As someone who tries to enlighten adult students about gender "issues" and invisible sexism that continues in our societies, I empathise and sympathise.

May I also use your story in class, AppleGum?

lph... I don't think your playing the devils advocate, per se... cause looking for a knowledgable bike mechanic doesn't have to involve stupid questions. But you do have a good point. If my partner goes into a bike shop where he knows no-one, he chooses who he wants to talk to based on their body. He is a top road cyclist in NZ in his age group, and people who ride at that level (either male, or the equilvalent female level) have a certain look... their faces tell their weight, their leg muscles tell their cycling discipline... and their muscles and weight tell their level of ability and dedication.

He would never dream of asking if someone rides a bike, but he has asked what type of bike they ride/have ridden.

BTW, lph - luuurve the comebacks. Wish I wasn't so tired so I could add to them!