Drafting - How close?

[Stig-OT-Dump]

This week just gone I got some real benefit from a minibus (27mph) and a skip lorry (35mph), much better than First Buses...

But, as the skip lorry led me through some lights, the traffic coming the opposite way was waiting to turn right, and I realised that none of them would have seen me. A faster reacting car at the front of the queue would already have been moving towards me as I went across the junction. Plus the skip lorry driver wouldn't have known I was behind him.

SO, how close do you go? And how fast do you try to do it?

 

[RedBike]

You shouldn't. The lorry/minibus can stop a lot quicker than you.

 

[kyuss]

I only ever draft double decker buses and only on roads that I know very well because hitting a pothole that you didn't know was there at 35mph isn't fun. I've found anything smaller than a double decker doesn't cut a big enough hole in the air to allow me to sit at a comfortable distance (15-20ft+) from the back to avoid any obstructions or, like you say, allow drivers turning across your lane to see you. I always try and stay out to the right as well to have a better chance of avoiding the bus if it brakes sharply and have a better chance of seeing round it and being seen.

 

[Joe24]

I only draft a bus when i kow whereit stops, some dont indicate and just brake.
Have drafted a car a few times, but one that i can see through the back window and front to see whats ahead.
But i find i have to draft close to get the proper effect, less then 1 meter behind what i'm drafting. But if you do draft, then what i do if i cant see ahead, is to sit by the side, and every so often pop out to look ahead. But, sit out on the side so if they do brake hard then you can brake and hopefully go down the right side, but that shouldnt be done on tight roads, or if the car could turn right.
So basicly, its danerous, shouldnt be done, but often i find that with cars or single decker busses, you have to be about 1 meter from the back, you might find abit further back will also work. You can tell when your at the right distance.

 

[gavintc]

I am never comfortable drafting buses/large vehs as your visibility is limited. I do it, till the common sense warning alarm goes off in my head.

 

[beanzontoast]

I don't draft anything. Way too dangerous - not worth the risk.

Have seen guys clinging on to the back of trams as they go uphill in Nottingham. Wouldn't try that either!

 

[Stig-OT-Dump]

Potholes aren't a worry - I know where the bad yins are on my route (and the bus stops). Smaller cars have too low a profile - MPVs are much better, but with cars I always feel like a bully going close and being right in their mirror.

But surely it's not just me that does this?

 

[shooter560]

I draft cars, vans, lorries and buses all the time, never felt at risk, but there again I always ride on their outside corner, this way I can see past them, I can be seen in their mirror and by others and I have an escape route if I need it.

I even know some of my bus time tables for buses that are going the direction I want to go in order to meet up for the mid week club rides

 

[BentMikey]

Who remembers the C+ Topic about drafting with your wheel like 1" from the back of the bus? That way if the bus slows down you just brake by rubbing the wheel on the bumper. LOL!

 

[beanzontoast]

Turning the tables - if I was driving, I wouldn't like to find a cyclist drafting behind me! Another reason why I personally don't do it.

 

[yenrod]

I have done it, its a case of being on the brakes type of thing.

Dont do it with cars mainly bigger vehilces.

But generally, you shouldn't do it.

 

[fossyant]

Don't draft tractors with large trailers full of manure !!!!!!

Take it from experience - you'll stink to high heaven !

 

[yenrod]

Don't draft tractors with large trailers full of manure !!!!!!

Take it from experience - you'll stink to high heaven !

I remember overtaking one of them at 50mph (down a hill - 1:8)...because I didnt want to be stuck behind it, so the bloke found it quite satisfying to chase me a mile or so up the next false flat. Though I made It to the 'top' doing 25mph before the next big speed hil..I waved to him before flying off down the hill!

 

[Keith Oates]

Dafting is dangerous but also there is no need to be so close to the car,bus,truck you are drafting. I usually keep well back and to the side, as others have mentioned, and this gives some relief from the wind. Being closer may give you a better draft affect but it's not worth the risk.

 

[yenrod]

Dafting is dangerous but also there is no need to be so close to the car,bus,truck you are drafting. I usually keep well back and to the side, as others have mentioned, and this gives some relief from the wind. Being closer may give you a better draft affect but it's not worth the risk.

Oh yes Keith, you dont go right behind them in the middle.

Like you say; to the side back a bit.

Unless you want to be a hospital jobby !