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| *Vultures Knob>>>Cycling |
Can anybody suggest a good cycling outfit that is functional without looking geeky? |
I cycle on road a lot and can cover a 100 miles in (I think) good time, up till now I have used my favourite shorts and t-shirt. But they have finally died. I do not wish to look as daft as some of the "roadies" especially those(usually middle aged) ones who can afford all the gear and know the "names" but have never competed in their lives. I do not compete so skimming a fraction from my time is irrelevant unless it is by improving my technique or fitness, any suggestions? I love to see folks at the bike store on weekends who are completely dressed out to play the part. The funny thing is they drove rather than rode their bike to the store. Hum... Anyhow, there are always two sides to cycling clothes. One side is entirely functional and I'll get to that in a moment. The other purpose is tribal identification. If tribal identity is not an important criteria, your clothing selection is much wider. Regarding function... Bike shorts and tights are form fitting to prevent chafing the insides of thighs and your bottom against the saddle. The chamois is in the bottom to provide a bit of padding and help prevent chafing, as well. Road jersies are usually form fitting to reduce flapping and wind drag. Mountain bike jersies are not always form fitting since they don't move as quickly. Unlike a cotton T-Shirt, bike jersies are usually made of fabrics that wick away perspiration so you stay cool rather than damp and clammy. Of course, they have pockets in the back for carrying keys, food, cash, cell phone, etc. I think you will find cycling clothes are more comfortable than your favorite old shorts and T-Shirts. Bet you don't have cycling shoes and clipless pedals either do you? You really can't go wrong with plain black shorts and a single color jersey. The racer tribe in their sweat stained, grease speckled, torn, bright, multi-colored garb will immediately recognize you are not a wannabe and will appreciate your independence. The wanabe racer tribe in their brand new, fresh smelling, bright, multi-colored garb are clueless anyhow, so who cares? Personally, I have always had good luck with Pearl Izumi clothes. They are well made, tough, and reasonably priced. Oh, and they come in plain colors! Hope this helps. i hate you. I would suggest sticking to a monochromatic outfit (either black or grey). Anything more than that is just distracting to drivers! I think "geeky" is in the eye of the beholder and the specifics of the situation. For example, if you play football in full uniform and pads, then that's not geeky, it's functional. But if you then go hang out at Starbucks, that's geeky. Same with bike clothes. Lycra, jersey, helmet, gloves, are functional - they have the materials and shapes they do for a reason. But, hanging out at Starbucks, or doing your grocery shopping... inappropriate. So for a long ride, or a workout, or "with the group" I do the full lycra and bright colors bit. (by the way, you want bright colors so the soccer mom in the SUV _will_ notice you and not run over you). But for cruising the neighborhood with my kids, or pedaling to the store for some milk or beer, I just wear casual shorts and a t-shirt. It comes down to what you like and feel comfortable in. Elvis is too funny... I do recommend bike shorts. They are much more comfortable than other stuff. Since you don't want the look, do what I do: On super hot days I wear a pretty tight tank top and bike shorts. It's got a little room but doesn't flap in the wind. On cooler days I might wear a T that fits like the tank. I admit I do use cycling jerseys, BUT mine are 1 color, no logos etc. Often I'll be in the black bike shorts with a dark red or black jersey, looking pretty normal but feeling comfortable. I wear the geeky gear and feel great for it. Perhaps somes sensible slacks and a warm cardigan might suit you better. Dont forget the bicycle clips and 'sam brown' Fluorescent belt. A weak lemon squash drink and some spam sandwiches will be a good lifesaver on your trips to the shops. Oh . . . .and dont forget your anorak! ok Fred! The correct cycling gear serves a pupose, thats why I wear it!( I even have nifty little pockets in the rear of my shirt for spam sandwiches and a weak lemon drink!) Your American Football Heros wear their gear for a purpose too! dont they? ? (even though our game of Rugby is tougher, but thats a different subject. Lol) Wow, lots of really bitchy answers here! Looks like die-hard cyclists are a defensive bunch, although I suspect that the first answer is from some car driver with a chip on his shoulder about cyclists. Anyway, I'm actually in the same position as you. I'm going shopping soon for a bike for cycling to work, and need to figure out what to wear for cycling without looking like a bit of a tit. I'm thinking of sticking with something cheap and casual like a t-shirt and a pair of reasonably hardwearing cargo pants or shorts, with trainers. I suppose the main sartorial criteria are; -comfortable -doesn't flap around in the wind -doesn't ride up while cycling -trouser leg doesn't get stuck in gears -cool (in temperature terms, not fashion, although that sort of cool wouldn't hurt either) I'm also planning on discussing this with the guy in the bike shop, and I'm going to start paying attention to what other cyclists I see around town are wearing. |
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