cycling in someone else's slipstream

[Dave Davenport]

Watch out for the guy in front getting out of the saddle on rises if you're close.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Obviously this is for events and entirely beneficial but how about when commuting?

I've looked back a few times and found someone right on my wheel, I dont see any benefit for them as its rare I get above 15-18 mph. I just find it rude, slightly aggressive and a little dangerous as I often have to slow/stop suddenly....

Anyone else feel like that?

 

[Fab Foodie]

Watch out for the guy in front getting out of the saddle on rises if you're close.

Good point, when somebody gets out of the saddle the bike tends to shift momentarily rearwards.
The other possibility is the guy in front is about to fart .... it happens ....

 

[endoman]

I you dip your head down and look under your arm you should be able to see if someone is behind you.

If I tried that I would soon be behind, in a heap, on the floor :-)

 

[Deleted member 1258]

It does make a difference, more at speed or into a headwind. Etiquette demands that you take your share of time on the front though! On more leisurely rides you might spend time in front, behind or side by side for a chat. If you hit the bike in front, I think it's more likely that you will come off than the person in front, but riding in close formation requires all involved to pay attention!

I've done that twice, strangely both times in the same summer, 1997, the first touch of wheels put me in the stinging nettles at the side of the road and damaged both bikes bad enough for us both to need a lift home, a few months later it happened again, this time I ended up in a heap in the road, road rash and a huge lump on my hip and superficial damage to the bike. I had not done that before that summer nor have I done it since. A couple of times recently I've been passed by the clubs fast group whilst out on my own and the tow from the passing group is surprisingly strong, when I've been in a group I've always been aware of the tow but never realised how strong it is.

 

[ufkacbln]

Haven't got one that is usable!

 

[lulubel]

I had a couple of blokes pass me today while I was out on a recovery ride. They were side by side and came back in close in front of me, and the headwind almost stopped. For a couple of seconds, I contemplated staying close behind them for a while, but I figured that would be a bit rude. I'd never really noticed it like that before. I suppose it was because I had 2 cyclists blocking the wind for me rather than just one.

 

[Red Light]

Couple of comments to add to what has already been said.

First don't draft close with people that are inexperienced in drafting. If they are not used to having someone drafting them its very easy to send their bike backwards into yours by stopping pedalling, shifting their weight or even braking. Close drafting requires acquired skills for both riders. So give it some space, not TdeF style drafting.

Second, as well as the person behind there is also a benefit for the person in front. In simplistic terms the theory is that the air flowing round the rider creates a low pressure behind the rider where it comes back together providing a slight suction backwards on the rider. Putting another rider in that space fills the vacuum and reduces the rearwards pull on the front rider making them faster too. So even if you are not up to doing your full share at the front, you can rest on the fact you are still helping those who take up the load.

 

[Red Light]

I had a couple of blokes pass me today while I was out on a recovery ride. They were side by side and came back in close in front of me, and the headwind almost stopped. For a couple of seconds, I contemplated staying close behind them for a while, but I figured that would be a bit rude. I'd never really noticed it like that before. I suppose it was because I had 2 cyclists blocking the wind for me rather than just one.

One of the few pleasures of riding on a busy main road is the way the slipstream of all the vehicles passing wafts you along.

 

[ClichéGuevara]

Haven't done it of late, but as kids to get into town easier on the main road, we used to use the buses slip stream, leap frogging to the next when they pulled into a stop.

 

[PK99]

Watch out for the guy in front getting out of the saddle on rises if you're close.

And, if you are on the front, don't free-wheel down hill as the wind will slow you, but the guys behind will have to break as you shelter them from the wind. Keep pedalling!

 

[Angelfishsolo]

i'm not sure what the official word for it is in cycling speak, but i have been watching the TDF this year (loving it) and learning quite a bit about road cycling. i appreciate the fact that the TDF is a race, whereas i am going Touring, but nevertheless wanted to pose a question that hasn't really occurred to me before. yesterday, because Frank Schleck was never out front, his was described as an easy day - which while tough to you and me - i know now what the commentators were getting at... ie that it is far easier to ride in the slipstream of others than be doing all the work yourself. it is even more noticeable on the sprinters stages where the HTC do the work for Cav to put him in position.
however, i have never considered doing this myself. firstly i never realised it really made much difference, and secondly, to get close to to the rider in front seems like a good way to invite a crash! i'm going to be doing a few 100 milers next week - should i be looking to 'lock onto the wheel in front'? does it make a noticeable difference and if so do any of you have any tips? (or should i just man up, do the hard yards myself in my own space and not risk clipping the wheel of the bike in front!. there are only going to be 3 of us riding).
thanks in advance

FYI it is called "Drafting".