Commuting - I am not a superhero!

I was cruising around the Roadie forum here on BF.net and I read over a thread talking about lycra, etc. Now I've got nothing against Roadies. As it is, most are better bikers than I am, stronger, and can go longer distances. I only use my bike to get from one place to the other or to run errands (saving up for a nice Burley Nomad... ohhh yeah).

Concerning lycra, I can't ever consider wearing the stuff. I call them superheros for a reason. I can understand the benefits of it: Padded shorts, stretchy clothes that do not chafe, bright colors to warn others of your presence, the power of wicking.

That's all well and good, but here are my issues with it:

The Superhero Look: Actually the looks in and of itself does not bother me. I hardly look cool with my helmet, shirt, shorts and road safety vest. Its the "group" look that gets me. I hate groups. I hate to associate or be identified with any group (aside from the USMC, my immediate family, and my gamer clan DGCSN ;). With those three groups, I take the good and the bad that are associated with it. I do not mind being lumped in with them as I understand them completely and they tend to follow a very specific set of behavioral traits (USMC = Cleanest Bodies, Dirtiest Minds, DGCSN = RL friends who are Nerdy l33t gamers with an inability to find real women, Family = the last name 'Daniel' means "Only God will judge me" and this kinda fits). For better or worse, I will associate with these three groups. But no one else. When I interact with the world I want them to interact with me and me alone. In most circumstances I will not ever mention that I am a Marine, my last name, or that my clan name's first two letters mean "Dead Girls." All of this is just a long winded way of saying that until any group is willing to fight and die for me (yes even my gamer clan is that close) then I will not cast my name in with their lot. I may speak on their behalf, work with them for a common goal, or hang out with them, but not be tied in with them.

::shrugs:: Though their are benefits to assembling, I find that I work best speaking alongside a group and not being with them. People tend to lump a group, no matter how large, as one entity, with an equal voice and any other one entity, no matter how large. A movement works best when its not just one group speaking, but with several groups (even if small in number) and several individuals speaking along the same vein

Beyond that, I cannot wear tight pants! I really cant! I even bought the tight, boxer briefs, with padding in them, to wear under my shorts. Rode once around a block and came back sick. To be vulgar, it keeps my testicles WAY to close to my body. I am a decently fit guy. I bought the right size padded underwear (actually it was a size larger than I would have expected). It hurt.

All this being considered, I wear a helmet, loose fitting shorts, normal boxers, a wicking T-shirt that fits comfortably loose (from Target at 9 dollars a pop :) ) and a Road Safety Vest. I wear sandals and ride my bike on the sideroads and trails when possible.


Its not really a rant and I have nothing at all against Roadies. More power to them. Infact, I have no idea why I wrote this bit. Guess I just felt like sharing. Hope you guys have a good day :)

Well, I suppose my church and extended family is the only group that I fit into. I wear whatever fits in with the activity. Usually it is lycra but I rarely match. I ride alone most everywhere. I am willing to find friends wherever they may be though. I don't necessarily think Lycra attaches you to a particular group. Skiers, Football players, swimmers, wrestlers, figure skaters, speed skaters, and we could go on and on wear the stuff so I don't think it is really a group thing. Much like wearing pants does not make you a guy necessarily. Anyway, I wear what I need to get the job done.

And yes, I am a superhero. Who frees the world from the gas crises, one commute at a time? Who prevents tons of pollution a year from entering our atmosphere? Who is ever vigilant at keeping one more number out of the US obesity statistics? It's a treadmill, no it's a rowing machine, no.... it's super Paul! Endlessly fighting a seemingly hopeless battle against the forces of waste and stupidity. :)

Dead Girls Can't Say No... That's damned funny.

My gamertag is my username. I'm very familiar with online team affiliation. I led a team that was number one in the world for nine months straight back in the R63 days of XBL.

Would you be wearing a baseball or football uniform if you played either of those sports?
Or what about those funny looking bowling shoes, gloves and shirts?
Speedos for swimmers?
Leather suit for racing motorcycles?

Most roadies are participating in a sport and there is specific performance attire that goes along with it. You don't have to wear it, but it was designed the way it is for a reason.
If you are just using your bike as transportation then wear whatever you see fit and don't worry about what others are wearing.

I'm glad I don't put that much thought into what others think of me.

...It hurt.

Maybe it's those big brass balls? :roflmao2:

Seriously, I never wore riding shorts until just recently. But they work so damned well, I will wear 'em whenever they are suitable for the trip (some combination of conditions, distance, and destination). On a nice warm day, I'll be seen wearing black cycling shorts (w/o advertisments), a bright yellow hi-vis vest, and a visored helmet. Where do I fit? Right where I am.

I figure that if what I'm doing seems unusual to the majority of people, then I must be doing something right.

Clothing is a tool. It's that simple. It's no different than a suit for work or ski clothing for skiing.
Why ppl have to be insecure about what they wear or how they look in sport-specific clothing is beyond me. That some sport-specific clothing is identified with a team or group, who cares? How's it any different than some schmoe who puts a nascar sticker on his rear window or chooses to wear a ball cap with a football team's logo. Ppl like to belong to groups or show who they're fans of. When I have to put on a team specific uniform for a team I'm a member of/coach etc., I take some pride in that. If I have to wear short split shorts for running because they work I do it. I could care less about the comments. You should see the runners forums. So many are so insecure about wearing short shorts that they're willing to use less comfortable gear in the name of vanity/insecurity.

I'm glad I don't put that much thought into what others think of me.

Same here. The whole sport of rugby would pretty much come to a screeching halt if we subscribed to any sort of "give a sh**" about people's opinions of our appearance. :roflmao2:

I am not sure if I put that much thought into anything besides work. :p

The roadie shorts developed for a reason...

Tight...to prevent chaffing and facilitate speed.

Padding...isn't meant to be padding. It originally (and sometimes still is) was a chamios to pull sweat away from the skin.

Black...In the old days biking meant getting greasy, so black shorts provided a place to wipe dirty hands.

I am not sure if I put that much thought into anything besides work. :p

What about posting on bikeforums?

Thanks for sharing.

(And by the way, some roadies commute. And some commuters race. And some commuting roadies ride fixed gear bikes wearing lycra bibs rather than girl jeans and white belts.)

When I read this, in a way, it reminded me of this from craigslist.

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/588037045.html


Dear Hipster Record Store Clerk,

Thank you for judging me on the CD I bought yesterday. Our passive-aggressive altercation made me realize how conformist I am for buying an old Rage Against The Machine album. Your condescension was just the intellectual wake-up call I needed.

I discovered a new me yesterday, and my eyes were opened in a new way. Thanks to you, I realize now that the key to enlightenment is reading Pitchfork, watching High Fidelity, listening to Velvet Underground, having a tattoo of a star on the inside of my wrist, growing an ironic mustache, living in the Mission, and wearing a too-small sweater, multi-colored 70’s ski-vest, chunky plastic-frame glasses, a high school sports T-shirt, air-tight black jeans, and Nixon-era Chuck Taylors.

I had it all wrong, man. You showed me that a skilled job and a comfortable living is just a lie. I need to go to art school, have my parents pay my rent, join a Joy Division-influenced band, and wait for a record deal, like you. I’m totally missing out in life.

So thanks again for mocking me. I mean, at first I thought you were just a pathetic, frustrated musician trying to feel better about yourself. But now I see you’re an uncompromising visionary.

No one will ever understand you. You’re so different.

Signed,

Everyone Not Like You

Lame.

At some point the bike nerds took over the sport and decided that it's cool (nay, a necessity) to wear the superhero gear all the time.

Wear what you want and just enjoy being on a bike, let the Superheros battle with their mortal enemies- cars and pedestrians. Both of which can not relate to the superhero and therefore consider him a threat. In normal clothes? Not so much (if at all).

About the shorts --

You'd think that, by now, there would actually be some proper bike shorts (chamois, high-cut rear, grippy leg openings, etc) that had some room in front instead of forcing the wearer's bits into looking like a Ken doll.

I'd say to pick up a USMC jersey so that you can stand apart while being near the group. :thumb:

To call every one of us who commutes by bicycle a hero is to claim that we are somehow going above the call of duty by commuting by bicycle. The problem with that message is it tells everyone else that it's okay to drive. I would much rather indicate to them that I am a clean, responsible professional who choses to commute by bicycle, hardly different from the many who walk, take public transportation, or carpool.

I avoid cycling-specific clothing because I want to avoid any pretense that I am an athlete. I am not an athlete. To dress like an athlete would send a message that you have to be an athlete to commute by bicycle, which seems counterproductive. I want everyone to think they can do it, the way they do in Europe.

I want everyone to think they can do it

That's precisely my point. :D

You could cut a hole in the front of the shorts and wear a codpiece. That would certainly set you apart :)

Also only 5.9% of Europeans commute by bicycle and the majority of those are students.

http://www.japan-guide.com/topic/0011.html

It's an interesting idea, but I bet that in the 10 seconds it takes a motorist to pass a bike the only thing he is thinking is how quickly can I get around, not gee look, he's wearing a suit and bike commuting he must be a regular guy doing it, I bet I could too.

This just in... Riding actual bikes in the real world while dressed appropriately is lame, but joining a "gamer clan" to play fantasy games online isn't. :roflmao2:

It's an interesting idea, but I bet that in the 10 seconds it takes a motorist to pass a bike the only thing he is thinking is how quickly can I get around, not gee look, he's wearing a suit and bike commuting he must be a regular guy doing it, I bet I could too.

Funny that you make that assumption. I used to look at Superheros on bikes and wonder why they decided to ruin my commute- don't they have anything else to do in the morning?

If I knew they were commuting it would've been a far different story- which is exactly why I dress normally.

It's an interesting idea, but I bet that in the 10 seconds it takes a motorist to pass a bike the only thing he is thinking is how quickly can I get around, not gee look, he's wearing a suit and bike commuting he must be a regular guy doing it, I bet I could too.

Yeah, that's probably true most of the time, but I do get my share of gee look ... I bet I could do that too.looks, not to mention intelligent questions from people who, it would seem, are seriously considering it.

I am.

Funny that you make that assumption. I used to look at Superheros on bikes and wonder why they decided to ruin my commute- don't they have anything else to do in the morning?

If I knew they were commuting it would've been a far different story- which is exactly why I dress normally.

my post was in reply to RHM.

I commute in my work clothes. I've always assumed most drivers just assume I can't afford a car.

What about posting on bikeforums?

Have you seen some of my posts? Obviously, not. :p

I guess I never spent that much time worrying about how I would be perceived by motorists and potential cycle commuters.

Most days I am combining my commute with a training ride; that means the CF race bike, clipless pedals, and the full "superhero" kit. I bet drivers are thinking "Boy, look at that Athlete! I could never do that!"

Other days I'm taking a mellow ride directly from home to the office; for those days I'll usually just wear the desk jockey outfit. I bet drivers are thinking "I wonder if that backpack is full of copies of the Book of Mormon."

Does anyone else get sick of the same cast of characters with the same tired old stories?

Over here you have posters blaming all the evils of the world on spandex clad warriors.
Over there you have the same posters as usual bickering about the insecurities of the first posters.
Then another group who wears whatever is appropriate.

Someone write something new!

My gawd...I suspected it after I got out, but now the OP confirms it....they're letting wussies become Marines!

I was cruising around the Roadie forum here on BF.net and I read over a thread talking about lycra, etc. Now I've got nothing against Roadies. As it is, most are better bikers than I am, stronger, and can go longer distances. I only use my bike to get from one place to the other or to run errands (saving up for a nice Burley Nomad... ohhh yeah).

Concerning lycra, I can't ever consider wearing the stuff. I call them superheros for a reason. I can understand the benefits of it: Padded shorts, stretchy clothes that do not chafe, bright colors to warn others of your presence, the power of wicking.

That's all well and good, but here are my issues with it:

The Superhero Look: Actually the looks in and of itself does not bother me. I hardly look cool with my helmet, shirt, shorts and road safety vest. Its the "group" look that gets me. I hate groups. I hate to associate or be identified with any group (aside from the USMC, my immediate family, and my gamer clan DGCSN ;). With those three groups, I take the good and the bad that are associated with it. I do not mind being lumped in with them as I understand them completely and they tend to follow a very specific set of behavioral traits (USMC = Cleanest Bodies, Dirtiest Minds, DGCSN = RL friends who are Nerdy l33t gamers with an inability to find real women, Family = the last name 'Daniel' means "Only God will judge me" and this kinda fits). For better or worse, I will associate with these three groups. But no one else. When I interact with the world I want them to interact with me and me alone. In most circumstances I will not ever mention that I am a Marine, my last name, or that my clan name's first two letters mean "Dead Girls." All of this is just a long winded way of saying that until any group is willing to fight and die for me (yes even my gamer clan is that close) then I will not cast my name in with their lot. I may speak on their behalf, work with them for a common goal, or hang out with them, but not be tied in with them.

::shrugs:: Though their are benefits to assembling, I find that I work best speaking alongside a group and not being with them. People tend to lump a group, no matter how large, as one entity, with an equal voice and any other one entity, no matter how large. A movement works best when its not just one group speaking, but with several groups (even if small in number) and several individuals speaking along the same vein

Beyond that, I cannot wear tight pants! I really cant! I even bought the tight, boxer briefs, with padding in them, to wear under my shorts. Rode once around a block and came back sick. To be vulgar, it keeps my testicles WAY to close to my body. I am a decently fit guy. I bought the right size padded underwear (actually it was a size larger than I would have expected). It hurt.

All this being considered, I wear a helmet, loose fitting shorts, normal boxers, a wicking T-shirt that fits comfortably loose (from Target at 9 dollars a pop :) ) and a Road Safety Vest. I wear sandals and ride my bike on the sideroads and trails when possible.


Its not really a rant and I have nothing at all against Roadies. More power to them. Infact, I have no idea why I wrote this bit. Guess I just felt like sharing. Hope you guys have a good day :)

hmmm boy we seem to have some insecurities or something... remember cowboys wore certain clothing based on horse rideing... boots with a heel to fit into stirrups, hat that would protect the back of the neck and ears, while allowing one to see easier... chaps for comfort reasons while riding etc...

well the "roadie" is basically doing the same thing for his/her special riding needs...

Someone write something new!

You first. :)

Does anyone else get sick of the same cast of characters with the same tired old stories?

Over here you have posters blaming all the evils of the world on spandex clad warriors.
Over there you have the same posters as usual bickering about the insecurities of the first posters.
Then another group who wears whatever is appropriate.

Someone write something new!

I was reading an article in the latest issue of "bicycling magazine" dealing with the bike culture in holland...
they were talking about how a bike is "used as transportation" there are no carbon fiber bikes, or hybrids or mountain bikes but just utility cycles and everyone wears "normal" clothing, ad nauseum.

whats the problem? do we really have to choose one or the other? is there no common ground and acceptance of whatever form of cycling one does?

You first. :)


My post complaining about the same old same old doesn't count as something new? :p

hmmmm

How about this:

http://bikehugger.com/images/blog/fatguyinspandex-1-01.jpg

I was reading an article in the latest issue of "bicycling magazine" dealing with the bike culture in holland...
they were talking about how a bike is "used as transportation" there are no carbon fiber bikes, or hybrids or mountain bikes but just utility cycles and everyone wears "normal" clothing, ad nauseum.

whats the problem? do we really have to choose one or the other? is there no common ground and acceptance of whatever form of cycling one does?

Apparently we all have to divide up into separate cliques and insult each other endlessly.

I Am a superhero. I am "Fredman". I ride at a blazing speed of 15 mph. I can leap sewer grates in a single bound. I have a magic basket that holds two six packs of superhero fuel. I got legs and I know how to use 'em. other powers available upon request.

I Am a superhero. I am "Fredman".

Rando is a much cooler superhero name than Fredman. Just sayin'....

My post complaining about the same old same old doesn't count as something new? :p

hmmmm

How about this:

<image you REALLY don't want to see again removed for decency's sake>

Man, DataJunkie, that was uncool! For the first day in 2 weeks my gastric problems weren't making me feel like throwing up....and then you have to post that picture! I just threw up in my mouth a little! <I'm kidding (except about the stomach problems), in case anyone couldn't tell>

Is he looking for his bike or something? Finishing a race of sorts?

That is what a pro cyclist looks like nowadays. You should see a cat 5 rider....

That picture pretty well threw my "dress like an athlete" theory out the window. Oh, well.

I wear my workout shorts (They are like jerseys) And an old locust t-shirt when I commute to work. (cheesy, I know). I'm comfortable and vented so that's good enough for me.

On the weekends when I ride downtown I wear my tight jeans, pullover and blinding kicks to hit the clubs.

I really don't give two fooks otherwise.

I think with cycle culture it's like any other sub culture. You get obsessed with details and fitting into a group. Bikers do it with their flaming skullcaps and chaps. Car people do it with their modifications and sound systems.

Why would cyclist be any different?

We all want to belong on some level and keep up with what's going on right now. Some more than others, and some go the other way just to make a point. The bottom line being if you judge somebody on what they wear on their bike, either way, you're a massive D bag.

My spandex/lycra will slide in a crash... my work pants won't, they will stick and shread. If I wear work clothes and I lie the bike down/crash I've wrecked some bike bits AND my work clothes. I don't overheat in my 'hero' outfit, like I would in my work clothes. I'd rather not sweat in clothes I'm going to sit in all day. If it's raining I don't want to sit around in wet clothes either. The spandex is simply comfortable to ride in, least to me it is, I can't imagine riding without it. My ass rocks bike shorts according to my wife!!!! :lol:

On occasion as above I'll toss on a hoodie, maybe shants. For the most part though, cycling specific for me, though I certainly wouldn't look down on someone in street clothes on their bikes. Hell as it is my rain gear is worth more than my bike.. :lol:

To call every one of us who commutes by bicycle a hero is to claim that we are somehow going above the call of duty by commuting by bicycle. The problem with that message is it tells everyone else that it's okay to drive. I would much rather indicate to them that I am a clean, responsible professional who choses to commute by bicycle, hardly different from the many who walk, take public transportation, or carpool.

I avoid cycling-specific clothing because I want to avoid any pretense that I am an athlete. I am not an athlete. To dress like an athlete would send a message that you have to be an athlete to commute by bicycle, which seems counterproductive. I want everyone to think they can do it, the way they do in Europe.

I don't understand how the 10% of commuters I see wearing colorful jerseys sends a message that you have to be an athlete to commute. One group of cyclists I saw downtown last summer was a bunch of senior citizens, -all wearing cycling gear. I don't think they were sending any messages about cyclists needing to be athletes. Talk about role models against a sedentary lifestyle.

There definitely are different cycling cultures that each have their different "uniforms" for lack of a better word, but I don't see spandex as being any better or worse than the other stuff I see. I can't imagine cycling in a skin tight pair of jeans or poofy skirts but people do it all the time.

To me it's also kind of counter productive to try to pretend that cycling is strictly about transportation. Some cyclists are athletes and to me there is nothing wrong with associating cycling with fitness.

Mostly I guess I don't see why it should bother any commuter if some cyclists wear spandex plastered with logos. It's not my thing but it has zero effect on me so why should I care?

As for myself, on my commute I usually wear tri-shorts or tights depending on the weather. I have wicking shirts but wouldn't mind owning a simple jersey cut to keep my lower back covered and some back pockets would be handy. On short bike trips to the store or whatever, I'll wear pair of jeans or shorts.

I don't choose what to wear based on what message I might be sending to the general public about cycling. Besides, it might just be good for the general public to know there are options for keeping them comfortable on a bike in situations where regular clothes don't. The image of cycling as transportation probably wouldn't be improved any if I were to walk into the office everyday wearing a sweat soaked T-shirt and jeans.

My gawd...I suspected it after I got out, but now the OP confirms it....they're letting wussies become Marines!

Whew... before this post, I was thinking, Wow, I love you guys. A lot of responses that were from vastly different viewpoints. This is what I love about good discussion. Concerning the insecurities, I thought I specifically stated,

==="The Superhero Look: Actually the looks in and of itself does not bother me. I hardly look cool with my helmet, shirt, shorts and road safety vest."===

So, with that aside, I put up that post just to speak (it's an online forum, nothing formal, no need to have an agenda). Just figured I would put my initial thoughts about the matter up and see what people posted. All in fun.

Chipcom, I don't know who you are, but if you are a former Marine, I think you know exactly what your comment means. To question my actions and intestinal fortitude as a Marine, as a Fellow Marine, based on my quick thoughts concerning Bicycling (of all things) is pretty silly.

Whew... before this post, I was thinking, Wow, I love you guys. A lot of responses that were from vastly different viewpoints. This is what I love about good discussion. Concerning the insecurities, I thought I specifically stated,

==="The Superhero Look: Actually the looks in and of itself does not bother me. I hardly look cool with my helmet, shirt, shorts and road safety vest."===

So, with that aside, I put up that post just to speak (it's an online forum, nothing formal, no need to have an agenda). Just figured I would put my initial thoughts about the matter up and see what people posted. All in fun.

Chipcom, I don't know who you are, but if you are a former Marine, I think you know exactly what your comment means. To question my actions and intestinal fortitude as a Marine, as a Fellow Marine, based on my quick thoughts concerning Bicycling (of all things) is pretty silly.

Just like your post. Marines don't worry about wtf they are wearing or wtf others might think, we just do what we gotta do to get the job done. I bet you never expected to be walking around with a lily-white shaved head under a chrome-dome either, didja? ;) HTFU, jughead.

I don't understand how the 10% of commuters I see wearing colorful jerseys sends a message that you have to be an athlete to commute.

They don't, except to the insecure. Yeah, I said it...forgodsakes, people who go on about "superheroes" or "spandex warriors", listen to yourselves, you're looking at what someone else is wearing and thinking that it's somehow a statement about you??? Insecure. If the shoe fits, wear it; if you don't like the way it feels, change yourself.

My post complaining about the same old same old doesn't count as something new? :p

hmmmm

How about this:

http://bikehugger.com/images/blog/fatguyinspandex-1-01.jpg

I'd be more impressed if he was on a bike.

I like dressing like a superhero. I wish it was cool to wear a cape. lol.

Just like your post. Marines don't worry about wtf they are wearing or wtf others might think, we just do what we gotta do to get the job done. I bet you never expected to be walking around with a lily-white shaved head under a chrome-dome either, didja? ;) HTFU, jughead.

Not worrying about what other people think at all, just posting what I think about other people (obviously the same as you are ;) . Odd thing about becoming a Marine and the years since, is that I've turned into an arrogant sonova*****. Now this has nothing to do with biking, but it does give me a quick temper. I used the term "silly" and I think I ought to be given a cookie for my tact (and people say I don't have any!). Harden the **** Up? Bah, I'll do and say as I please. I won't, however, take insult.

I Am a superhero. I am "Fredman". I ride at a blazing speed of 15 mph. I can leap sewer grates in a single bound. I have a magic basket that holds two six packs of superhero fuel. I got legs and I know how to use 'em. other powers available upon request.

:lol:

Me too! Rides faster than a speeding... tricycle! Lifts grocery-laden panniers with ease! Leaps tall curbs at a single.... OK, two half bunny hops with a foot on the ground and a lot of cursing (for some reason Calgary traffic planners like to put one non-cut-out curb in each intersection. I can only imagine what kind of names they get called by wheelchair users).

And I wear spandex shorts because I earned the legs (etc) to do so :D

...And some commuting roadies ride fixed gear bikes wearing lycra bibs rather than girl jeans and white belts.

I wear lycra bibs to cover my ridiculous looking girl jeans and white belt.

I used the term "silly" and I think I ought to be given a cookie for my tact (and people say I don't have any!).

I was thinking that you were really holding back by using that term. ;)