Why MTB'rs hate roadies!

[Dumbellina]

This topic is sure to fire some anti-roadie and pro-roadie and balanced sentiments. I personally are in the middle ground. I love road riding, on my hardtail of course (even occassionally with slicks - my commuter is permanently attached to slicks) and average about 200 km a week on road. I love watching road racing on TV, the TDF in July being an annual joy. I usually read the roadie news on Cyclingnews.com. Overall I am almost a roadie without a roadie mount, oh and too much of a lover of dirt and singletrack.

Anyway I did the Gong ride on Sunday and rode to and from the start at Sydney Park and the 88 km in the middle - a ride of about 130 km on road (with 2.1" knobs).

On the descent from Waterfall into the National Park they had motorbikes leading out and enforced the no-crossing the double lines rule - usually its an arse-out descent showing roadies why MTBs with disc brakes are faster. Part way down the descent is a flat bit, where you wind out the hardest gear to maintain the speed gained on the steep bit.

The Gong ride is full of once-a-year riders, on very crap bikes. A huge disincentive for people who can actually ride because they cannot hold a straight line, they ride too wide of the road edge, and ride way too slow.

I am gunning along the flat bit when a roadie called out "right". I let him through, braking heavily in order to do so (there was a big bunch of slow riders taking almost the entire lane). I veered slowly to the right to pass them after checking. Out of nowhere this roadie came pelting through and didn't call "right", instead yelled "why don't you f*&ken learn to ride, you dumb c*&t".

FFS there was ample room for him to veer right also and overtake me, he could have called out earlier, he could even watch where he's going.

Anyway this f'wit roadie deserves to be named because he's the lame arse who ruined my Gong ride.

Please share your bad experiences with the skinny tyre brigade.

[dunk]

Out of nowhere this roadie came pelting through and didn't call "right", instead yelled "why don't you f*&ken learn to ride, you dumb c*&t".



I've seen plenty of mountain bikers do this during plenty of "participation" events as well. I don't think it is a roadie issue but more a personality issue.

[scblack]

I've seen plenty of mountain bikers do this during plenty of "participation" events as well. I don't think it is a roadie issue but more a personality issue.

Or is it more of a f**kwit issue?

[johnny]

Do you think this is an entirely constructive thread? There are dickheads in every walk of life. Promoting conflict probably isn't the best policy in my books.

[Fatman]

Definately a personality issue. Some people just think they are the only ones allowed to ride wherever and whatever. You can go for ages and have no dramas but it's always the total c*#ts that stand out. I've had all sorts of abuse from roadies and MTBers over the many years I've been riding. It's just some people don't get the whole decency and consideration idea.

[dunk]

Exactly, I raced on the road on Sunday and was yelled at by roadies during the race, but it was my own fault....I was attacking on the climbs:D

[Dumbellina]

Do you think this is an entirely constructive thread? There are dickheads in every walk of life. Promoting conflict probably isn't the best policy in my books.

Not promoting it, recognising it exists, oh and mocking the arseholes "holier than thou" roadies.

[johnny]

Not promoting it, recognising it exists, oh and mocking the arseholes "holier than thou" roadies.
I think most people are already aware of petty conflict in between sports, same with BMX and skaters. I'd rather focus on solutions myself. But, each to their own. I've never had any dramas with roadies, BMXers or skaters myself.

[scratchy]

I've seen plenty of mountain bikers do this during plenty of "participation" events as well. I don't think it is a roadie issue but more a personality issue.

Word, End of discussion IMHO.

How many times have I seen this come out in enduro races or veterans MTB races when someones battling it out for 97th place?

The world just needs more Regae.

[LTR]

I also agree that there are a hell of a lot of roadies that are just plain rude. I find its the guys that THINK they are good, as opposed to those that are just awesome, who are generally not so elitist. I personally hate any roadie that carries on when someone cut them off accidently or defencively tried to avoid something (say a pot hole). It has happened to me and my mates before, on many occasions. So, i tend to just beat them at their own game. To see some 25yo elitist roadie on a 7kg carbon bike, get beaten by a 17yo on a custom steel bike up a hill climb or on the flat, is simply fantastic. Makes me feel so much better, and to wave to them as they ride past after youve stopped for a drink. Classic! :D

P.S: Roadies are shit at cornering

[scblack]

I find its the guys that THINK they are good,

Thats probably right on the mark. Or to say it another way, those who want others to think they are so good.

[notb4dinner]

There's arseholes everywhere but based on my patented "friendly nods given to friendly nods returned ratio" roadies are the most unfriendly of all the cycling subspecies.

(Note: roadie = fully lycred up 'serious' roadies, old blokes pottering around are cool)

[m_g]

lame thread...especially in the xc forum since many people here also ride road bikes...you've never been snaked by a dickhead on a mtb?? Do you really think because you have fat tires and sus forks you have a different attitude to 'roadies'...c'mon now Dumbellina...you've been around long enough to know the roadie vs mtb 'rivalry' is a tad boring...

[Techno Destructo]

P.S: Roadies are shit at cornering

LOL! Maybe on dirt....

I've got a burly hardtail with 2.5+ tires front and rear, and I've got a commuter with 700c road wheels with skinny, hard tires on it, and I know which one I'll be leaning right over in the corners on pavement on.....
:cool:

I don't know what roadies you've ridden with, but I'll be glad to prove your conceptions wrong.... Both downhill AND uphill...:D

BTW... I know my commuter isn't really a true road bike, since it's actually a cyclocross bike, with flat bars and disc brakes, but the wheels fit the profile!

[Octane_Matty]

pffft whats the rush

its like when i go dirtbiking, its all about who rides the fastest

i ride mtb for fun so i will give way to whoever wants to go faster

...apart from wanker who cant drive, in that case i dont give way :)

[LTR]

LOL! Maybe on dirt....
No really (generally speaking), they brake too hard into corners and stuff, you should see me overtake everyone on the downhills! Not taking good enough apex's, not spotting for where to take out from, no leg hanging out for balence etc. MTB has made me such a better corner-er.

Sc, i agree on the wanting others to think they are good comment. Get a life you elitist scum!

[S.]

MTB has made me such a better corner-er.

Howcome you can't corner for shit on your MTB then Alex? :p

[Techno Destructo]

No really (generally speaking), they brake too hard into corners and stuff, you should see me overtake everyone on the downhills! Not taking good enough apex's, not spotting for where to take out from, no leg hanging out for balence etc.

Wow. That is such a huge claim, I really wonder about the roadie scene down there. They either must all suck where you live, or you truly are incredible on a mtb to kill all the roadies on their natural turf....

You should definitely be entering into road races where you live... sounds like you'll blow them all away on your MTB! Does the national team know about you?

[Dumbellina]

lame thread...especially in the xc forum since many people here also ride road bikes...you've never been snaked by a dickhead on a mtb?? Do you really think because you have fat tires and sus forks you have a different attitude to 'roadies'...c'mon now Dumbellina...you've been around long enough to know the roadie vs mtb 'rivalry' is a tad boring...

So far its 2 pages of boringness. But so far its mainly people saying there a d'heads everywhere. I was hoping for stories of roadies being arrogant, agressive pricks. It's in the right forum, just don't think people are opening up.

[Techno Destructo]

So far its 2 pages of boringness. But so far its mainly people saying there a d'heads everywhere. I was hoping for stories of roadies being arrogant, agressive pricks. It's in the right forum, just don't think people are opening up.

Well, if you want to find the hotspot for elitist, delusional mtb pricks, you've found the right website!:D

[orchie]

Well, not a roadie but just an idiot. Got back from a ride in the Nasho last week with Liz and we're gently (<10kph) riding down the fotpath beside the Princes Highway. I'm just toodling in my own world when a guy comes flying past yelling out "dickhead" as he goes past. Kind of thought that was a little rough and watched as he flew down the footpath at speeds more appropriate for the road. Another rider pulled out of his block of units and got sideswiped by the guy, taking a stack into the shrubbery in the process.

Have to say, it more amused me than pissed me off though.

Grant

[Arete]

To get to the trailhead of one of my local dh runs, I ride up about 500m of bike lane the wrong way. It makes more sense to me than crossing 6 lanes of 80km/h traffic to go 500m up on the right side ansd then crossing back over.
This is part of a well used roadie loop (Berowra Waters/Galston Gorge). As I am in the wrong, and regularly pass roadies going the right way I always make sure to get as much out of the way as possible and give a smiley "How's it going" as they go past. I regularly get shouted a "Get on the right side" in response.

2 incidents come to mind. One, a roadie at the head of a pack of 10 or so riders pulled up across me and demanded to know why I was going up the wrong side. I said "cause I'm going to down that trail there" and pointed at the trailhead. He said "oh really, I didn't know there was a trail there, mind if i check it out?" I said "No of course not" and as I geared up he and a few of his mates walked down it a bit and gave me a "Whoop" as I went past.

Same spot I had a guy decked out in full US postal gear reply to my "how's it going?" with a "Get on the right side you f***** c***" to which I replied "Get a life d*******." I keep going only to hear his female companion say "Jase don't..." I look around and he's turned to come back after me, and tried to push me off my bike. I grabbed his bar and leant his bike over until he panicked, as he still had his far foot clipped in, then pulled him back up and said "Don't throw stones in glass houses mate" and rode off.

Basically, it doesn't matter what genre of cycling you participate in, but if you wear a ridiculous amount of unnecessary, flashy gear and act like you're in the wolrd cup and own whatever you're cycling on your Saturday morning ride, you're an idiot. Seems to me more road riders than anyone else have this type of attitude unfortunately.

However, there are plenty of roadies out there for a good time who are great people as well.

[toodles]

Nah roadies aren't too bad. Sure I've met some arrogant wankers but you get those guys in DH and XC too. Problem is, the arrogant wankers tend to be the loudest of the pack. No-one remember the 20 or so silent roadies that go past concentrating on every pedal stroke and trying to maintain the rhythm of the pack, but the one dickhead that makes some stupid comment or what not will always stick in your mind. Roadies are like some misunderstood cousin of ours - there's many differences but in the end we're kind of motivated by the same thing.

[apsilon]

I don't ride on the road or bike paths much because I simply don't enjoy it as much (especially road with cars, I see enough idiots when I have some protection around me) but when I do I always at least give a nod or say G'day to all cyclists. Casual riders and MTB riders always return the greeting. With roadies it's about 50/50 with them either returning it or not even acknowledging you. Doesn't bother me in the slightest but it does reinforce the roadie arrogant stereotype a bit.

[LTR]

You should definitely be entering into road races where you live... sounds like you'll blow them all away on your MTB! Does the national team know about you?
Haha. Im actually planning on racing this summer after exams. We'll see how i go! ;)

[bbqdaddyuk]

The trouble is generally the average roadie is alright however you get the mid-twenties professional with far too much money on a carbon Cannondale believing they are god and everyone should move. I say let them get on with it and they can worry about the size of their manhood.

[johnny]

Wow. That is such a huge claim, I really wonder about the roadie scene down there. They either must all suck where you live, or you truly are incredible on a mtb to kill all the roadies on their natural turf....

You should definitely be entering into road races where you live... sounds like you'll blow them all away on your MTB! Does the national team know about you?
LTR, I'd say that constitutes complete pwnership of yo ass by Mr. Destructo. :p :D

[Pete W]

Techno.... get a life...preferably back in canada:p

LTR right on , good on you for giving the lycra thing a spin , life's out there give it all a go, I say.:D

I just find it interesting HEAPS and HEAPS of people have a bad roadie story, the lycra lancey wannabes never wave, and look at you like, "what are you doing riding on my road".
I've just found the mtb crew are all good and have never had a problem.
and no not everyone that reads the xc threads rides a roadie.

[S.P.G.]

Im going to be plain and simple about this discussion, i think the whole rivalry between skaters and rollerbladers, surfers and bodyboarders, mtb riders and bmx'rs or people who ride on the road, is just plain pathetic and childish.. seriously... people should be able to participate in what sport they want to without there being any stigma attached to it. I know there will never be an end to it but i personally think its just lame and a waste of time worrying about other people and what they choose as a sport, pay more attention to critiquing as such to your own game..

[dunk]

I'm going to ask why I'm expected to wave to anyone just because they ride a bike when we cross paths on the road. I don't wave at people who are in cars when I'm driving, or to other people walking at the same time as me. Hell, if I waved at another bloke in the pub drinkingat the same time I might end up in a heap of trouble:D

[Fatman]

The trouble is generally the average roadie is alright however you get the mid-twenties professional with far too much money on a carbon Cannondale believing they are god and everyone should move. I say let them get on with it and they can worry about the size of their manhood.

I'm curious, I'm a late twenties who rides a carbon cannondale. I don't have too much money and I can't say I've considered myself a deity recently. I also ride heaps of different bikes. I love riding and have worked hard for my toys. More danerous generalisations.:mad: If you own a roady and an MTB, depending which one you are out on, which camp would you put the rider in?
Each case on it's own merit, no black or white here.

[FR Drew]

Gotta say, I have yet to have any hassles with roadies at all.

Leading up to the Mont 24 I was doing training on a few of tarmac hill rides in the ACT (Mt Stromlo, Black Mountain, Mt Ainslie). Despite being passed on both the uphill grind and the downhill freewheel no one has ever been abusive, dismissive or even vaguely negative. Stopped for a hot chocky at the cafe at the top of Stromlo, there's road riders there and they mightn't be coming over and slapping me on the back but they're at least saying hi.

The other day I'm about to run my MTB in singlespeed config up the Mt Stromlo road, in the middle of taking it off the roof of the car and a whole peleton (sp?) of roadies (like 20 or so) come along the road to the cotter and the guy leading the pack yells out "Go the singles" with his arm raised (in encouragement) as they go past. Gave me a boost for the whole hillclimb. :-)

Man, we really need to get over ourselves and just enjoy being out in the fresh air. I don't give a crap if folks are on bmx, road bikes, dirt jumping, on roadies, riding xc, doing dh, or blowing my mind with trials skills. We're on bikes instead of on the couch, how is it bad? You see someone on 2 wheels that are leg powered, they're either already one of us, were one of us ages ago, may one day be one of us or know one of us. Why make enemies when you can make friends?

[apsilon]

I'm going to ask why I'm expected to wave to anyone just because they ride a bike when we cross paths on the road.

You're not but wouldn't you at least acknowledge someone who said G'day to you?

[M@DM!KE]

Do you think this is an entirely constructive thread? There are dickheads in every walk of life. Promoting conflict probably isn't the best policy in my books.

So true......dickheads are everywhere. However, at the end of the day mtbers, roadies, bmxers, even just your average punter commuter are ALL cyclists. We have enough problems with cars/trail access/councils/environmentalist groups/other trail users etc without turning on each other. Enjoy this summer on a bike, who cares what type it is!

[hdtvkss]

You're not but wouldn't you at least acknowledge someone who said G'day to you?

i know its a curtousy and where possible i do make an effort to give the head nod or a wave, but circumstances when on a road bike seem to be much different than a road bike. on a road bike my attention is divided between maintaining the HR numbers im looking for for that particular workout, while making sure i dont get myself stuck under the rear wheels of a passing semi. if somone waves, its not uncommon to be in the middle of that world and take a second to react, by that time the other guys long gone. if i see them again ill give a wave, but im hardly going to chase somone down and appologise for it.

on a MTB, its normally just you and your mates verses the trail no semis or traffic to worry about. much more relaxed. im generally out for a good time, not a training smash fest, so i can take more time to converse with other riders etc.

for those of you that knock it, get out on a roadie for a month and see how you go. somtimes you need to see the other side to understand it....

[rone]

Absolutely right. Lets reserve this level of anger for dickheads in cars, useless local councils, trail saboteurs and all of the other moronic individuals who give cyclists generally a hard time. They don't seem to care what kind of bike any of us are riding.

[crabapple hitz]

. on a road bike my attention is divided between maintaining the HR numbers im looking for for that particular workout, while making sure i dont get myself stuck under the rear wheels of a passing semi. if somone waves, its not uncommon to be in the middle of that world and take a second to react, by that time the other guys long gone. if i see them again ill give a wave, but im hardly going to chase somone down and appologise for it.



Imagine trying to give someone a wave while your plummeting down your fav DH trail at full speed.:eek:

[Oddjob]

Leading up to the Mont 24 I was doing training on a few of tarmac hill rides in the ACT (Mt Stromlo, Black Mountain, Mt Ainslie).

Were you wearing lycra? :p

[m_g]

So true......dickheads are everywhere. However, at the end of the day mtbers, roadies, bmxers, even just your average punter commuter are ALL cyclists.

that settles it then...all cyclists are c%^Ts :D end of discussion

[®ider]

Many bikers these days are arrogant people but there are a few who are just very friendly on the trails. There is sometimes too much tension when it comes to riding.

Could it be all that adrenalin that we get pumped full off therefore we are unable to control our emotions around other bikers? Yelling out things like
'learn to ride you fuck' makes us feel better in anyway?

[orchie]

Yelling out things like 'learn to ride you fuck' makes us feel better in anyway?

I'm normally muttering that at myself...

Grant

[RCOH]

I'm going to ask why I'm expected to wave to anyone just because they ride a bike when we cross paths on the road. I don't wave at people who are in cars when I'm driving, or to other people walking at the same time as me. Hell, if I waved at another bloke in the pub drinkingat the same time I might end up in a heap of trouble:D

It is called "The Fellowship of the Bike" & the story began in a realm known as 'Middle-ring Earth'. An elderly former BMXer (Balbmx) had in his possession a titanium headset spacer imbibed with a dark power. A young up & coming BMXer (Froryg) from the same village got ahold of this headset spacer & was almost seduced by its power until a wise man (SRAMdalf), who once rode professionally in BMX, MTB, Road, Tri, & cyclecross, told the young BMXer of it's true evil power & encouraged him to take the spacer & throw it into the fiery pits of Shimanous, which was on the other side of Middle-ring Earth. He chose to accompany these young BMXers on their perilous journey & he was joined by a wild but goodhearted DHer , a determined & serious XCer, a exceptionaly talented but socially inept Trials rider & an arrogant Road racer. The trip was dangerous & they had many difficulties but despite their different backgrounds, they used each others strengths & covered each other's weaknesses until the mission was a success.

[Dumbellina]

It is called "The Fellowship of the Bike" & the story began in a realm known as 'Middle-ring Earth'. An elderly former BMXer (Balbmx) had in his possession a titanium headset spacer imbibed with a dark power. A young up & coming BMXer (Froryg) from the same village got ahold of this headset spacer & was almost seduced by its power until a wise man (SRAMdalf), who once rode professionally in BMX, MTB, Road, Tri, & cyclecross, told the young BMXer of it's true evil power & encouraged him to take the spacer & throw it into the fiery pits of Shimanous, which was on the other side of Middle-ring Earth. He chose to accompany these young BMXers on their perilous journey & he was joined by a wild but goodhearted DHer , a determined & serious XCer, a exceptionaly talented but socially inept Trials rider & an arrogant Road racer. The trip was dangerous & they had many difficulties but despite their different backgrounds, they used each others strengths & covered each other's weaknesses until the mission was a success.


You smoking something over there?

[RCOH]

You smoking something over there?

Me smoke-em peace pipe :)

[nickz]

Rod, you're fucking mad...

[johnny]

It is called "The Fellowship of the Bike" & the story began in a realm known as 'Middle-ring Earth'. An elderly former BMXer (Balbmx) had in his possession a titanium headset spacer imbibed with a dark power. A young up & coming BMXer (Froryg) from the same village got ahold of this headset spacer & was almost seduced by its power until a wise man (SRAMdalf), who once rode professionally in BMX, MTB, Road, Tri, & cyclecross, told the young BMXer of it's true evil power & encouraged him to take the spacer & throw it into the fiery pits of Shimanous, which was on the other side of Middle-ring Earth. He chose to accompany these young BMXers on their perilous journey & he was joined by a wild but goodhearted DHer , a determined & serious XCer, a exceptionaly talented but socially inept Trials rider & an arrogant Road racer. The trip was dangerous & they had many difficulties but despite their different backgrounds, they used each others strengths & covered each other's weaknesses until the mission was a success.
You are a God and I want to change my user name to SRAMdalf.

Depending on where I am and what the other rider looks like, I'll some times give the old nod of the head. Better to be friendly and have a smile than not I reckon. I take every opportunity I can to have friendly interactions with anyone!

I'm so alone......:(

[Techno Destructo]

Where does the recumbant rider fit into the story?

[dunk]

Where does the recumbant rider fit into the story?

They are the lowest of the low...

[RCOH]

Where does the recumbant rider fit into the story?


He fell over after losing his balance on the 1st sharp corner. Last seen being chased by azonicORCs. :)

[nickz]

I nod the head or say hi , and do a quick bike/spec check . Like Johnny says, doesn't hurt to be pleasant and friendly.

[Dumbellina]

Where does the recumbant rider fit into the story?

Depends if they're on two wheels or three.

[dunk]

I was thinking about this thread yesterday at work, and decided to conduct an experiment on my commute home. I travel from the Wetherill Park to Balmain, a trip of about 35k's.

I decided that I would make an effort to greet every cyclist that I encountered on the trip and note there response. I was riding my full plastic road bike while wearing lycra etc, so basically I was dressed as a roadie.

I made an effort where possible to remove my hand from the the bars, wave, and shout "G'Day".

Of the 13 riders I encountered there were 4 road bike riders, 1 flat bar roadie, and 8 mountin bike riders, all were heading in a westerly direction.

All 5 of the road bike riders responded with an acknowledgement, while only one of the mountain bike riders even responded.

So from my little sample group I think I can make two conclusions. Either, mountain bikers don't like roadies, and won't respond to a greeting, or secondly, that mountain bikers are rude arrogant pricks.

[apsilon]

I decided that I would make an effort to greet every cyclist that I encountered on the trip and note there response. I was riding my full plastic road bike while wearing lycra etc, so basically I was dressed as a roadie.

You need to complete your experiment at least another 2 times. Once riding a MTB and wearing baggies etc to represent the MTB crowd, and another time on any old hack wearing a t-shirt, standard shorts, no gloves and cheap ill fitting helmet to represent the average rider just out riding.

Perhaps each group will only acknowledge their own?

[alchemist]

It is called "The Fellowship of the Bike" & the story began in a realm known as 'Middle-ring Earth'.

Three gears for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-Lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne,
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Gear to rule them all, One Gear to find them,
One Gear to bring them all and in darkness bind them,
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.

Alchemist

[dunk]

You need to complete your experiment at least another 2 times. Once riding a MTB and wearing baggies etc to represent the MTB crowd, and another time on any old hack wearing a t-shirt, standard shorts, no gloves and cheap ill fitting helmet to represent the average rider just out riding.

Perhaps each group will only acknowledge their own?

I'll do that next week.

[Techno Destructo]

I'll do that next week.

That is a fantastic experiment! See if you can get a recumbent for the fourth try! Will you get spat on?
;)

[alchemist]

Dunk will have to grow a beard also, I think he already has some woolly socks ;)

[Mr Pants]

I agree with Dunk, when I'm commuting on my 'crosser, lycra'd up but with an E2 helmut and visor the MTB'ers see the drop bars and snob me off big time.

But from an MTB perspective after not getting a return wave from your average wanker roady, you kinda give up bothering after a while.

Can't we all just be friends?

Pants.

[Fatman]

It seems as if roadies are accustomed to the greeting, I admit I rarely used to wave when on my MTB. On the roadie, almost always. Then again I would rarely see other riders on the trail, but if I did there would always be a G'Day.
Bushwalkers are my pet hate, I must offend them somehow, regardless of my cheery greeting I always get greif. Maybe they just don't like fat people.:)

[ebuk]

That is a fantastic experiment! See if you can get a recumbent for the fourth try! Will you get spat on?
;)

Ok whats with the recumbant fetish techno? Or is it couch envy from your avatar?

: )

[dunk]

That is a fantastic experiment! See if you can get a recumbent for the fourth try! Will you get spat on?
;)

Ha, I'm actually building a ghetto recumbant (Atomic Zombies "Marauder")at the moment, well I should say most of the frame has been tacked together.:rolleyes: I need more time, never enough time.

[Techno Destructo]

Ok whats with the recumbant fetish techno? Or is it couch envy from your avatar?

: )

At risk of showing a bit of prejudice... I'll just say I don't like them, and leave it at that...

[RCOH]

At risk of showing a bit of prejudice... I'll just say I don't like them, and leave it at that...


And you call yourself a cyclist.....:p :)

[Techno Destructo]

And you call yourself a cyclist.....:p :)

Yeah, I know... it's really just one recumbant who put me off them, but...

geez, they really just come off as dorky/nerdy. I mean, why else would you choose that style of bicycle? It's not versatile. It's not performance. It's pretty much just for comfort or saying "I would like to leave society for a while now..."

Now, the guys in my avatar just did it for a joke.... so they don't count.:D

[scblack]

Yeah, I know... it's really just one recumbant who put me off them, but...

geez, they really just come off as dorky/nerdy. I mean, why else would you choose that style of bicycle? It's not versatile. It's not performance. It's pretty much just for comfort or saying "I would like to leave society for a while now..."

Now, the guys in my avatar just did it for a joke.... so they don't count.:D

They are equivalent to people who wear bow-ties at all times. Weird for no justifiable reason.

[apsilon]

Call me strange but I've always thought about building a recumbant with suspension and taking it down Oaks. The single track at the end would be out but the rest should be interesting.

[dunk]

They are equivalent to people who wear bow-ties at all times. Weird for no justifiable reason.

don't forget wool socks with sandles.

This is starting to sound like why ALL cyclists hate recumbants:D

[Techno Destructo]

Call me strange but I've always thought about building a recumbant with suspension and taking it down Oaks. The single track at the end would be out but the rest should be interesting.

The uphills will be fun.:p

[scratchy]

Yeah, I know... it's really just one recumbant who put me off them, but...

geez, they really just come off as dorky/nerdy. I mean, why else would you choose that style of bicycle? It's not versatile. It's not performance. It's pretty much just for comfort or saying "I would like to leave society for a while now..."

Now, the guys in my avatar just did it for a joke.... so they don't count.:D

Maybe it's just me but doing some cycle touring for a while and constantly looking down at the road as the scenery around me changed the idea of a Recumbent, sitting back admiring the views and seeing the road, makes a lot of sense. At the end of the day every bike nowadays has it niche, but they are all still bikes and I want them all!

[apsilon]

The uphills will be fun.:p

Yeah but the downhills would be worth it :D

[ebuk]

I made an effort where possible to remove my hand from the the bars, wave, and shout "G'Day".

Of the 13 riders I encountered there were 4 road bike riders, 1 flat bar roadie, and 8 mountin bike riders, all were heading in a westerly direction.

All 5 of the road bike riders responded with an acknowledgement, while only one of the mountain bike riders even responded.

So from my little sample group I think I can make two conclusions. Either, mountain bikers don't like roadies, and won't respond to a greeting, or secondly, that mountain bikers are rude arrogant pricks.

If I ride past you, I am saying G'day back, doesn't matter what you're wearing or what I am wearing. Maybe I am just friendly though. i say hello / nod / kiwi nod to everyone on a bike. If I'm on a shared bike / pedo path I say hello to the pedo's too.

I don't get the asshole attitudes of some riders.

[JohnJohn]

If I ride past you, I am saying G'day back, doesn't matter what you're wearing or what I am wearing. Maybe I am just friendly though. i say hello / nod / kiwi nod to everyone on a bike. If I'm on a shared bike / pedo path I say hello to the pedo's too.

I don't get the asshole attitudes of some riders.

Amen. I cross between the worlds - former editor of several mountain biking magazines, including AMB, now working at Cyclingnews, which is road-heavy simply because a site devoted to bike racing ends up covering the discipline in which there are more races.

When I am on my road bike I find the 'too cool for school' crowd that ignore my smile, nod and "eh up" (that's Yorkshire for g'day) are usually on mountain bikes, and the more DHey or freeridey the bike, the stonier the silence. When I'm on my mountain bike, I get ignored, well, actually by much the same people. Obviously I'm just not cool enough. Must be the XC bike and the Lycra.

[notb4dinner]

Interestingly I find the opposite (I'm less likely to get a response out of a roadie than a mtb'er), perhaps it's a city vs. small town thing. Clearly this is a complex phenomena...

[Techno Destructo]

Maybe it's just me but doing some cycle touring for a while and constantly looking down at the road as the scenery around me changed the idea of a Recumbent, sitting back admiring the views and seeing the road, makes a lot of sense. At the end of the day every bike nowadays has it niche, but they are all still bikes and I want them all!

Ah Scratchy... you are ever the voice of reason. What you say makes sense. Heck... if I was riding 1000's of kms, touring, on flat... I guess I'd be checking out recumbants too!

I just wouldn't let my friends catch me riding one!;)

[purdyboy]

This thread had me thinking and RCOH's "The Fellowship of the Bike" story almost hit it on the head.
But I was thinking of a more non-fiction tale.
The Celts of Britain never overcame the invading Romans because they were all too busy with tribal in-fighting. The only time they did well against the imperial invaders was when one tribal leader, Caradoc (Caratacus - Latin) managed to get them to band together for a while. Unfortunately tribal differences reared up and he was eventually betrayed. The moral being that in the end the race of Celts were overrun and lost all (most) of their turf to another race because they couldn't work together. They focussed on their differences and not their similarities and paid the price. To forget history is to have it repeat.

[barefootbushman]

I love it when I go on those ride like the gong, and you get passed by a group of 5 rodies with about 100000 bucks worth of gear and you just trail behind them. They keep looking behind at you and you just smile and you pretend your not puffing, then you hit that uphill section, click it up a few gears, stand up and put your head down and pedall past them. It makes it even better cause i m 17 yro, hav an $800 mtb and just wear t-shirst and shorts. They can't believe what is going on, and you would think they would catch on the next downhill, but they don't. It is awsome. Money doesn't buy talent, thats for sure

[dunk]

...you get passed by a group of 5 rodies with about 100000 bucks worth of gear and you just trail behind them. They keep looking behind at you and you just smile and you pretend your not puffing
Yep, I'd be looking at you too, the last thing I would want is someone who can't ride a wheel on my tail.


then you hit that uphill section, click it up a few gears, stand up and put your head down and pedall past them.
They are just riding along and your trying to turn it into a race?


They can't believe what is going on, and you would think they would catch on the next downhill, but they don't
Yes, but if they wanted to catch they would do it very easily.

[Techno Destructo]

I love it when I go on those ride like the gong, and you get passed by a group of 5 rodies with about 100000 bucks worth of gear and you just trail behind them. They keep looking behind at you and you just smile and you pretend your not puffing, then you hit that uphill section, click it up a few gears, stand up and put your head down and pedall past them. It makes it even better cause i m 17 yro, hav an $800 mtb and just wear t-shirst and shorts. They can't believe what is going on, and you would think they would catch on the next downhill, but they don't. It is awsome. Money doesn't buy talent, thats for sure

You really are clueless, aren't you? Seems the only one with the attitude problem in that scenario is you.
:rolleyes:

And btw... racing people, who probably couldn't care less, on a social ride, does not make you talented.

[M@DM!KE]

This debate reminds me of a similar topic covered on triple J radio's afternoon program, "Today Today". They often host a talk back segment called "two types of people". They focus on a particular issue (such as cyclist greetings) and split the nation into two camps (ie 2 types); those that do, those that don't.
From the talkback listeners: The point could be argued that if you are riding in a busy city and other cyclists commuting/training/whatever are in high density (eg passing cyclists constantly) then it shouldn't be an argument about whether to greet or not. If I am out riding, just fighting for survival in traffic and from other road users, then don't expect a wave from me, especially if it is across 6 lanes of traffic!
The general consensus was that if you are only passing people every 5mins or less then it would be appropriate to greet each rider/group. if it is any more frequent than 5mins then it was agreed that it probably isn't necessary to say g'day. You wouldn't exactly go around the car park at your next XC race and greet every cyclist you pass would you? By that token you wouldn't say g'day to every cyclist you pass on you way to work in a major city's CBD. I think it is pretty easy to tell who is worthy of a greeting or not and it has nothing to do with the price tag of their bike!
There will always be ignorant pricks on the road (generally riding a different bike to that of your own) who seem to think they are better than/above you. These are the people that just blatantly ignore you, even when you might be out back of Bourke and the only other rider you've seen for hours. For these so called "people", I just imagine karma coming to get them a couple of kms up the road when someone opens a car door on them! Karma is a real bitch.
....and just for the record, i ride mtb and road.

[Dumbellina]

This thread was not intended to be an us versus them thing. Rather to hear some stories about the tangles we have all had with arrogant roadies.

Perhaps it is that I have said "arrogant roadies" that has split the debate, and arrogant cyclists might have been a better term. However as the starting post says, I had a foul incident with a roadie on the Gong ride - it seems to attract try-hards as other posts have said.

Anyway I got a couple of good laughs out of riders getting chased and assaulted by macho roadies (usually try-hards).

[24seven]

I have no idea of any road cycling forums but if someone on here does perhaps they could post a link to this thread in a roadie forum to show what mtbers think on the matter.

I'm sure roadies have exactly the same discussions about mtbers as we have about roadies. If only we could see the other sides perspective.

Personally I try and say hello to anyone on a bike but usually get the silent treatment from DHers/freeriders or bmxers. I ride a Giant Reign 2 wearing baggies.

[Fatman]

Anyway I got a couple of good laughs out of riders getting chased and assaulted by macho roadies (usually try-hards).

I don't know about you, but it's certainly very difficult to look menacing in brightly coloured lycra.:D Although if you see someone my size in lycra there's good reason to be scared.:o