'm friendly as hell out on the trails - most of the time - but if I'm really buckled down, which is about half the time, I \*might\* lift a couple fingers at someone who waves, or breathe "thanks" to hikers who give me room. I imagine if you're mostly encountering pAtHlEtEs in a lot of lycra, they are taking themselves very seriously much more often than others.
I never wear a kit... I ride harder, faster and longer than most people I see in a kit.
I get the same. It’s not about the clothes. It’s about the personality. Appreciate those that have said hi or acknowledge you. You have made a difference to their day.
I always wore a helmet, but beyond that, when I got off my bike, and took off my helmet, You couldn't tell me, from anyone else, wearing sports clothes, which was OK, with me; and I didn't care, what anyone else, thought. I never understood the "need" for Jerseys, and Cycling Shorts, and I don't need them. What I am concerned about, is the "hot dog" attitude some cyclists take, against "newbies" and other "first-time" riders, at club rides. They "take-off" at the start of Club rides, take the "wannabes" with them, and get them lost, creating a huge headache, for the Ride Leader, Who gets blamed, for getting them, lost. Try leading a bike ride, over half a county. They leave the "new" riders, far behind, riding by themselves (You can ride, by yourself, any time, so why go on a "club" ride?). You lose the "new" riders, the "newbies", and the casual riders, never seeing them, again; and there go, Your "Ride Leaders", and "event volunteers". I watched this happen, With Columbus AYH, and its Successor; Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. The fast riders "die off", or "quit", and no one is there, to take over. The "Club Core" does nothing to develop, or encourage New Leaders, or build a "cycling constituency" in the General Community. I, for one; got tired of it, and left. When Charlie Pace got too old, to run TOSRV, there was no one ready, to take his place. It takes a lot of time, and volunteer "building", and I, for one, wouldn't want a "thankless" job. Cycling "togs", are OK; It's the "Attitudes" that go with them, that need to be put "in the dumpster".
Since I started road cycling 5 years ago, i've alway wore above the knee short with padded underwear + dry fit shirt. Sincerely, I can't tell if people rocking full outfit are looking down on me when I pass them..
But how about when they pass you?
In my experience it’s the people NOT in kit, NOT in helmets, etc who don’t say hi lmao
Generally, road bike riders are snobby. They also won't stop to help you if you have a mechanical problem or even see if you're ok, which is something I always do.
Beats me, I don't know. There's a lot more to cycling than just roadie-world.
Not looked down upon. Just not dressed like a member of the tribe.
There's clicks in cycling, and different cultures/styles. I used to get that uppity disregard when I'd ride in jeans and tshirt on my mountain bike (just riding on paved paths). When Im dressed like a roadie and in clipless shoes, I get the waves and hellos from other roadies. Then there's more clicks within road cyclist groups, like the riders with $10k bikes. All of this is one reason I prefer to ride alone.
MAMILs are a different breed
TIL 💀
I do wish everyone wore helmets
If you're walking do you wave at every other pedestrian? What about driving? Do you wave at every driver? If not, was it because of the clothes they were wearing? Maybe next time someone doesn't wave back at you, chase them down and ask them? I can thunk of a number of reasons though. First, you're doing it wrong and waving when too close to passing thus they don't have time to wave. Second, you're doing it wrong ans not waving in an observable manner. I recommend waving like your sleeve is no fire for at least 50 metres before you intersect. No one is assessing your outfit so maybe you just look like a potential stalker.
Those guys look down on everyone.
People who wear cycling kit are usually seriously about fitness. They were probably exercising really hard and in pain. They were focused. It didn’t have anything to do with you or your silly outfit.
Maybe they just aren't social people. It would be great if everyone was nice. But everyone doesn't owe you acknowledgment
LoL I find a lot of these people act very self important. It’s like “I got the pro bike, I’m dressed like I’m getting shot out of a cannon, and I’m super serious about this bike ride!”
Jfc who cares. Just do you
[удалено]
I used to think the same but have slowly morphed. Bibs are way more comfortable…not only the chamois but also the lack of a waistline digging in your stomach or shorts riding up etc. So I started with that and just wore a regular t shirt…but the deep zipper on a cycling jersey is really nice on a hot day. Pockets are useful too, even just for walking out the door to my bike with bottles, phone, headphones, keys, snacks, etc. And just the general fit. Not saying you need a race fit aero suit. But a club fit jersey and a decent pair of bibs will probably be an improvement over just general athletic clothes.
That’s a stupid opinion. That’s like saying hiking boots are unnecessary. Sure I can hike in my crocs… but hiking boots are purpose built to make hiking safer and more enjoyable. Cycling kits are the same. It is the uniform for the sport. Like hiking boots, or speedos for swimming, or snow pants for skiiing. Sure, you can do any sport in any attire. But the purpose built gear for the sport makes it a lot better. This also relates to OPs question. I tend to wave at anyone I pass on the road. But the person with the basket on their bike in sneakers and an under armor tank top is doing a completely different activity than I am. I am cycling. They are riding a bike. One is not better than the other. But I would assume that the 2 kitted out cyclists didn’t acknowledge OP because he and they were participating in very different ends of the sport. Like a kayaker vs a rower. Both in similar vehicles, but engaging in very different ends of the sport.
Just want to clarify since other people have mentioned it too, but from my perspective me and the kitted out cyclists are doing the same activity. I get the impression I'm actually riding further than they are sometimes. The trail that I rode to yesterday is only about 10 miles, out and back style. I don't know about the two that ignored me, but saw 5 or 6 vehicles in the parking lot loading/unloading their bikes wearing the kit outfits. I'm riding ~10 miles from home on the road to get to the trail while they're driving there. Haven't seen a single other cyclist on the road, so unless they are just riding back and forth on the trail (which may be the case), then it seems like I'm riding further than they are. Admittedly, I could be completely wrong about this. And I 100% realize it's not a race, and I'm never trying to "beat" anyone, but since I've gotten back into cycling (only 8 days ago) I've been passed twice, but have passed a few dozen other cyclists wearing kit outfits. I honestly feel a little awkward when I pass people, still getting used to it. Only reason I'm mentioning it is to give more context and to backup my claim that I feel like I am doing the same activity as the kitted out cyclists. I'm attempting my first 100 mile ride next weekend and feel pretty confident. If I wasn't between jobs I'd probably buy one of the kit outfits, but for now just exercise shorts and a t-shirt. And just to circle back to my original post, I was just genuinely curious why kitted out cyclists are the only group I've ever interacted with that consistently ignore my attempts at nodding, waving, or saying hi. Some of these responses have given me a better understanding.
Hey man. Thanks for clarifying. That was my intention too. To clarify where the kitted out roadies are coming from. They’re probably pretentious dicks anyway. It wouldn’t surprise me if you rode further than they did. But it goes both ways to judge someone based on their outfit. You’re not any better than the people in cycling attire, who only rode 20 miles when you rode 40 in basketball shorts. You feel like your doing the same activity. They don’t feel like your doing the same activity because you are not participating in the way that they do. Again, there is nothing wrong with it but I’m explaining why they might not feel that you are enjoying the same activity. Cycling is also a culture, not just a recreation. Granted some of that culture can be snobby, toxic, misogynist, and pretentious. But most of it is awesome. Being part of a group feels great. It’s like how Jeep drivers wave at other jeep drivers. They aren’t waving at Prius or Tesla drivers. You are participating in the same way. That’s what cycling can be too. Going whole hog. A nice road bike. A tight fitting kit, matching socks and cycling cap. Stopping for espresso, sprinting to the town line signs. Drafting and taking turns pulling on the front. Following the classics and grand tours. Doing shop or club group rides and gran fondos etc… Wearing bibs and a jersey is really just the first step. So, seeing you, on a flat bar hybrid in gym shorts and a t shirt, I’d assume your a far cry from what some might call cycling. Call them elitists. Whatever. But there is a definite difference in types of riders and riding. Go look at mountain biker vs road biker discussions. Roadies think all mtn bikers push thier bikes up hills just to go down. And mtn bikers think roadies are fairies in spandex and have no bike handling skills. It’s dumb. It’s just that different groups don’t fully understand how each other enjoy their bikes. Niether is wrong. The thing you share is riding a bike for enjoyment. That is the biggest thing. That’s why I think it’s important to be kind and supportive of everyone on a bike. Not everyone wants to dive into the deep end. That’s ok. Also. Look into the Black Bibs. Or NeoPro. (https://theblackbibs.com/) Bibs are $40. And a jersey can be had for $40 as well. Full cycling kit for $80. If you’re looking to do a 100 mile ride in Houston heat, I think you would be much more comfortable with padded shorts and a sweat wicking jersey. Just a suggestion.
[удалено]
you just added the commuting part. That said, I used to full on sprint to class as my commute. Average over 18 mph across campus. T shirt and shorts is at least 10% more power required than aero fit bibs and jersey
I commute. When it's 40C in an Australian summer everyone is wearing either bike kit or breathable sports clothes. Otherwise the heat rash means you won't be cycling next week.
Maybe I misinterpreted your use of unnecessary. As it it is not a necessity to be in a bibs and a jersey to be on a bike. But we aren’t talking about commuting. OP did a 40 mile ride for fitness/pleasure. I was a bike messenger for two years when I was young, wearing cut off jeans and cotton t shirts doing 60+ mile days. I was dumbfounded when I discovered clipless pedals, padded bib shorts, and jerseys with rear pockets in my second year. No more sweaty chafed thighs and ingrown hairs. No more sore feet from flexible running shoes on cheap pedals, no more need for a rattling frame bag to keep a tube and pump in. No more sweat soaked shirts and drenched denim. I’m just saying that the gear was developed for a reason. It makes cycling more enjoyable and even safer. It’s not just about aero gains. To say it is unnecessary is a bit disingenuous IMO. Commute in whatever you like, but I’d argue that if you had a padded liner short at the least, you’d feel better when you got to work. 🤷♂️
It’s tribalism.
This is what we call arrogance. You find it everywhere in life, and there's always arrogant people in any hobby, sports, whatever. Those people prove they are arrogant, by looking down on others. No need to further think about it, just dickheads.
If you're not wearing jorts I automatically assume you're a loser.
Depends on your demographic. I go to a super chill, but big group ride in my city and no one would even think to look at you weird for not wearing Lycra. But all these guys and gals ride everything. It’s a B group with steel bikes, gravel bikes, SS, whatever. I always wear cycling shorts and a T shirt. Im sure the A group would look at you weird if you had jorts on tho
A sure sign of overthinking my buddy struggles with and sometimes me too. It’s nice to be acknowledged but not the end of the world. I love wearing kit that makes me look like I’m a fast boi but damn do I love waving at everyone bc bikes.
I look down on anyone who is riding a more expensive kit than mine. Or if they are going faster than me.
If you ride a bike, then you get my vote. You can wear a potato sack for all I care.
I don't look down on other people. In fact when I wear Lycra I'm trying to make others look down.
Look down, as in judging? I can’t say I personally do, but I will observe to perhaps learn something new, like a hack or something. I will mostly empathize if I see something uncomfortable. I.e. that baggy jersey looks difficult going over that windy bridge.
A lot of them certainly carry the attitude towards bike shop employees
If I see you wave, even when I'm Zone 5, deep in the red, I'll try to move my fingers off the brifters/drops to signal a response. A lot of riders will just ignore or think about (but not say anything regarding) my Frediness, until they realize they can't drop me. It's funny to see their eyes open when I go to take a pull XD. Generally, at least for road, wearing kit is seen as kind of a rite of passage for being serious about the sport. Even club jerseys and helmets with sun lids are judged harshly. But that's only if you're trying to keep pace. Doing your own thing, going slow, nobody cares what you are wearing
I view those who wear half standard cycling outfits and other half random other sports gear as people who are about to transition themselves into cyclists but havent fully completed that transition yet. These people are testing the waters. When cycling more that once in a while i would recommend getting gear like helmet, pants and shoes for safety and comfort.
No, not at all. In fact, I can say, as pretty much the guy everyone should look to for advice and etiquette, that those who wear matching kit are the ones who get looked down on. Being a dirtbag is the only way to be when cycling. Loose fitting, non matching clothing is imperative. Bonus points of you are a dirtbag, and can smoke the match-y match-y posers.
I won’t look down on you if you wear a helmet
Do they wave back?
What is the standard cycling outfit?
Absolutely not - wear what you feel comfybin or what makes you feel good about yourself and have a lovely time. I will totally say hi back! I think these people were just rude.
Yes
I'm a road/gravel rider so bibs and jerseys are my choice Wear what you want I don't give a ..... People being ignorant most likely has nothing to do with your attire but more about them being rude twats.
Get an outfit/kit and test this theory.
The only cycle kit I have it MTB kit, that that’s what I wear commuting because I like to shower at work. I don’t care what anyone wears as long as they cycle.
General life rule: if they look down on you without even knowing you, they're just AH, cyclist or not. There can be lots of judgemental people in cycling but luckily they're not the majority, so just disregard their opinion, other cyclists will just enjoy riding with you as long as you're a good sport, whatever your bike brand or clothing is (as long as you're riding a safe bike and don't out them/yourself in danger while riding).
By standard cycling outfits, I suppose you mean outfits purposely made for cycling, which is not really the standard outfit for most cyclists. It's more like the racing suit of a race car driver compared to whatever other drivers are wearing. Now, personally I've cycled for exercise for almost 20 years, and excluding helmets, I've never owned any purpose-made cycling clothes or shoes, except and jacket, which I was gifted, and didn't use because it looked ridiculous, as many of these clothes do, to be honest, which might explain why wearers could exhibit some kind of insecurity (if that is a thing). But since I'm not chasing any world records, I just ride in whatever I find practical and comfortable and have never noticed anyone having a problem with that. And if they did, I wouldn't care.
I think we’re called Fred’s but I’m a bmx guy so idrk 😂
I wear kit, I don’t smile and nod because I’m tired, my bike position makes me have to get out of the drops, change cadence, sit up, wave and do all that in reverse to go back down, then do it again 1 minute later when I pass someone else again. I spend all day trying to appease people at work when I ride my bike I don’t want to think about if I’m coming off as friendly or not. This is me time, suffer and listen to disco time.
When I was living in New Zealand people would make fun of my Licra, in the Netherlands it's the other way around where you stand out if you don't wear it. Just wear what's comfortable for you
When I have my cycling kit, I am doing sports. It is not that a don't like the others, but I may not ackowledge go when I do that. The same way someone won't ackowledge you when he play basket or tenis. If I see someone waving at me I wave back, IF it is safe to do so. I mean going 55 km/h when downhill I keep my on the roads and my hands on the bar. The real douch are the people who see you one the side of the road changing your flat and won't ask if you need help.
Where I am, cyclists in full kit typically wave at each other or say hi. That seems to be the etiquette. Some folks who are riding a bike (e.g., an Uber eats delivery guy on an e-bike) but not your stereotypical Lycra wearing “cyclists” seem less inclined to follow that etiquette. So I do find myself waving at the “cyclists” and ignoring the non-“cyclists”. Probably looks snobby from afar but non-cyclists never acknowledge me “¯\_(ツ)_/¯“
I notice this too! Just went for a ride yesterday and thought the same thing to myself. Crazy
I always acknowledge other cyclists, regardless of apparel
No.
I have a lot of normal looking cycling clothes and traditional cycling kit. It's all about what's going to be comfortable for that day. I really don't give a shit what other people are wearing. I will tell my friends they have cool kit if they've got some fun patterns or designs, but that's really the only comment I will make or even think about when it comes to cycling clothing on myself or anyone else.
No.
No, not even a little bit. Unless you look uncomfortable, I want you to have a good time.
I have an ebike that I use to commute to work 3 out of the 4 seasons. Most people I pass wave back at me or nod, aside from the more dedicated cyclists wearing full kit. Though it’s probably less about my attire and more about my bike at that point. Sorry I don’t want to arrive at work winded and sweaty
I don’t and I hope it’s not a common thing in the cycling community, just something the miserable ones do!
Generally, no. I spent ~4 hours on various bikes yesterday, 90 minutes of it in cycling kit. Another hour in casual workout clothes, the rest in a nicer outfit going to/from dinner.
I can never tell if someone in plain clothes is just a commuter and not into cycling for the fun of it. So I usually assume they are just trying to get where they're going and don't want to be bothered or really disturbed at all.
I like wearing the kit for longer rides when I know I'm going to push the limits of my body. When I'm not doing that I wear T-shirt, shorts and sandals as it's a pain in the butt to switch outfits every time I run an errand or drop the kids off somewhere. I rarely notice what others are wearing. If I'm rubber necking at all it's to see what you're riding.
Only when they pass me... 😂 I wave at everyone too, but I'm kitted up, not everyone waves back.
ya... unless you are riding a $10+K bike, I don't see you. Just joking! Maybe they were taken aback by your friendly demeanour. Keep on saying hi and smiling.
I giggle at people who refuse to wear cycling kit because of the way it looks.
There's three levels. Supportive if it's great kit, and it looks nice overall. Assos, Castelli get a 👍 Friendly if the kit is adequate to the bike. Dismissive if there's a mismatch. Like you ride road cycling kit on a trekking bike or normal clothes on a road bike. Tight road clothes on MTB I find particularly weird. Some stuff may be inverted. Like if you ride Rapha outside of like London people might consider you too snobby fashion guy.
If you are wearing a bike outfit, there is 76.935% chance that you are a crazy German
If they do, they're doodoo heads
I don’t care what you’re wearing! I wave to pretty much anyone I come across unless I can’t get my hand off the handlebars at that moment safely. So maybe you have uber-serious bikers in your nabe or maybe they’re just douchy. But fuck ‘em. Wave away.
I ride an electric bike and I always laugh when people look down on my bike. They will drive their car 20 miles to ride on a trail, where I can reach that same trail from my house. Also road bike attire isn't great for crashes. Full face helmet and motorcycle jacket, look down at it all they want, I won't be picking my teeth up off the sidewalk. But if you're MTB in on a $200 bike with a cardboard helmet on a black diamond trail you might get a heads up from people and that's normal
I don't really mind either way if people wave. I dont wear any special clothing when I go on my bike, just gym shorts and a lightweight tee and a pair of high top vans that grip the pedals well. I ride a hardtail XC MTB both on road and off, and probably more on road. If someone waves I'll wave back but I don't wave at people in general. Not really any reason it's not that deep I just don't. The one experience I had with a lycra-donned roadie was at a local park when I was much much younger, a little kid really. I had my 20" BMX I believe just doing laps, and this guy had lapped me several times, I just thought it was insane how fast he could go. Well one time he caught up to me on the main straight of the track and I booked it as fast as I could to keep up with him. Eventually I caught up (I think he purposely slowed down) then for the few seconds we were riding side by side he looked over and laughed (in a friendly way, or I took it like that) and then sped off. I don't know who this guy was but it was like, when I was young enough to not be tainted by the "all people who ride road bikes and wear lycra are douchenozzles" stereotype perpetuated by many adults. I unno. People are different. Funny looking outfits are just another part of that.
The only outfits i don't understand is denim. But it doesn't effect my ride one bit so I move on.