Originally Posted by
gregf83
Given the number of German cyclists participating in pro cycling relative to the US I suspect there are just as many if not more lycra clad competitive sport cyclists in Germany. The biggest difference is there are vastly more regular commuter cyclists than in North America so you tend not to notice the ones in lycra.
I lived in Germany for 10 years (1986-91 near Zweibrucken, 1997-2002 near Heidelberg) and vacationed in The Netherlands at least once every year while living in Europe. I never saw anybody commuting on a workday while wearing lycra or cycling specific clothes. I did see groups of lycra clad cyclists on the weekends riding together outside of urban areas in both Germany and NL. The only cyclists I ever saw wearing helmets in NL were riding pannier loaded touring bikes and were speaking in English. Occasionally I would see cyclists commuting on a workday wearing a helmet in Germany but they were the exceptions.
My bike in foreground at the Heidelberg Main Train Station Front Entrance. I still use the same bike daily.
