Velocivixen

I like seeing a nice kit on competitors who are actually in a race. Love criteriums...love the kits. Those folks are the real deal. They usually have the physique to pull off the 'look'.

shipwreck

Not many riders here, so usually I only get passed on organized rides, on the first half. I check what gear they are in, their form, and sometimes notice the bike if it has a level top tube and non aero levers, or is in some other way different than the standard new bike. Then as the ride gets closer to the end I start passing 50% of the riders who blasted past me at the start. Some work to stay ahead or pass me again, but most are blown by that time. The fastest riders are gone from the parking lot by the time I get in.

I've actually wondered what a cyclist who passes me outside of a charity ride thinks. A "fred" with all the latest stuff they were told they needed in order to ride a bike, passing someone like me, who might be wearing a fishing shirt with lycra bike shorts and either quill pedals with sneakers or my nashbar spd sandals with big thick wooly socks, and what is pretty obviously a bike that is older than thirty years might think I was either very poor, eccentric, or just a nerd out in the middle of nowhere on a crappy old bike.(Not always dorked out like that, usually its a soccer goalie jersey or wool sweater with cleated shoes, so I'm still not sporting the usual billboard look)

I have no personal frame of reference to judge "freds" by, because riders are pretty rare here and in all my time riding only one person in full kit did not wave, and as he was going about fifty down the hill I was spinning up that was fine.

gaucho777 

It happens quickly but somehow still in slow motion. Unless I've been stalked for some miles, it usually catches me by surprise. First you sense the presence of a ride under your left elbow, then the front wheel comes into view. Quickly out of my periphery, I look for either the sleek lines of a box-section rim or the flashing blur of deep-V rims, which is then followed by a strange tangle of wires, the bulbous forms of brifters and the inevitable carbon race bike, and I'm overcome by an enormous aura of smug (okay, I'm projecting that last part). I guess I notice the bike then the rider. Gender doesn't really factor. Not to be sexist, but I honestly can't remember getting passed by a female rider (not that it couldn't easily happen). Getting passed really doesn't happen that often, and it's never by someone on a vintage bike. On my ~18 mile commute, I've only been passed once in the past 6 months--by a kitted out rider on a modern tig-welded single-speed out for a training ride. Actually, been passed a couple times by people on electronic bikes. There's a moment where you do a double take and wonder how the heck they are going so fast without hardly any effort, and then you feel like they are cheating. They make good drafts though.

I think it's not so much the well-fitting, light, aero part as much as the flashy part. That's what I find objectionable. I used to wear a skinsuit for crits and time trials. This was in the 80s and our team colors were neon pink fade with blue splatter. Those days are behind me. I still appreciate not having my clothes flap in the wind, but also prefer simple jerseys, black shorts and white socks.

It's not just cycling. Men are always busy looking at women's @sses. Not me of course. Just thought you should know.

eschlwc

what is this, "if it's a girl and she has a nice ass ..." business?

like a girl could pass without a nice ass? that's ridiculous.

RobbieTunes

When it comes to the OP question, the first thing I assess is whether the rider is doing fine or struggling.
If there's a problem, that comes first, no matter what. Then I assess circumstances.
1-A solo female rider out in the middle of nowhere, either a risk taker, naive, or confident and prepared, self-aware.
2-A solo male rider out in the middle of nowhere, either prefers it that way (as I do) or can't fit a group schedule, etc.
3-Groups of riders, I tend to look at the kit and the bikes and pace, and appreciate what I see-cyclists.

I generally take in the kit, the bike, the cycling form, and then look closer if I'm curious.
Most often, I just wave and ride on. Time is a luxury.

As I'm somewhat of a human, I'll surmise it's just an inventory thing, as a bike goes by with any rider.
Probably prehistoric and Darwinian in nature, or reptilian, per some French anthropologist...

Deep down, a man will check out the "threat level" of any other rider, most likely on an unwitting basis.
If he is a competitive or Mitty-competitive rider, he'll consciously discern the ability of the rider, and then the bike.
At it's core is the fight or flight mechanism.

Same as with a female rider, deep down, it's a reproductive thing, innate determination of a possible quality mate.
At it's core, is the "mate or ignore" mechanism, survival of the species being what it is.

After that, it become somewhat prurient, which is more human nature than reptilian, of course.

Then, there are the married people, for whom many of the reptilian and human nature characteristics have been hopelessly quashed into near oblivion.
For them, it's an exercise in vicarious thought. It may be all they have left, or so they think, having settled so deep into the morass they can't see out.

Me, I just like the way women look in those tight britches, and then I move to the bike.
After all, you can't very well make conversation on a long ride about the britches, and you shouldn't, anyway.

When I come upon a male rider, I assess calves, form, gear, and determine if this guy is going to simply ride away, chat for while, or ride my wheel and annoy me.

I've always liked the kind of women who ride bikes. Says something about them, not sure what, but I like it.

And I never say "ass" to a girl.

jeirvine 

Where I ride, if I get passed it's usually a paceline or some such training ride. I wave and watch them go. If it's another solo rider, I'll do a quick inventory of their bike, form, age, and decide if it would be fun to catch the wheel and trade pulls for a while. It's never ever another C&V bike.

And as to middle aged blobby guys on carbon in flashy kit: good for them. If they stick with it they'll drop 60 lbs, and it's money well spent. The world needs more cyclists.

Bianchigirll 

They are usually going by too fast for me to notice much of anything.

RobbieTunes

Come to think of it, when being passed, the "rear view" is the only one you get....
Usually, I just mutter to myself and put my head down in relative shame.
It happens a lot, so maybe that's why I ride the drops, out of humility.

iab

That is just one of the many faces of Fred.

cobrabyte

I look at the frame: vintage or no? Then the drivetrain: single speed or geared? Then the rider: commuter, rodie, or other?

rootboy 

I prefer how one of my favorite authors, Jim Harrison, approaches this.
He calls them "lovely bottoms".

rootboy 

Which reminds me. Read in a book years ago, it may have been one of L.A.'s books, that upon assembling for the start of the Tour de France, the riders don't check out their opponents legs. They look at their bums. How well developed the large muscles in their bums are defined. Where a lot of power comes from.

So, it seems, in some circles, men look at other men's "lovely bottoms" too.

cobrabyte

Sagan does more than look lol

gioscinelli 

Yep, it's the assets of the gender that is important, then the form, kit and bike. @RobbieTunes; you've said in a poetic way, great piece of writing

Velognome 

Don't be so down on yourself mate, that's just the remaining Neanderthal genes at work, another generation or two should flush them out of the pool

seypat

Robbie,

I think your post sums up human general daily interaction perfectly. Whether it's getting on an elevator or standing in a line somewhere, we are always evaluating the people around us.

As for being passed, if I hear the grating, angry beehive sound of one of those annoying hubs, then I know what is coming next. I usually notice the bike, then I look at the head/hair to possibly determine gender. That is not a given, unless you see some facial hair. In all honesty, I usually look more at the bike than the person. Looking from the rear, it is sometimes hard to determine the sex. Lycra sometimes makes the rear look the same. The waist/hips and their relationship are the giveaway for me. You go through the checklist and you can't make an ID. Arms have no hair, legs are tanned and shaved. So you look for those child bearing hips. Let's be honest, the typical 5'11 140-150lb man dressed in tight fitting Lycra/spandex does not strike an imposing figure. As my wife says, "Not much there to stir the loins. There has to be some muscle there." My wife is 5'5" and around 120lbs. She said she doesn't want someone with smaller arms and legs than her. She's afraid they will break into pieces in the sack!

As for women and their "donkeys," I am currently training for the Richmond Marathon with about 9 million other people.(slight exaggeration) The training teams meet up for long runs through the city on Saturdays and Sundays. Just on the Sports Backers marathon, 1/2, and 10K teams alone, there are probably 3000-5000 people split up on different teams. Then there are the other teams. They head out to run various routes from a common starting and ending point. So for about 3-4 hours I am passing and getting passed by lots of people. Women's activewear has really evolved in a good way. The ladies have to be extremely skinny or obese to stick out in the crowd. Otherwise it's all good! The rear views look pretty generic. Just some are larger than others. I notice the tight fitting tops, colors and hairstyles more than the donkeys. Also the legs. Headlights are always on. Sweet! Did I mention the tight fitting tops and headlights? And the ladies always seem to be analyzing each other more than the men. They seem to be trying to outdress/outdo each other. The men have it easy. Some form of black running shorts and a shirt. Sleeves are optional. Maybe a hat or visor. If it matches, then that is a positive. We run through the middle of the city. What catches my attention the most and causes my head to snap around are all of the bikes attached to the porches and signs on the street. The best vintage I have seen is a grey Centurion Elite RS and a few Bianchis. Most are lower level beater Schwinn types.

Velocivixen

I feel so self conscious.....I had no idea. I'll have to be aware next time I'm cycling.

Someone may be observing and assessing my....form....my cadence....

In the cycling form department I don't think I have any. I used to have computers on my bikes then decided I don't care.

Now in regard to cycling and "kits" - I don't have one, nor am I against wearing one. I do have a Castelli jersey which is very tight. If we talk running or cross fit, etc., that's a different story. I most definitely have a "kit", and appreciate not having extra fabric "flowing in the wind.

Heres my "kit" during the Portland Marathon.

cobrabyte

Women are as competitive with each other as men are.

Reminds me of a joke:

Men socialize by insulting each other and not meaning it.

Women socialize by complimenting each other and not meaning it.

RobbieTunes

Say, Pat!

Have a good time in Richmond. Pretty beer there, and good girls....or is it the other way?
I have very good memories of that race, and am proud as punch to be part of the race's "26 Miles of Smiles" history.
More fun was likely had, at that marathon, than any other I've been to.

The Golden Boy 

The bike- I always look at the bike, whether I'm passing or being passed.

I look to see non-aero brake cables.

The Golden Boy 

The obligatory "Bike Forums white garage door shot."

Velocivixen

I was speaking to hubby & photo mid-conversation so my mouth looks funny. Shadows always are flattering, aren't they? This was like 5:00 a.m. on our way to Portland.

RobbieTunes

You already had your shoe chip on. Now that's being ready to run.

crank_addict

I notice lots of things but one that impresses are the 70+ YO's sporting tennis shoes, white sox and hauling on a grindy, noisy JC Penney or standard big box store ride! There's a few in the college town and ride with no mercy, great pace. Come to think of it, they don't even bother wearing helmets.

On the other spectrum, I've thought to have seen it all until Bibendum! Trying to be respectful but use your imagination. This fellow was sporting a full white thin body suit (and was badly gasping for air at the rest point). Vaguely recall the bike but it was something very current.

seypat

As I previously said, tight, colorful form fitting tops. What's not to like? I would definitely have no problems determining gender if you passed by.

On a serious note, do those compression sleeves work? My wife only uses them for recovery. I see a lot of people with them on during the runs.