Are men bike snobs?

[bmccasland]

On the levee path (10' wide), most cyclists will at least raise a couple of fingers up off their hoods as they pass me. I've had faster riders say something in greeting as they've passed me, when I've been riding alone ("morning", "nice tail wind", "brutal side wind"). So maybe it's the proximity, or southern hospitality, but I haven't noticed specifically whether or not age or sex makes a difference on greeting.

[TrekTheKaty]

The male cyclists in our area have become more friendly. I get more waves on the road than I used to. I don't know if they have started to recognize me or I "look like I know what I'm doing"--which, yes, would be snobbery.

On the trail, I just say hello.

I've had motorcycles wave or cut closer than cars--so that's a toss up.

I don't have a signature wave--Contador's pistol would be too cheesy, right?

[MomOnBike]

Interesting thread.

What I have noticed around here is that I get acknowledged by just about everyone, spandex racer-types (even in small groups), pre-teen boys, joggers, tattooed tough guys on MTBs - you name it. Now I wonder why.

My theory is that I am completely unthreatening and I ride an unusual bike a lot so I have wormed my way into people's minds. I also smile a lot on the bike. Maybe they are just trying to encourage that fat old broad who obviously loves her heavy faired recumbent bike.

I also nod first. Not much, just eye contact and a nod. Maybe some people are missing the acknowledgements? They can be pretty subtle.

It could also be that I live in a friendly part of the country.

Also, if conditions are right (tailwind, downhill, bad attitude on either party's part) I can toast their cookies, so they'd better be nice.

[limewave]

In my experience there is a good amount of male cyclists that are "snobs." But there are quite a few who wave and nod too. In my experience its 50/50.

But I have to say that some of the most rude behavior I've experienced has been from other women cyclists (roadies).

The snobbish tendency isn't gender-specific.

[TrekTheKaty]

[QUOTE=limewave;524570
But I have to say that some of the most rude behavior I've experienced has been from other women cyclists (roadies).

The snobbish tendency isn't gender-specific.[/QUOTE]

This is very true! NONE of the women acknowledge me on the road (they do on the trail). I've struck up a few conversations at organized ride rest stops with other women--primarily about their bikes.

Again, in my industry, women try so hard to fit into the male-centric world, that they don't acknowledge other women. Much has also been written about how women don't help women in the business world. Another thesis here!

[Trek420]

http://www.sfbike.org/?waveweds

[TxDoc]

http://www.sfbike.org/?waveweds

Hilarious.
It's just a miracle that I made it through the post without spilling coffee all over the keyboard.
Have to remind myself to never drink and read TE posts at the same time...

[maillotpois]

I read a really interesting article about waving on the moto - something to the effect of how Europeans never wave because they are focused on safe riding and think you should put all your attention to riding instead of waving.

I wave when I am on the Ducati, most of the time. Not when I need that hand for the clutch or whatever. And I haven't noticed any difference in sport bikes v. cruisers waving or not. I had a guy on a bicycle give me a wave when I was on the moto this weekend, which was funny.

[OakLeaf]

Oh, the moto forums will go on and on and on about it. That never happens on bici forums. Whoops.

At least we don't have engine oil, and seem to be able to restrain ourselves on chain lube, most of the time.

To wave or not to wave, yeah. Exactly how someone's hand or fingers come off different types of handlebars to wave, been discussed to death. Different wave for Hondas and Yamahas?

[maillotpois]

Well, and on the Ducati it is tricky because you have to keep your pinkie finger up as if sipping a cappuccino....