I see people riding bikes fairly frequently wearing blue jeans, coats, waiter uniforms, etc.

On the other hand, I'm more comfortable wearing lycra, clipless pedals, etc. for my 19 mile round trip commute. There are about three weeks per year I could, perhaps, ride in work clothes and be comfortable, although I'd have to slow down even more to keep from sweating.

Brainwashed? I doubt it. Practical? I prefer to think that way.

As an aside, the spare spokes and tires at one of the two bike shops within a mile of my house are kept in the shop, off the main showroom floor. The other shop has lots of MTB tires on display, but the road tires and spokes are again kept in the shop. I have to ask to get them.