Being a cyclist, we're used to non-cyclists enquiring about the eccentricities of our hobby, but there are a few questions that you should steer clear of
Where's the fun in that? We ride because it's cheaper, more exciting and keeps you healthy. A lot of riders also own cars, so they take an active choice to travel by two wheels.
Don't you think you look silly in Lycra?
We know we look silly! We don't wear tight clothing that shows off all the contours of our body in a pretty unflattering way because we think it looks good, we do it because everyone else does it and it makes us faster, apparently.
How much did your bike cost?
You should never ask this question because you'll probably never get an honest answer. If you're asking your partner how much they spent on their new machine it's likely you'll hear a price several hundred pounds less than what they actually paid.
Plus, skipping one training ride is the beginning of a slippery slope that will result in the rider selling their bike and becoming very unfit.
And you don't want that on your conscience, do you?
How much does your bike weigh?
This is quite a dangerous question to ask, as you may end up talking to a cyclist obsessed with the weight of every component and you won't be able to escape for a while.
But on the whole, in the words of some Texan fella, it's not about the bike - it's about the person riding it.
Do you need to ride that far?
No-one ever needs to ride 100 miles, but we do it because we enjoy the challenge. Six hours on a bike is better than six hours on the couch.
The unanswerable question. How much do they want to spend? What will they be using it for? Do they know anything about bikes already? Do they want a good frame or a good groupset?
There's so much choice!
How much do you weigh?
Power to weight is vital for cyclists – but how do you know what numbers to aim for?
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
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