jt10000 wrote:
Yeah, but there's a difference between telling people facts like this: "Road is closed up ahead." "Your helmet is on backwards" etc and telling them what they should be doing in terms of their general practice.
Agreed, I think I blurred these two very different scenarios in my OP.
jt10000 wrote:
The latter is obnoxious if unsolicited. Of course there are gray ares - improperly used quick releases are an example. But a riders "form"? Now way do I offer unsolicited advice.
I think obnoxious is a bit strong, although there are many different opinions on this thread the general consensus seems to be if you make an effort not to come across as a d-bag you shouldn't be branded one.
jt10000 wrote:
I want to add that the first image in this whole thread, of the guy on the bike in a tank top, illustrates something that annoys me. The OP thinks there is something wrong with that, and frankly I don't agree. The guy is out riding a bike in street clothes himself. I completely disagree that his saddle "should" be a certain way due to what triathletes or bike racers think. It's just not relevant to him unless he wants it to be different or is complaining or problems. And we don't know that.
This couldn't be further from the truth. I actually struggled to find a good picture of a cyclist with their saddle too low on google image search. He just happened to be in a tank top. In addition, I'm not speaking from the point of view of a triathlete or bike racer, just basic safety/common sense/injury prevention perspective.
Finally I think you've hit on something in your last sentence. I sometimes meet folks new to cycling and will ask how they're enjoying it, do they like their bike etc. and also if they've any soreness/numbness. That usually steers the conversation to suggesting a small tweak in saddle height or fore/aft adjustment without coming across as "obnoxious"