Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New to spandex: Funny stares from a new group of folks

With my recent weight loss comes a new found confidence. I recently took the plunge and bought a couple pairs of spandex shorts and cycling jerseys. Had I known how much easier you can move in these and comfortable they are, I'd have ditched the baggy mtb shorts and t-shirts long ago. Now begins the expensive process of buying more stuff, particularly winter attire.

What I have noticed now are the droves of people staring at me which I never saw before. Before I was just some dude on a "ten speed." Now, people really seem to gawk. My favorite was the young couple in the 80s Camaro. The young lady was really looking me over as her guy was pulling into the left turn lane beside me. I can't help but think he had to notice and took the opportunity to refocus her attention by peeling out as they made a u- turn.

The group of people who also seem to treat me different are other cyclists, roadies in particular. The majority seemed to either look at me funny or fail to acknowledge me at all when they saw a fat due in baggy clothes rolling down the road. Now, I think they see me as one of them and I suppose maybe I am.

Before I was just some dude on a "ten speed."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DciHPmkNOgE

Good for you regarding the confidence! That's something you cannot overstate as far as its importance. As far as being "one of them" I'd just say do your own thing and enjoy the benefits. I'll wave at passing cyclists and most wave back, but if they don't wave to the clyde in spandex I don't give it another thought. Same for peeps staring...I figure they're all jealous that I'm out doing what they might want to do. Maybe I'll inspire someone....I know there are a few really big guys riding around my area that have inspired me to start riding regularly. If they/I can do it...anyone can do it!!!

Couple times a year I pull out my old "muscle shirt" jersey. The one that draws all the muscles n the upper body. That's the only time I really notice the looks. It's great to see who's paying attention, and watching their reaction!

Had I known how much easier you can move in these and comfortable they are, I'd have ditched the baggy mtb shorts and t-shirts long ago.

I've lost count of the times I've read this very statement here. Why do people still refuse to believe? ;)

I've lost count of the times I've read this very statement here. Why do people still refuse to believe? ;)

Believe in what? Well, I'm for liners and poly or wool tops, but... ridiculous is the polite word for recreational riders parading their kits and Primal wear. Runnng shorts and dri-fit tops couldn't be more comfortable. I suspect the reason why people are checking you out is because you look like you got dressed in your wife's closet....or...other. Granted, bibs are functional, but that look can go wrong very easily. Each to their own...

Believe in what? Well, I'm for liners and poly or wool tops, but... ridiculous is the polite word for recreational riders parading their kits and Primal wear. Runnng shorts and dri-fit tops couldn't be more comfortable. I suspect the reason why people are checking you out is because you look like you got dressed in your wife's closet....or...other. Granted, bibs are functional, but that look can go wrong very easily. Each to their own...

I like the spandex shorts as they are very comfortable. But I still am shy so I wear long baggy tops. Good modesty compromise and for a 10mph rider it isn't pretentious looking. But I have no problem with what anyone else wants to wear and don't think anything is wrong. I admire the confidence of those who are willing to wear ski tight clothes. I don't even mind muffin tops on teenage overweight girls.

Oh, good grief.

Compromising on-bike comfort and/or utility simply for the sake of modesty is a quick path to giving up riding, IMO. Who the hell cares what you look like when you ride? The fact that you're riding is what's important.

If someone truly believes they've achieved all the comfort that's available to them by riding in baggy shorts and underwear, more power to them. But if that outfit gives you even a little discomfort on the bike, then you need to get over your spand-o-phobia, or you'll find your discomfort will eventually lead to staying home on the couch.

Oh, good grief.

Compromising on-bike comfort and/or utility simply for the sake of modesty is a quick path to giving up riding, IMO. Who the hell cares what you look like when you ride? The fact that you're riding is what's important.

If someone truly believes they've achieved all the comfort that's available to them by riding in baggy shorts and underwear, more power to them. But if that outfit gives you even a little discomfort on the bike, then you need to get over your spand-o-phobia, or you'll find your discomfort will eventually lead to staying home on the couch.

+1

cripes ... the phobia is insane

Believe in what? Well, I'm for liners and poly or wool tops, but... ridiculous is the polite word for recreational riders parading their kits and Primal wear. Runnng shorts and dri-fit tops couldn't be more comfortable. I suspect the reason why people are checking you out is because you look like you got dressed in your wife's closet....or...other. Granted, bibs are functional, but that look can go wrong very easily. Each to their own...

Sorry, but even recreational riders don't need to 'earn' the right to wear Lycra:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4551/127/90/1607271639/n1607271639_257430_8302438.jpg

+1

cripes ... the phobia is insane

No, it is very sane because people want to fit in. We get messages from our culture that fat is something to be ashamed of and covered up in baggy ugliness. You are supposed to do only certain things if you are fat. Like sit at home and be depressed. It isn't easy for many to get past the shame. But fabulous when you do. I am still amazed that I am willing to wear spandex shorts. All it took was the encouragement of this forum and one ride on a remote country road on a hot day and I was sold.

A second issue is using spandex no matter what your build. I know plenty of nonbiking people who think spandex is pretentious (it really is for racers, not for the hoi polloi) and immodest. In the US anyway we have weird ideas about both. I remember a poster here who quit wearing spandex shorts when the teenage neighbor girl complained about it to her dad. So, wearing spandex means you might have to get past that cultural message as well. But if you are part of a group that bikes you have your own little subculture that will help you. It may be your local bike club. It may be the Clyde/Athena forum. I would never have even tried spandex if it weren't for this forum.

Sorry, but even recreational riders don't need to 'earn' the right to wear Lycra:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4551/127/90/1607271639/n1607271639_257430_8302438.jpg

You do have the coolest jerseys Neil.

I understand your point, Goldfinch, and can appreciate it, being a former Clyde myself (though one who wore lycra shorts at 270+). But even if I were still 270, 300 or more, as long as I see some of the things I see on people at places like Walmart, nothing about my riding attire would ever make me embarassed or self-conscious.

It's hard enough to get past the notion that we look like we don't belong on a bike. Anything that makes riding physically uncomfortable is just one more hurdle none of us need to have before us.

I've lost count of the times I've read this very statement here. Why do people still refuse to believe? ;)

FYI: 43280 :innocent:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DciHPmkNOgE

That is even funnier because I work for an insurance company, just like "ten speed guy."

I went to a meeting of my professional association and was tell an old friend about my then new cycling "obsession" He replied "That great Red, but you don't wear those clothes they wear do you?" I said Jim, I not only wear the clothes I have a pair of bib shorts I paid more for than any suit I've ever owned.:D That and my "Old Farts Cycle Club" jersey hopefully they can't say they didn't see me:lol:

Oh, good grief.

Compromising on-bike comfort and/or utility simply for the sake of modesty is a quick path to giving up riding, IMO. Who the hell cares what you look like when you ride? The fact that you're riding is what's important.

If someone truly believes they've achieved all the comfort that's available to them by riding in baggy shorts and underwear, more power to them. But if that outfit gives you even a little discomfort on the bike, then you need to get over your spand-o-phobia, or you'll find your discomfort will eventually lead to staying home on the couch.

I agree with what you're saying, but I used to be one of those who were "modest" and I certainly understand the thought process of someone who doesn't want to wear spandex.

As large people, we're made fun of a lot. It hurts. Some people don't have as thick of a skin as others, and the prospect of being made fun of even more may be too daunting for them to handle.


That being said, I've been wearing spandex for about 2 months now. I like it a lot, and I have yet to be made fun of specifically for the spandex. Maybe people are thinking it in their head, but the way I get around this is by saying to myself "Hey, who cares what they think about me right now, in another few months I'll look totally different!".

I am still amazed that I am willing to wear spandex shorts. All it took was the encouragement of this forum and one ride on a remote country road on a hot day and I was sold.


BAM. This is exactly how I got sold as well. I bought a pair just to try out, and didn't like the way I looked in them. I wore them underneath gym shorts when I biked, and didn't really feel like it added anything to my cycling experience.

Then one really frigging hot day on a deserted road, I got sick of the chafing going on near my thighs, so I said "screw it", took off the gym shorts, stuffed them in my panniers, and rode with just the spandex. I cooled down immensely, the chafing went away immediately. From that point on, I was sold, and never put gym shorts on over them again.

+1

cripes ... the phobia is insane

Just to be clear, my "razors in my eyes" reaction to you super heros in tight spandex and fashion shoes is not directed at Clydes. Clydes/Athenas get nothing but love for just being out there. The rest of you; back in the phone booth (closets?) please.

Believe in what? Well, I'm for liners and poly or wool tops, but... ridiculous is the polite word for recreational riders parading their kits and Primal wear. Runnng shorts and dri-fit tops couldn't be more comfortable. I suspect the reason why people are checking you out is because you look like you got dressed in your wife's closet....or...other. Granted, bibs are functional, but that look can go wrong very easily. Each to their own...

You done? K, now step off the sopabox and listen: Nobody cares. At least I do not care what you think. It is simply not important because it is me who is riding. And when you ride, I couldn't care less if you ride naked, in a dress, or in spandex, because, it is you who is riding, not me. I do not care what you do on the road as long as you are not directly endangering me with your actions. I believe it goes the other way around with sensible adults too.

If I'm out riding, and somebody thinks I'm wearing garish clothes that are unattractive, then they've served their purpose: They had to SEE me (and presumably, not run me over) to ridicule my clothing selection.

richard: right one!

Believe in what? Well, I'm for liners and poly or wool tops, but... ridiculous is the polite word for recreational riders parading their kits and Primal wear. Runnng shorts and dri-fit tops couldn't be more comfortable.

So what's the official crossover line out of the "recreational" category to when I'm allowed to wear my lycra gear? So I'm not going to kit up for my 1 mile trip to the grocery store... I get that much. What about my 34 mile r/t commute with 2000' of elevation gain? Running shorts and liners for that one right? (Because I need 2 garments instead of just 1 if I wore my bibs... that makes sense.) How about my 100k Permanents for RUSA? They're non-competitive rides, although they are timed and certified. Does that mean I can kit up yet? Is it a distance qualifier, or does the ride have to be a competition? I did a couple of 300k and 400k rides last season, but they were brevets. The very definition of randonneuring is that it is a non-competitive event; there's no "winner" because everyone who finishes gets the same award. No lycra, right? 250+ miles in baggies because it's not a competition.

I'm going to suit up in full kit... Heck with that; I'm wearing my skinsuit to ride my balloon tire grocery bike on a snack run, just to buck the system. :lol:

I wear a skinsuit while I'm Cat 6ing on my Worksman ... looks funny, but I feel fast, so that's all that matters

I wear a skinsuit while I'm Cat 6ing on my Worksman ... looks funny, but I feel fast, so that's all that matters

You beat everyone else on the factory floor?

... looks funny, but I feel fast, so that's all that matters

I know you're joking (along with a little bit of baiting of our old friend Nightshade ;)), but there's actually a kernel of truth to what you said. This past Sunday I did a season-longest 53 mile ride by myself, and wore my first completely matching kit - my reward for the funds I raised in this year's Tour de Cure - a very nice Primal Wear TdC jersey with matching shorts and socks. And while I know it sounds stupid to say such a thing, it really did make a mental difference for me on the ride. It actually provided a little psychological boost, and kept me spinning at times when I might have otherwise let my thinking stray to how fatigued I was getting.

I'm sure if I saw a photograph of me on the road in that outfit, it would immediately dispell any thoughts of my looking like a "real cyclist," but I don't care. It made me feel good while I was riding.

So there, all those who would have "no lycra for the non-pros."

;)

AND look good doing it!

I know you're joking (along with a little bit of baiting of our old friend Nightshade ;)), but there's actually a kernel of truth to what you said. This past Sunday I did a season-longest 53 mile ride by myself, and wore my first completely matching kit - my reward for the funds I raised in this year's Tour de Cure - a very nice Primal Wear TdC jersey with matching shorts and socks. And while I know it sounds stupid to say such a thing, it really did make a mental difference for me on the ride. It actually provided a little pschological boost, and kept me spinning at times when I might have otherwise let my thinking stray to how fatigued I getting.

I'm sure if I saw a photograph of me on the road in that outfit, it would immediately dispell any thoughts of my looking like a "real cyclist," but I don't care. It made me feel good while I was riding.

So there, all those who would have "no lycra for the non-pros."

;)

While I have no "full kits" yet, I can see me getting one as a reward when I reach my weight loss goal ... that said, I have a "kit" consisting of black bibs, a red and black Nashbar jersey and matching red, white and black socks ... and it all matches me red, white and black Trek ... I may not feel fast when I'm kitted up like that, but it feels pretty good :D

honestly, I think some of the clothing is a bit over the top. The notion of wearing lycra is fine. The "kit" is what annoys me most of the time. All of my jerseys are solid color or plain, no sponsors, no trying to look like I'm on a team. Now I will say this, average everyday people walk around wearing baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer jerseys during a regular old day; they aren't even participating in the sport. Even though I think it's silly to dress up like you are on team "Saxo Bank" at least you are doing it while out riding a bike!

Now if you go out and about on your daily grind wearing your spandex, you have a problem, clyde or no clyde!!!!

I'm sure if I saw a photograph of me on the road in that outfit, it would immediately dispell any thoughts of my looking like a "real cyclist," but I don't care. It made me feel good while I was riding.

;)

Thank God we all have that mental mirror.

honestly, I think some of the clothing is a bit over the top. The notion of wearing lycra is fine. The "kit" is what annoys me most of the time. All of my jerseys are solid color or plain, no sponsors, no trying to look like I'm on a team.

The only full kit that I have is for the team I'm actually on. Bibs/jersey/knee/arm warmers for training, and skinsuit for race days. I'll wear the jersey with plain black shorts for commutes and non-team training rides, but not the bibs with any other jerseys.

My other jerseys are mostly Tour de Cure commemoratives, or my randonneuring woolies (short and long sleeve for both RUSA and SiR clubs), with just a couple of non club/team ones: Team Bio-Rad (my previous employer's club team whom I rode for), PDM Chrome Tapes (an 80s replica of the pro team, I've owned it since the 80s) and a Cinzano wool short sleeve 70s team replica.

Oh, my, god. Becky, look at her butt! Gag me with a crank arm!

Sheesh, I ride in what's comfortable and appropriate. In Houston heat, that's usually Lycra shorts and a jersey. I don't give much thought to it except for my helmet. A big ol' obnoxious Nutcase 8 ball covered with a variety of stickers including a pink, sparkly unicorn that my daughters gave me.

Yep. I'm a cycling fashion god. Don't try to deny it.

- Greg

maybe we all should run the cat walk! :)

I admit to owning one pro team jersey only - not a full kit. I've had it for years (it's a Lemond-era La Vie Claire jersey) but haven't worn it out of the house yet because of its size. I still need to lose another 15 pounds or so.

A big ol' obnoxious Nutcase 8 ball covered with a variety of stickers including a pink, sparkly unicorn that my daughters gave me.

I have unicorn and rainbow socks. I also have my pink 6" cuff socks with an arrow pointing up and the text "I'm With Awesome".

I also have shark and crash test dummy socks that I like a lot. Especially the latter.

I have the Jolly Roger socks ... and a new pair showing a case of shapely things with the word TATAs on the sole ;)

I think I can top you all. I bought bike gear before the bike arrived.

I like wearing my Lycra shorts. Both pairs of shorts are plain black. The Bibs are black with a wide blue stripe up the side.
I have a few plain jerseys (primarily neon yellow for commuting:) ) Over the last year I've started collecting special jerseys from rides I've ridden in.... The Hilly Hundred 2010, 25th anniversary RAIN (2011), BikeMS 150 Best Dam Bike ride (earned this by raising > $1000 for MS in 2011) etc. I own a Twin6 "Motor" jersey I picked up on clearance for $30, and I have a Team FreeBSD jersey that was given to me by one of my donors for the MS ride.

Do I think I'm a Cat-Anything rider? Sure.... I race and win in Cat-9 events :) The truth is I'm well beyond caring what Roadies, Drivers, or anyone else thinks of me when I'm on the road. If someone wants to give me some team kit to wear, you know what I'll wear it. I don't care if I'm Lance Armstrong or not. Team kit is usually of a higher quality than the stuff I buy for myself. As a result it's even more comfortable. :)

The only full kit I own is TdC - socks, shorts, and jersey, from this year's 20th anniversary set.

Other than that, I have mostly single-color jerseys in the colors that were on the clearance rack, and a couple pair of unmarked bibs.


I was in the Air National Guard. I have both a son-in-law active and future son-in-law that are duty in the Air Force. I just may buy a Primal Wear AF kit.

Team kit is usually of a higher quality than the stuff I buy for myself. As a result it's even more comfortable. :)

My team kit is Hincapie Velocity gear, and I think the shorts are more comfortable than my Assos FI.Mille which cost me twice as much. One of my teammates loves his so much he's been wearing them on PBP this week.

I just wish I had at least 1 jersey. I got the shorts but I just haven't been able to adjust the funds for a jersey yet. Still I get stares from time to time. Hell, today I passed a school bus (going the opposite direction) and heard a kid shout about the lard-a$$... My only thought was "Keep yelling kid, you'll be working for me soon" :P

One day I'll be one of the cool kids with a jersey of some sort.

I don't care what you think about what I wear when I ride, and I don't care what you wear when you ride. I just want you to ride, and I want to be SEEN when I ride, because I want to keep on riding a long long time, and to be comfortable so I can ride longer distances.

I wear athletic/running shorts and a t-shirt, I don't think I could ever bring myself to wear spandex.

I wear athletic/running shorts and a t-shirt, I don't think I could ever bring myself to wear spandex.

I said the same thing. Someone convinced me to try the shorts so i put my athletic shorts over them. I was sold on the comfort but still couldn't get past the mental image. Then I was out riding with my dad when the heat index was 115. I took the athletic shorts off and it made a major difference in how hot I was. They haven't been back since.

I don't have any pro-team jerseys, but I do have a few of the bibs. I bought them last winter as I could finally fit into something that small after losing my clyde status.

I took a chance and ordered one, (Nalini, I think?) they were an absolute bargain at around $40, have a fabulous chamois, wear and fit really well in my case. I picked up a couple more once I found out that they would fit me. I had nothing left from before that fit properly due to my weight loss. Plus, you can get some colours in your cycling life which I for one like to see, rather than boring ole' black shorts.

I'd buy a team jersey if the price was right, although, from what I remember, the sizing is so small it wasn't an option even after getting under 200 lb. for me. I have a really nice Specialized jersey that was given to me a few years ago, that even as an XXL I couldn't even zip it up let alone wear it until this year.

I have some polka dot socks, which are pretty snazzy. I'm holding out for my next pair of shoes to be in high gloss fire engine red. :D