Would you let me draft on you?
 

Hey guys. Im a commuter cyclist, going 6.5 miles each way, trying to get back into cycling because Im fat and trying to lose my belly. I am a very experienced cyclist (albeit not with group rides) but it doesn't show because I ride with a janky setup. I go shirtless on a hybrid that has a 1/2 inch copper tube ziptied to the front as makeshift aerobars, milk crate on my wheel; I look kind of like a clown. I hear that drafting on strangers is bad etiquette, especially without asking, but I make a point to be friendly and talkative to anyone I see on the road. Unfortunately this hasn't come up much on my commute, not many road cyclists, but I had the pleasure of being called into work on a Sunday and was able to ride with a bunch of weekend warriors out on long rides. On the way in and on the way back, I found some fast dude and rode with them, Im sure both would have been fine with me drafting because by that point we were temporary friends, but how should I ask randoms riding on my commute if I can draft. The way I see it is they are a stronger cyclist and I want to get a "ride" to work. Im just not used to trying to draft with strangers, but I know a ton of people do it and I don't want to look like a dick.

Always ask if you don't know the rider (some are fine with it while others are uncomfortable) and always make your presence known (so they know to signal braking and be more predictable).

So its totally cool to ask a stranger that youre keeping pace with if you can draft with them? after exchanging hellos and its clear that I can keep their pace is it totally fine to just be like "Hey man im tired and late to work, mind if I draft you I won't hug your wheel?" Ive never asked or drafted on anyone but my father lol. I wouldn't get on their wheel to the point where I "need" them to signal, can't trust a rando to do that and don't expect them to.

No.
No, it's not you Original Poster. So, don't take this wrong, or rude, or whatever...
The answer is: "No" to anyone, any where, any time.
Especially if you have a carbon wonderbike or a TT costume.
Tailgating is rude. Car, bus, trolly, unicycle, wherever.

You are, however, free to chase me & blow yourself up. I may even bait you along.

(The exception, of course, is an organized group ride or you are a friend...& even then, only a "friend" whose name I can actually remember.)

I suggest ask, and share some detail about your situation. I am friendly when I meet other people who are friendly. My bike is probably more radical than yours. Most people appreciate my creativity. Those who spend thousands of dollars on bikes, may think I should just buy an expensive bike.

This ^

If you can go fast enough to sit on my wheel then go for it. I'll also be happy if you take a turn at the front

I've had tons of little mock pace line commutes this way doing 40-42kph stints

Idc if you're on a mtb, have a milk crate or riding a single speed, if you can keep up its fair game

Larry I’m going to have to say no.

IF you feel compelled to draft a random stranger you should always ask first. You probably have found folks are reluctant to interact with those who appear to be short a full deck. If you are truly concerned with etiquette, going shirtless is generally considered to be offensive unless you are at the beach or pool. :rolleyes:

Ask but put on a shirt.

[QUOTE=SapInMyBlood;21993055]This ^

If you can go fast enough to sit on my wheel then go for it. I'll also be happy if you take a turn at the front


This is how I feel about it also. This does not make me your guide or signal caller. I understand the reasons so many get upset about this. I just try to stay focused on what I am doing. If I feel someone is affecting my ride in a negative way, I just slow or stop until they go on, or speed up if I believe they will not keep up. What really irks me? Riders and walkers that are on a path or road shoulder that are riding 2 and 3, or more, abreast, and taking up the whole lane, paying no attention to what is going on around them.

I find the timing of this thread to be “interesting.”

^^^ Yep, our current crop of trolls has been laying low this past week or so....

Is this a real question? You pressed most of our buttons, but forgot to ask about chain lube, or if a courtesy wave should be offered first or not.

EDIT: You guys beat me to it...

You arrive at your work shirtless? What sort of job would permit that?

Nah, I'd dial it up to 400 and give you the look as you dropped away.

No, too many vehicles on the roads in my area so I've always thought it was too dangerous. But even though I ask folks not to draft, they do it anyway, telling me its something about their 'right' to do it. I've found riders in Southern California are so insistent about doing it that the only way to avoid it is for me to stop for a few minutes and let them get way, way ahead of me.

I think not drafting others would burn more calories and help you lose the weight/belly.

loudly announce "on your ass"

I routinely sit on random wheels and allow others to sit on mine. Just watch out for a rando's snot rockets if you don't announce and have a quiet rear hub.

OP might be Magic Mike. Could have a Pornstache as well.

I need a pic of this setup. You use copper tube thats zip tied [perpendicular to the tops of your handlebars as aerobars? How do they stay put with just zip ties?

I have to admit it is pretty bad on SoCal MUPS. Some cyclists are so damn lazy. If you are a larger cyclist and have decent speed, you will have these lampreys latching onto you. One was actually waiting on top of a bridge to gain speed as I passed to hop on for a free ride. I have little tolerance for this. Get your ass in shape and ride your own ride.

I’m a lawyer and could arrive at my building shirtless if I wanted to, but I’m pretty sure I’d have to put one on before entering the lobby. Not that I would ride shirtless to begin with.