Advocacy & Safety - Giorgio Armani clad bicyclists

On today's Sunday Morning show on CBS the opening sequence on a segment about the designer Giorgio Armani showed a clip from one of his fashion shows. All the male models were wearing good looking Armani suits and riding bicycles down the runway.

Now that would be a positive advocacy message to be projected to the public. Look good while cycling wearing fashionable "kit".

What kind of bicycles? That would be funny if they were riding Wal Mart specials. $2,000 suits on a $50 bicycle.

What kind of bicycles? That would be funny if they were riding Wal Mart specials. $2,000 suits on a $50 bicycle.
I have it on video tape and will look at it later; if I remember correctly they were typical upright city bikes. The kind "normal" people ride in Europe.

Actually I think it would be a plus for bicycling advocacy if biking could be portrayed as fashionable in the media, without emphasizing expensive, zoot-suit high tech equipment that has little appeal outside of enthusiast cliques. Well dressed, stylish fashion models, or prominent people enjoying casual cycling on bicycles - sounds and looks good to me. Nothing makes a more positive statement for bicycling like the possibility of taking Rita Hayworth type woman for a ride.

If it was me, I'd let Rita steer the bike. No, I would insist on it.

Upright city bicycles... I bet they were probably Breezers.

Agree that the American attitude toward bike configuation has to change before more people start utilitarian biking. Racing versions are pretty much only good for racing. Jimmy Clark didn't drive an Lotus Ford 49 to get the groceries. Ayrton Senna didn't drive a McLaren-Honda to the post office.

The image thing, I'm not sure about. I know too many people that have the ideaology, have bikes, know how to ride them, will drive for an hour to ride on a rail trail... and yet won't ride the 6 blocks to the post office. I just can't figure it out. Everything is already there. They just won't ride. It's sad that the only effective tool to get people to utilitarian cycle has been the DUI.

This is the only decent image I could find from one of the best cycling scenes in a classic movie. By the way, your basic Armani suit starts at around $900.

http://i19.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/92/a4/f3_1_b.JPG

It's sad that the only effective tool to get people to utilitarian cycle has been the DUI.
Eureka That's the answer! Advocacy through promotion of alcohol consumption. Party your way to a healthier lifestyle!

Eh. I don't see the big deal. I've ridden to work wearing in a Hugo Boss suit. (Got it on deep discount at Nordstrom Rack, but no one has to know, right?)

Eh. I don't see the big deal. I've ridden to work wearing in a Hugo Boss suit. (Got it on deep discount at Nordstrom Rack, but no one has to know, right?)

No one has to know. My Ermenegildo Zegna came from my "Mrs. Robinson". :D One of my Armani suits came off a mannequin.

My black T-shirt from K-Mart will call your armani t and save you 45$

I'd never consider an Armani T. And I do wear Kmart t-shirts with designer clothing. Armani flatters my somewhat less than perfect figure, and gives me that extra bit of confidence for job interviews and also for shooting weddings. The same can't be said for my cycling jersey.

The bikes they were riding were Armani bikes, they've launched their own brand of bikes. I think they're rebadged from a big name brand, flat bars and semi-upright position. Wouldn't want to get Armani trousers sucked into the front chainring though, yikes!

I finally tossed out my suit. I went to put it on last year, for the first time in about 6 years or so, and it didn't fit at all, and besides it was dusty and hanger-shaped.

Someone will probably have to buy me a suit to bury me in. No, wait, I've got cremation in my will, so I'm safe. They can put me in a rental for viewing :-)

Anyone have any info on the Armani bikes? The Mercedes bikes were pretty sad. I rode the Porsche MTB, and it was ok. I would have liked to taken that off my brother's hands, as it's likely to have been the only Porsche I would bother owning. Can't wait to see what other designers end up with a bike. Obviously, Ralph Lauren is out.

Anyone have any info on the Armani bikes? Can't wait to see what other designers end up with a bike. Obviously, Ralph Lauren is out.
Don't know anything about Armani bikesbut I bought a Calvin from the Opel dealer in my town just south of Heidelberg in about 1999. It is German Made with a Sachs Torpedo 3 speed with coaster and 622 x 47 wheels. The standard tires are Nokians. It is marked Made in Germany and also made by M. Biria. It is a great city bike and my daughter used to ride it to clubs and stores in Heidelberg about 17-20 kms from home. It is a great bike, bought it new for DM560 ( about $300 at the time). But the main reason for selecting this particular bike was my daughter who was 15 at the time, liked the color scheme.

Calvin Klein had nothing to do with it though. It's all about function and my daughter did not ride it in just her underwear.

My expectation. Armani might next exceed Pearl Izumi as the top priced manufacturer of high end bike kit.

My expectation. Armani might next exceed Pearl Izumi as the top priced manufacturer of high end bike kit.

Not likely. Armani is more of a traditionalist, and likes to work mostly in wool, silk, and cotton. Look to Ermenegildo Zegna for what they call "High performance textiles". I've got a US$240 dress shirt that has a tiny bit of spandex or Lycra in it. The rest is cotton. I'll go Google it, and may have to edit this post.

My expectation. Armani might next exceed Pearl Izumi as the top priced manufacturer of high end bike kit.
But if track record means anything ,cyclists will look a heck of a lot better wearing Armani clothes than cycling specific clothes.

Ah. My cycling goal...Not so much Armani. But, instead to keep comfortable within my 501's.

As long as no one brings back Dolphin shorts.

Ah. My cycling goal...Not so much Armani. But, instead to keep comfortable within my 501's.
Cyclists in 501's may not be in Armani, but will look a lot more normal, if not attractive, to the general public than the Pearl Izumi clad crowd.

ILTB, you've started 2 threads in the past 5 days... after over 1,900 posts! Who are you and what have you done with the real ILTB? :p

I have a $19 dress shirt which is cotton with a bit of spandex for stretch, the material is teflon impregnated and woven in, pretty wrinkle free, and if I spill coffee on it, rolls right off. Same for a pair of $15 pants that I have.

I like to bike. After biking in Europe, the whole American thing about looking normal, seems pretty abnormal . Wear what is functional . Like playing football without shoulder pads or a cup.

I usually wear jeans, a t shirt, and battered old work boots or equally battered sneakers, and an easily replaced $5 watch. No spandex bike kit here. Even my fullface BMX helmet looks enough like a motorcycle helmet to confuse Joe Public.

Eureka That's the answer! Advocacy through promotion of alcohol consumption. Party your way to a healthier lifestyle!

They could use Del Playa on a Friday night as the poster child road for that campaign.
:p

Don't know anything about Armani bikesbut I bought a Calvin from the Opel dealer in my town just south of Heidelberg in about 1999.

Round these parts, John Deere is more of a fashion influence than Armani. John Deere used to make bikes in the '70s.

I like to bike. After biking in Europe, the whole American thing about looking normal, seems pretty abnormal . Wear what is functional . Like playing football without shoulder pads or a cup.
Really? In which European city are you finding cyclists (who aren't American tourists) dressed in styrofoam, lycra, and unwalkable shoes?
Certainly not in any French, German, Dutch, Danish, or Austrian cities I've ever seen.

The only concessions I usually make to "cycling specific" clothing is to wear a helmet, and normal shorts, (because I hate rolling up my pants leg.) If on a longer ride, I'll throw on some Lycra under the shorts. Other than that, it's Converse and toeclips for me. But I cycle as transportation, not as a "sport."
And cycling with Rita Hayworth would be the bee's knees. :beer:

Actually I think it would be a plus for bicycling advocacy if biking could be portrayed as fashionable in the media, without emphasizing expensive, zoot-suit high tech equipment that has little appeal outside of enthusiast cliques.

This has been my dream for a very long time. Make non-bicycling people realize that cycling is not jsut about 30 miles both ways of commuting, or just a form of "sports" or a "hobby". That utility cycling *is* attractive and a highly desireable form of transporation for short to medium distances. I smell a new forum subsection titled Utility Cycling. *hint* *hint*

Anywho, is this the image you guys were talking about?

http://www.ruggedelegantliving.com/a/images/Armani.Bicycle.2005.jpg


According to this website: http://www.ruggedelegantliving.com/a/003697.html , they are manufactured by Bianchi.

I would deffinitely ride that. The bikes not that bad either.

Cyclists in 501's may not be in Armani, but will look a lot more normal, if not attractive, to the general public than the Pearl Izumi clad crowd.


While quit an admirable cause... "normalizing the appearance of cyclists... " it would hardly work for folks like me... my 8 mile commute covers some very hilly areas... no matter what I ride in, I will end up hot and sweaty... not exactly an attractive image in either 501s or Armani. The "goofy" cycle clothing at least reduces some of that heat, and is quite comfortable (better even then basic cotton Ts). So for me, and probably others, there is a certain functionality to the "racer kit." Of course, looking like a TDF billboard doesn't do a thing for me either... so one has to choose their kit wisely.

On the other hand, I knew a gent that worked about 3 miles away in a relatively flat area of town... he actually rode a penny farthing bike and wore a period costume on occasion... worked quite well for him. (the ladies seemed to enjoy it)

Now , I see older women riding about on commuters in dresses. Don't those get caught up in chains.? I now understand not all cyclists ride seriously enough to justify kit used for all day rides. A commuter bike can be just that.
But, if one were to ride 6 hours on a bike saddle, I would think Armani suits would be more comfortable than jeans. Those thick seams on jeans dig in.
another problem with street clothes for serious bikers. Seams in the arse keep seperating and cloth gets thin. Seems pretty impractical to ride in $1000 suits in such conditions.
Probably wise Armani chose upright handle bars. Ties and chain rings. Someone might pull another Isadora Duncan stunt.

Really? In which European city are you finding cyclists (who aren't American tourists) dressed in styrofoam, lycra, and unwalkable shoes?
Certainly not in any French, German, Dutch, Danish, or Austrian cities I've ever seen.

Bandol France... French riders... However, I certainly did see less "styrofoam" in France... few riders wore helmets. I did also see quite a few folks riding "comfort bikes" and wearing street clothes. I also saw a cyclist riding very vehicularly in the middle of Paris in a 3-4 deep round-a-bout in the middle of rush hour... He too was in kit... and at a standstill, in the middle of traffic.

On the other hand I didn't see one "kit" on a single rider in China... and I saw cyclists everywhere... carrying everything from people, to 6 large propane bottles, to lumber.

Outside the factories there the bikes were stacked very densely... and only one or two autos would ever be seen... in fact the more modern technology park I visited had very very little auto parking... it was a huge area with lots of greenspace and room for bikes, but no parking lots at all... unlike the US where we typically see office buildings in the middle of huge asphalt lots.

Genec. We live in the Roussillon area. I see a majority of 'serious ' riders. ON a Sunday,maybe even a majority wear helmets! Yes, there are lots of commuters in street clothes. When you see a 70 year old woman doing chores on her city bike- sort of unusual to be in kit.
So many wear "Credit Agricoe" kit in my area, you would think the pro team must train in my area. Think it has to do with the prevelance of Credit Agricoe banks.? Credit Agricoe sponsors so many sporting events.
What is 'styrofoam.' ? Maybe we were out on different days. But, I see a majority of sport riders in appropriate bike kit and they are locals. I dare say the membership of associated bike clubs in Roussillon must be at least 1,000 members and almost all wear serious bike gear.
My little town has a bike club of 45 members in a town of 2100 !- on clubs rides, I have never seen anyone not wear bike kit on long rides.

Now , I see older women riding about on commuters in dresses. Don't those get caught up in chains.? I now understand not all cyclists ride seriously enough to justify kit used for all day rides. A commuter bike can be just that.
But, if one were to ride 6 hours on a bike saddle, I would think Armani suits would be more comfortable than jeans. Those thick seams on jeans dig in.
another problem with street clothes for serious bikers. Seams in the arse keep seperating and cloth gets thin. Seems pretty impractical to ride in $1000 suits in such conditions.
Probably wise Armani chose upright handle bars. Ties and chain rings. Someone might pull another Isadora Duncan stunt.

By definition, serious cyclists wear suits. Why else would they call us "serious?" :)
And we ride "serious bikes" that have a normal, upright position and proper chainguards, so we don't wear or tear our clothing.

I'd add that wearing cycling kit on a commuter bike would be as strange, impractical, and inappropriate as wearing a tux or evening gown on a road bike, hybrid, or mountain bike. Maybe it makes sense for Armani to be messing with bikes -- aren't bikes, like shoes, a sort of clothing? We wear different clothing for different tasks -- work or sport -- and the various articles of clothing should go together.

:)

Paul

Genec. We live in the Roussillon area. I see a majority of 'serious ' riders. ON a Sunday,maybe even a majority wear helmets! Yes, there are lots of commuters in street clothes. When you see a 70 year old woman doing chores on her city bike- sort of unusual to be in kit.
So many wear "Credit Agricoe" kit in my area, you would think the pro team must train in my area. Think it has to do with the prevelance of Credit Agricoe banks.? Credit Agricoe sponsors so many sporting events.
What is 'styrofoam.' ? Maybe we were out on different days. But, I see a majority of sport riders in appropriate bike kit and they are locals. I dare say the membership of associated bike clubs in Roussillon must be at least 1,000 members and almost all wear serious bike gear.
My little town has a bike club of 45 members in a town of 2100 !- on clubs rides, I have never seen anyone not wear bike kit on long rides.


Fallbrook and Roussillon... you really are living the Mediterranean life aren't you? Do you import Avocados to France? And bring the cheese back here? :D Sorry... wrapped up in your lifestyle there for a moment... I loved the food in France... I really miss the great baguettes. (would you happen to know of a good source here in San Diego??? )

Anyway... the "styrofoam" reference was in regard to the helmets... and the material of which they are mostly made. BTW my comment was in reference to:
Really? In which European city are you finding cyclists (who aren't American tourists) dressed in styrofoam, lycra, and unwalkable shoes?
Certainly not in any French, German, Dutch, Danish, or Austrian cities I've ever seen.

When I was there, I saw quite a few riders without helmets... perhaps half the riders that were in kit and riding hard did not wear helmets along the roads in Bandol. The quality of the roads really amazed me too... great well formed blacktop in a majority of places where I happened to really pay attention. Paris roads were not as good.

Serious or not, who cares. They are riding a bike. 'Nuff said.

I think the point (which I agree with) is that cycling's growth in the US is hampered by its image.

There are two images, actually.
The "invisible" cyclist, commuter by necessity, wearing grubby work clothes, riding in the most anti-vehicular way possible
The weekend road warrior, clad from head to toe in ridiculous (to a non-cyclist) cycle-specific garb, also ignoring any inconvenient traffic "rules"

I think people see the first group and think something like "thank god I don't have to ride a bicycle to work;" they see the second group and think either "I couldn't afford all that gear" or "I wouldn't be caught dead in clothes like that."

I like the idea of riding in dress (or nice casual) clothes to do ordinary daily business, riding by the rules and with courtesy. I like it so much, I do it every day. I do wear a helmet, and lately, a safety vest. If it's windy or rainy (et cet) I cover my nice clothes with more appropriate shell garments, but generally cycling is a normal part of my normal life. That is the example I try to set. I hope people see me and think "that looks like fun. I could do that." I hope to see more people doing it.

chichic biker has a point. as long as one is riding. I Think it great for 70 year old women to get their heart rates up while riding in full dress with a hem to their ankles. going about the corner for bread.
but, my commutes. 26 miles. One way. I think bike shorts essential in order not to need to ice the arse upon arrival at work. I say whatever your needs. one should wear what makes biking comfortable without anyone's two cents.
I just noted here in Roussillon, we have pretty serious cyclists and full kit is the norm. ride six blocks, jeans are fine. 60 miles don't think so.
Genec . avocodos here come from Spain. We found a good spot for French cheeses were either Trader Joes' -Temecula. Henry's or Major Market. good place for French type food in San Diego. On Goldfinch Street, just south of UCSD Hospital near Golden Hills. There is a french bakery/restaurant. Can't recall it's name. like a trip to France.
do miss Calif., but Roussillon. great back roads for cyling w/o cars, too. can rent a bike when in San Diego in three week's time- hope to join you all for some San Diego cycling.

... I'd add that wearing cycling kit on a commuter bike would be as strange, impractical, and inappropriate as wearing a tux or evening gown on a road bike, hybrid, or mountain bike. ...
:)

Paul
So those of us that might commute 40+ miles a day and therefor might prefer wearing cycle specific clothing (no matter if it is plain colors or with logos), ILTB and Paul consider us strange, impractical, and inappropriate. I am sure that both would fault my bike as NOT a real commuter bike, even if it works well for me.

Why ILTB hates road cyclist and cyclist who wear cycle specific clothes so much, I will never understand. Maybe it has to do with some trauma when he was little, but it is just as wrong as the roadies that consider themselves the true “serious cyclist”.

On Goldfinch Street, just south of UCSD Hospital near Golden Hills. There is a french bakery/restaurant. Can't recall it's name. like a trip to France.
do miss Calif., but Roussillon. great back roads for cyling w/o cars, too. can rent a bike when in San Diego in three week's time- hope to join you all for some San Diego cycling.

I know of Bread and Cie in that area... they make the closest thing to a real French baquette I have found...

I see that Roussillon is about 1/2 way between the Med and Paris... probably beautiful farm country around? Or are you into the mountains?

Look I hear what ILTB is saying... and frankly when I am not putting in fast miles... I wear "street clothes," like if I want to just pop in to the local market.

But if I want to efficiently ride without chafing and binding... give me cycle specific clothing any day... and the right shoes. Actually I cheat with the shoe thing... I have a pair of street looking shoes that are SPDs, so I can clip in and yet still walk around the market without looking strange.

So those of us that might commute 40+ miles a day and therefor might prefer wearing cycle specific clothing (no matter if it is plain colors or with logos), ILTB and Paul consider us strange, impractical, and inappropriate. I am sure that both would fault my bike as NOT a real commuter bike, even if it works well for me.

Why ILTB hates road cyclist and cyclist who wear cycle specific clothes so much, I will never understand.
It is obvious you don't understand! Apparantly niether does Genec or Cycling Zealot.

30 and 40 mile a day commutes and weekend training rides by club cyclists have relevance to a tiny segment of commuting cyclists in the US and and has even less relevance to cyclists in places where cycling for utility or transportation is considered a normal activity. The general public does not need to be indoctrinated by the media nor cycling zealots that cycling requires a wierd appearance or different lifestyle choices than one's coworkers and neighbors.

This has been my dream for a very long time. Make non-bicycling people realize that cycling is not jsut about 30 miles both ways of commuting, or just a form of "sports" or a "hobby". That utility cycling *is* attractive and a highly desireable form of transporation for short to medium distances. I smell a new forum subsection titled Utility Cycling. *hint* *hint*

Anywho, is this the image you guys were talking about?

I would deffinitely ride that. The bikes not that bad either.
That's them. I still prefer Rita. But it is understandable if Chics have a different preferences for riding partners.

So those of us that might commute 40+ miles a day and therefor might prefer wearing cycle specific clothing (no matter if it is plain colors or with logos), ILTB and Paul consider us strange, impractical, and inappropriate.

Hey, didn't you see my smiley? And I agree -- 40 miles on a road bike calls for specialized clothing -- that's what is appropriate. I agree -- if you wore office clothing, on your trip, it would be strange, impractical, and inappropriate. I mean "commuter bike" in the European sense of "utility bike." Obviously any bike can be used for commuting. If I had a 40 mile commute, I would obviously get a road bike and the appropriate clothing -- that's what would be appropriate.

I don't have anything against bike clothing. It is functional and helps get the job done. However, I do regret that the bikes that are convenient for the 1/4 mile to 6 mile trips are hard to find. The need to change into specialized clothing discourages a major group of potential cyclists. Advocacy meens serving the five and ten mile cyclists and the 40 mile cyclists.

Paul
.

I know of Bread and Cie in that area... they make the closest thing to a real French baquette I have found...

I see that Roussillon is about 1/2 way between the Med and Paris... probably beautiful farm country around? Or are you into the mountains?
GEnec. My wife thinks the name of the bakery might be 'Au bon Pain."? It is adjacent a paid parking lot on a corner. Maybe two blocks west of Washington Ave. Roussillon is a large generic region . We are actually in a department known as "Pyreenees Oriental." It is the department directly north of Spain on the Mediterranean. We live a 40 minute bike ride from the sea and 1 and 1/2 hours from the Pyreenees. The area is mostly vintners/orchards. I hope you find this bakery, it is worthwhile.

It is obvious you don't understand! Apparantly niether does Genec or Cycling Zealot.

30 and 40 mile a day commutes and weekend training rides by club cyclists have relevance to a tiny segment of commuting cyclists in the US and and has even less relevance to cyclists in places where cycling for utility or transportation is considered a normal activity. The general public does not need to be indoctrinated by the media nor cycling zealots that cycling requires a wierd appearance or different lifestyle choices than one's coworkers and neighbors.


No, I understand perfectly... which is why I mentioned my local rides down to the market... in regular clothes... The same clothes I would wear anywhere (with the exception of the shoes... but you cannot tell).

You do have a valid point... and the showing of high end clothing as normal on a bike will do more for getting folks to consider riding than images of Lance. I tend to agree. Of course the flip side, is the odd fashion thing that happened in the late '80's where some women were wearing shorts and jerseys as nightclub wear... Now that was strange.

GEnec. My wife thinks the name of the bakery might be 'Au bon Pain."? It is adjacent a paid parking lot on a corner. Maybe two blocks west of Washington Ave. Roussillon is a large generic region . We are actually in a department known as "Pyreenees Oriental." It is the department directly north of Spain on the Mediterranean. We live a 40 minute bike ride from the sea and 1 and 1/2 hours from the Pyreenees. The area is mostly vintners/orchards. I hope you find this bakery, it is worthwhile.


Thanks... I will look.

Serious or not, who cares. They are riding a bike. 'Nuff said.

Yeah, riding is good...even on bikes. :D

Like to bike. I agree with you. wear what works for you. You have a rugged constitution and your arse does not turn raw after an all day ride- I am happy for you. for me. The longer the ride the greater my sense of accomplishment. as to what i wear affect the feelings of others. I don't care.

30 and 40 mile a day commutes and weekend training rides by club cyclists have relevance to a tiny segment of commuting cyclists in the US and and has even less relevance to cyclists in places where cycling for utility or transportation is considered a normal activity. The general public does not need to be indoctrinated by the media nor cycling zealots that cycling requires a wierd appearance or different lifestyle choices than one's coworkers and neighbors.

I agree with you to a point. I never even knew padded shorts existed until just a few years ago when my GF went to a LBS and bought me a pair. Until just a few years ago my bikes came from thrift stores, classified ads and X-mart and I rode in street clothes for the most part.

That said, cycling is still a physical activity. When working at the gas station, or as a radio tech, or as a Marine wearing utilities, it didn't matter if I worked up a little sweat, but if I had to wear nice clothes or a dress uniform or in the heat of Yuma or the humidity of Hawaii or Japan, I usually wore gym shorts and a tee or tank top and changed at work. Today, I don't wear spandex or any other racing specific gear, but I find MTB shorts and/or tights much more functional for commuting than gym shorts or sweat pants and much more practical than getting my dressier work clothes all sweaty. I don't wear jerseys, but I find that better wicking tees and tanks are more comfortable for riding than cotton tees, though I still wear cotton too. I find that my wind jacket is much more functional, better at ventilation and visible than the regular jackets and windbreakers I used to wear...and at 50 bucks, not much more expensive. I don't wear a helmet much, but I do in the winter because I think my risk of taking a spill is greater and it helps to keep my noggin warmer. I don't need clipless shoes, but I find that riding is much easier with them, my mtb shoes don't look gaudy and are easy to walk in, and I have dual purpose pedals so I can wear my street shoes to ride too.

So while some would like to categorize us into utility cyclists wearing street clothes and full-kit roadies, there is a middle ground - those of us who wear what we want, when we want, because it works for us. I do agree, it's a shame that in America cycling is associated with expensive, funny-looking outfits that has it's roots in racing, but on the other side, we don't consider it unusual for someone who jogs to work or for fun to wear shorts, sweats and sneakers instead of a suit and tie, why should cycling be any different?