Originally Posted by genec
So is it possible that wearing a bright jersey (I have always worn lycra shorts... just so comfortable) and being on a dropbar "racing bike" presents a more "professional" image, one that motorists can more relate to?
Perhaps you would get less positive generalizations about the "professional appearance" about those cyclists who wear the Enthusiast uniform and use "racy look" equipment to get around town if you received answers from motorists and/or cyclists that don't dress that way.
You might also get less positive expectations and generalizations about "predictability" of the cyclists who endorse/adapt the so-called professional "look" of the racer.
In fact I wouldn't be surprised if you received a hint of far less positive stereotyping (and maybe even a little hostility) from those who draw instant conclusions from the sight of spandex, shaved legs, bent over racing positions, and the other idiosyncrasies of the "professional cyclist" look.