For someone who should love technology and the latest new thing, I am an avowed luddite. So when I started cycling some 25 years ago, I started with short pants and a T-shirt.

And it was fine.

Then, someone talked me into doing a week long tour ... Cycle Oregon. For that, I figured I'd better see if cycling specific shorts and shoes were worthwhile. I got two pair (the cheapest I could find), and touring shoes ... kinda halfway stiff. Jerseys? What for? I stuck with the t-shirts.

And it was fine.

But I noticed that the cycling shorts were actually more comfortable. No seams, no folded material. Not night and day, but better for a long ride. They also prevented chafing between my leg and the seat. The cycling shoes? No brainer ... definitely superior. Years later, I noticed that the local Performance shop had some bike jerseys on sale for $20. Awful extravagant, I thought. But I decided to give them a try.

And it was fine.

I liked the pockets, liked that they didn't flap in the wind, and liked the bright colors. Actually, I still have those jerseys and I still wear them! Then, I decided to do Breathless Agony ... a ride where you have to earn the jersey. I managed to complete the ride, so there was no way I was going to turn that down ... even if it was $70 or so.

And it was fine.

The rest of the stuff (leg warmers, arm warmers, base layers, clipped pedals and shoes) ... also sampled with a wary eye and some trepidation. For the most part, there were good reasons that all of them were useful.

And that's where I sit today ... slowly pulled into the world of bright colors and spandex. God help me, my viewpoint of this stuff has undeniably evolved, because I no longer think cyclists look ridiculous in spandex. Well ... most of us, anyway.

You can go ahead and evolve as I did, or jump in with both feet. Either way, you'll end up in the same place.

And it will be fine.