Road Cycling - Skinsuits...what does the fashion police say?

Say, you show up to your local club ride decked out in a skinsuit for the first time? Should one expect cheers or rather jeers? I'm looking at a pair from Nalini that let's you tan through the garment but stills protects against UV rays. It looks good stylistically and it's priced fairly. Hmmm....

Say, you show up to your local club ride decked out in a skinsuit for the first time? Should one expect cheers or rather jeers? I'm looking at a pair from Nalini that let's you tan through the garment but stills protects against UV rays. It looks good stylistically and it's priced fairly. Hmmm....

Skinsuits are for competition only and even then use em for TTs and maybe a crit but usually not a road race.

Club ride? Never. Besides... where are you going to carry your food?

Wear what you want. Your opinion should be the only one that matters.
Unless of course if there's some unwritten rule about it.

you're joking right?

I think it all depends on what you look like in it. If you are a good looking chick then :love: Conversely If you weigh like 25 stone then :eek:

Yeah, If you have a body like Lance then you'll look good, but if you look like Drew Carrey don't do it!

I think wearing one for just riding is kind of pretentious. And you pretty much have to be built like Cipollini or to get away with it- especially those skinsuits he wears in the giro! I saw a Luna Chix skinsuit on sale really cheap at Longs cycle. With the WC Mountain bike stripes! I admit, I'd probably be able to get away with wearing a skinsuit, I'm slim enough, and it would probably look good on me, but I'd look so ridiculous! I mean, championship stripes, you sort of have to live up to that.

I would not wear a skin suit...Yes, there are for time trials..?
But, to the general public...Would an outsider notice the difference between skin suits and regular cycling jersey/shorts.
To them it is all skin tight. A jersey tail covering cycying shorts. Does it really conceal anything?

I second royalflash. Nothing like a young female hard-body in a skin-tight anything. And nothing worse than an overweight, balding guy....

But, to the general public...Would an outsider notice the difference between skin suits and regular cycling jersey/shorts.
To them it is all skin tight. A jersey tail covering cycying shorts. Does it really conceal anything?

I'm with you. Skin tight is skin tight. But with a skin suit, you loose the three pockets (I think).
Skin suits seem popular for Cyclo Cross races though I'm not sure why.

Skinsuits are popular for criteriums, tt's and cyclocross- even XC short track.
If you're too fat to wear one or if it's uncomfortable for you, don't. Otherwise, who cares.

Ok where's the tron guy.

I'm with you. Skin tight is skin tight. But with a skin suit, you loose the three pockets (I think).
Skin suits seem popular for Cyclo Cross races though I'm not sure why.
Noticed the skin suits at Performance..Their's has one big jersey pocket.
by the way..What is the advantage of SkinSuits..Must be some small degree reduced wind resistance, I suspect. Really...

Ok where's the tron guy.

Right here... *looks away*

Tron..Does that work as cycle gear..Just a change to bike shoes right...

I think his Tron shoes might be SPD compatible... comes with body armor..

Does not look like bike gear I would want to wear in August..

I bought a secondhand Assos skinsuit over the winter, and used it as a base layer. The last couple of days I was feeling daring and decided to try it out on its own, and see if it had any effect on my ride.

My observations:

1. Nobody gave me weird looks (that I saw, though I don't have eyes in the back of my head)

2. It was really, really comfortable

3. I rode a lot faster than usual. Partly this was because I felt I had to justify wearing it by going really hard; but it also genuinely seemed to make a noticeable difference when riding into headwinds.

So I'll be wearing it again, but maybe onyl on short fast solo runs where I can "pretend" I'm doing a TT. I'm not sure what my friends would make of it. Having said that, when I just got back I met a (non cycling female) friend of mine, who noticed that I had loads of bugs all over my face and arms, but didn't notice that I was wearing anything different to usual - so it's probably like someone else said, non-cyclists aren't really going to notice the difference between a skinsuit and shorts and jersey - unless it's bright pink or something.

Personally, I won't even wear my yellow jersey out on the road until I'm in top form. Skinsuit? No way.

[QUOTE=BryanW]I bought a secondhand Assos skinsuit over the winter, and used it as a base layer. The last couple of days I was feeling daring and decided to try it out on its own, and see if it had any effect on my ride.

My observations:

1. Nobody gave me weird looks (that I saw, though I don't have eyes in the back of my head)

2. It was really, really comfortable

Not that I have a skinsuit..Never felt the need. I do not ride for speed..
But, question...As long as jerseys don't flap in the wind, both kits are pretty darn skin tight..What is the aerodynamic difference between skinsuits and snug bike kits? Really that much difference.
But, when you see pros riding time trials in skinsuits, particularily on the bike, you have to stare hard to tell they are skin suits..If you did not know of skinsuits; would you really notice the difference..All looks skin tight to the non-cyclists eye..So what is all the criticsim
The biggest positive aspect..Some say bibs are best because they have no grippers at the waist...This must really be the case with skinsuits.
Sales point number one.

Sure, as far as the aerodynamics are concerned, there's so much on a bike that's an aerodynamic nightmare, I wouldn't have thought a skinsuit vs tight-fitting jersey would make nearly as much difference as it seemed to. So it could be that it was psychological, i.e. I just forced myself to put in the extra effort against the headwind because I thought I should be going faster??

I have a friend who swears that shaved legs make him go faster, probably again it's just psychological, the drag caused by leg hairs must be so close to zero you'd need an electron microscope to spot it.

2. It was really, really comfortable

3. I rode a lot faster than usual. Partly this was because I felt I had to justify wearing it by going really hard; but it also genuinely seemed to make a noticeable difference when riding into headwinds.

So I'll be wearing it again, it's probably like someone else said, non-cyclists aren't really going to notice the difference between a skinsuit and shorts and jersey - unless it's bright pink or something.

Not long ago I caved in and gave up my bulky/baggy grunge-style mountain biking shorts....I tried the lycra shorts and as all my riding friends assured me, I'd never go back: the comfort, performance and overall feeling is just great.

As summer pressed on I started riding longer and then coming home to jump in the pool and get some upper-body workout in. One day, while browsing on a biking supply website I came across an outfit called a Triathlon suit...you can ride in this AND swim it in. How versatile!!! And the best part...when you get out of the pool you just rinse (to remove chlorine) and your laundry is done for ya!!!

That's what you want...a Triathlon suit, not a skin suit. The tri-suit has padding in the crotch just like riding shorts, whereas the skin suit is generally used for skating....it has nothing in the way of padding.

So let me tell ya; I'm hooked on triathlon suits!!!

1) Ultimate comfort. Shorts roll down and the jerseys hike up. Myself included, I've seen plenty of riders playing this maintainance game. Just like woman pulling their bathing suits out of their rear, we riders often are messing around with the shorts & jersey. The one-piece design of the tri-suit means you step-in, zip up and just go! It feels really neat and solid when your cranking along...you can feel the one-piece design and the whole outfit becomes like a 2nd skin.

2) Better cooling which leads to performance. Yep, that's right...better cooling. The material is right up against your skin, as you perspire the fabric moistens and acts as a perfect media to maximize the cooling/evaporative effect. Without a shirt the sweat runs off, with cotton t-shirt it gets moist, doesn't breath and becomes a mini-sauna. The jersey's are good, but what works the best is truly having the material right against your skin. The surface evaporates the moisture and the transition from a liquid state to gas causes a cooling effect. During the warmer months I noticed many riders thermally bonking while I was able to press on with less sweating & fatigue.

There is some truth to the need to be in relatively good shape, these suits show everything...but it's not as bad as you may think. The way the bottom section runs right up into the upper section often allows the fabric to bridge the gap between waist & belly, along with some vertical stripes the whole design can actually be quite thinning.

I know it's a bit unorthodox to see on the trail (fire roads) but I'm telling ya...these things are unbeatable for comfort, performance and just plain fun. I still don't have the balls to wear one when I ride with a group, so when I go back to shorts/jersey, it's a jump down in comfort & feel. It took a while for men to be accepted wearing the lycra shorts, but I think the one-piece design will have it's day too...you just can't ignore the comfort & benefits, especially in hot weather! In the end, we should wear what we like and what we feel comfortable in.

^

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e315/tomthedog2/Brains.jpg

"a secondhand Assos skinsuit"

Thats sounds too much like buying secondhand underwear too me

That's what you want...a Triathlon suit, not a skin suit. The tri-suit has padding in the crotch just like riding shorts, whereas the skin suit is generally used for skating....it has nothing in the way of padding.



I have not seen a cycling skin suit that was un-padded.

skating? do you mean on xc skis?

I only have one team jersey and one skinsuit. If the jersey is dirty, I'll just wear the skinsuit with a vest. I think it looks fairly normal, and nobody has ever made a comment.

http://figbug.smugmug.com/photos/196810957-M.jpg

I have not seen a cycling skin suit that was un-padded.

skating? do you mean on xc skis?
Probably meant inline skating. They have skinsuits that look just like cycling skinsuits but without the padding. You are correct that cycling skinsuits have padding, though. I don't know why BSL thought they didn't. More importantly, I don't know what possessed BSL to respond to a 4 year old thread! :eek:

I bought a secondhand Assos skinsuit over the winter, and used it as a base layer. The last couple of days I was feeling daring and decided to try it out on its own, and see if it had any effect on my ride.

My observations:

1. Nobody gave me weird looks (that I saw, though I don't have eyes in the back of my head)

2. It was really, really comfortable

3. I rode a lot faster than usual. Partly this was because I felt I had to justify wearing it by going really hard; but it also genuinely seemed to make a noticeable difference when riding into headwinds.

So I'll be wearing it again, but maybe onyl on short fast solo runs where I can "pretend" I'm doing a TT. I'm not sure what my friends would make of it. Having said that, when I just got back I met a (non cycling female) friend of mine, who noticed that I had loads of bugs all over my face and arms, but didn't notice that I was wearing anything different to usual - so it's probably like someone else said, non-cyclists aren't really going to notice the difference between a skinsuit and shorts and jersey - unless it's bright pink or something.

Beware! of skid marks in purchasing used skinsuits people.

Skinsuits are awesome, I'd imagine trisuits being just as good and with pockets.
I had an Australian National Team Skinsuit by Santini in size medium and at 5'7 140lbs it fit perfectly.

I have always wanted this skinsuit, I have been outbidded twice when I saw it on ebay. I did bid snipe with a few seconds left but my bidding price was a $100 short both times.
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/MultimediaFiles/20060218_ENGLAND_KIT.JPG

Skinsuit: Spiderman outfit.

Skin suits are in this week. Your riding buddies will swoon.

JUST SAY NO
unless you're racing cyclocross or on the track....

I have not seen a cycling skin suit that was un-padded.

skating? do you mean on xc skis?


actually I think he meant speed skating...I think the fashion police say "nay"

I'm with you. Skin tight is skin tight. But with a skin suit, you loose the three pockets (I think).
Skin suits seem popular for Cyclo Cross races though I'm not sure why.

Skin suits are popular for cross because they are PIMP and cross is all about the PIMP gear ;) Seriously though, they are popular in CX because you are getting on and off the bike so much... and running. A skin suit gives a lot less opportunities for things to snag and hang up on. Plus, you don't need the pockets for anything in a cross race. I personally think they are WAY more comfortable to wear than bibs/jersey. I also run skin suits for some crits and MTB races for similar reasons.

I did a search the other day and found this thread. Saw how old it was and decided not to respond. Now it's back and I can. :D

Today I wore my Voler red\yellow skinsuit that I got on ebay because it was about 60 degrees today. I didn't think other cyclists would care too much as it's all cyclist garb and we're used to seeing each other in lycra.

However, it's always going to get some looks from the non-cyclist people out there and I've learned to not care. I'll wear what I want when riding the bike.

I don't typically carry my phone (or at least don't want to) when I'm riding so I didn't need the pockets.

JUST SAY NO
unless you're racing cyclocross or on the track....
or time trials, maybe short crits.

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/MultimediaFiles/20060218_ENGLAND_KIT.JPG

always wanted? victoria pendleton or the flag skin suit?

it all depends on you.....

Yeah, if you're passing people and getting wierd looks, it might be jealousy....on the other hand if they're all passing you....

Skin suits are functional for me. I can pull it off, but the three Team USA Olympic skinsuits I picked up for $10 apiece serve as a quasi-cold weather commuting base layer.

Skin suits are functional for me. I can pull it off, but the three Team USA Olympic skinsuits I picked up for $10 apiece serve as a quasi-cold weather commuting base layer.

Don't you have to go fully naked to take them off? Unless you wear them while at your destination. The skinsuit I had was designed for riding in a road bike position, standing around in it was just uncomfortable.

Thank God for showers and dressing rooms at work!

Probably meant inline skating. They have skinsuits that look just like cycling skinsuits but without the padding. You are correct that cycling skinsuits have padding, though. I don't know why BSL thought they didn't. More importantly, I don't know what possessed BSL to respond to a 4 year old thread! :eek:

LOL....yeah, it's my first post.

Well...honestly, I was doing a search (like another poster on this thread mentioned) and THIS thread came up. I've been looking for a good biking forum and here it is, and since I saw this thread I thought it'd be fun to hit it. I'm on a few other forums and it's always amusing to pull up old post. :)

For clarification, most skin-suits will come up as skating suits...they have no padding but sure look colorful and good for biking.

My experience wearing a triathlon suit is that, at first, you think everyone is looking at you and thinking wtf? In fact (typical in life) nobody really cares!!! I pass people who don't even give a second thought/look to it. As someone pointed out, is there really much of a difference in appearance from shorts/jersey??...not really. I just dig the fact that I can ride & then jump into the pool and swim in it....and then it's clean. I hate dirty/musty shorts/jerseys, ya gotta love the auto-clean function and laziness factor of the trisuit.

In the end, men don't give a hoot what other men wear...they'll look at your bike, ipod or carbon fiber air-pump before they notice or care what you're wearing. Woman, they tend to look but not care...they're generally the first to say "wear what's comfortable and what you like...who cares what others think".

Truth be told, it's the same rule for men as it is for woman. You see a hot-bodied woman in lycra and your eyes are burning...while an out-of-shape whale has you feeling visual abuse. If a guy is in good shape and well built, woman will enjoy the tri-suit just the same. I've noticed some looks when I stop at a particular look-out that I ride to...and I've asked a few woman, and they dig it. I like having that bar...it pushes me to workout, weight-train, bike and swim for hours in an effort to have the best body I can. One of the rewards is being able to wear the suit and feeling great...but I'm just as happy to take my ride with nobody seeing me. If you haven't tried one, you don't know what you're missing.

Lastly, they're just bibs that have the fabric run a bit higher towards the chest...that's it. I think bibs look weird with the shirt tucked-in and tucked-out they flap around a bit and the straps run wide across the shoulders.

Here are a few excellent picks...the Oomph! suit has 3 pockets in the back and it's great for ipod, snacks and gel. The Excel suit (not for swimming) is AMAZING and uber-comfortable....get one, put it on and you'll see. Don't be surprised when the wife gropes ya! The 2XU suit is for 90+ degree days, it runs much cooler then anything you can wear. Sorry for the OCD-trisuit thing, I just enjoy every aspect of riding and when you carve yourself a lean body, you get to enjoy some of the apparel....

If you think this is detailed, you should see what I write about GPS-enabled biking computers...it's just short of novel length! :D

Never wear if youre fat. If you have to ask you cant wear it.

LOL....yeah, it's my first post.

Well...honestly, I was doing a search (like another poster on this thread mentioned) and THIS thread came up. I've been looking for a good biking forum and here it is, and since I saw this thread I thought it'd be fun to hit it. I'm on a few other forums and it's always amusing to pull up old post. :)
What's more fun is when the next guy after you quotes someone from years ago because they just saw the thread at the top of the list and didn't pay attention to dates... espcially if they then try to start a debate with someone who hasn't been posting for years!



For clarification, most skin-suits will come up as skating suits...they have no padding but sure look colorful and good for biking.

I'm not sure what you mean by that comment. Doing a quick yahoo! search, I get a pretty nice balance of tri suits, speed skate suits, and cycling suits. Tri suits seemed to have a few more hits, but not by much. I never even knew there was an inline skating skinsuit until I started researching inline equipment to exercise on when my knees weren't liking the bike.

I'm not sure what you mean by that comment. Doing a quick yahoo! search, I get a pretty nice balance of tri suits, speed skate suits, and cycling suits.

I dunno...seems like Skin suits and Speed suits are basically outfits that lay flat on the skin w/o padding in the crotch. The few skinsuits I found that I thought looked bike-appropriate all turned-out to be for skating. Seems like Bike suit, Tri-suit, Triathlon suit all bring-up padded crotches.

This must be a serious/cool forum...generally you'd expect lots of nasty comments, crude jokes and people questioning sexual orientation when this topic comes up. For the record, I'm straight, married and borderline homophobic ;)

I've probably trimmed another 7 pounds since taking this pic. I've got way too big a chest (from swimming & weights) to ever be a competitive rider.

Fashion police? You don't have to worry, because no type of police is going to be able to catch you in a skin suit you'll be so damn fast.

For a club ride? Er . . . is this another Fred thread?

I dunno...seems like Skin suits and Speed suits are basically outfits that lay flat on the skin w/o padding in the crotch. The few skinsuits I found that I thought looked bike-appropriate all turned-out to be for skating. Seems like Bike suit, Tri-suit, Triathlon suit all bring-up padded crotches.

This must be a serious/cool forum...generally you'd expect lots of nasty comments, crude jokes and people questioning sexual orientation when this topic comes up. For the record, I'm straight, married and borderline homophobic ;)

I've probably trimmed another 7 pounds since taking this pic. I've got way too big a chest (from swimming & weights) to ever be a competitive rider.

has anyone ever called you Shrek?

I dunno...seems like Skin suits and Speed suits are basically outfits that lay flat on the skin w/o padding in the crotch. The few skinsuits I found that I thought looked bike-appropriate all turned-out to be for skating. Seems like Bike suit, Tri-suit, Triathlon suit all bring-up padded crotches.


Okay, to clarify;

Triathlon suits and shorts are lycra with a very minimalist chamois so you can swim/bike/run in them without feeling like a diaper but still have some padding for the bike. 99.9% of triathlon suits are sleeveless and you run the full race in them

Cycling skin suits are basically a cycling top and bottom sewn together. They can be long sleeve, like most cross skinsuits or short sleeve for use in warm weather. They have a thik pad just like every other cycling short/bib. This is for all day in the saddle comfort.

The Oomph and 2XU suits in your post are tri suits. The Excel is a skinsuit.