General Cycling Discussion - USPS jersey

This post follows the same idea as the jellow jersey post.

Has anybody noticed the HUGE numbers of people wearing USPS jerseys. It seems to me that of all the people wearing jerseys about 1 in 6 are wearing USPS!

I have several team jerseys like Banesto, Lotto, Mercaton-Uno,Breciclat, Saeco, I am intending to buy also a USPS and a Yellow Jersey that why Ihave posted that thread["Yellow Jersey" to find out the reaction of fellow cyclist what they think of a rider wearing a yellow Jersey.

It's not just the jersey, but the whole outfit and the trek 5200. You would think that US Posties had moved their whole team to Montreal.

:beer:

The poseurs drive the prices down for us by snapping up expensive equipment. I'll buy a USPS jersey, in two years when they are $24.95 because they can't get rid of them. :beer:

Originally posted by FROryder
It's not just the jersey, but the whole outfit and the trek 5200. You would think that US Posties had moved their whole team to Montreal.

:beer:

I have to say I have not seen that one yet. I havn't seen the 3 out of 3. I can't go 10 minutes without seeing a jersey, someguyz have the shorts alone or with the shirt as well.

I will keep my eyes open to see if anyone has all 3. That does seem a bit over the top.

I think that I will wait too until they are 24.95!

I am always amused to see some skinny little white kid wearing a Michael Jordan or Shaquille O'Neal shirt.

I see lots of cyclists wearing full USPS uniforms and riding USPS Treks. Why not? We emulate our heroes.

Originally posted by RegularGuy
I am always amused to see some skinny little white kid wearing a Michael Jordan or Shaquille O'Neal shirt.

I see lots of cyclists wearing full USPS uniforms and riding USPS Treks. Why not? We emulate our heroes.

How many of them are any good and should be buying a bike of that price in the first place?

Originally posted by Spire


How many of them are any good and should be buying a bike of that price in the first place?

Who cares? I'll be honest with you, I ride a bike that is better than I "deserve." But I love the bike. I love the way it rides. I love the way it looks. I love the way it handles. I can afford it.

Your grandma can outsprint me on a Huffy? Ask me if I care.

Yes, some of us emulate our heros. But buying the jersey and bike is a bit out of wack -- along the lines of what is posted above. Someone who is serious about riding will seek to emulate the qualities that made someone like Lance Armstrong a champion or Mario Cipollini a great sprinter and sexual matador.

Seen on the ride on the Lakeshore today....

2 guys in the TdF green points jersey.

2 guys in COMPLETE Festina team strip. One of them was on a matching Festina blue Specialized bike.

2 USPS jerseys... one on a Trek.

One guy in the TdF white jersey [best young rider].

Where do all the USPS jerseys come from? The Montreal-area Nike dealer is a very busy person. You can get USPS kit in almost every bike shop in the city, even ones that don't sell Treks.

But I think most of the ones on the West Island come from Paul's Cycle in Pointe Claire. They pick it up when they buy their Trek.

An intersting note, though: I noticed last year that 90% of te guys in USPS jerseys were anglos, while 90% of the guys in Festina strip were Francophones...

What really bugs me about some of these posers is that they ignore me when I give them a friendly wave or a nod of my head. Most of the serious racers I know will acknowledge other people no matter what level of cyclists they are or type of bike they ride.
:confused: :beer:

On my 20 mile ride today, I saw 2 USPS jerseys and a "Queen of Da Nile" jersey.

Get off your high horses. You guys sound so arrogant trying to dictate who "deserves" to buy what or why someone shouldn't be riding a certain level of bike.
In one thread, you bag on racers, in another you bag on procycling fans for wearing progear, in another you rag on riders because they don't wave at you. There are threads on how people should be able to wear what they want and how you are "above" fashion. Yet you all are the most petty group of hypocrites I've come across.
Poseurs because they bought a USPS jersey for $60 and you are not because you waited until it was out of date and on sale for $25? Uh, convienent logic isn't it? They are poseurs because they can afford new gear at retail?
I love how you can make judgements about people based on their clothes or because they didn't respond to you the way you wanted. Get over yourselves.:rolleyes:

I'm sorry, actually I'm not, but just read this thread and how utterly petty it sounds. I am not trying to flame anyone but this really is ridiculous.

Originally posted by RacerX
Get off your high horses. You guys sound so arrogant trying to dictate who "deserves" to buy what or why someone shouldn't be riding a certain level of bike.
In one thread, you bag on racers, in another you bag on procycling fans for wearing progear, in another you rag on riders because they don't wave at you. There are threads on how people should be able to wear what they want and how you are "above" fashion. Yet you all are the most petty group of hypocrites I've come across.
My cat's name is 'Mittens'.

Originally posted by Allister

My cat's name is 'Mittens'.

What a coincidence.
I bought mittens for my cat just the other day.

Originally posted by RacerX
Get off your high horses. You guys sound so arrogant trying to dictate who "deserves" to buy what or why someone shouldn't be riding a certain level of bike.
Chill.

Speaking for myself, I couldn't care what anyone wears on the bike as long as they're on the bike. I have a certain fondness for team strip myself, and I'm thinking of buying some jerseys of obscure or defunct teams. Hell, there's a guy in the neighbourhood who wears full Gan strip, another in an old Liquigas jacket and one of my buddies has a vintage Systeme-U jersey. I think that's cool.

On the other hand, I think there's something a little gauche -- not harmful, not insulting, but gauche -- about wearing the classification jerseys. That's be like walking around with a replical Olympic gold medal around your neck. To mke matters worse, a lot of these guys seem to have no idea what these jerseys mean. and I think that's sad -- not harmful, not insulting, but sad. The guy in the white jersey was in his 40s...

Now, I'm not going to attack someone for jersey he's wearing, unless it has a swastika on it, and I have no problem riding with a guy in the Yellow Jersey if he can ride. But I still think it's a little tacky.

But do tell, how is this hypocritical?

Here in SC there is a ride called, "Attack on Mt. Mitchell", and every year George Hincapie rides it. I haven't done the attack yet, but I was talking to a guy who has. I asked him if he had seen George and he said, "Yeah he was there, but there were so many people in their postal kits it was hard to find him".
I don't think I'd wear my Postal jersey if I was racing, it doesn't seem right, I'd wear a blank jersey or something.

Originally posted by fubar5
I don't think I'd wear my Postal jersey if I was racing, it doesn't seem right, I'd wear a blank jersey or something.
They probably wouldn't let you race with it, anyway. In a race, you can't wear the strip of a team to which you don't belong. Besides, Postal strip in even an unsanctioned race really is the height of Fredliness, unless you really are a postie.

I don't think I'd wear my Postal jersey if I was racing, it doesn't seem right, I'd wear a blank jersey or something.

Uh Fubar, why wouldn't you wear your new BIKEFORUMS jersey?

just wondering. . . :lol:

Marty

Good points RacerX, if a little more, uh, directly put than i might have. I have no problem with anything anyone wants to wear. Hey, we're all just out having fun. Last year I was really impressed with little Julio Perez in the Giro. I really liked the colors of the Panaria jersey, too, so I picked one up when I saw it on sale. Glad I did; they are not as colorful this year. I also have some EDS and Superdrome.com team apparel that I picked up from a guy who raced for them for years. He just had too much stuff that had been issued over the years.

Part of my homeward commute is along the lakefront where the racers like to train. When I first started commuting about a year and a half ago it seemed like no one would return my waves. Maybe from having seen me time and again, still waving like the village idiot, most people return my waves now.

Isn't it funny that millions of people wear their favorite pro basketball and football team jersey of popular players (how many Bulls jerseys have you seen with 23 on the back? No one accuses them of being poseurs. I doubt if Lance Armstrong considers everyone who wears a USPS jersey a poseur. He is probably flattered.

Interesting, the inimitable "Style Man" in last months Bicycling addressed this. Even HE, the end all and be all of cycling style, said feel free to wear USPS jersey in a club ride or as a spectator, but to wear it in a race is very UNstylish. Now what greater authority is there? I would say that's the final word, wouldn't you?
Rainman

I venture to guess that some of the attacks on folks wearing USPS jerseys and riding $3,000 bikes are tounge in cheek. However, what irritates me in general (petty, heck yeah) are people who zip out and buy expensive gear only drag their bikes on occasion and tool about with their cronies. I work very hard to maintain what I have and on any given week have a part or piece of clothing that is worn to the point that I have to worry about finding the money to replace it. You all enjoy the spiritual attachment to cycling and expound on it when it suits you. Unfortunately the vast majority of people who buy into the sport this spring will lose interest within months, if not weeks. I disdain them, they are poseurs. However, as I said earlier, they pay top dollar for technology that will trickle down and when that jersey is on sale I'll buy it! Those that show up next spring, I love ya. :love:

Ah..the age old "poseur" arguments. Being new to the road biking world, I'm sure some of you would classify me as a "poseur". I used to do the same to other people when I was deeply into agressive rollerblading.

My friends and I would make fun of people with agressive skates and grind plates, but couldn't skate if their lives depended on it. Thinking back on it...I must say it was definitely stupid and immature. So what if they wanted to buy $400 skates and not use them properly? So what if they bought agressive skates but really didn't "do" anything with them? As I always say now - whatever floats your boat. How you spend or use your money is not my concern. How much of a skater or biker you look like is not my concern either. It's yourself that matters - because honestly, there are more important things in this world to be peeved off or concerned about

:D

That's why I will really make it a point to go to the Toronto Bike show, held every First week of March, the Last bike show was able to buy a long sleeve Lotto team jersey, and only for $35.00, and the model of this team jersey is about 4 years old, I don't mind wearing a Team Jersey, what I am saying I will wear this European Pro Clubs Jersey anytime, or a USPS Team jersey if it is within my budget

JUst got myself a Panaria jersey last weekend, it's my new "favorite" jersey...till I but another team jersey a few months from now hehe!

Originally posted by lotek

Uh Fubar, why wouldn't you wear your new BIKEFORUMS jersey?

just wondering. . . :lol:

Marty


I could do that actually. Ha ha, we could have a Bikeforums cycling team.....;)

Originally posted by velocipedio

Speaking for myself, I couldn't care what anyone wears on the bike as long as they're on the bike.

I have no problem riding with a guy in the Yellow Jersey if he can ride.

I have a certain fondness for team strip myself, and I'm thinking of buying some jerseys of obscure or defunct teams.

That's be like walking around with a replical Olympic gold medal around your neck.
To mke matters worse, a lot of these guys seem to have no idea what these jerseys mean. and I think that's sad

Hell, there's a guy in the neighbourhood who wears full Gan strip, another in an old Liquigas jacket and one of my buddies has a vintage Systeme-U jersey. I think that's cool.

not insulting, but sad.
But do tell, how is this hypocritical?

You wrote this stuff, you can't tell?

You know what? This is a great attitude and I wish alot more people would really adopt this point of view- not just because it happens to agree with my own--but because it will make cycling grow in America and is simply good for the sport and recreation of cycling.
If someone watches the TDF and says, "Hey, maybe I can do that!"; buys a Malliot Jaune and Trek fiber bike; falls over trying to clip out; and meets some riders--which is going to benefit cycling more?
A. Telling him how inappropriate or "sad" his purchasing choice is or showing him that attitude.
B. Telling him how great this sport is and all about it.
C. Seeing that he obviously likes pro cycling and strike up a conversation about it.

Safe bet that B or C will go a long way in keeping someone in the sport or activity of cycling. Even if it is a more experienced rider that simply likes a jersey or is a fan of a team, who cares? All this stuff is officially licensed merchandise. If it is OK with TREK and the UCI, IOC, USCF and TDF than who am I to say anything? Besides the fact I find it "gauche" and tacky to even make judgements about someone based on their jersey or bike.
Bicycles are one of the few "objects of desire" that the average johnny punchclock can actually buy top-of-the-line. That is wonderfully democratic in what can be a very elitist sport.

And, yes, in almost any category race, team gear is allowed. It is not allowed in elite races.



Originally posted by RainmanP
Good points RacerX, if a little more, uh, directly put than i might have. I have no problem with anything anyone wants to wear. Hey, we're all just out having fun. Last year I was really impressed with little Julio Perez in the Giro. I really liked the colors of the Panaria jersey, too, so I picked one up when I saw it on sale. Glad I did; they are not as colorful this year. I also have some EDS and Superdrome.com team apparel that I picked up from a guy who raced for them for years. He just had too much stuff that had been issued over the years.

Part of my homeward commute is along the lakefront where the racers like to train. When I first started commuting about a year and a half ago it seemed like no one would return my waves. Maybe from having seen me time and again, still waving like the village idiot, most people return my waves now.

Isn't it funny that millions of people wear their favorite pro basketball and football team jersey of popular players (how many Bulls jerseys have you seen with 23 on the back? No one accuses them of being poseurs. I doubt if Lance Armstrong considers everyone who wears a USPS jersey a poseur. He is probably flattered.

Interesting, the inimitable "Style Man" in last months Bicycling addressed this. Even HE, the end all and be all of cycling style, said feel free to wear USPS jersey in a club ride or as a spectator, but to wear it in a race is very UNstylish. Now what greater authority is there? I would say that's the final word, wouldn't you?
Rainman

Bicycles are one of the few "objects of desire" that the average johnny punchclock can actually buy top-of-the-line. That is wonderfully democratic in what can be a very elitist sport.

I'm not sure what planet you live on, here on earth few clock punchers can afford a $3700.00 bike.

Originally posted by RacerX
If someone watches the TDF and says, "Hey, maybe I can do that!"; buys a Malliot Jaune and Trek fiber bike; falls over trying to clip out; and meets some riders--which is going to benefit cycling more?
A. Telling him how inappropriate or "sad" his purchasing choice is or showing him that attitude.
B. Telling him how great this sport is and all about it.
C. Seeing that he obviously likes pro cycling and strike up a conversation about it.

If he was just getting into cycling and actually bought a carbon fiber bike + fancy jersey I would defently tell him that his purchase was quite inapporpiate.

Why? Because a beginner wouldn't need that whole ****e. He could have gotten a $1000 instead, but by paying $4000 it shows that he does not grab the concept that he is the one going to be pedaling, no matter what his damn bike is made of or how much it costs.

You make it sound like anyone can just go out and dish out some money, get the accessories and suddenly go into the path of "pro cycling". Becoming a professional in any sport, not just cylcing, takes a LOT LOT more long term planning and dedication than just the guy giving into his fuzzy craving to look like a pro.

It shows that one day he saw the pros, and he said, "cool I want to do that too. Hey, I'll go flush $5000, and I'll look exactly like them. I bet pros can ride 5 hours a day at high speeds just because they have an expensive bike. Pffft, I can do that easily"

If someone gets into this sport just for the hell of looking like that, then frankly, I believe they are in the sport for the wrong reasons. I won't give a rat's ass if they get discouraged from the attitude they are gonna get from other people. The chances are they'd probably give up after a month anyways when they realize there is this thing called "pain" involved.

Some things are earned not bought. It bowls down to them looking like posers. And I don't care if it's right or not, but I can't stand posers. They rub me the wrong way, and its the same for most other people. Yeah, posers aren't hurting anyone, but I'm not one to tolerate them.

Originally posted by Allister

My cat's name is 'Mittens'.

Mittens is a nice name.

Amir .... :beer: Mittens ... :beer:


Poseurs.. :irritated :crash:

Originally posted by RacerX
which is going to benefit cycling more?
A. Telling him how inappropriate or "sad" his purchasing choice is or showing him that attitude.
B. Telling him how great this sport is and all about it.
C. Seeing that he obviously likes pro cycling and strike up a conversation about it.
"C" is interesting, since I'd be willing to wager that anyone wearing the yellow jersey who didn't earn it probably doesn't know anything about the sport at all beyond the name of Lance Armstrong. The problem with the sport of cycling in America, and the reason why replica yellow jerseys have no benefit one way or another, is because that's about as deep as his interest probably goes.

On the other hand, it really doesn't matter either way, does it? Like I said, wearing a replica yellow jersey is gauche... like wearing sneakers with a suit, a striped tie with a striped shirt, white after labour day, that kind of thing. It has import informed by the traditions of the sport, of course, but no mre than that.

So wear your yellow jersey, RacerX; you're not harming or benefitiig the sport one way or another, though you might look like a hick.

I don't wear other pro team gear. I wear my team's gear.

I don't care what other people wear and don't make judgements based on it. People can and do buy whatever they want. Some people are huge cycling fans and want to buy everything that has to do with a certain team.
That does not make them poseurs, unless you are also calling half the people that posted in this thread a poseur.
Put someone down because they can afford high-end stuff? And yes, $3000 is in the reach of many, many cyclists. Many have more that 2x that sitting in their garage in the form of bikes and equipment. Compare that to high-end toys like...cars or motorcycles, boats... it's within reach like no other mode of transportation. You can easily buy high end bikes for $1500-$2000.

People are actually getting worked up about seeing someone riding a $3k bike? Why don't they "deserve" it? maybe you should call Trek and ask them to sell only to elite racers because they have no problem selling to whomever wants to buy. Lance doesn't have a problem with it. As a matter of fact, he wants you to buy his old stuff, Trek's new stuff and usps stuff. Maybe you should take it up with him.

People are actually getting worked up about seeing someone riding a $3k bike?

Man, you are amusing. I have competed with teams and trained with pros and only once seen a cyclist with a garage full of expensive toys. I don't mind watching people blow a little smoke out of their butt, however, you persist and it is irritating. Sorry man, i've enjoyed your other posts.

In fact, I'm quite happy when I see someone riding a $3,000 bike. It means that some local bike shop has made a good sale and is that much closer to staying in the black.

As for replica yellow jerseys, world champion jerseys and whatnot. Doesn't bother me at all... no more than it bothers me to see someone wearing a replica Medal of Honor ribbon, who didn't ear it, or someone who wears a Superbowl champions ring... Like I said, it's sad, gauche and silly, but not much more than that.

Originally posted by RacerX
Yet you all are the most petty group of hypocrites I've come across.
Hypocrites are people too.

hey guys no need to get really fired up, if one wants to wear a team jersey let him wear it,, I think if a person say something negative on another person that is plain and simple"envy" .

Oscar, I don't think it is "envy" that is causing some people to diss those who wear team jerseys. Some people are just elitists. Live and let live! Sure, you may not "approve" of non-pro wearing team clothing, but that does not mean that you have to dislike/diss the person who does. We all share a passion here, we all love cycling. Some people (me, for example) have a passion not only for the sport, but also for the gear. Hence we have people with multiple bikes (who really needs 3 road bikes?), people with lots of wheels, helmets, etc. Then there are those who wear pro team stuff. It's not any different from those who ride high end bikes. Besides, pro team wear looks very cool.

"We arrived at the start aboard our team bus, and were graciously greeted by a flurry of fans. It makes what we do out there seem so much more important when you see the number of people there to support you, and the extent to which they admire your work. It truly makes all the difference. And Belgium has some of the greatest fans around. I can't tell you how many people I saw sporting my Domo U.S. Championship jersey. And the number of American flags lining the course was inspirational."
--Freddie Rodriguez
2nd MSR
2nd Gent-Wevelgem
USPro champion
team DOMO Farm Frites

See, he's a pro, he's from the real team, and he doesn't think wearing his AMERICAN CHAMPION jersey is posing. I'd disagree here, but the point is there is nothign wrong with wearing pro team stuff. I wear it to show my support for pro cycling in general.