maltess2

Hello, is there a set of general rules for matching cycling clothes and road bike? like in the the menīs fashion words there is always rules like the belt should match the shoes, color combinations that works well etc.


For example, should the helmet match the bike frame? or match the shoes? etc. etc.

noodle soup

Bibs should be black.

/ thread

Dan333SP

Funny you should ask.

Velominati ? The Rules

****.

kbarch

Between attire and bike? Generally, no. In fact, that would be rather suspect, and in some important cases unenforceable. The only time I think anyone would expect coordination between kit and equipment is at the pro (or sponsored amateur competitive) level, and even then, it's not very consistent. Most recreational racing teams don't have sponsors to provide bikes (or in many cases anything more than bibs and jerseys), so as uniform as everyone may be in their kit, they ride their own bikes in whatever colors they happen to be.

deapee

You match what you want and don't match what you don't want.

fishboat

Once upon a time I considered such things..at times I followed through and other times not. Now-days(with car "info-tainment systems, texting..) I lean toward not getting hit. I wear black bibs and dayglo-chartreuse on top. Chartreuse seems to be the universal "here I am don't hit me" color.

mcours2006

Just make sure they're not both plaid. And if they are, they should be matching plaid.

andr0id

Shoes should match.
Socks should match.
Gloves should match.

Maelochs

No, attire-matching Does NOT rule.

PepeM

Helmet and frame match is generally a good idea. Gloves should either match or contrast with your bar tape. Bibs should be either black or match your jersey. As for the jersey, it does not have to match the frame but you should be mindful when choosing it. You don't want blue/green or other such garish combinations. You want to keep it reasonable, say, black frame with red jersey. Socks is one place where you can let yourself go a little bit. Go crazy with it, this is your chance to express yourself. If you are using black bibs then black shoes are a must. If you have your bibs matching your jersey then it is ok to use shoes in another color, preferably matching your helmet and/or gloves but not necessarily.

BounceCT

I usually dont match bibs/jerseys and I'm ok with that. Just go out and ride.

PepeM

Beyond the basic matching rules outlined above, there are a few subtler things you can do to really stand out. For example, if you're wearing black bibs with a small color accent on them, you can match the accent with your socks. It's the kind of small detail that really puts your kit on another level. Don't forget about accessories too. If the frame of your sunglasses matches the cap of your water bottle for example, riders around you will know you are serious about the sport. People respect that.

Lazyass

As long as the bibs are all black then you're good. But never in my life have a looked at a cyclist and thought "gee, his clothes don't match".

GlennR

^^^^^^^
What he said.

BillyD

TampaRaleigh

I don't spend enough time looking at myself to worry about that.

indyfabz

As long as the collar matches the cuffs, it's all good.

Stratocaster

I do. In fact, I'm generally offended by the circus of colors I see. But that's just my fashion sense. It's obviously all good if it helps the rider to be seen by others on the road.

Maelochs

So ... if I have more than one bike I must buy multiple helmets ... or paint all the bikes in complementary colors so the helmet matches?

I am "allowed" to "express myself" with my socks?

Next time I am at CostCo I will see if I can get a goo d deal on lives. It seems some folks here need to get a life.

Around here, I have to cover my genitals and my anal cleft and I can ride ... never found that to be too hard a burden.

Not: this isn't me, but I guess he is "expressing himself" with his socks, eh?

sleepy

I have yet to receive a citation for every time I go ride my bike in my mismatched lycra with clashing logos

Stratocaster

Totally unacceptable. The patriotic thong totally clashes with that green bike. He should be ashamed of himself!

PepeM

You don't have to do anything, but yes, I would recommend it. It is about much more than color too. The helmet should match the bike's style. You don't hop on an aero road bike without an aero road helmet, for example. Similarly, any carbon race bike deserves a Giro Synthe or above.

As for socks, they really are your chance to show who you are to the world. If you want to wear white tube socks that's fine, but I can tell you that the pro rider wearing Captain America socks this Saturday might not have won the race, but he certainly won the attention of the spectators. To some, that is as important if not even more.

PepeM

At least he matched the gloves to the bike. But yes, he has a lot of work to do.

FullGas

the only things that gag me are white shorts (stop it!) and mtb visors on road helmets.

worst looks ever...

sleepy

And people bag on hipsters for being fixie fashionistas...