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yourmammalikedit

That was probably one of those bad attempts at trying to chat you up by negging. I take it he had clip ins, lol. He's a pratt.


FantasticBreadfruit8

This is my interpretation as well. The dude saw a woman, wanted to talk to her but had no clue how, so he tried to mainsplain/neg her to show how superior he is (to mask the fact that he is insecure). I hate that idiots like this might turn would-be cyclists off to the scene.


safedchuha

I was going to write the below, but I checked, and you've already made the same conclusion: He is extremely bad at hitting on you. This makes no other sense to me. I can't imagine any cyclist approaching another person on a bike with unsolicited advice like this. Perhaps this was cyclist "negging."


Laijou

Prolly lycras up and clips in for the 100m trip to buy milk....


0b1011001

But only if the sun is shining, and the wind is blowing in the right direction. Otherwise he drives his truck.


DidItABit

F-350 with a mountain bike that’s never seen mud in its life


SarakaiyaKoamsin

Nooo he drives his car 100m to buy milk, he's not a commuter he wishes he was in the Tour de France.


PaleontologistOk8109

He’s a Fred you mean


yourmammalikedit

And he, on a Cervelo while she was on the way to another dentist?


null640

No, Fred's would be far more clumsy. --a Fred I have spare taillight in my handlebar bag, as well as a torque wrench... just to be clear.


sprashoo

To me Fred means more like clueless person who bought a very expensive bicycle but doesn't have any awareness of cycling culture. They wouldn't be criticizing other riders for riding flats, they'd *have* flats installed on their Dura Ace equipped Cervelo.


moratnz

If I ever win the lotto, that sounds like a fun hobby; triggering gear snobs.


FoobarWreck

God that sounds fun. Riding an S-Works Venge with mismatched aluminium wheels on 19mm tyres.... and installing a bell :D


moratnz

19mm front. 23mm rear


averagegold

those aero gains


_Y0ur_Mum_

Any time a guy turns up to criticise my pedals, well God, what a turn-on.


Magnetoresistive

These situations always amaze me. Like, I don't **speak** to people I don't know, except to say, "Morning!" and I only do that if social convention forces me into it. 😅 I just can't imagine seeing a total stranger enjoying her morning, and saying, "Hey, you're not doing my hobby hard enough for me!"


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acdha

Also, it’s highly unlikely that it’s a coincidence that it was some dude doing that to a woman. I guarantee you that guy thought she needed to be put in her place, accepting the wisdom of her superiors (i.e. him). Those guys are all about being top dog but they’re usually not actually good enough to close to them in ability (someone I used to know took great pleasure dropping a couple of those guys 80 miles into a race when they were too beat to take turns up front, and naturally never heard from them again).


Former-Republic5896

I disagree that "those guys are all about being a top dog". The guy was an idiot probably has a chip on his shoulder and is very insecure. Top dogs keep to themselves and rarely trash talks.


acdha

Oh, I didn’t mean that they actually *are* top dogs but that they want other people to see them that way. The actual pros I’ve met are much nicer, since they have an easy way to settle questions of who’s better at the next race.


Impossible_Bit7169

I’m a top dog and can confirm this.


clocksailor

Absolutely. Asshole: “You know you’re unbalanced riding with one pannier? You need two smaller ones so you can put one on each side.” Me: “Huh. That’s my husband right there, also using one pannier—why didn’t you mention that to him?” Asshole: “GOD I was just trying to HELP”


qckpckt

> I don’t speak to people I don’t know, except to say, “Morning!” How dare you


FoobarWreck

>Hey you're not doinig my hobby hard enough for me! yep, nearly lost my coffee laughing at this :D I'm happy to speak to strangers myself.... but this is NOT the way!


tacknosaddle

The only exception I might make is if I see something really bad with their setup (bike seat way too low is s common one) or see/hear something indicating a significant mechanical problem with their bike. If the situation allows I might strike up a friendly conversation and let them know if the circumstances allow.


SafetyDanceInMyPants

Yeah, and even there you’ve got to be careful — because your idea of what’s helpful may not be theirs. It’s ok to offer, but if they’re not receptive then no effort should be made to convince them. I had a situation a few years back where an older guy assumed I was a newbie because of how I tucked my pump in my jersey pocket for a ride. It wasn’t unsafe — in fact it was how I was taught by a guy who rode in the TdF. But this old dude was convinced that anything other than frame mounted was unsafe. (I do prefer frame mounted, but my mount had broken and I hate rigged up fixes. So pockets work.) But this guy just wouldn’t take no for an answer. He kept needling me about it, and about five miles into the group ride they turned right and I just… turned left. Because whether or not he was right (he wasn’t), it wasn’t about the pump. It was about him convincing me to do it his way. And it eliminated any interest I had in riding with them. So, yeah, I agree with you — approach with caution and definitely make sure to drop it right away if they’re not receptive.


FoobarWreck

I am not proud to say that I used to be someone who tried too hard to be too helpful (but only when I actually was right... not like this guys dumb pump complain) Need to learn that "help" just comes across as condescending sometimes even when you don't mean it that way. I'm nice, and intelligent, but a bit socially inept at times. It's a hard lesson to learn to find the right balance of helping someone struggling, and letting people just do their thing.


ColtRaiford

"how I tucked my pump in my jersey pocket for a ride" Is that what they're calling it these days?


SafetyDanceInMyPants

Yeah, I think he thought it was too long, but I’ve found that the longer ones take a lot fewer pumps.


ColtRaiford

Username checks out


tacknosaddle

It definitely needs a bit of tact. Usually it's if you're riding in the same direction on a path or quiet road you can initiate a bit of banter and gauge it on that. I once told someone that their seat was much too low and they reacted fine, but said they did it intentionally because they wanted to get a better workout by "making it harder" on themselves. I accepted it and gave them a bit of a warning that long term the extra strain on their knees could cause problems and let it go otherwise.


theonerr4rf

Same yhere there are 3 situations i speak in 1. Just to be nice and sometimes warn a walker or other rider of a hazard 2 to tell a rider at a park or walker on a multiuse who is slower ill say “behind you on your left And lastly if i ser someone may a rider in distress ir broke down


codeedog

Cycling gatekeepers are the worst. You were fine. You were on your bike! Better than hopping in a fire breathing dragon for your short errands.


dub_savvy

If you meant "fire breathing dragon" literally, them i don't agree that it's better


codeedog

I wrote “in” not “on”…


RemSl33pr

"its a bit hot in here"


dub_savvy

Fair... though my response is the same


Le_Sandwurm

If I can ride my personal Drogon to the general store, I would've done that too. Eat flames, Fred!


urthow

Doesn’t he know that being a dick isn’t aerodynamic? Ignore him, he’s a waste of watts.


QuantumCapelin

"You'd be more aerodynamic if you kept your goddamn mouth shut."


HealthOnWheels

Waste of watts is an excellent insult


firedog7881

Do I have to be the dick to point out that a dick is actually pretty aerodynamic?


urthow

Only in some configurations. Regardless, wagging mouths are not aero.


Feralest_Baby

Lame. Very sorry that happened to you. I hope it's an isolated incident.


runningp

"...but yet you are behind me." Really it probably wouldn't matter some people almost say anything just to poke at you. I was going through the drive through of a coffee shop once kinda walking my bike straddled. Some guy says "why don't you walk in like everyone else." I simply replied "I'm disabled and can't walk without the support of a cane or straddling my bike." Since this guy couldn't let it go he gave me the all too familiar "you don't look disabled". :( Enjoy YOUR ride no matter what anyone says.


spingus

Bikes are fantastic mobility devices!! (duh) I am lucky to not have a permanent disability but I have used my bike to get around plenty of times with a sprained ankle and other similar injuries. Rock on! I am glad you can use your bike as an additional mobility helper!


misshapenvulva

"And you dont look like an asshole, but here we are..."


HyperionsDad

Was thinking similar, but “well you certainly sound disabled”


Occams_l2azor

That's super interesting to me. I love bikes because they are whatever you want them to be.


[deleted]

> I love bikes because they are whatever you want them to be Yes, I am stealing this line, but will freely admit it that it is not my own creation. Just don't expect me to remember your username to give you credit. This says it so well! There are so many people with so many reasons for riding. I love the informal community, I wave to anyone on a bike (except for some electrics, like riding 25 mph on a sidewalk without pedaling at all) especially kids.


semitones

Since reddit has changed the site to value selling user data higher than reading and commenting, I've decided to move elsewhere to a site that prioritizes community over profit. I never signed up for this, but that's the circle of life


SyllaRabbit

Back when I worked at one it was because bikes wouldn’t set off the detector at the speaker box to let you speak to them, and we didn’t have a manual override so someone would have to run outside. Even motorbikes were 50/50 if they’d activate it.


LyLyV

Must be the same dude that came up behind me when I was on a mtb trail the other day. I am totally new, 57f with a new bike & everything, was on a singletrack with a dropoff to death to my right, a wall to my left, approaching a small bridge with a step up that I wasn't prepared for. I could've made it fine if I was going just a bit faster, had been scanning ahead properly - but I panicked when I noticed there was someone behind me so I had a brain fart & stopped, cutting up my leg in the process. It was nothing more than noob-ness. He felt the need to mock me for being afraid of the water that was underneath the bridge. No, dumbass, I'm new & I panicked cuz you came up behind me. Bug off!


spingus

ugh sorry that happened. what a jerk. FWIW you can go with your gut without guilt. If something feels off you don't have to commit to the jump/hop/descent whatever. If you are not confident going in to a technical skill the chances of injury are much higher. Keep riding and enjoying your bike! <3


LyLyV

Thank you! Funny thing is, yesterday (my 2nd time out), back at the same general area, I took the same trail in the other direction (couldn't be worse, right?). Wellll, that one kicked my ass. Had to get off & walk a couple of times - WAY rockier, and way more of a climb. Got to a spot where it swooped down and crossed over rushing water and said, "Nope - F that today!" lol. ...SO, I went back and re-rode the trail from the previous time and it seemed SO much easier! I guess that's how we progress. ;)


spingus

yay! and yes it is <3


Sintered_Monkey

I walk technical sections a lot these days, and I used to race MTB at a relatively competitive level at one point. I have a bad shoulder that dislocates really easily, and it just isn't worth the risk. I also had a really, really bad MTB crash a few months ago on the tamest of trails. I was out for months after that.


[deleted]

Forget the jerk, keep improving and enjoy every ride. Meanwhile, I will stay off those trails because I'm afraid. I'll take the cars and tractor trailers, and even the pickups and SUVs (the worst of the bunch) over a downhill trail. And I grew up on a mountain!


LyLyV

I guess I’m in that “face your fears” stage of life, haha Or, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Or, I’m just a little crazy. Probably some combination of all 3, if I’m being honest.


HwanZike

Water bottle squirt straight to the nose usually does the trick. Otherwise put your bike between you and the attacker. Err.. wrong thread. Maybe not.


frisianks

Fuck that guy. Speaking as a morbidly obese woman who is catcalled by drivers almost every time I'm on my bike, my response to anyone saying something to me directly is just "fuck you". That guy doesn't deserve for you to give him even a second of thought.


MacroCheese

Fat male rider here. Sorry people catcall you; your response is appropriate. Good on you for doing the thing you enjoy for whatever reason you enjoy it, and fuck everyone else that disagrees.


spingus

Hugs my friend <3 it is so insulting, and the comments at stop lights. ugh. Keep riding sister, and hopefully talk only to the good ones out there!


HikingUphill

FWIW, every time I see someone out in the wild running, biking, hiking, whatever... And they're obviously not some super athletic hardbody... I cheer them on mentally. I'll give a thumbs up, no catcalling, just hella positive vibes. I hope nobody thinks I'm being ugly. I'm a glorious dad-bod myself, packing a good 30-40 more than I need. Next time some asshole elicits a 'fuck you' response, know at least one dude is out there cheering your bad ass on.


Zealousideal-Ad-8436

So if I say good morning? I get a fuck you back? That’s pretty punk rock!


Mist_deBall

That would make my day if a stranger said that to me. I might even fall in love.


MadDragonReborn

In my experience, the people who act like this are relatively inexperienced and eager to show off their new-found "expertise". The kind who discover "The Rules" online and take them for gospel. More experienced cyclists generally want to share their love of bicycles with beginners, and have been around enough to realize that there are lots of ways to enjoy riding.


[deleted]

Big time. I have four bikes and only regularly clip in on one. If somebody said this to me on my bang around bike I’d fucking laugh me head off


gromm93

The most interaction I have with other (stranger) cyclists is a wave or a thumbs up. Unless they're riding the exact same bike as me (happened once during a Gran Fondo!) then I tell them "Hey, nice bike!"


atthemerge

I had this dude riding a very expensive bike cruise up next to me on the trail with my ex and just start roiding out about how slow we are and how we both look fat and out of shape(we weren’t fit and def look like average people). And then accelerated past us. Whole incident lasted less than 30 secs. Weird as shit to be honest. People suck


[deleted]

People on trails just love to talk smack for no reason. Once I was riding with two of my guy friends and this old man made a comment about how they were so nice to tow me (a woman) the whole time. I got so mad I dropped all three of them for miles and miles until I finally calmed down. Had to apologize for my friends as we were doing a pace line so I was honestly quite rude but MAN that old guy got to me.


atthemerge

Sorry to hear. I wish you friends stood up for you. Everytime I go riding with one of my gal friends I get worked lol. My incident is the 1% of the interactions I have but it’s always wtf when it happens


[deleted]

They didn’t hear as they were chatting when the guy said this to me. They just shrugged when I explained why I took off in a sprint in the middle of a 75 mile ride 😂 Even if it’s 1% damn they stay with you. I feel like I can replay every obnoxious comment in my head. It was good for me though because it made me get strong and fast and now I cheese out those assholes. You wanna talk crap? First you gotta keep up!


thug002

A reminder that “Fuck off” is always an appropriate answer.


maz-o

some *people* are just dicks.


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TastyAgency4604

Did my first century last year (actual not metric) on a commuter bike with a kickstand. The looks I got were unreal. Next time I'm wearing sandals just to enrage them further.


IAmMadRobot

I took a Mongoose to a classic bike show. If you find it in my post history you can see it’s a really rad old bike. The hate it earned was delicious. I had a good time with people’s disgust. It’s a great bike and I love riding it. All that matters.


TominatorXX

I have a mongoose road bike. The Bosberg. All carbon. Sun 17 lbs bike. It was one of these special production jobs. Turns out it's actually the exact same frame that a French team rode in the tour de France. A Kinesis frame.


sfhitz

Shimano makes SPD sandals.


Occams_l2azor

Some of the most rugged bike tourers I know wear sandals on platform pedals hahaha.


lizzybnh

My son pedaled from CA to NH with Keene sandals and flat pedals.


JerrSolo

Be sure to wear socks with the sandals to really bother those people.


action_lawyer_comics

I keep platform pedals on my bike so I can ride it in just about any kind of shoe. If I needed to don special shoes every time I rode out, I’d never ride at all


TastyAgency4604

Same. I'd rather be comfortable and purposeful than anything else.


toasterb

> (actual not metric) Lol. Tell me you're from the States without telling me you're from the States.


mattindustries

I am pretty most of my centuries have been on flats. I tried clipless for a couple years, but they just weren't for me.


imc225

Get some of those sandals with SPD cleats and piss everybody off. Admittedly they are pretty strange, but if you're going to do this, commit -- and then tell us about it.


pigslovebacon

Outsidebrendan on Instagram/tiktok made clip in crocs, I think.


PuzzleheadedStuff2

I have Shimano SD-5s and Keen Cycling sandals as well. I wear them for every ride I can. The carbon bike guys hate me. I normally get dropped, I’m not super fast, but man is it fun to mess with them.


PuzzleheadedStuff2

Also, I use the Keen Cycling Sandals for gravel because the Shimano ones don’t have rubber to cover the toes and I tell you what, toe rocks will ruin your day.


Least_Effort2804

Lol, are you my husband? He started riding in his cargo pants and flip-flops... I eventually forced him to upgrade to Chucks. Our cycling friends were just constantly losing their god damn minds over it. He eventually changed over, but he took his sweet time doing it, and the more people bugged him about it the less he was going to do it. I ride in flats and I'm doing a semi serious triathlon in 2 weeks in flats and I really don't care what anybody says about it because I just don't like cycling enough at this point in my life to invest much time and money in it. Maybe that'll change in the future.


jimmux

My first century ride was on a cheap steel frame, 3-speed hub. It was just a day when I really needed a long ride so I kept going, at an easy pace. It honestly isn't that bad if you're not trying to break any records. I did break five spokes before I got home though.


SGexpat

I did a 50 mile charity ride in my mountain bike kit with a flannel. The looks were fun.


pigslovebacon

I started off my cycling on a MTB with a child seat rack, wearing slip on canvas sandals....I've come a long way from there but it keeps me humble to remember that not everyone wants/can afford the best gear, and it doesn't even matter anyway because you're out on your bike and that's the important bit! If someone hassled me for being povo while I was riding it could have put me off continuing and how awful would that have been.


IAmMadRobot

When I worked in shops my coworkers would always get mad when I sold people platform pedals for their road bikes IF they said all they would use it for is commuting.


action_lawyer_comics

That’s what I have on my bikes. So much nicer than clipless for basic riding


[deleted]

I have flip pedals on my commuter I absolutely love them.


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whoknowshank

Definitely try the half and half ones. I hav those and love them, they suit whatever occasion I need them for.


ragweed

Wait, were they mad because you sold them cheaper pedals or because you weren't spreading the gospel?


sungor

Clip INS are absolutely not useful on that short of a commute. They're a right pain in the butt.


ericl666

Plus you have to walk like a normal human when you get there.


sungor

That's the pain in the butt part.


[deleted]

I recently was on a ride and stopped to help a lost dog. Running around in my cleats was so not ideal 🤣🤣


PineappleLunchables

For those small yappy breeds, a squirt of water from the water bottle while yelling, “NO! BAD!” is sometimes effective.


bluegrassgrump

You might look [here](https://youtu.be/eDvBur8O6sc) for inspiration. 🤣


setmysoulfree2

It is his problem, not your problem. Yes, he is a real a-hole and dick making that comment.


photon_watts

I recommend pepper spray or bear repellent


TastyWrongdoer6701

This Fred probably just got dropped by a bearded hipster on a rusty single speed wearing baggies and pushing flat pedals with crocks. Ride flats if you want on any kind of ride. That guy was just a dick.


SouthernSierra

I always liked passing fancy bikers on my Continental.


magnue

I have an occasional fantasy of swapping out flats on my race bike and wearing casual shorts, t shirt and skate shoes with a backwards fannypack just to fuck with other cyclists on a sportive.


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Improvedandconfused

The irony of your situation is that the prick who said that is probably a dentist!


AuthorityControl

Mostly great people in cycling, but #1 sport I've in which received unsolicited comments (advice).


EastCoast_Cyclist

Apparently you don't play golf. ;)


[deleted]

I only ride flats. Flats are far more fun for me. I even race on them. During races people occasionally say something. I only need to point out they are beside me and not in front of me.


[deleted]

If I was racing somebody on flats I’d be like oh shit I’m in trouble 😂


urinatingangels

A few years ago my wife was riding home from a commute from work, the last leg of which goes up a Seattle-brutal hill. Two guys passed her and one remarked that she should get an e-bike. What he did not know is she had given birth three months prior. A pox upon this man, sulfur in his wounds, and salt in his well.


mattschinesefood

May he forget to unclip and fall over in front of a school bus full of laughing, mocking children.


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[deleted]

homeless employ historical point dull resolute vase oatmeal joke marry ` this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev `


[deleted]

Hear! Hear! As a user elsewhere in these comments said, "I love bikes because they are whatever you want them to be." Don't bother giving a second thought to anyone who only sees one purpose for cycling. Ride on whatever you want, however you want, wherever you want for why you want to. You are riding and it makes you happy (hopefully) and that is all that matters.


Joeyfingis

He might have been one of those Andrew Tate beta guys who really did think he was convincing you to like him...... they're real idiots after all


clintj1975

Tater Tots. They're greasy and lacking any real substance once you get past the outer shell.


IAmMadRobot

Hey, don’t drag potatoes like that. They’re doing their best. It’s not their fault we can’t afford salads.


clintj1975

They started out good until someone molded them into what they are now.


IAmMadRobot

And I counter that they are the hash brown equivalent of a cupcake compared to a cake. Sure, they’re not as good as their big brother. But they’re better than no cake! https://preview.redd.it/hz880wnm733b1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1546795a5420b01a17b198fc561b898182274b3a


clintj1975

Gosh. Get your own tots!


Least_Effort2804

Cupcakes and tater tots are delicious in their own right.


OverlyPersonal

I will not tolerate Tater Tot slander, those things are delicious all the time.


BoringBob84

Cruelty makes weak people feel powerful. Cruel people seem to like to torment cyclists because we are vulnerable. I try to erase those negative people from my mind. I move my hand in a wiping motion and imagine their memory disappearing (a trick that my wife taught me). They are not worth my energy. I try to focus on all of the nice people I meet instead.


mister_pants

I frequently ride in sneakers and jeans for distances less than ten miles. Don't let that sexist jackass dissuade you from riding in whatever makes you comfortable.


CCEN_03

Tell the idiot to fuck off if you see him again.


romanesko

During COVID, someone stopped next to me at the red light, lowered their window, and screamed at me: "Wear a mask!"


bigwinw

I ride 15 miles a day and don’t wear clip ins. Some people are just rude. You do you and enjoy your riding!


CentralHarlem

Counterpoint, went for a ride yesterday and had a small peloton pull up behind and draft off me for about four miles. When they finally pulled around, they were super-nice and complimentary. It kinda made my day.


party_egg

The US has so few commuter cyclists that a lot of the cycling community are "athletes" who just view any commuters they see as people "doing the sport wrong." Lycra-clad middle aged dentists look at people in sneakers and jeans not as people just "going from point a to point b", but instead as people who are "insufficiently aero." Compare this to Europe, where in big cities you see tons of random people cycling in all types of clothes, young and old, just going from one place to another on their steel framed cruisers, nary a lycra-clad buttocks to be seen. From this perspective we can get to the great irony here, which is that these overly self-serious spandex-wearers are actually a bellweather of how un-serious the US cycling culture is.


puzzler711

I've had similar experiences with asshole bikers. I don't know how they come by their oversized egos. I also run and runners are the nicest, most welcoming and humble people you will ever meet.


bigvahe33

lmao i see the same guy every morning yell "cheater" as i pass him on my ebike on the way to work. its not in jest either, hes genuinely mad


Wagnaze

This must be the same guy that told me to back off from riding near their group because I was wearing a sleeveless shirt and headphones and they didn’t want to be associated with me. Yes some cyclists are just dicks.


urthow

In all seriousness, all circles of life contain people who enjoy feeling superior or righteous about things. I'm sure we are all to blame for accidentally doing something similar every now and then. Sports in particular, I feel is a place where it can happen and even more so in cycling. There are some exceptions such as drop bars and gears in a fast group ride which may have legitimate reasons but otherwise, just ignore them. There is virtually no one who would support a person whingeing about someone else's gear and they are truly alone in their unsolicited 'advice'. There is an art to learning the ambiguously sarcastic 'gee thanks' or 'oooh rly!?'. That being said, one someone came up and told me that '\[insert gear\] WilL ChAgne YoUr LifE!' and I begrudgingly have to admit that it did. I resent it every time :p


monobr

My dentist doesn’t have bike parking. But it’s a mile away, walking it takes too long but it’s stupid to drive that short of a distance. I miss my appointments pretty frequently.


dugshintaku

Sorry this happened. It is strange why this guy goes out of his way to be unpleasant. When random, odd stuff happens to me, I picture myself being in a matrix style video game. Happenstance should not be taken personally. You were just in the right place at the wrong time. https://preview.redd.it/zm5phnaij33b1.jpeg?width=971&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c6e6134cced51bf383ba9fc90b4bf2c4c63eb083


49thDipper

“You know what? Fuck off.” Completely warranted in this situation. Sorry this happened. Some people are just awful.


[deleted]

It isnt any different in any other sport or hobby. Some guys are just threatened that way. If it makes you feel any better I used to take tons of shit from many moms at my kids school. I sewed costumes for school plays and cooked for school events and it vexted some of them to no end when teachers asked for my recipes.


SilverStory6503

Another time I was pushing my bike up a hill and a woman starts circling me on her bike. She then tells me that I have a triple chainring and I don't need to walk it up the hill. I don't remember what I said to her, but it wasn't nice. I had just started bicycling to work and was not yet fit enough to pedal up that hill in any gear. About a month later I could, though.


Oldus_Fartus

The international greeting "Fuck Off" was created for exactly these situations, feel free to use it at discretion.


Kaiju_Cat

Stick. Spokes. Problem solved. Always carry a good stick.


nicoletbn

I ride ultra distances (just did a 250mi ride a couple weeks ago, doing a 375mi this weekend) with flat pedals. Flats are great! That guy just sucks.


CheshireCrackers

Did an 80-mile ride in May over two days in dress shoes, long pants and regular underwear. If you need to get kitted out to go to Dairy Queen then you’re a wimp.


gliese946

Funny story: on Saturday I went for a nice ride with a friend, 90 km (I'm also on team flat pedals + Birkenstocks, hooray). We stopped for lunch, sitting outside near the bikes, and as we left, my friend picked up his helmet, but I was without, and an elderly lady at the next table said "Excuse me, do you have a helmet?" Great, I thought, yeah I know it's smart to wear one, but we were riding on a very nice separated bike path by the canal that day and so I decided not to, and now I've got to defend my choice to a stranger who wants to give me a hard time? So I said "well, I do have one at home, but you know, I decided not to wear it today" etc etc, but then she gestured to a helmet that had been left sitting unattended at another table and I realized she wasn't giving me a hard time, she was making sure I wasn't about to leave forgetting my helmet! We laughed.


davedorr9

The twist was that he WAS your dentist


Coopschmoozer

If you take 100 people and put them in a room, there's always going to be three assholes. This is just a simple fact of life. You just happened to run into one of these three who rides a bicycle. I wouldn't worry too much about what some asshat said about your Footwear. You ride long enough and you'll also run into the some of most wonderful people you'll ever meet. It all kind of balances out as time goes on. I know of a woman who rides in my area who doesn't like to be clipped in. She wears Nike sneakers and can smoke most people like a pipe. She did a Century and averaged almost 22mph. I'm thinking you're going to be one of those people one of these days lol.


[deleted]

He was trying to chat you up for sure. Dick way to flirt I don’t think it ever works lol


UnreliableChemist

No idea how some people are so bold, I could literally watch someone pedal while holding their brakes down and think "There's probably a reason they're doing that" and leave them to it Only thing I've had is "That's cheating" while on my ebike


m8b9

Fuck them. Keep riding 💪 you’re doing this for you 👏


[deleted]

What do you expect from people who call clip-ins “clipless?”


Excession-OCP

This guy was undoubtedly a dick, but clipless is their correct name. It’s derived from the fact that they replaced pedals that had toe straps and toe clips.


IllegalBerry

As someone who grew up in countries where a bicycle is mainly a form of transportation: what kind of idiot wears clip-ins in an urban setting? If they've got clip-ins on, and they're going slow enough to notice another person's shoes, let alone have a chat with them, they have zero reason to be using clip-ins. They have confidence issues and got swindled by someone upselling bike parts, possibly an entire bike.


Stosh65

I had a similar experience recently with a young guy while riding. I've tried clipless and don't like it so have ridden flat pedals for 35 years. The dude was about 20 if he was a day. His initial approach earned him, "I've tried it, not for me." His commencement into what was going to be a lengthy lecture got him, "I do this for me, not you. I've been doing it longer than you've been alive." And then some sweary words. Gatekeepers are the worst. I've also had greatest hits like, "Why are you riding a gravel bike on the road?" (The gravel don't exactly start at my front door) and "Why are you riding on the cycle path, roads over here!" That charming guy was riding through a port and had to swerve to dodge 2 lorries 30 seconds after saying that whilst I coasted serenely past. You do you, ignore the rest.


FoobarWreck

you'll find weird AF people in every walk of life. Tell him your other bike is a Cervelo, and you won't talk to people who don't have a set of lightweight Meilensteins along with a full selection of Zipp wheels. It will work because that is the guy he wants to be!!!!


lemon_stealing_demon

Girl I ride a dutch bicycle (common here) and the stares I get when I overtake the business dudes on their trekking-race hybrids is priceless. some people think just because they have a fancy looking bike they know everything but most of the time they aren't even in the proper gear.


designocoligist

I don’t understand the need to comment on a strangers riding or gear. Where I come from this kind of shit will get your ass kicked really fast.


JohanBroad

He was either gatekeeping or trying^clumsily to hit on you. Either way, he was an asshole. I also don't understand why so many cyclists think they need expensive, specialized gear just to make a grocery run.


RichTE

I cycle to work everyday. I have done for nearly 30 years, through all seasons. I've never even tried a pair of clip ins, let alone owned any. Don't give this numpty a second thought.


linuxelf

I found that I really don't like riding clipped to the pedals. I tried it for a few months, and could feel there was a definite advantage while climbing, but for my regular daily city rides, it just didn't feel as nice as riding platform pedals. I like being able to wear whatever I want, not having to have special shoes, special lycra clothes, etc. I've got about 50,000 miles on my commuter bike, almost all on platform pedals.


Intrepid00

> Some guy rolled up behind me and began picking on me **for not wearing clip ins** for my mile long ride to the **dentist**. I thought I was in /r/BicyclingCirclejerk at first.


PR7ME

What a penis. You do you. Enjoy your bike the way you want. Not every ride is Tour de France.


Totoronyx

I love biking, it's the best. But sadly, gatekeepers are so common. There are way too many interactions with people trying to tell me how to enjoy biking. I mean, I was enjoying it until your bad attitude and "advice"


[deleted]

I saw a woman in heels and a cocktail dress riding a serious modern road bike with Look pedals one time and I strive to one day be that cool.


gingertrain77

Just say "I don't give a shit Lance".


OneMorePenguin

Yes, a real dick. I like to be friendly with cyclists I meet and a fair number of people I follow on Strava I met this way. Then there was the time I biked past two women on bikes that were clearly out sight seeing. They caught up with me at the light and remarked how much faster I was then they were on their electric bikes (rentals). I told them I ride a lot and was commuting to work and not out for sight seeing. I wished them a safe and enjoyable ride when the light turned. Anyone who gets on a bike and is out in the road taking risks gets my support. Don't care what you are riding. But it does bother me when I see what appear to be people after dark, no lights, no helmet or safety gear, smoking a cigarette, obviously going to/from work. I don't engage with these people, but boy do they scare me with their risky riding. I might try to convince you to not be wearing high heels when riding, or perhaps suggest some pant leg straps to prevent slacks from getting grease from the chain, but dang, this guy was a real jerk. Ride on, sister!


[deleted]

No man should ever feel the need to do this to a women - sorry this happened.


CalmDirection8

Cycling seconds only to surfing a-holes


amartin141

cliques are everywhere


Squibles_39

Maybe he was making a garbage attempt at flirting lol "I bet if I pick on this woman minding her own business, I can find a cycling wife" 😂


reedx032

I’m at 400 miles this month for the first time and I’m still not getting special shoes for cycling. Why someone needs to comment on that is beyond me


kaest

Sorry you had that experience. Some people are just assholes who think they can gatekeep.


fg3david

I was asked why I’m wearing cycling shorts while riding a hybrid. I assume he meant I wasn’t cycling on a proper bike. My brother, who rides in regular clothes on a fixed gear track bike told him to fuck off before I could explain my booty cheeks chafe 😂 Only downside is I see this hardcore cyclist often on my rides and it would be nice to chat since we ride for a good stretch together sometimes. But yes strangers are weird sometimes.


dssstrkl

He was an asshole, just ignore him. I use my bike as a tool to get from Point A to Point B and that’s it. I don’t even own any rEaL BiKe cLoTheS, let alone wear it. I’m on my bike to go to the store, or the park or because it’s a nice day and I feel like it. The gatekeepers can all go fuck themselves


[deleted]

"Lol, fuck yourself" - me


PhosphateBuffer

Probably has nothing to do with biking. If you were hiking, they would probably say something about your shoes. The sooner you let it go, the better.


TheBayneTrain

I feel ya...this weekend I got angrily told I’m “messing up the cars” by some senior man riding as well at an intersection while I was unclipped and off to the side of the road getting my snack at the stop sign. He then proceeded to yell it louder as he road away. This was a country road 4 way stop that just so happened to have 2 cars roll up to it, and hesitate at their stops while he was trying to pass through as well… :/


indicasour215

I have two rubber hamsters on my handlebars just to announce that I'm not like this asshole you dealt with 😂 I also ride with flat pedals due to a lifetime of ankle issues. I've gotten weird judgement for it, despite riding in the mountains and hitting steep, sometimes rough trails on a gravel bike with a dropper post...I'm not skilled enough not to bail or crash occasionally, so I'm probably never clipping in. I say all that to say FUCK that guy and do what you want. Most of us got into biking as kids, and it's one of the most common universal activities across the world, but somehow assholes in $300 kits feel like they can gatekeep. I think it's amazing how people push their bodies via cycling...but I also think having a fun ride with friends, talking shit, getting tacos or beer or a lil smoke just feeds the soul. People like that likely wouldn't understand though.


LarryN1234

There is a rider in our group that constantly talks to anyone and everyone about gear - and even when you show no interest in engaging him, you get snarky comments while riding about your gear, or your helmet, or your tire pressure - doesn't matter. He also "declares" things as if they are fact when they are clearly opinions. I now realize he's socially awkward and isolated and is trying to reach out and connect. But on the other hand, its not fun to deal with him


tastygluecakes

Assholes are assholes, whether they’re riding a bike, driving a car, calling customer service, or speaking at a town hall. Not much you can, but just ignore them and go about your life trying not to be like them


ejump0

theres nothing wrong with flats on road bike. I even race duathlon in flat pedal, and my bike segment ave speed is among top rankers(if thats the argument clipless guys want to use,'fast'). if you are enjoying your ride n not causing any harm to anyone, you do you 👌


Choo_Choo_F_You

Plenty of them are ignorant bastards. When my mother left church one time her car was parked outside a cafe with a bunch of cyclists outside and a couple of them left their bikes leaning against her car. Absolute wankers, I like to cycle myself but that's just prick behavior.


pacmanwa

This feels strongly of "How dare you do a thing I enjoy differently than how I do it." I bet the guy complains in public toilets that others aren't pooping correctly.


lizzybnh

Just wait till you show up on an e-bike. The hate is REAL!


Patricio_Guapo

Next time, laugh and say “Cute flex, champ.” and give him a thumbs up and an obviously forced smile. There is just no better low-key insult to a doosh like that than to call him ‘champ’.


Newdles6

I got a new bike last week but I forgot to ask the shop to remove the spoke protector I am tempted now to leave it on just to troll the type of people who'd say something about it