Are you the guy..

[ttcycle]

Whoa ease up Madone- I don't think Jonny meant that in that way.

I too don't have an issue with drafting/being drafted - usually only draft people that look as if they're competent on a bike - besides drafting doesn't necessarily mean that you're only watching the wheel in front -surely a good cyclist (granted not every drafter is a good cyclist) will be looking ahead too for hazards developing.

 

[on the road]

But They can't see any hazards ahead of the cyclist in front, and if the cyclist in front doesn't know he has a tailgator then he's not going to point out any hazards.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

But They can't see any hazards ahead of the cyclist in front, and if the cyclist in front doesn't know he has a tailgator then he's not going to point out any hazards.

+1

 

[ttcycle]

I suppose so in relation to potholes etc but as to developing road conditions, people would have to be pretty dim to not keep an eye on the road ahead when riding. I think when commuters are talking about wheel sucking it's not the same close drafting as the type you'd do in a club run/chain gang. There's a difference there. I wouldn't advise close, wheel to wheel racing style drafting in a commute as that can be risky for the above reasons pointed out- nothing wrong with a bit of windbreaking for another cyclist though.

 

[HaloJ]

*spooky kids voice* I draft fat people

Madone I think Johnny was being light hearted.

As a drafter you've got to be even more aware about what is going on around you as you have to always presume that the person in front is going to do something unexpected. Always ensure that you can make a wide passing manouver. If you're drafting and have no where to go in case of an emergency then I think that would be inconsiderate, drafting whilst filtering traffic for example. If you've got the reactions of half comatose semi frozen slug then I'd say definately do not draft.

EDIT: totally agree TT

 

[on the road]

It is the same as in club runs/chain gangs. I've been out on chain gangs and seen how close to the back wheel they get (of course I didn't have the confidence to get that close) and when I had a tailgator he was as close.

 

[downfader]

Doesnt bother me either if someone sucks my wheel. I would prefer better stopping distance tbh, but its so rare anyway around here. I think if they clipped my rear wheel they'd have a fair old chance of going over though. I'm pretty balanced most of the time.. physically speaking

 

[ttcycle]

I've got to say in that case OTR if they're really close on your wheel and you notice them there and it makes you feel unsafe just simply either create some distance or tell them to please give you some room.

 

[Rob3rt]

Or slow down a bit gradually and safely so drafting you becomes pointless and they take over! Then let them get a few metre's gap and continue.

No-one has ever drafted me but thats probly what my response would be if it made me uncomfortable.

 

[jonny jeez]

1. i know it courses accidents because may dad has been taken out by a rider being to close behind him and taking him out!!

2. i think your making this about stupid dont u, at no point have i said that i would get off my bike and assaulting another rider. i just dont trust other riders on the road unless i have been riding with them for a while.

tbh if you want to draft someone and then end up going in to the back of him then YOU can explain to him that he said have "let you know" that he didnt want somebody drafting him

Madone, I'm not having a dig at you, I don’t know you well enough to do that, yet

I don't actually understand the second comment you make ( and I don't mean that in a patronising way either) so cant offer a response.

but

What I am trying (badly) to explain, is that drafting (by my definition..which is riding behind another cyclist and sharing their journey) actually feels quite sociable to me, and perks me up a little when I am struggling.

I don’t actually draft others…because I am too scared and not certain I could get out of bother quickly enough, I've tried drafting busses with the same outcome (except that I find them really warm in the winter…another story)

wheel sucking (as TT puts it) is a different issue and seems totally daft and very dangerous in road conditions, perhaps this is your definition of drafting, if it is and is what caused your fathers accident, then I sympathise

I make no inference that you are about to assault anyone (god forbid) my point is, if you are aware that a drafter "puts you off" then you are right to feel you should tell them to back off. Because the very fact that they make you uncomfortable could cause an accident…..if however you are happy to have them along for the ride, then see if you can enjoy the opportunity.

I do

 

[jonny jeez]

I've got to say in that case OTR if they're really close on your wheel and you notice them there and it makes you feel unsafe just simply either create some distance or tell them to please give you some room.

My point exactley

thank you

 

[jonny jeez]

*spooky kids voice* I draft fat people

 

[Tinuts]

Or slow down a bit gradually and safely so drafting you becomes pointless and they take over! Then let them get a few metre's gap and continue.

I'm with you on that. Exactly what I do when I want a turn behind the person whose been on my wheel. Personally, I don't mind being draughted and, if I do it myself, offer a quick "thanks" where possible.

Now, what I really don't like is other riders trying to undertake me, but I won't get started on that.

 

[BentMikey]

I don't know why anyone is worried about being drafted. Almost invariably it's the rider behind that goes down if there's a coming together.

p.s. it's "causes collisions", not "courses accidents".

 

[on the road]

I've got to say in that case OTR if they're really close on your wheel and you notice them there and it makes you feel unsafe just simply either create some distance or tell them to please give you some room.

Well I actually did slow right down, to walking pace, he got the message