Random Wheelsuckers

[Boeing]

for me it is a question of safety. if they are on your wheel they are tired and when they are tired it is a long reach to the brakes and wheel overlap is constant. typically a "random" suck isnt up to speed with common courtesy and bike etiquette. More often than not they will pass on the right (american roads) when you expect them on the left as you ease off. In so cal its tri guy on his aero bars in the big ring with no control

its a problem so I just back off rather than telling them to fokoff as I should

its always nice to up tempo and have them suck air too but that is a risk

 

[Oldman]

for me it is a question of safety. if they are on your wheel they are tired and when they are tired it is a long reach to the brakes and wheel overlap is constant. typically a "random" suck isnt up to speed with common courtesy and bike etiquette. More often than not they will pass on the right (american roads) when you expect them on the left as you ease off. In so cal its tri guy on his aero bars in the big ring with no control

its a problem so I just back off rather than telling them to fokoff as I should

its always nice to up tempo and have them suck air too but that is a risk

I ask them to pay attention back there...if there is a friendly acknowlegement life is probably good. It doesn't hurt to be extra courteous in traffic and slow down several times to make sure that the travellers are paying attention. If not; let 'em pass until a hill and then get on about the ride.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

I turn around to them and ask, "You want a piece of this?"

Then I crop dust.

 

[Cycle Chic]

Group riding

I can understand in a group coz you,re all taking turns....but just 2 of you...surely you shouldn't be so close that you clip their wheel when they get out the saddle. Its like skiing its the person behind who's responsible.

 

[Le breton]

The literature on this consists of computer simulations, which are often poorly designed, and testing on tracks, where the riders ride much more closely than can be done with normal road conditions. Results range from nothing to insignificant to a small effect. In perfect conditions on a track you can probably get an effect but that does not translate to the road. If you think that someone pulling in behind you on the road makes you ride faster then you are delusional.

Even if I only gain 0.2 km/h because someone is sitting on my wheel I appreciate it. Sure it would be nice to have 5000 people watching you and even better 5 000 000, but 1 is better than none.

I think I once told a story about when I wheelsucked in Florida, I'llsee if I can find it.

 

[Richeypen]

I guess a certain swiss rider will be logging onto this thread for advice

 

[ustabe]

When group riding an expected skill is to be able to get out of the saddle without your rear wheel lurching backward.

Absolutely.

 

[ustabe]

This was interesting. Today, while leading our store ride, a group of racers whistled past us and part of my group, the young wannabees, took off after them. Usually I just wave as they pass and hold my line.

Later, at the coffee stop the topic was brought up by one of the new guys, and I said that this is impolite, bad form, and dangerous, I wouldn't be surprised to see someone go flying into the dirt. Then one of the older guys said, "I do that all the time. I didn't know that was bad form."

This is a lot more prevalent than I thought. I blame the lack of clubs with truly experienced riders.

 

[Master50]

I can understand in a group coz you,re all taking turns....but just 2 of you...surely you shouldn't be so close that you clip their wheel when they get out the saddle. Its like skiing its the person behind who's responsible.

Look it is a bad habit and one you should seek to stop. I appreciate that in terms of random people latching on your wheel your skill should not be questioned but a good rider doesn't drop a foot backward when standing. Unless you never ride with another person it matters. So stop it

 

[Cycle Chic]

Look it is a bad habit and one you should seek to stop. I appreciate that in terms of random people latching on your wheel your skill should not be questioned but a good rider doesn't drop a foot backward when standing. Unless you never ride with another person it matters. So stop it

Its not exactly a foot backwards - we,re talking centimetres. Yes in normal riding I ride forward before getting out the saddle but on a mountain climb I dont think I should be expected to do the same.

 

[Master50]

Its not exactly a foot backwards - we,re talking centimetres. Yes in normal riding I ride forward before getting out the saddle but on a mountain climb I dont think I should be expected to do the same.

I suppose if you are actually going fast enough to draft off on a climb then you are going fast. I just would not expect Fred to follow close then. I recall a guy that was cat 2 strong and rode cat 3 eternally. As soon as he was close to upgrading he would retire for a year until his points died. He was a foot back rider and he had a terrible reputation for knocking people down. I saw him riding with his kids now and he has knocked them down. He doesn't think he needs to stop as like you he justifies his bad skill as the following person's responsibility. I know a random person is taking a chance on your skill and manners so you are correct that they need to make allowance for the unknown, including riding behind a person who drops a foot when they stand. I get that part and I find it hard to disagree with your position but it is still a bad habit that you can unlearn or better you can learn to save the milliwatts and keep your place. If you ever ride intentionally in a group why bring bad habits and get a reputation for it? You know how sweet it is to ride in a group that all are experienced, attentive and polite. You can completely take you mind off of so many stress points and the pleasure goes way up. I just got back from 76 km with 7 other people who all rode close and predictable and almost the same speed. It was great.

 

[ElChingon]

What I don't get is why complain to us or the forum and not the wheel sucker?

How to dislodge:

1. Ask him to buzz off or to take a pull or just stop yourself if its so bad or of such a high security risk (not sure if its the OP or some other reply who added that, having their bike or parts broken).

2. If you ride on a public road/street its going to happen, get over it, if they play with you well that's life, if you don't like it then don't ride or just stop wait for them to roll past if it offends you so much. Its a public road/street so you can't ban them from riding close you to no matter what you might say unless you have a law created and a cop following you all the time to apply it.

3. Some of us do this just to get a laugh or story for later, from riding behind such curmudgeons who are greatly offended at the thought that another human being can be on the same road at the same speed and same location as them, how dare us This is most fun when you know the rider you're approaching is one such curmudgeon, I've done it so good that they literally stop because, every time they look back (over their shoulder) I move past their line sight so they can't identify me, yea some literally stand and twist their body to get a full look back. They only end up seeing me in fully laughing and almost falling off my bike. Sometimes I fake shift like I'm going to attack in hopes of getting them to do the same, just shifting up and down one gear repeatedly or click my levers so they think something is going to happen soon, but no I'm still on their wheel.

In conclusion, I'm glad my wheel sucker antics are getting a rise out of some people, gives them something to complain about in life, otherwise they'd have nothing to say so good on all fronts If its someone I know then I definitely attack them when I know they can't follow.

 

[42x16ss]

What I don't get is why complain to us or the forum and not the wheel sucker?

How to dislodge:

1. Ask him to buzz off or to take a pull or just stop yourself if its so bad or of such a high security risk (not sure if its the OP or some other reply who added that, having their bike or parts broken).

2. If you ride on a public road/street its going to happen, get over it, if they play with you well that's life, if you don't like it then don't ride or just stop wait for them to roll past if it offends you so much. Its a public road/street so you can't ban them from riding close you to no matter what you might say unless you have a law created and a cop following you all the time to apply it.

3. Some of us do this just to get a laugh or story for later, from riding behind such curmudgeons who are greatly offended at the thought that another human being can be on the same road at the same speed and same location as them, how dare us This is most fun when you know the rider you're approaching is one such curmudgeon, I've done it so good that they literally stop because, every time they look back (over their shoulder) I move past their line sight so they can't identify me, yea some literally stand and twist their body to get a full look back. They only end up seeing me in fully laughing and almost falling off my bike. Sometimes I fake shift like I'm going to attack in hopes of getting them to do the same, just shifting up and down one gear repeatedly or click my levers so they think something is going to happen soon, but no I'm still on their wheel.

In conclusion, I'm glad my wheel sucker antics are getting a rise out of some people, gives them something to complain about in life, otherwise they'd have nothing to say so good on all fronts If its someone I know then I definitely attack them when I know they can't follow.

It's one thing following another rider on their route, something else to sit a few cm's off their rear wheel for over 15 minutes just to hold 30 kmh.

It's a whole new kettle of fish when you try to keep up when they sprint away at 60kmh just to continue sucking said wheel.

That's what one of the guys who inspired my OP did.

 

[ElChingon]

It's one thing following another rider on their route, something else to sit a few cm's off their rear wheel for over 15 minutes just to hold 30 kmh.

It's a whole new kettle of fish when you try to keep up when they sprint away at 60kmh just to continue sucking said wheel.

That's what one of the guys who inspired my OP did.

Start at post 38

http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=16434&page=2

 

[MarkvW]

Always thought training was about watts, not speed.

And there is a phrase that describes wheelsucking behind a nonconsenting bike on a public highway: "Following too closely." It is so clearly illegal--for good reason--that I can't believe the person advocating it here is serious.

If you have the courtesy to ask permission to wheelsuck, you can expect that your windbreaker will communicate with you about hazards and consider your situation when making his moves. That alone should merit giving the other rider simple courtesy.

 

[Boeing]

road etiquette alone isn't enough. it's important to know the guys around you and their riding styles on long draining training rides. Fatigue can do strange things and the more you know guys habits the better for all.

I respect guys riding alone trying to mix it up and learn or experience things. If I am alone and have time I'll explain wheel overlap and passing on left and hands near levers.

good riders know when they suck it and can put others at risk.

Regardless of experience fatigue (and or lack of form/saddle time) is an issue. There are times here in the OC at food park or como where the surge is huge and on again off again. Sometimes I am at a limit because of down time and have to pay particular attention to my position. It's a catch 22 because if you loose a wheel in the groupo you could be pushing wind on your own all morning. however if I am at a limit there are times where my reactions are not great to the slowing surge.

So the rogue guy who lands your wheel is typically a newbie and only on your wheel because he is at his limit and that is a disaster =in waiting.

I just back off and pull right let him pass

 

[BroDeal]

What I don't get is why complain to us or the forum and not the wheel sucker?

How to dislodge:

1. Ask him to buzz off or to take a pull or just stop yourself if its so bad or of such a high security risk (not sure if its the OP or some other reply who added that, having their bike or parts broken).

2. If you ride on a public road/street its going to happen, get over it, if they play with you well that's life, if you don't like it then don't ride or just stop wait for them to roll past if it offends you so much. Its a public road/street so you can't ban them from riding close you to no matter what you might say unless you have a law created and a cop following you all the time to apply it.

3. Some of us do this just to get a laugh or story for later, from riding behind such curmudgeons who are greatly offended at the thought that another human being can be on the same road at the same speed and same location as them, how dare us This is most fun when you know the rider you're approaching is one such curmudgeon, I've done it so good that they literally stop because, every time they look back (over their shoulder) I move past their line sight so they can't identify me, yea some literally stand and twist their body to get a full look back. They only end up seeing me in fully laughing and almost falling off my bike. Sometimes I fake shift like I'm going to attack in hopes of getting them to do the same, just shifting up and down one gear repeatedly or click my levers so they think something is going to happen soon, but no I'm still on their wheel.

In conclusion, I'm glad my wheel sucker antics are getting a rise out of some people, gives them something to complain about in life, otherwise they'd have nothing to say so good on all fronts If its someone I know then I definitely attack them when I know they can't follow.

Then the guy in front starts riding a hair's breadth away from pot holes and other road hazards...

 

[dolophonic]

El Chingon by name El Chingon by nature !

Does not bother me too much. Guys jump on your wheel.. let em.
If they bother you just tell them to pis off.

 

[Polyarmour]

I suppose if you are actually going fast enough to draft off on a climb then you are going fast. I just would not expect Fred to follow close then. I recall a guy that was cat 2 strong and rode cat 3 eternally. As soon as he was close to upgrading he would retire for a year until his points died. He was a foot back rider and he had a terrible reputation for knocking people down. I saw him riding with his kids now and he has knocked them down. He doesn't think he needs to stop as like you he justifies his bad skill as the following person's responsibility. I know a random person is taking a chance on your skill and manners so you are correct that they need to make allowance for the unknown, including riding behind a person who drops a foot when they stand. I get that part and I find it hard to disagree with your position but it is still a bad habit that you can unlearn or better you can learn to save the milliwatts and keep your place. If you ever ride intentionally in a group why bring bad habits and get a reputation for it? You know how sweet it is to ride in a group that all are experienced, attentive and polite. You can completely take you mind off of so many stress points and the pleasure goes way up. I just got back from 76 km with 7 other people who all rode close and predictable and almost the same speed. It was great.

I agree, there are enough things that can go wrong in cycling already, this is a totally preventable one.

 

[CobbleStoner]

What I don't get is why complain to us or the forum and not the wheel sucker?

How to dislodge:

3. Some of us do this just to get a laugh or story for later, from riding behind such curmudgeons who are greatly offended at the thought that another human being can be on the same road at the same speed and same location as them, how dare us This is most fun when you know the rider you're approaching is one such curmudgeon, I've done it so good that they literally stop because, every time they look back (over their shoulder) I move past their line sight so they can't identify me, yea some literally stand and twist their body to get a full look back. They only end up seeing me in fully laughing and almost falling off my bike. Sometimes I fake shift like I'm going to attack in hopes of getting them to do the same, just shifting up and down one gear repeatedly or click my levers so they think something is going to happen soon, but no I'm still on their wheel.

In conclusion, I'm glad my wheel sucker antics are getting a rise out of some people, gives them something to complain about in life, otherwise they'd have nothing to say so good on all fronts If its someone I know then I definitely attack them when I know they can't follow.

I do this too, training is a long, tough, boring process. If you can't entertain yourself with a few Fred's, it gets even longer. and for all of you who say how dangerous it is... jeez, you're bike racers, grow some balls. I've crashed hard in races, on descents, at the finish line. been hit by cars and buses while training, and a few Fred's have taken me out in training races, but never just out riding, even when I'm screwing with them, I don't put myself in a position to be taken down

 

[MarkvW]

I do this too, training is a long, tough, boring process. If you can't entertain yourself with a few Fred's, it gets even longer. and for all of you who say how dangerous it is... jeez, you're bike racers, grow some balls. I've crashed hard in races, on descents, at the finish line. been hit by cars and buses while training, and a few Fred's have taken me out in training races, but never just out riding, even when I'm screwing with them, I don't put myself in a position to be taken down

Screwing around with complete strangers on the public highways because you're bored?

 

[ElChingon]

Screwing around with complete strangers on the public highways because you're bored?

Pffftt... that's nothing, you should see what some of us do in a car. Ever play chase out on the open roads with perfect strangers during fast heavy traffic? Its not racing its lets see if you have the @#$# to follow me, then its the next guys turn, I've lost count the number of times I've done this for miles with again perfect strangers who have an equally big smile as we pass each other. And not tickets either (yet during these episodes/events).

Yes some of us do things other don't to pass the time.

At least I'm not texting!

 

[Boeing]

Pffftt... that's nothing, you should see what some of us do in a car. Ever play chase out on the open roads with perfect strangers during fast heavy traffic? Its not racing its lets see if you have the @#$# to follow me, then its the next guys turn, I've lost count the number of times I've done this for miles with again perfect strangers who have an equally big smile as we pass each other. And not tickets either (yet during these episodes/events).

Yes some of us do things other don't to pass the time.

At least I'm not texting!

dude was that you on my wheel today?

 

[Boeing]

I really hate them. some guys got on my wheel today as I was full tilt to get back on time. I looked at the garmin and it was at 29 which is a healthy clip and not indicative of my fat a$$ but whatever,...you can feel tools behind you I swear man. I dont know how or why I just can. well I had enough of dude shifting side to side so I slowed right and low and behold he passed right and we clipped shoes and elbows. pysst me off like nothing before it. he actually thought I was like spent or he got the better of me. my buddy who was pushing his own air for his own reasons behind saw it all and had to remind me not to drop fbomps and get in his face at the light in full kit

my earlier posts were way too objective. these guys suck it hard

 

[Boeing]

btw anyone experience random wheelsucks on a mountain bike ever? I dont think I ever have