Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Question about clothing

Ok I'm a real newb, but what are the advantages to wearing a cycle jersey and shorts?

Jersey - Material wicks sweat (vs. cotton), pockets in back good for holding stuff, zipper in front allows ventilation, form fit stops material flapping in the wind (can be annoying).

Shorts - Wicking again, flapping material again and most inportant, padding to protect the wedding tackle.

... and most inportant, padding to protect the wedding tackle.

:roflmao: :roflmao:

Just like any physical activity, the right equipment can help increase enjoyment. The shorts are the most important piece of clothing in my experience, and unfortunately, only experience has told me what shorts I like and dislike. Too small or tight and I get chafing, too loose is just annoying. The lycra/spandex type shorts give a bit of muscle support, have superior sweat wicking properties than plain cotton, do not bunch up or catch on the saddle when mounting up, and offer some padding based on the type of liner or chamois.

Jerseys are cut longer in the back than a regular shirt so that they still cover your backside when in ridign position. Many have a long zipper that can be opened or closed to control body temp some. Most have pockets in the back to carry small items, snacks, etc. Again, the fabric offers superior wicking than just plain cotton and the trimmer fit does not flap in breeze, etc. If you dont care about the cut or pockets, get a wicking fabric t shirt from WalMart, Target etc. for much less.

PM me if you want input on brands I like, etc.

I were all spandex. Since I played football, my bike gear reminds me of my football uni without pads.

Nothing beats a bib, even in XXXL. When I crashed the first thing i asked my dad, "is my bib ok."

The right clothes can help on long rides (more than two hours). They are optimized for the activity, but they are certainly not optimized for our physiques.

When I began I was at 375# and it was hard to find any kind of exercise clothes. I had some luck buying clothes from a police supply company meant for police officers, especially bike officers. I generally used galls.com (http://www.galls.com) If you know of uber-clydes out there, that might be a place to look.

Now I'm hovering around 300# (I'm 6'3") and find that I can wear some standard cycling clothes.

I also have trouble with cycling clothes not being long enough. I find that Nike clothes fit much better than the other cycling brands because they adjust the length as well as the width in their XXL sizes. They're pricey (although for cycling clothes that's a relative thing). If you can't find them at you LBS you can buy them through Trek (http://store.trekbikes.com) online. One word of warning: even Nike cycling clothes run one or two sizes smaller than standard Nike clothing.

I also like using UnderArmor. I have several shirts of theirs that work well for cycling, but I miss not having rear pockets. If UnderArmor ever begins making cycling clothes I think they'll sell well, especially if they remember that some of their football-playing customers (or former football players) also might want to hop on a bike and they make some in larger sizes.

I love Pearl Izumi bib shorts, which fit well and are super-comfortable, but their jerseys don't work for me at all.

Does anyone have links to XXLT or XXXLT jerseys or "wicking" fabrics? I'm big and tall, so the extra length is a must.

www.aerotechdesigns.com


http://xs306.xs.to/xs306/06370/ridepic.jpg (http://xs.to)

This is an Aerotech jersey!

They carry Clyde Shorts as well!

Ok I'm a real newb, but what are the advantages to wearing a cycle jersey and shorts?

Hi epix1718!

I can't answer on jerseys, because I normally prefer cotton T-shirts. On the shorts, though, I can vouch from personal experience on one virtue that hasn't been touched on yet. Last June, I managed to slide down the road on my butt during a ride. I walked (well, limped) away from that experience with NO road rash at all due to my spandex shorts. The abrasion-resistance alone is worth wearing them IMHO. Good luck!

http://xs306.xs.to/xs306/06370/ridepic.jpg

Is it just me, or are those bars a wee narrow for you?

Is it just me, or are those bars a wee narrow for you?
They feel good to me! I have gone as much as 167 miles in 11 1/2 hrs with out significant discomfort. The angle is off to the right a tad....might make them look a bit narrower than they actually are.

The angle is off to the right a tad....might make them look a bit narrower than they actually are.

What size are they? I run 44s. :)

I honestly never measured them! They felt good when I test rode the bike, so it was moot!

They felt good when I test rode the bike

Hey, if they work, good on 'ya brother. :)

I was just curious is all.

Ok I'm a real newb, but what are the advantages to wearing a cycle jersey and shorts?
Yes...all pieces of equipment have advantages and IMO are worth it. I slowly gave each piece a shot one by one and every time I did I was glad to have got that part.
Shorts - Quick dry so they aren't wet with sweat and pad the love muffins
Jersey - Quick dry also (waaay important on top), pockets in back, VERY comfortable
Socks - Quick dry (more important than I'd have guessed until I got them)
Shoes - Clips help increase efficiency and work leg muscle more evenly
Gloves - help with hand numbness that comes from any ride longer than about 1/2 hour