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.