Getting a tow.

[peter_liver]

I'm new to cycling and have joined a club. Iv been on a few ride's so I'm now comfortable sitting on the back wheel. My question is when out on my own and either catch a couple of cyclists or are overtake by other cyclists. Is it OK (the done thing) to then sit on thr back wheel.therefore getting a tow for a few mile. Is thr any rule of thumb.. I always thank them for the tow as I overtake and go my own way. And the reply has always been "no problem".. Its such a bonus and a bit of a life saver sometimes.

 

[ianrauk]

You've answered your own question.
A quick Hi and a thanks is all that's needed and a turn at the front if cycling together for a long period of time.

Some riders don't mind, some do. You'll know which.

 

[Tail End Charlie]

My middle name is wheelsucker. It has to be, I can't overtake anyone!

 

[vickster]

I certainly wouldn't want an unknown cyclist drafting me however courteous they were. Big no from me

 

[Deleted member 35268]

I spent much of my very first club ride being polite and sitting towards the back, until one of the regular riders sarcastically said "how's the view from the back", after which I never sat at the back ever again.

 

[Racing roadkill]

That's wheel sucking, make sure you announce your presence, otherwise you run the risk of annoying the rider who's wheel you are sucking.

 

[Ihatehills]

Having never been in the position to catch or overtake anyone I've never experienced a tow, does it really make much difference ?

 

[Racing roadkill]

Having never been in the position to catch or overtake anyone I've never experienced a tow, does it really make much difference ?

About 30 percent difference in aero efficiency, I'm told.

 

[mjr]

It depends what you mean by "sit on their back wheel".

Close enough to get some aero benefit? No problem.

Close enough that you'll rear-end them if they slam on their brakes for some reason? No way!

If you do that much, you really really really should make sure your third-party insurance (home, club or independent) covers you.

I'm fairly cautious but I figure that the brakes (V and hub) on my usual bike are pretty good. If someone on a bike with pathetic calipers starts drafting me, I will probably have a word, but I'm slow enough that it's rare.

 

[jazzkat]

I don't mind if they announce their presence. I once had someone sit on my wheel for ages and he never said a word, just rude. I had another chap who thanked me for pacing him up a hill, I said no problem as long as he returned the favour up the next bit. He said sure, dropped the hammer and buggered off! Thanks for nothing pal!

 

[BigAl68]

Sorry no.

 

[jonny jeez]

Having never been in the position to catch or overtake anyone I've never experienced a tow, does it really make much difference ?

Yep, huge difference.

 

[Wafer]

And remember you're doing ianrauk out of pennies everytime you wave!

 

[peter_liver]

It definitely makes a difference to me. How much of it is in your head ??? . if nothing else it gives me something to concentrate on when I'm struggling on my own .. Although the struggle is probability the reason we go out in the first place ... Think I'll save the tyre sucking for the club rides

 

[ianrauk]

And remember you're doing ianrauk out of pennies everytime you wave!

Another one who doesn't get it.