uncle uncle

I think a large part of the charm of L'Erocia (and other rides like it) is the vintage bicycles, but the vintage/vintage looking kit is pretty cool too. Even though I think I lean toward favoring the look of bicycles from the seventies , I tend toward the wild kit that the eighties brought. Sadly, I'm too much of fatty-fat to wear anything I have left from then. Just wondered anyone else wanted to share words about vintage kit.

non-fixie 

I have come to really like wool jerseys (for riding). Since I got a first one for L'Erioca a couple of years ago I've bought a few more. Not easy to find in my rather large size.

crank_addict

No particular favorite but like the very early 50's and back. Collar's, button neckline, chest pockets.

Pompiere

I like the modern miracle fabrics, but I prefer the simpler designs of past eras over the walking/riding billboards of today. Black shorts and a single color jersey suit me fine.

And white socks are okay, too. My fashionista daughter cringes every time I go out for a ride. She insists that black socks go with black shoes, no matter how many old cycling photos I show her. And the jersey and water bottle colors have to match or complement the bike color.

mtnbke

80's

I'm a huge Marco Pantani fan, and my Mercatone Uno bibs may be XXXXL in Europe but on me they stretch to the point of being indecent. I still wore 'em and many people in Boston had to gouge out their eyes trying to "unsee."

uncle uncle

I bought a merino wool v-neck pullover (not a jersey per say, just a shirt) with the intention of giving wool a try on cooler days. Haven't done it yet. My angst is caused by my experience with wool in the past: wool work pants make me itch, as do wool sweaters. Someone mention that I should give Merino wool a try and make sure the garment is 100% wool. Any words of wisdom along these lines, given your personal experience?

CV-6 

I ride with a modern wicking undershirt with my wool jerseys. No itching involved.

uncle uncle

Yeah, the fifties look is sweet, in my eyes, I'm just not cool enough to pull something like that off. Maybe if I was in a crowd of people who were also wearing it, then I would probably give it a try. I'm already the "goofball guy on the antique bike" as it is... Plus, fifties cycling stuff is basically nonexistent in the second hand stores in the bread basket.

uncle uncle

I do like the convenience of modern fabrics in that I can just wash them by hand and hang them in the shower. An hour later, their dry enough to hang in the laundry room (aka no dripping). Are white socks a hidden nod to C&V, for those in the know? Cause I don't know...

uncle uncle

Like I said, I'm there with you bro.... I think looking somewhat like a circus clown also has the added benefit of making me more visible to traffic... or maybe that's just the excuse I tell the voices in my head.

uncle uncle

Is this all the time, or just when it's cool?

Pemetic2006

I wear merino wool (100 percent merino) for riding and just for casual use. No itch at all.
I also have some Pendleton shirts that are wool but not merino wool - they itch a bit but are still comfortable.

non-fixie 

Well, wool is a little prickly for the first thirty seconds or so. Wool or wool-acryl combo, doesn't make much difference to me. If anything, the combination fabrics have less tendency to shrink.

I like the wool on summer days as well. As long as I'm moving, that is. Then it cools really well. Standing or sitting still on a warm sunny day is a different matter.

Wulf

I like the button up chest pockets too. Collars pre-date me but I appreciate the look.

non-fixie 

Jan Janssen, TdF winner 1968, still rides with his group and said in an interview that anyone showing up in non-white socks can expect a remark from him.

kunsunoke 

I haven't really paid that much attention to the era of the cycling jerseys I have. Most were purchased slightly used on eBay or at Velofest. The ones that work the best are made from wool or acrylic and wool blends. Modern jerseys get raunchy smelling after two rides.

Merino works pretty well, and it isn't scratchy. I managed to score a Hincapie jersey in marino recently, and it's turned into a daily driver for me. Got it on the cheap, thanks to Mr. H's recent doping confession to the feds.

Festina and Phonak jerseys are pretty cheap now, as are Livestrong jerseys. Heh. Thanks, Lance.

RobbieTunes

Back when I looked good in it.

iab

20s/30s. Turtleneck. Shoulder buttons. Chest pockets. Classy.

Bartali 1933 by iabisdb, on Flickr

crank_addict

The comment about the white socks-- lol. Not exactly on topic but today was faaaaaabulous! Gravel mashed 40+ on the old black Le Champion with handlebar bag. I was sporting cleats, white sox, black baggy Cannondale shorts and..... all white t-shirt. Gave a hello to every cyclist that I passed by, either direction, but not one acknowledged. Hilarious, that they have all the NASCAR swoop and poop, advert kit's. I must look like some creep old man....haha. Can't buy entertainment like this. Think next time I might go hairnet and roll a pack a Camels in the sleeve.

CV-6 

I wear it year round. Wool keeps you cool in the summer.

Pemetic2006

Fellow cyclists not returning a nod or a "hello" is nearly an epidemic in my neck of the woods. It is odd.

Bandera

Kit has never been better than the current production: affordable, comfortable in a wide temperature range and easy to care for.
Hand washing woolens w/ real leather chamois every day was like having expensive ill-mannered pets with exotic care requirements who smelled bad and died young.

The Good Old Days of Kit were Just Old, and Not Very Good.

-Bandera

Velognome 

Kit?

70's Gym shorts and a Tee shirt.



But we just called them clothes back in the day

repechage

60's, the colors were straightforward, the graphics were chain stitched embroidered. Before flocking, iron on, dye sublimation printing...
50's too, but many of those era still had front pockets.

repechage

Such a modernist. I really dislike most new synthetic chamois architecture, just too much bulk between my thighs, I don't recall what cloth diapers felt like but modern shorts give me the sensation that I do when I try them on. I don't need no padding.

It does make me realize why many modern saddles have little or no side skirts, there needs to be a place for all that bulk to go!
Disclaimer, even with low body fat I my thighs stilll touch when I stand straight upright.
I do wish I had a fresh pair of Cinelli track shorts with the quilted back and the jamming tool pocket.