Living Car Free - Cycling-specific clothing: myth vs fact

I am keenly aware that wearing too much lycra on is a real turn-off when you go to the grocery store. Particularly in my case :(

All over BF, even in the Commuting forum, you get the message that you need to wear something with a chamois. That clipless shoes are the more efficient way to go. That Louis Garneau wind stopper fabrics are the only way you will survive the winter wind.

Mostly I only wear what I consider to be "safety" bike clothing like screaming green/yellow tee shirts and jackets. (And a helmet and gloves.)

But I'm wondering if even this is too much. And I also wonder how effective this clothing is in alerting cars to my presence.

Reason I ask this is that I suspect a lot of people would seriously consider riding a bike, but they are seriously put off by the clothing cyclists wear.

I am keenly aware that wearing too much lycra on is a real turn-off when you go to the grocery store. Particularly in my case :(

All over BF, even in the Commuting forum, you get the message that you need to wear something with a chamois. That clipless shoes are the more efficient way to go. That Louis Garneau wind stopper fabrics are the only way you will survive the winter wind.

Mostly I only wear what I consider to be "safety" bike clothing like screaming green/yellow tee shirts and jackets. (And a helmet and gloves.)

But I'm wondering if even this is too much. And I also wonder how effective this clothing is in alerting cars to my presence.

Reason I ask this is that I suspect a lot of people would seriously consider riding a bike, but they are seriously put off by the clothing cyclists wear.


Frankly, I don't know anyone who wouldn't ride a bike because they think certain clothing is required. Of course, I don't know many people who didn't ride bikes as kids in jeans and t-shirts.

Personally I'd say the top reasons (not necessarily in order) folks don't ride are:

1. Just don't want to exercise if they don't have too.
2. Afraid of falling and injuries
3. View a bicycle as a toy, not a means of transportation
4. A bicycle seat is simply not naturally comfortable. After all even experienced riders experience discomfort at first if they have been off the bike for a while.

For shorter rides in town, I don't need specific clothing aside from a helmet, which is not an option. I will often use the shoes for my clipless pedals, but these are also comfortable for moderate amounts of walking and they don't look too far out of place.

When I do the longer rides, the cycle specific clothing comes out. The shorts, however, are not the traditional skin-tight cycling shorts. Instead, I use touring shorts, which have a looser fit and can pass for walking or jogging shorts.

Lycra and chamois definitely have their benefits when riding long distances, or on a fast pace for longer periods. People just starting to ride for fitness and sport seem to begin with regular sports clothing and sooner or later getting lycra and whatnot. Most of the people just riding around usually just wear plain clothes, as dictated by the weather.

What's getting more common is regular looking clothing specifically designed for cycling. Jackets and shirts have longer sleeves and backs and the shoulders are cut so that they don't constrict when arms are extended. Same with pants, there are chamois liners to use with regular shorts etc.. This kind of clothing that doesn't look out of place off the bike seems to attract a lot of people that want cycling-specific clothes but don't want to be associated with the lycra crowd.

So it does seem that clothing manufacturers are aware of this issue too.

When I did a bike trip in cool weather earlier this fall, I wore cycle specific clothing next to my skin, but the jacket and sweat pants I used were not cycle specific. When I bought them, I had paid attention to the arm length, leg length and overall fit to ensure they'd work on the bike. This turned out to be a good combination.

Before I made the switch to clipless pedals and cycle-specific shoes, I would carefully buy shoes that would work on the bike. I looked for a comfortable fit and firm soles.

All over BF, even in the Commuting forum, you get the message that you need to wear something with a chamois. That clipless shoes are the more efficient way to go. That Louis Garneau wind stopper fabrics are the only way you will survive the winter wind.

So you've missed the countless posts by myself and others that maintain that the only requirements to ride a bike are a bike and a rider...and beyond that, to use whatever works best for you?

I work in a setting where "business casual" is the normal dress. I mostly commute my 8 km (five miles) to work in work clothes. However, on hot days I wear shorts (over normal underwear) and a T shirt, and change to work clothes after I cool off, or (rarely) shower.

If I go for a ride on the weekend for exercise (30-40 km), or do a longer charity ride, I wear mountain bike shorts with a chamois.

I stopped using clipless pedals because it's too big a nuisance to have to deal with changing shoes at work, and I may want to ride in boots on really cold days. The advantages of clipless are greatly overstated and they are really only necessary for hardcore racing or intense off road riding. However, I might put them back on my best bike, which I only use for recreation and not commuting, just to maintain that technique.

II stopped using clipless pedals because it's too big a nuisance to have to deal with changing shoes at work, and I may want to ride in boots on really cold days. The advantages of clipless are greatly overstated and they are really only necessary for hardcore racing or intense off road riding. However, I might put them back on my best bike, which I only use for recreation and not commuting, just to maintain that technique.
I'd strongly suggest campus pedals, which can accommodate cycle specific shoes and street shoes.

Myth....If I was REALLY worried about my safety,I would wear leathers and a full face helmet and boots,not styrofoam on the top of my head,lycra and glorified tennis shoes.

Just wear what you feel comfy in,if your turn is up,it doesn't matter what your wearing,the driver won't be paying attention anyways.You could be wearing a clown suit and the first thing out of the drivers mouth will be"I didn't see them"

That's driver slang for,I was on the phone,I was reading the newspaper,I was applying makeup,I was making coffee,on and on.

If I'm not going far - which includes all my errand biking - I just wear normal clothes. When commuting to work I wear my work clothes, even in the height of summer. It's only 3km and mostly downhill so I don't get too hot. All the errands I run are within 5km of my house so there's no need for specialized clothing.

If I'm going out to exercise/train I wear bike shorts with a chamois, and gloves. I don't own any jerseys or clipless pedals. I just wear my running shoes.

I do try to wear my helmet all the time (mainly because it is where I keep my mirror).

I do try to wear my helmet all the time (mainly because it is where I keep my mirror).
I haven't yet made the switch to a helmet mirror, but I'm considering it.

My biggest reason for wearing a helmet is for protection. Also, it's the law around here.

I just wear street clothes, even when I'm touring. I also wear my helmet. I had a bad spill when I was 12 and my head broke my fall. So I learned that lesson.

I haven't yet made the switch to a helmet mirror, but I'm considering it.

My biggest reason for wearing a helmet is for protection. Also, it's the law around here.

I really like the take-a-look mirror on sunglasses. If its dark out I'll swap out the lenses for clear ones. I tried a helmet mirror before but could never get it adjusted properly.

Not a big fan of the law around here. I usually don't bother with the helmet if I'm going on island (where we don't actually have any police, unless someone has complained about the "hornby 500" drivers or something...) but put it on if I'm going to big-island.

I wear my clipless shoes but its hard to ride without them on a bike where your feet are higher than your hips :) They are black mountain bike shoes and easy to walk in and don't terribly scream bike shoes except they do have "shimano" written on them which I would rather do without but I was going for which shoes were most comfortable not the aesthetics of the whole thing. Other than that for the most part the only bike-specific thing I wear is a good bike specific rain coat. But yes I do like a coat that is breathable, water proof and windproof :)

Reason I ask this is that I suspect a lot of people would seriously consider riding a bike, but they are seriously put off by the clothing cyclists wear.

My highly scientific polls have shown that women like cycling type clothing about 50/50 on an otherwise attractive male. My wife, however, spares me no ridicule :-)
You should absolutely wear full kit to the grocery. Eventually some kind lass will start up a chat with you and you'll know she's the one.

I think the cost barrier to entry is my most oft heard excuse for not trying to cycle for more than "around the block" type rides.

So you've missed the countless posts by myself and others that maintain that the only requirements to ride a bike are a bike and a rider...and beyond that, to use whatever works best for you?

[Oops.. I should check my Ignore list.] :)

Yes... I agree, but wouldn't you say there majority votes in favor of chamois cream?

When my commute was 7 miles, cycle clothing wasn't necessary. Now it's 17 miles each way, and a chamois is, well, not quite necessary but appreciated. I have a few jerseys but have come to realize that I prefer cotton on top.

...All over BF, even in the Commuting forum, you get the message that you need to wear something with a chamois. That clipless shoes are the more efficient way to go. That Louis Garneau wind stopper fabrics are the only way you will survive the winter wind...

Mostly I only wear what I consider to be "safety" bike clothing like screaming green/yellow tee shirts and jackets. (And a helmet and gloves.)

Reason I ask this is that I suspect a lot of people would seriously consider riding a bike, but they are seriously put off by the clothing cyclists wear.

If you're looking at newbie commuters, there may be that pressure to go with tech fabrics, chamois shorts, etc, etc. But if we, as slightly more seasoned cyclists, impart pertinent information with respect to attire, maybe they wouldn't be put off.

I'm sure that there are many here who don't wear lycra/chamois stuff. I don't. Not even when I tour. I used to when I toured. But after getting my first Brooks I didn't feel the need anymore. And I know that there are a lot of cyclists who feel the same way.

Someone that I met here on the island, who also is a cyclist, talked about trying to get people out of their cars and onto bicycles. He mentioned about what winter/rain gear one would need to be able to give it a go. He thought about writing an article for one of the island papers about exactly this topic. Lycra never came up. What did: good jacket, descent footwear, fenders and a reliable bike.

I'm partial to clipless shoes, good rain gear, glasses with take-a-look mirror, gloves, wool and helmet while on the mother island. In the summer time it's regular shorts, and in cooler weather I wear 3/4 length pants.

When I was still in TO, if I had to go somewhere somewhat dressed up, I was on my fixie with toe clips, which allowed me to wear dress shoes.

I think that biggest thing that we can do to get more people on bikes, is to set an example that it can be done, however you want to dress.

A lot of the bike-specific clothing I see is great for warm weather and mild weather use, but not for rough weather. Riding in rain, cold or snow involves solutions not normally found in the bike clothing stores.

My experience has been more with cold weather than with wet weather. There are no cycle-specific gloves or mittens I have found which are suitable for riding in -20 C temperatures or colder. There are no cycle-specific shoes for those temperatures. Headwear is also a huge problem. There are clothing solutions, but they are not found among cycle-specific garments.

A lot of the bike-specific clothing I see is great for warm weather and mild weather use, but not for rough weather. Riding in rain, cold or snow involves solutions not normally found in the bike clothing stores.

My experience has been more with cold weather than with wet weather. There are no cycle-specific gloves or mittens I have found which are suitable for riding in -20 C temperatures or colder. There are no cycle-specific shoes for those temperatures. Headwear is also a huge problem. There are clothing solutions, but they are not found among cycle-specific garments.

Last winter was really tough, with temperatures below -20C for weeks on occasion and sometimes dropping below -30C. Winter specific cycling shoes and gloves did work until temps hit about -15C. After that it was all winter hiking wear (merino wool/polyamid blend base layer, medium to heavy wool mid layer and thick softshell outer). Cycling gear manufacturers probably don't expect anyone to actually ride in such low temperatures, or at least not enough people to make it worth for them..

So you've missed the countless posts by myself and others that maintain that the only requirements to ride a bike are a bike and a rider...and beyond that, to use whatever works best for you?

I guess anybody could ride while wearing a purple sequined coctail dress, 6 inch spike pumps (clipless!), and a wig that is not a platinum shade but titanium.

But you're the only one who can make it look MAH-velous!

:love:

I don't wear anything bicycle specific for either commuting, around town, touring, or just long rides. I am perfectly comfortable in my normal clothes. Before I buy anything I always make sure that it will also work on the bike (ie long arms, long back, stretchy, no seems in the crotch) because my bike is my main source of transportation.

IF you start to think about it, in a lot of ways there is also car-specific clothes. I mean, without the advent of the car how practical would it be to wear min skirts, high heels or any of the other impractical crap that most people wear? Next time your out and about take a look at what the car drivers are wearing and ask yourself if they would dress exactly the same way if they had to cycle, take the bus, or walk. Everyone wear transportationaly specific clothes!

I just don't choose the flaming, superhero, Richard Simmons look.

Here is me last weekend on a group camping trip. The ride was a bit over 120k to an island off the west coast of Korea. If I were alone I probably wouldn't have even worn the helmet but I didn't want to get chewed out by the safety-nannies on the ride.

I do not really care about specific cycling clothing and such. I have a jersey and thats about it. People tell me to get the padded shorts (bibs [I believe]) but I have done two centuries with out them and I am still alive.

I own exactly 2 pair of cycling shorts and 2 jerseys. I have one pair of cycling shoes and they are an old pair that was intended for touring. On anything under 40 miles at my current speed I don't bother with anything cycling specific except for gloves and possibly a helmet.

Aaron :)

IF you start to think about it, in a lot of ways there is also car-specific clothes.

http://www.retroscopefashions.com/goggles2.jpg

I am keenly aware that wearing too much lycra on is a real turn-off when you go to the grocery store. Particularly in my case :(

All over BF, even in the Commuting forum, you get the message that you need to wear something with a chamois. That clipless shoes are the more efficient way to go. That Louis Garneau wind stopper fabrics are the only way you will survive the winter wind.

Mostly I only wear what I consider to be "safety" bike clothing like screaming green/yellow tee shirts and jackets. (And a helmet and gloves.)

But I'm wondering if even this is too much. And I also wonder how effective this clothing is in alerting cars to my presence.

Reason I ask this is that I suspect a lot of people would seriously consider riding a bike, but they are seriously put off by the clothing cyclists wear.

I wouldn't be caught dead wearing Lycra, mainly because I think it looks funny and is totally unnecessary, but also because my girlfriend would instantly leave me if I did. In my opinion, wearing Lycra just doesn't send out a message that you're a Person to be Taken Seriously. For all of my riding, including touring, I just wear "normal" clothes: shorts and a T-shirt in warm weather, Khakis and a wool sweater in cooler weather, and rain gear over that if it's cold and rainy. (If it's icy and/or snowing, I wuss out and switch to walking.)

I tried using clipless pedals for a few months, but found their performance to be far less than advertised, and not really worth the hassle for city riding. Now I just use platform pedals with little studs on them, so my feet don't slip off when it's wet.

That said, I know a few roadies, and they wouldn't even consider riding in anything other than tight-fitting, cycle-specific clothes and clipless pedals. A few of them even ride to work in full Tour de France regalia. It's not something I would ever do, but it works for them, and they're very good riders who actually race on weekends, so who am I to judge, in my wool sweater and carrying panniers full of delicious IPA?

I feel better having a bright yellow jacket, white helmet and lights where-ever I can clip them. I've got a headband light on my helmet, a blinkie on the back of it, too. I wear Endura rain pants, a little bit over sized so I can put layers underneath them, if it were warmer, I'd prolly go a size smaller. I don't go in for biking shoes or lycra, because I'm more often than not in colder weather than warmer weather. My favorite cycling shirt is my orange construction-worker tee that has silver stripes on the front and back. In a northern lattitude where I'm often riding in twighlight or at night in the rain (not my favorite but not uncommon) I want to glow like the sun. More now than ever since I have an Xtracycle that I take my boys about on. I have a bright yellow poncho I throw across the back so they can sit on it and we're quite visible.

That said, I know a few roadies, and they wouldn't even consider riding in anything other than tight-fitting, cycle-specific clothes and clipless pedals. A few of them even ride to work in full Tour de France regalia. It's not something I would ever do, but it works for them.

I wear a racing kit to work for several reasons. (1) I often do extra "training" miles on my ride in, (2) I usually have to change clothes when I get to work anyway, so it doesn't matter what I ride in and I find cycling specific clothes to be faster and more comfortable, especially when riding a road bike. (3) Also, at least in my neck of the woods, you get treated differently when you look like you are out to beat Lance, versus looking like a bum with too many DUIs. For some reason the clothes seem to be an important visual cue. It doesn't matter if I am riding my carbon fiver roadie or fendered touring bike loaded with panniers, I seem to get more respect with roadie clothes on. For casual rides or other errands, I don't bother with cycling clothes. However, it seems to me that several of you avoid avoid cycling clothes because you think they look dumb or because you are embarrassed by them...seems like you have some insecurity issues. I would have no problems wearing lycra in a grocery store or even a movie theater. I've never noticed anyone laughing at me, not would I care if they did.

[Oops.. I should check my Ignore list.] :)

Yes... I agree, but wouldn't you say there majority votes in favor of chamois cream?

Yeah, but mostly in the Road forum - roadies like to get all hawt and lubed up. ;)
In Commuting, A&S, General, Hybrids and even SS/FG I think the majority agree that, while bike specific stuff can be more comfy or functional, that it is hardly a requirement.

I guess anybody could ride while wearing a purple sequined coctail dress, 6 inch spike pumps (clipless!), and a wig that is not a platinum shade but titanium.

But you're the only one who can make it look MAH-velous!

:love:

That goes without saying, daahhling. :D

But, on a bike, 't is better to feel good than to look good.

I wear a racing kit to work for several reasons. (1) I often do extra "training" miles on my ride in, (2) I usually have to change clothes when I get to work anyway, so it doesn't matter what I ride in and I find cycling specific clothes to be faster and more comfortable, especially when riding a road bike. (3) Also, at least in my neck of the woods, you get treated differently when you look like you are out to beat Lance, versus looking like a bum with too many DUIs. For some reason the clothes seem to be an important visual cue. It doesn't matter if I am riding my carbon fiver roadie or fendered touring bike loaded with panniers, I seem to get more respect with roadie clothes on. For casual rides or other errands, I don't bother with cycling clothes. However, it seems to me that several of you avoid avoid cycling clothes because you think they look dumb or because you are embarrassed by them...seems like you have some insecurity issues. I would have no problems wearing lycra in a grocery store or even a movie theater. I've never noticed anyone laughing at me, not would I care if they did.

I seem to get the opposite...more respect in more "normal" looking clothes than in my roadie kit. Perhaps it's a function of region and percentage of population that is either homophobic or offended because their butts don't look nearly as good as ours. ;)

My wife used to wonder why I went out of my way to look like a homeless bum on some of my former commute routes. Now that she's done a month of grand jury duty, she gets it. She just never realized how many goofballs there were in the world...and now realizes that not standing out unnecessarily is a good thing in some environments.

I wear a racing kit to work for several reasons. (1) I often do extra "training" miles on my ride in, (2) I usually have to change clothes when I get to work anyway, so it doesn't matter what I ride in and I find cycling specific clothes to be faster and more comfortable, especially when riding a road bike. (3) Also, at least in my neck of the woods, you get treated differently when you look like you are out to beat Lance,.

I wore bike gear to work because it was a 26 mile commute. I don't want to get to work with a red rear.. But, before I entered the plant, I'd put a pair of gym shorts over my bike gear. just felt more comfortable that way. Among someone I don't really know, I don't give a crap what they think..

I seem to get the opposite...more respect in more "normal" looking clothes than in my roadie kit. Perhaps it's a function of region and percentage of population that is either homophobic or offended because their butts don't look nearly as good as ours. ;)

My wife used to wonder why I went out of my way to look like a homeless bum on some of my former commute routes. Now that she's done a month of grand jury duty, she gets it. She just never realized how many goofballs there were in the world...and now realizes that not standing out unnecessarily is a good thing in some environments.

The university I work at is right in the middle of one of the most affluent communities on Long Island. Naturally the roads that snake between the mansions and golf courses are very nice and its sort of a local roadie haven. That may have something to do with why the roadies get more respect than the "little people". Basically there are no rednecks 'round here. I can understand not wanting to wear lycra in some areas for fear of being run over by some homophobe in a pickup truck.

I guess we all agree that... whatever it is... comfort rules.

However, we haven't talked about some bike-specific gear... like hi-viz clothing... that some consider safety clothing.

I wear this a lot myself, make no excuses, but it does look rather ridiculous in the vegetable aisle or at the front desk as I sign in for work.

The university I work at is right in the middle of one of the most affluent communities on Long Island. Naturally the roads that snake between the mansions and golf courses are very nice and its sort of a local roadie haven. That may have something to do with why the roadies get more respect than the "little people". Basically there are no rednecks 'round here. I can understand not wanting to wear lycra in some areas for fear of being run over by some homophobe in a pickup truck.

...or jacked by some mutt who sees you as an obvious outsider...and probably one with money. ;)

I guess we all agree that... whatever it is... comfort rules.

However, we haven't talked about some bike-specific gear... like hi-viz clothing... that some consider safety clothing.

I wear this a lot myself, make no excuses, but it does look rather ridiculous in the vegetable aisle or at the front desk as I sign in for work.

I don't consider my reflective vests or alert shirts as bike specific - most road crews and sanitation workers wear them. Indeed, the only pieces of clothing I use (when not doing the roadie thing) that can be considered bike-specific are my SPD shoes, rain cape and some of my cold weather jackets and pants (the venting options on cycling jackets are a biggie for me). Wool undies, wool socks, gusseted crotch shorts/pants, most exercise pants, wicking shirts and of course ball caps are not cycling specific.

fashion on a bike is like any other. you have to find your own personal style. I like to bring running shorts to slip on when I run into a store.

... like hi-viz clothing... it does look rather ridiculous in the vegetable aisle...

Especially if what you have in your cart is a bunch of bananas and a bag of lemons! Standing in the checkout line really gives you a hi-viz type experience.

I wear high vis jacket or jersey at night or dusk, otherwise I just avoid dark colored shirts.

Sadly, our insistance that cycling kit is helpful but not required falls on deaf ears most of the time. I still don't own clipless pedals, and probably never will. I just don't need 'em.

My century gear: I actually have on a pair of cycling shorts, but rocking a hawaiian shirt and tennis shoes.

http://jeffhendricks.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/61956-583-015f.jpg

I don't consider my reflective vests or alert shirts as bike specific - most road crews and sanitation workers wear them. Indeed, the only pieces of clothing I use (when not doing the roadie thing) that can be considered bike-specific are my SPD shoes, rain cape and some of my cold weather jackets and pants (the venting options on cycling jackets are a biggie for me). Wool undies, wool socks, gusseted crotch shorts/pants, most exercise pants, wicking shirts and of course ball caps are not cycling specific.

My jackets are all normal colors. I carry a hivis orange vest in my panniers in case I get caught out in bad conditions that warrant the vest. If I do wear it on the bike I just take it off when I go in somewhere and I look like a normal dude again.

There are some companies that make bike-specific clothing that also looks good off the bike. From Mountain Equipment Co-op, I have a windbreaker that has some cycle-specific features (a pocket in the rear, long sleeves, a little extra length in the back and reflective trim) but it also looks good when I'm not on the bike. From J and G Cyclewear, I have shorts that are incredibly comfortable but don't look like cycling shorts. I also have Specialized shoes which look like good hiking shoes and feel comfortable for off-bike use as long as I'm not running a marathon.

I wear a racing kit to work for several reasons. (1) I often do extra "training" miles on my ride in, (2) I usually have to change clothes when I get to work anyway, so it doesn't matter what I ride in and I find cycling specific clothes to be faster and more comfortable, especially when riding a road bike. (3) Also, at least in my neck of the woods, you get treated differently when you look like you are out to beat Lance, versus looking like a bum with too many DUIs. For some reason the clothes seem to be an important visual cue. It doesn't matter if I am riding my carbon fiver roadie or fendered touring bike loaded with panniers, I seem to get more respect with roadie clothes on. For casual rides or other errands, I don't bother with cycling clothes. However, it seems to me that several of you avoid avoid cycling clothes because you think they look dumb or because you are embarrassed by them...seems like you have some insecurity issues. I would have no problems wearing lycra in a grocery store or even a movie theater. I've never noticed anyone laughing at me, not would I care if they did.

I have to disagree with your statements that people who don't wear Lycra automatically look like bums with DUI's, or that they're fearful about looking like a ballerina. When I ride my Surly LHT, clad in my wool sweater and Khakis, I do not look like a bum, nor do other people on the road see me as such. Rather, I look like a reasonably fit middle aged guy on a decent touring bike who's wearing what other middle-aged Seattle people wear; that is, I look much like a Volvo driver, only I'm riding a bike. I think it's about perceived seriousness of purpose: If you're clad in full kit, in the eyes of drivers you're just out for a jaunt on your toy. If you're on a nice bike, dressed in "normal" clothes, going about your business, it's easier for non-bicyclists to imagine that you're a person with a job and family, which means you'll get more respect from them on the road, not less.

But, again, I don't think it matters too much what you wear while you ride as long as it makes you happy, and keeps you riding. I never, ever wear Lycra, nor will I ever. But I ride a steel touring bike at 15-17 mph (on flat ground). If I were riding a carbon bike at average speeds of 24-28 mph, as some of my roadie acquaintances do, I might make different choices.

Fact, it is hard to find technical cycling clothing that isn't Fredly.
Fact, regular cotton underwear sucks for extended riding.

There I fixed it for ya. ;)


Generalization, it is hard to find technical cycling clothing that isn't Fredly.
Generalization, regular cotton underwear sucks for extended riding.

I guess we all agree that... whatever it is... comfort rules.

However, we haven't talked about some bike-specific gear... like hi-viz clothing... that some consider safety clothing.

I wear this a lot myself, make no excuses, but it does look rather ridiculous in the vegetable aisle or at the front desk as I sign in for work.

I have safety vest that are required for work, I usually keep one in my basket or saddle bag for night time or high traffic riding. However even wearing it and walking I have been nearly run over while crossing the street, in a crosswalk, with the light. Can't fix non attentive ********....

I do try and use more visible colors just as a matter of course when riding. People in all black have a tendency to not be very visible.

Aaron :)

I have to disagree with your statements that people who don't wear Lycra automatically look like bums with DUI's, or that they're fearful about looking like a ballerina. When I ride my Surly LHT, clad in my wool sweater and Khakis, I do not look like a bum, nor do other people on the road see me as such. Rather, I look like a reasonably fit middle aged guy on a decent touring bike who's wearing what other middle-aged Seattle people wear; that is, I look much like a Volvo driver, only I'm riding a bike. I think it's about perceived seriousness of purpose: If you're clad in full kit, in the eyes of drivers you're just out for a jaunt on your toy. If you're on a nice bike, dressed in "normal" clothes, going about your business, it's easier for non-bicyclists to imagine that you're a person with a job and family, which means you'll get more respect from them on the road, not less.

But, again, I don't think it matters too much what you wear while you ride as long as it makes you happy, and keeps you riding. I never, ever wear Lycra, nor will I ever. But I ride a steel touring bike at 15-17 mph (on flat ground). If I were riding a carbon bike at average speeds of 24-28 mph, as some of my roadie acquaintances do, I might make different choices.

Drivers in your area may understand that normal people use bikes to get to work, and I would fully expect them to react to different types of cyclists differently than other parts of the country. However, a normal person biking to work is beyond the comprehension of most drivers that I interact with. And although that perception is gradually changing, there is a long long way to go yet. However, you are correct in that its about perceived seriousness of purpose. But a full racing kit with a road bike is perceived to be more serious than a person on street clothes riding a bike.

Drivers in your area may understand that normal people use bikes to get to work, and I would fully expect them to react to different types of cyclists differently than other parts of the country. However, a normal person biking to work is beyond the comprehension of most drivers that I interact with. And although that perception is gradually changing, there is a long long way to go yet. However, you are correct in that its about perceived seriousness of purpose. But a full racing kit with a road bike is perceived to be more serious than a person on street clothes riding a bike.

Around here those are the ones people gripe about; taking up the whole road, making it impossible to pass, etc, etc, ad nauseum.

Aaron :)

Do these clothes make me look homeless, fredly, or just fat? :D

http://www.chipcom.net/bikes/fat_fred.jpg

There I fixed it for ya. ;)

Haha, that isn't the point of putting it out there my man... if you have a counter-fact then please go ahead and post some facts why cotton underwear is great for long-distance riding and why there are lots of technical cycling clothes which aren't Fredly.