An open letter to all condescending male chauvinist cyclists

[summerdays]

There is a difference between offering help, and the way that some can start informing you. I often see people out with their saddle too low or bike in need of some attention but I don't feel the need to tell them unless we strike up a conversation and during it they start asking for advice. It could just be they are behind on their maintenance or on a borrowed bike not wanting to adjust the saddle position.

 

[rivers]

Just out of interest - this to the women of CC BTW - how often does this sort of thing happen when you're out cycling? Is it and almost-every-time kind of thing, or regularly, or just occasionally / rarely?

I haven't had it happen to me. But I've also only been cycling for just under a year so.....

 

[fossyant]

It will be those mamil golfers that are trying out cycling as the new in thing.

 

[MontyVeda]

One of the things I most feel like offering advice on. Be it male or female.

Hmmm... a non cycling acquaintance keeps calling cyclists out for having their seat too low. I've experienced this as a passenger in his car, and second hand from his fiancé... apparently my seat is too low too, but my leg is dead straight with my butt on the saddle and heel on the pedal, which in my book is just about right. Some folk just think they know better.

 

[MontyVeda]

[QUOTE 4756596, member: 9609"]...it does seem to be a male thing, never known a woman go on like this...[/QUOTE]

Oh I dunno... in the kitchen they can.

Maybe i should have kept quiet about that

 

[Jody]

Hmmm... a non cycling acquaintance keeps calling cyclists out for having their seat too low. I've experienced this as a passenger in his car, and second hand from his fiancé... apparently my seat is too low too, but my leg is dead straight with my butt on the saddle and heel on the pedal, which in my book, is just about right. Some folk just think they know better.

I am on about the ones you see where the saddle is about touching their frame and knees are almost touching their chin. Not a fine critique but more helpful advice.

 

[PhilDawson8270]

We have all understood that. The argument is that it is predominantly a man on woman thing.

I think the point he is making is it seems to be a man on everybody thing. And one that is really irritating.

 

[Mugshot]

I was once out with Mrs W when a chain came off a bike - I forget whether we were on solos and it was her bike or whether it was a tandem chain. She was getting on with putting it back on with a stick (sensibly not wanting to get greasy hands) when an oik (male, natch) barged her out of the way and reseated it. With his hands. He was wearing decent clothes. I didn't feel sorry for him.

You stood and watched while your partner was "barged" out of the way?

 

[kingrollo]

I have people advise me whilst cycling. (I am a bloke) - I would the % male to female cyclists would explain why its mostly blokes giving out the advice. Surley the advice is with good intention in any case.
Move along nothing to see here.

 

[Inertia]

I think the point he is making is it seems to be a man on everybody thing. And one that is really irritating.

I think the point is that although it can affect men and women, it affects women a lot more often.

 

[BrumJim]

To be honest, all women need a little explaining and encouragement. It's because they are the weaker sex.

I pulled up alongside a pretty little blonde thing the other day at the lights. Said her name was "Laura". I explained to her the intricacies of cycling and gave her some good advice as to what to do in the event of a puncture, and which route to take. She was heading straight for a tricky hilly route, and wasn't happy that she could manage it, so I suggested an alternative route that I was taking.

I checked that she was happy being out on her own, and she said she was cycling with a couple of friends - Jason and Kenny, I think she said. So I bid her farewell, and shot up the road as fast as I could, just to show her how fast a man can cycle. Never saw her again, but there again, I wouldn't expect her to, being a woman and all.

 

[Dayvo]

I've not read the full 8 pages but it sound like you came across a right @rse !

And he may be present on this forum, judging by some of the comments made by some 'shocked and offended' male posters.

 

[Markymark]

Should have advised her to cut her hair so she could be faster up that hill.

 

[ojoman]

Urghhh, it happens to males as well. A self-appointed Custodian of the Roads (riding a Ribble bike with steel/alu mudguards) yelling at me not to undertake him, even though I had no intention of doing just that.

However, the most head-shake inducing are the types who make a comment as they scoot past you, trying to spur you into some sort of penis-engorging battle. Sorry, but I am wearing lycra because it is practical. I am also on mile 50 of a round commute and have a shed-load of marking strapped to my back. I am not interested in racing, I have a nice bike because I like cycling and I'm going for a bloody run when I get home. Go away

 

[srw]

You stood and watched while your partner was "barged" out of the way?

I was telling a story, which means that I didn't include all the details and might have coloured up one or two for effect. It's not uncommon, either in written or in oral storytelling. I'm sure a woman with an English degree will be along shortly to tell us the proper technical name for that sort of thing.

Both Mrs W and I remonstrated with him, but since he was determined to be an arse - and a useful arse - it was simpler to let him get on with it. I got a little anecdote about a male chauvinist out of the episode, we got a reseated chain, he got a little bit of righteous anger that I wasn't treating my little lady properly because I dared to let her do something she's quite capable of doing. I think that's win-win-win.