Touring - Bike Clothing on Tour

I keep reading suggestions that in some rural areas folks may be offended by regular bike shorts. I also hear mention of slipping baggy shorts over the spandex before going into a diner or grocery store. I find this all a little strange.

Is this really an issue in the US? We will be on the transamerica in a few weeks and I am not in the habit of worrying about my spandex in stores or diners. In a nice restaurant I dress in street clothes, but do I really need to worry about my spandex offending folks in the grocery or diner?

Only if it embarasses you. People may look at you funny, but expect for someone to yell homophobic slurs at you from a pick up truck!

I find bike clothing (roadie shorts, jerseys, cycling socks, arm warmers, etc.) a little over the top on tour. I prefer a t-shirt and cargo shorts, but go with what you like. Besides, if you're on the ACA TransAmerica, you won't be wearing anything the locals haven't seen before.

I wear "normal" clothes on bike, and had no problems whilst riding across the US. I spent a few days riding with people who were wearing bright lycra, and it seemd every second car that went past was yelling abuse out of the window.

I guess it's your choice in the end

+1 for wearing normal clothes on tour. I wear SPD sandals as well so that when I'm off the bike I don't look like a biker.

My original question was in regard to whether there was any real concern that some folks in rural america would be offended. It sounds like no one is promoting wearing "regular" clothes for that reason.

I have a thick enough hide that I really don't care if some yahoo yells homophobic abuse at me. I think that bike clothing is more comfortable on the bike and will probably go with it.

FWIW: I do prefer rather plain colors compared to what a lot of folks wear.

FWIW: I do prefer rather plain colors compared to what a lot of folks wear.


Maybe colour is the key. I have toured with T-shirts and cotton shorts, and I have toured with biking-specific clothes, and ultimately, I find bike clothes much more comfortable. I don't like the racer look, and consequently, I mostly wear black and blue clothing with no logos.

On tour, I expect to encounter carloads of yahoos making asses of themselves, but I think it's because I am on a bicycle, not because of my clothing. In restaurants and stores, I am always polite, and in over 25 years of touring, I cannot recall an instance of giving offence to someone because of my appearance.

Around here, people in bike clothes get respect! And longing glances because we're out riding while others aren't. :D