I forgot I was going to throw in my comparison. I have a couple sets of 'real cycling clothes', but I rarely wear, usually just one of many free running shirts I got and cargo shorts.


Real cycling clothes ^^ I guess. Took that last year. I think they look ok, I color matched them to my Prologue when I bought it assuming I was going to attempt a few races in it. I haven't yet, but still ride it as my go fast bike along with the sort of matching shorts and jersey. I don't wear gloves or shoes though, at least during the warmer weather months. I don't like plastering myself with brand names and team advertising and whatnot (other than something like a marathon shirt that is free and often includes the sponsors on the back), but just a little bit of simple graphics and the TYR letters are ok with me, though just solid color would be ok too.


Here is my more typical ride wear, taken recently when I picked up that old chrome Voaygeur. One of dozens of running shirts I have, mostly free ones from races over the years like this one. I have so many I almost exclusively wear running shirts for everything. And some cargo pants that work well for me on the bike.

I've done century and near century rides on both sets of clothing. They both work equally well for me. The cargo shorts are much more convenient when doing other things though, so I can carry wallet and things in the pockets. The advantage goes to the cycling clothes on really hot and humid days since they do manage the sweat a little better. If I went faster, the tighter fitting stuff might be better. I could see if you're hitting 30+mph often the flapping might get to you. But I'm not that fast, only hit low 20's usually on the flats (hardly any hills around here) and with my 16-18 mph average ride maybe hitting 30's once for 10 seconds the regular clothes do fine.

Considering all my bikes are old, vintage-ish, I think the regular shorts and shirts seem to fit the look better than the spandex getups, just imo.