Other cyclists waving, or saying Hi!??

[Mushroomgodmat]

Iv had a hybrid for about 6 months, iv traveled around 1000 miles on it and not a single other cyclist has ever said hi as we passed on the road. Last week I bought my first road bike, went out and did 30 miles on Saturday and 3 cyclists (all using road bikes) said hi, or at the very least raised a hand and smiled as they passed me on the other side of the road.

Not that I'm complaining, I think it's great! I used to own a VW and a similar thing happens, I know is also common in the moterbike culture, but is it common in cycling, is it simply because that now I have a road bike I'm regarded as a slightly more serious cyclist than before when I owned a hybrid?

Also (and this is the real reason I'm asking) I don't really want to be out nodding/waving/smiling at other people who don't know me from Adam, dont want to seem too weird

 

[snorri]

Welcome to the world of 'serious' cyclists, 'real' cyclists, POBs and others.

 

[Furkz]

i came from VW's too and understand what you mean. but having a hybrid is like having a watercooled on a road full of air cooled bus's haha

 

[PpPete]

I make a point of greeting all cyclists I see on the road.... even those on MTBs, just cannot understand the snobbishness around "proper" road bikes.

 

[lesley_x]

I would wave at any cyclist to be honest, on any kind of bike. It always brightens up my ride when I meet a friendly cyclist

 

[wiggydiggy]

I'll happily reply but never initiate a greeting and I couldnt care less if my hybrid is looked down on by anyone. Waving is overrated anyway

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I will acknowledge every passing cyclist or POB but I do find I lack the confidence to wave when on the road bike so people get a nod or a raised finger (not that kind!!!!) instead.

 

[Dave Davenport]

I think we might need a seperate 'acknowledging other cyclists' forum as well as one for helmet debates. It should probably include the roadie v mtb stuff

 

[wiggydiggy]

I think we might need a seperate 'acknowledging other cyclists' forum as well as one for helmet debates. It should probably include the roadie v mtb stuff

Hehe I'm not that bothered by the issue. How can anyone be offended if they dont get waved at in the first place (not as a reply - I always wave back)?

 

[AlexStevens]

It happens a lot with singlespeed riders too, they tend to great one another.

 

[coffeejo]

I always smile and say hello when I see a fellow cyclist and have mixed results re: responses but since buying some wicking cycling clothes, I have noticed that roadies are more likely to take the initiative and say hello to me when I'm wearing my "gear" than when I'm in shorts and t-shirt. On the other hand, fellow hybriders (hybridees?) are less likely to take the initiative when I'm "dressed up".

Urgle.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I always smile and say hello when I see a fellow cyclist and have mixed results re: responses but since buying some wicking cycling clothes, I have noticed that roadies are more likely to take the initiative and say hello to me when I'm wearing my "gear" than when I'm in shorts and t-shirt. On the other hand, fellow hybriders (hybridees?) are less likely to take the initiative when I'm "dressed up".

Urgle.

I wonder if those not in "all the gear" feel unworthy of saying hello?

Maybe they "appreciate" you more in lycra

 

[4F]

You get miserable b******** on bikes as well

 

[coffeejo]

I wonder if those not in "all the gear" feel unworthy of saying hello?

That's the impression I get. It's oddly intimidating when you're on a bog standard bike and see someone on their road bike in the proper gear. But like riding a shaggy mountain pony and seeing someone turned on a sleek thoroughbred.

In answer to the OP, never stop smiling, waving and saying hello. Spread the happiness.

Maybe they "appreciate" you more in lycra

My top is quite close fitting and it's only my lack of speed that has prevented me from turning round and chasing anyone who dares pay attention to that and stabbing their tyres. Makes me feel far more vulnerable than being overtaken by speeding cars on the main road.

 

[MarkF]

i came from VW's too and understand what you mean. but having a hybrid is like having a watercooled on a road full of air cooled bus's haha

Uber roadies hardly ever speak to me, never in groups, whilst I am on my hybrid. If I'm on my road bike then whatever I happen to be wearing can have a significant affect on the roadie wave-ometer. If I am on my £50 mid-'90's GT MTB with Bell (Asda) tyres and £3 (Asda) guards, hardly anybody aknowledges me, physically or verbally and then it is the time for the uber MTB'ers to look at me with distain.

Try riding a vintage Vespa if you want to come across some real anal types, it's a minefield, was once told that my feet were at the wrong angle on the floorboards.