Etiquette
navrig2
Posts: 1,851
What should one do?
I see someone commuting to our local train station on a hybrid bike. He is not a cyclist - football shorts, t-shirt and a small backpack.
His seat height is too high and his hips are swaying to and fro like a rocking horse.
He is pedaling with his heels.
His tyres are half flat.
He is sweating like a hot 'un.
I don't know how far he cycles.
I don't know him.
Do I have a quiet word and suggest he drops his seat, changes his pedaling style and adds some air to his tyres?
Or do I stand back and just feel sorry for him?
I see someone commuting to our local train station on a hybrid bike. He is not a cyclist - football shorts, t-shirt and a small backpack.
His seat height is too high and his hips are swaying to and fro like a rocking horse.
He is pedaling with his heels.
His tyres are half flat.
He is sweating like a hot 'un.
I don't know how far he cycles.
I don't know him.
Do I have a quiet word and suggest he drops his seat, changes his pedaling style and adds some air to his tyres?
Or do I stand back and just feel sorry for him?
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Comments
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If you do anything other that look on in bewilderment you will in all likelihood be considered a crazy man. However, I did once stop a lad I used to see riding around Bushy Park (dangerously) the route through the park as it was away from traffic and much more pleasant. He was really grateful and says hello if he sees me, even when I bumped into him in a shop.
So, he'll probably think you're mad and not thank you. But, he could be eternally grateful and start to enjoy cycling.
I should add that I am the sort of person that will talk to strangers even though I live in London. Yes, I do get funny looks.0 -
I reserve this for people who act interested in something or offer a question.
Otherwise, random stranger, nope. It may be the one time he needs to use that particular bike as his is down and out, and it wasn't worth his time to get it all right.
If they had a puncture, perhaps a word to make sure they're ok.0 -
Rocking up and giving someone advice when you no nothing of the background is a bit of a no-no ...
However, if by "I see someone commuting" you mean you're going the same way and could ride with him - then there's potential for striking up a conversation and becoming aquainted first - then you could ask if he's comfortable or say "It doesn't look comfortable riding like that" ... which might make him think about it ...0 -
The fact someone is riding albeit with issues is good news, if advice is offered with genuine sentiment (as here) then other than to being told to go forth & multiply (unlikely and probably worst case) this guy may accept your good intentions.
My mates are always telling me to seed up when the road tilts upwards, trouble is their laughter seems to make me doubt their intentions LOL
Happy cycling all!0 -
speed up0
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Have tried before, especially with people riding something like 50-13, barely turning the pedals at like 40 -50 rpm. Pointless unless you see them often. They'll never listen. :roll:0
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I walk to the station so the cycling alongside is not an option.
I'd have to hover nonchalantly outside the station whilst he chained his bike up. That would look odd and may be taken the wrong way.
I'll keep watching....0 -
He's an adult, leave him to get on with it. Only bring it up if you end up speaking to him a few times.
For example of you get on the same train regularly and end up chatting on a few journeys. Then if you bump into him again near the station you have a rapport so could mention it casually.
Fine line between being helpful and being a nosey git! You need an opening other than the dodgy setup. It must be natural too. If that makes sense. Otherwise just move along and try to ignore stupid setups of others that you could really help them with.
Note punctures are something that we all experience (well not me with my marathon plus or vittoria hypers). That gives you a sense of comradery that asking if they want any help is more natural. Just.move on if the answer is no help needed.0 -
Y u has knees pointing outwardsI'm sorry you don't believe in miracles0
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I'd always start the discussion off with a compliment to encourage them in what they are doing
"Hey, youre keeping a good old speed!"
If they engage then you can tell them they'd go even faster with the seat up a little bit. Generally people are happy with what they are already doing though0 -
Attach note to bike in train station with links to suitable youtube clips regarding bike setup?
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2020 Voodoo Marasa
2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
2016 Voodoo Wazoo0 -
Navrig2 wrote:What should one do?
I see someone commuting to our local train station on a hybrid bike. He is not a cyclist - football shorts, t-shirt and a small backpack.
His seat height is too high and his hips are swaying to and fro like a rocking horse.
He is pedaling with his heels.
His tyres are half flat.
He is sweating like a hot 'un.
I don't know how far he cycles.
I don't know him.
Do I have a quiet word and suggest he drops his seat, changes his pedaling style and adds some air to his tyres?
Or do I stand back and just feel sorry for him?
He's not a cyclist you say? Yet in this scenario you're the one on foot while he pedals... Maybe he doesn't pedal to your satisfaction, but I'd suggest you leave him to it. If he wants advice it isn't hard to find.Cannondale caad7 ultegra
S-works Tarmac sl5 etap
Colnago c64 etap wifli
Brother Swift0 -
Get the later train (or the earlier one home) one day and pump his tyres up and drop his saddle for him. A visit from the bike-fit fairy.
Paul0 -
TurboTommy wrote:
He's not a cyclist you say? Yet in this scenario you're the one on foot while he pedals... Maybe he doesn't pedal to your satisfaction, but I'd suggest you leave him to it. If he wants advice it isn't hard to find.
Fair point. I've a 12 minute walk to the station. All on footpath so not worth getting the bike out and getting warm in a suit.0 -
Maybe start with a "hello, looks like you're tyres could do with a bit more air" and see where that takes you.
Then you've broken the ice and can stop trying to find his Tinder profile....... 0 -
Navrig2 wrote:What should one do?
I see someone commuting to our local train station on a hybrid bike. He is not a cyclist - football shorts, t-shirt and a small backpack.
His seat height is too high and his hips are swaying to and fro like a rocking horse.
He is pedaling with his heels.
His tyres are half flat.
He is sweating like a hot 'un.
I don't know how far he cycles.
I don't know him.
Do I have a quiet word and suggest he drops his seat, changes his pedaling style and adds some air to his tyres?
Or do I stand back and just feel sorry for him?
If you feel the need to offer unsolicited and largely subjective advice to a total stranger who you know nothing about.
Be prepared to also receive some0 -
There's some miserable bastards on here! I'd just try the "Your tyres look a bit flat" line and see what response you get.0
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Mr _Tibbs wrote:
If you feel the need to offer unsolicited and largely subjective advice to a total stranger who you know nothing about.
Be prepared to also receive some
Not sure how subjective it is. Going by all the cycling good practice guidance his seat is too high. His heels are firmly pressing on the pedals (at a very low cadence but I wouldn't raise that), his tyres are flatter at the bottom than at the top and he is sweating like a very hot thing.
However I'd be interested to hear what you think I might receive - some critical comment on my choice of suit or shoes or perhaps my hairstyle
or perhaps a slap in the mouth :shock: 0 -
Navrig2 wrote:What should one do?
I see someone commuting to our local train station on a hybrid bike. He is not a cyclist - football shorts, t-shirt and a small backpack.
His seat height is too high and his hips are swaying to and fro like a rocking horse.
He is pedaling with his heels.
His tyres are half flat.
He is sweating like a hot 'un.
I don't know how far he cycles.
I don't know him.
Do I have a quiet word and suggest he drops his seat, changes his pedaling style and adds some air to his tyres?
Or do I stand back and just feel sorry for him?
I had a word with a guy once because his front QR was open. That was just met with confusion and "well, it's been like that for ages" etc... I abandoned ship and scarpered because it got embarrassing.0 -
Navrig2 wrote:Mr _Tibbs wrote:
If you feel the need to offer unsolicited and largely subjective advice to a total stranger who you know nothing about.
Be prepared to also receive some
Not sure how subjective it is. Going by all the cycling good practice guidance his seat is too high. His heels are firmly pressing on the pedals (at a very low cadence but I wouldn't raise that), his tyres are flatter at the bottom than at the top and he is sweating like a very hot thing.
However I'd be interested to hear what you think I might receive - some critical comment on my choice of suit or shoes or perhaps my hairstyle or perhaps a slap in the mouth :shock:
You also mentioned his choice of clothing, his status as a cyclist and the size of his backpack.
If you offered me unsolicited advice, I personally would ignore you. If you criticized my wardrobe it would gain a very negative reaction
Others may just chose to respond with a critic of your own looks, style, bike choice (or lack of) or even wardrobe.
I once saw a rider who (justifiably in my view) had a go at another for shooting out of a junction at him and he got one of those smack in the mouth responses you mention.
Takes all types. If it were me, I leave the rider to his own thing unless he asked for my advice.0 -
I was passing a middle aged lady on a new carrera hybrid today struggling up a very slight incline. I remembered this thread and noticed how low her seat was, so I slowed and mentioed that if she raised it a little she might be more comfortable. She thanked me and said she's new to this - grateful for the input. Tell the dude, or better still just pump his tyres up for him, he probably hasn't got a pump. .0
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Mr _Tibbs wrote:Navrig2 wrote:Mr _Tibbs wrote:
If you feel the need to offer unsolicited and largely subjective advice to a total stranger who you know nothing about.
Be prepared to also receive some
Not sure how subjective it is. Going by all the cycling good practice guidance his seat is too high. His heels are firmly pressing on the pedals (at a very low cadence but I wouldn't raise that), his tyres are flatter at the bottom than at the top and he is sweating like a very hot thing.
However I'd be interested to hear what you think I might receive - some critical comment on my choice of suit or shoes or perhaps my hairstyle or perhaps a slap in the mouth :shock:
You also mentioned his choice of clothing, his status as a cyclist and the size of his backpack.
If you offered me unsolicited advice, I personally would ignore you. If you criticized my wardrobe it would gain a very negative reaction
Others may just chose to respond with a critic of your own looks, style, bike choice (or lack of) or even wardrobe.
I once saw a rider who (justifiably in my view) had a go at another for shooting out of a junction at him and he got one of those smack in the mouth responses you mention.
Takes all types. If it were me, I leave the rider to his own thing unless he asked for my advice.
Open question.
Did I criticise his clothing, backpack or anything else?
@Mr _Tibbs - Where was the criticism in my post?0 -
Your entire post was a criticism. Why was he not a cyclist? what does it matter what he is wearing? how big his backpack is or for that matter how much he is sweating? If none of this is a criticism then why even mention it.Navrig2 wrote:Mr _Tibbs wrote:Navrig2 wrote:Mr _Tibbs wrote:
If you feel the need to offer unsolicited and largely subjective advice to a total stranger who you know nothing about.
Be prepared to also receive some
Not sure how subjective it is. Going by all the cycling good practice guidance his seat is too high. His heels are firmly pressing on the pedals (at a very low cadence but I wouldn't raise that), his tyres are flatter at the bottom than at the top and he is sweating like a very hot thing.
However I'd be interested to hear what you think I might receive - some critical comment on my choice of suit or shoes or perhaps my hairstyle or perhaps a slap in the mouth :shock:
You also mentioned his choice of clothing, his status as a cyclist and the size of his backpack.
If you offered me unsolicited advice, I personally would ignore you. If you criticized my wardrobe it would gain a very negative reaction
Others may just chose to respond with a critic of your own looks, style, bike choice (or lack of) or even wardrobe.
I once saw a rider who (justifiably in my view) had a go at another for shooting out of a junction at him and he got one of those smack in the mouth responses you mention.
Takes all types. If it were me, I leave the rider to his own thing unless he asked for my advice.
Open question.
Did I criticise his clothing, backpack or anything else?
@Mr _Tibbs - Where was the criticism in my post?
It's none of yours, or anyone's business how other riders chose to ride, unless they put others in harms reach.
let the fella ride how he wants. If he wants your advice, he'll ask for it.
By posting on this thread you asked for my opinion and advice. Clearly you don't like it. Now imagine if I'd offered that same advice, without you even asking for it.
Seems you are prepared to dish it out but don't like it yourself0 -
Alex99 wrote:DaveP1 wrote:There's some miserable bastards on here! I'd just try the "Your tyres look a bit flat" line and see what response you get.
It might get a bit Vic and Bob. "What do you mean flat. Are you saying I've got nowt?"
CLASSIC sketch!! Are you looking at my bra!!! Keep your parcel...comedy gold!!
Only bettered by the interview of Damon Hill!!!
As for the non cyclist...leave him to it...0 -
if the guy was cycling to the same place of work and you happened to arrive in the bike shed at the same time, it might be worth striking up a conversation, if its just some random guy in a random place cycling randomly, let them get on with it.0
