I am not a superhero!
05-13-08, 12:27 PM
#26
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I guess I never spent that much time worrying about how I would be perceived by motorists and potential cycle commuters.
Most days I am combining my commute with a training ride; that means the CF race bike, clipless pedals, and the full "superhero" kit. I bet drivers are thinking "Boy, look at that Athlete! I could never do that!"
Other days I'm taking a mellow ride directly from home to the office; for those days I'll usually just wear the desk jockey outfit. I bet drivers are thinking "I wonder if that backpack is full of copies of the Book of Mormon."
Most days I am combining my commute with a training ride; that means the CF race bike, clipless pedals, and the full "superhero" kit. I bet drivers are thinking "Boy, look at that Athlete! I could never do that!"
Other days I'm taking a mellow ride directly from home to the office; for those days I'll usually just wear the desk jockey outfit. I bet drivers are thinking "I wonder if that backpack is full of copies of the Book of Mormon."
05-13-08, 12:30 PM
#27
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Does anyone else get sick of the same cast of characters with the same tired old stories?
Over here you have posters blaming all the evils of the world on spandex clad warriors.
Over there you have the same posters as usual bickering about the insecurities of the first posters.
Then another group who wears whatever is appropriate.
Someone write something new!
Over here you have posters blaming all the evils of the world on spandex clad warriors.
Over there you have the same posters as usual bickering about the insecurities of the first posters.
Then another group who wears whatever is appropriate.
Someone write something new!
05-13-08, 12:31 PM
#28
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My gawd...I suspected it after I got out, but now the OP confirms it....they're letting wussies become Marines!
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
05-13-08, 12:34 PM
#29
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I was cruising around the Roadie forum here on BF.net and I read over a thread talking about lycra, etc. Now I've got nothing against Roadies. As it is, most are better bikers than I am, stronger, and can go longer distances. I only use my bike to get from one place to the other or to run errands (saving up for a nice Burley Nomad... ohhh yeah).
Concerning lycra, I can't ever consider wearing the stuff. I call them superheros for a reason. I can understand the benefits of it: Padded shorts, stretchy clothes that do not chafe, bright colors to warn others of your presence, the power of wicking.
That's all well and good, but here are my issues with it:
The Superhero Look: Actually the looks in and of itself does not bother me. I hardly look cool with my helmet, shirt, shorts and road safety vest. Its the "group" look that gets me. I hate groups. I hate to associate or be identified with any group (aside from the USMC, my immediate family, and my gamer clan DGCSN
. With those three groups, I take the good and the bad that are associated with it. I do not mind being lumped in with them as I understand them completely and they tend to follow a very specific set of behavioral traits (USMC = Cleanest Bodies, Dirtiest Minds, DGCSN = RL friends who are Nerdy l33t gamers with an inability to find real women, Family = the last name 'Daniel' means "Only God will judge me" and this kinda fits). For better or worse, I will associate with these three groups. But no one else. When I interact with the world I want them to interact with me and me alone. In most circumstances I will not ever mention that I am a Marine, my last name, or that my clan name's first two letters mean "Dead Girls." All of this is just a long winded way of saying that until any group is willing to fight and die for me (yes even my gamer clan is that close) then I will not cast my name in with their lot. I may speak on their behalf, work with them for a common goal, or hang out with them, but not be tied in with them.
::shrugs:: Though their are benefits to assembling, I find that I work best speaking alongside a group and not being with them. People tend to lump a group, no matter how large, as one entity, with an equal voice and any other one entity, no matter how large. A movement works best when its not just one group speaking, but with several groups (even if small in number) and several individuals speaking along the same vein
Beyond that, I cannot wear tight pants! I really cant! I even bought the tight, boxer briefs, with padding in them, to wear under my shorts. Rode once around a block and came back sick. To be vulgar, it keeps my testicles WAY to close to my body. I am a decently fit guy. I bought the right size padded underwear (actually it was a size larger than I would have expected). It hurt.
All this being considered, I wear a helmet, loose fitting shorts, normal boxers, a wicking T-shirt that fits comfortably loose (from Target at 9 dollars a pop
) and a Road Safety Vest. I wear sandals and ride my bike on the sideroads and trails when possible.
Its not really a rant and I have nothing at all against Roadies. More power to them. Infact, I have no idea why I wrote this bit. Guess I just felt like sharing. Hope you guys have a good day
Concerning lycra, I can't ever consider wearing the stuff. I call them superheros for a reason. I can understand the benefits of it: Padded shorts, stretchy clothes that do not chafe, bright colors to warn others of your presence, the power of wicking.
That's all well and good, but here are my issues with it:
The Superhero Look: Actually the looks in and of itself does not bother me. I hardly look cool with my helmet, shirt, shorts and road safety vest. Its the "group" look that gets me. I hate groups. I hate to associate or be identified with any group (aside from the USMC, my immediate family, and my gamer clan DGCSN
. With those three groups, I take the good and the bad that are associated with it. I do not mind being lumped in with them as I understand them completely and they tend to follow a very specific set of behavioral traits (USMC = Cleanest Bodies, Dirtiest Minds, DGCSN = RL friends who are Nerdy l33t gamers with an inability to find real women, Family = the last name 'Daniel' means "Only God will judge me" and this kinda fits). For better or worse, I will associate with these three groups. But no one else. When I interact with the world I want them to interact with me and me alone. In most circumstances I will not ever mention that I am a Marine, my last name, or that my clan name's first two letters mean "Dead Girls." All of this is just a long winded way of saying that until any group is willing to fight and die for me (yes even my gamer clan is that close) then I will not cast my name in with their lot. I may speak on their behalf, work with them for a common goal, or hang out with them, but not be tied in with them.::shrugs:: Though their are benefits to assembling, I find that I work best speaking alongside a group and not being with them. People tend to lump a group, no matter how large, as one entity, with an equal voice and any other one entity, no matter how large. A movement works best when its not just one group speaking, but with several groups (even if small in number) and several individuals speaking along the same vein
Beyond that, I cannot wear tight pants! I really cant! I even bought the tight, boxer briefs, with padding in them, to wear under my shorts. Rode once around a block and came back sick. To be vulgar, it keeps my testicles WAY to close to my body. I am a decently fit guy. I bought the right size padded underwear (actually it was a size larger than I would have expected). It hurt.
All this being considered, I wear a helmet, loose fitting shorts, normal boxers, a wicking T-shirt that fits comfortably loose (from Target at 9 dollars a pop
) and a Road Safety Vest. I wear sandals and ride my bike on the sideroads and trails when possible.Its not really a rant and I have nothing at all against Roadies. More power to them. Infact, I have no idea why I wrote this bit. Guess I just felt like sharing. Hope you guys have a good day
well the "roadie" is basically doing the same thing for his/her special riding needs...
05-13-08, 12:41 PM
#31
Senior Member
Does anyone else get sick of the same cast of characters with the same tired old stories?
Over here you have posters blaming all the evils of the world on spandex clad warriors.
Over there you have the same posters as usual bickering about the insecurities of the first posters.
Then another group who wears whatever is appropriate.
Someone write something new!
Over here you have posters blaming all the evils of the world on spandex clad warriors.
Over there you have the same posters as usual bickering about the insecurities of the first posters.
Then another group who wears whatever is appropriate.
Someone write something new!
they were talking about how a bike is "used as transportation" there are no carbon fiber bikes, or hybrids or mountain bikes but just utility cycles and everyone wears "normal" clothing, ad nauseum.
whats the problem? do we really have to choose one or the other? is there no common ground and acceptance of whatever form of cycling one does?
05-13-08, 12:48 PM
#33
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I was reading an article in the latest issue of "bicycling magazine" dealing with the bike culture in holland...
they were talking about how a bike is "used as transportation" there are no carbon fiber bikes, or hybrids or mountain bikes but just utility cycles and everyone wears "normal" clothing, ad nauseum.
whats the problem? do we really have to choose one or the other? is there no common ground and acceptance of whatever form of cycling one does?
they were talking about how a bike is "used as transportation" there are no carbon fiber bikes, or hybrids or mountain bikes but just utility cycles and everyone wears "normal" clothing, ad nauseum.
whats the problem? do we really have to choose one or the other? is there no common ground and acceptance of whatever form of cycling one does?
05-13-08, 12:51 PM
#34
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I Am a superhero. I am "Fredman". I ride at a blazing speed of 15 mph. I can leap sewer grates in a single bound. I have a magic basket that holds two six packs of superhero fuel. I got legs and I know how to use 'em. other powers available upon request.
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"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
05-13-08, 12:54 PM
#35
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05-13-08, 12:55 PM
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Man, DataJunkie, that was uncool! For the first day in 2 weeks my gastric problems weren't making me feel like throwing up....and then you have to post that picture! I just threw up in my mouth a little! <I'm kidding (except about the stomach problems), in case anyone couldn't tell>
05-13-08, 01:08 PM
#39
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That picture pretty well threw my "dress like an athlete" theory out the window. Oh, well.
05-13-08, 01:23 PM
#40
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I wear my workout shorts (They are like jerseys) And an old locust t-shirt when I commute to work. (cheesy, I know). I'm comfortable and vented so that's good enough for me.
On the weekends when I ride downtown I wear my tight jeans, pullover and blinding kicks to hit the clubs.
I really don't give two fooks otherwise.
I think with cycle culture it's like any other sub culture. You get obsessed with details and fitting into a group. Bikers do it with their flaming skullcaps and chaps. Car people do it with their modifications and sound systems.
Why would cyclist be any different?
We all want to belong on some level and keep up with what's going on right now. Some more than others, and some go the other way just to make a point. The bottom line being if you judge somebody on what they wear on their bike, either way, you're a massive D bag.
On the weekends when I ride downtown I wear my tight jeans, pullover and blinding kicks to hit the clubs.
I really don't give two fooks otherwise.
I think with cycle culture it's like any other sub culture. You get obsessed with details and fitting into a group. Bikers do it with their flaming skullcaps and chaps. Car people do it with their modifications and sound systems.
Why would cyclist be any different?
We all want to belong on some level and keep up with what's going on right now. Some more than others, and some go the other way just to make a point. The bottom line being if you judge somebody on what they wear on their bike, either way, you're a massive D bag.
Last edited by capolover; 05-13-08 at 01:31 PM.
05-13-08, 01:37 PM
#41
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My spandex/lycra will slide in a crash... my work pants won't, they will stick and shread. If I wear work clothes and I lie the bike down/crash I've wrecked some bike bits AND my work clothes. I don't overheat in my 'hero' outfit, like I would in my work clothes. I'd rather not sweat in clothes I'm going to sit in all day. If it's raining I don't want to sit around in wet clothes either. The spandex is simply comfortable to ride in, least to me it is, I can't imagine riding without it. My ass rocks bike shorts according to my wife!!!! 
On occasion as above I'll toss on a hoodie, maybe shants. For the most part though, cycling specific for me, though I certainly wouldn't look down on someone in street clothes on their bikes. Hell as it is my rain gear is worth more than my bike..
On occasion as above I'll toss on a hoodie, maybe shants. For the most part though, cycling specific for me, though I certainly wouldn't look down on someone in street clothes on their bikes. Hell as it is my rain gear is worth more than my bike..
Last edited by TRaffic Jammer; 05-13-08 at 01:40 PM.
05-13-08, 01:40 PM
#42
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To call every one of us who commutes by bicycle a hero is to claim that we are somehow going above the call of duty by commuting by bicycle. The problem with that message is it tells everyone else that it's okay to drive. I would much rather indicate to them that I am a clean, responsible professional who choses to commute by bicycle, hardly different from the many who walk, take public transportation, or carpool.
I avoid cycling-specific clothing because I want to avoid any pretense that I am an athlete. I am not an athlete. To dress like an athlete would send a message that you have to be an athlete to commute by bicycle, which seems counterproductive. I want everyone to think they can do it, the way they do in Europe.
I avoid cycling-specific clothing because I want to avoid any pretense that I am an athlete. I am not an athlete. To dress like an athlete would send a message that you have to be an athlete to commute by bicycle, which seems counterproductive. I want everyone to think they can do it, the way they do in Europe.
There definitely are different cycling cultures that each have their different "uniforms" for lack of a better word, but I don't see spandex as being any better or worse than the other stuff I see. I can't imagine cycling in a skin tight pair of jeans or poofy skirts but people do it all the time.
To me it's also kind of counter productive to try to pretend that cycling is strictly about transportation. Some cyclists are athletes and to me there is nothing wrong with associating cycling with fitness.
Mostly I guess I don't see why it should bother any commuter if some cyclists wear spandex plastered with logos. It's not my thing but it has zero effect on me so why should I care?
As for myself, on my commute I usually wear tri-shorts or tights depending on the weather. I have wicking shirts but wouldn't mind owning a simple jersey cut to keep my lower back covered and some back pockets would be handy. On short bike trips to the store or whatever, I'll wear pair of jeans or shorts.
I don't choose what to wear based on what message I might be sending to the general public about cycling. Besides, it might just be good for the general public to know there are options for keeping them comfortable on a bike in situations where regular clothes don't. The image of cycling as transportation probably wouldn't be improved any if I were to walk into the office everyday wearing a sweat soaked T-shirt and jeans.
Last edited by tjspiel; 05-13-08 at 01:44 PM.
05-13-08, 01:46 PM
#43
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==="The Superhero Look: Actually the looks in and of itself does not bother me. I hardly look cool with my helmet, shirt, shorts and road safety vest."===
So, with that aside, I put up that post just to speak (it's an online forum, nothing formal, no need to have an agenda). Just figured I would put my initial thoughts about the matter up and see what people posted. All in fun.
Chipcom, I don't know who you are, but if you are a former Marine, I think you know exactly what your comment means. To question my actions and intestinal fortitude as a Marine, as a Fellow Marine, based on my quick thoughts concerning Bicycling (of all things) is pretty silly.
05-13-08, 01:51 PM
#44
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Whew... before this post, I was thinking, Wow, I love you guys. A lot of responses that were from vastly different viewpoints. This is what I love about good discussion. Concerning the insecurities, I thought I specifically stated,
==="The Superhero Look: Actually the looks in and of itself does not bother me. I hardly look cool with my helmet, shirt, shorts and road safety vest."===
So, with that aside, I put up that post just to speak (it's an online forum, nothing formal, no need to have an agenda). Just figured I would put my initial thoughts about the matter up and see what people posted. All in fun.
Chipcom, I don't know who you are, but if you are a former Marine, I think you know exactly what your comment means. To question my actions and intestinal fortitude as a Marine, as a Fellow Marine, based on my quick thoughts concerning Bicycling (of all things) is pretty silly.
==="The Superhero Look: Actually the looks in and of itself does not bother me. I hardly look cool with my helmet, shirt, shorts and road safety vest."===
So, with that aside, I put up that post just to speak (it's an online forum, nothing formal, no need to have an agenda). Just figured I would put my initial thoughts about the matter up and see what people posted. All in fun.
Chipcom, I don't know who you are, but if you are a former Marine, I think you know exactly what your comment means. To question my actions and intestinal fortitude as a Marine, as a Fellow Marine, based on my quick thoughts concerning Bicycling (of all things) is pretty silly.
HTFU, jughead.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
05-13-08, 01:52 PM
#45
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They don't, except to the insecure. Yeah, I said it...forgodsakes, people who go on about "superheroes" or "spandex warriors", listen to yourselves, you're looking at what someone else is wearing and thinking that it's somehow a statement about you??? Insecure. If the shoe fits, wear it; if you don't like the way it feels, change yourself.
05-13-08, 01:59 PM
#46
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05-13-08, 02:03 PM
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. Odd thing about becoming a Marine and the years since, is that I've turned into an arrogant sonova*****. Now this has nothing to do with biking, but it does give me a quick temper. I used the term "silly" and I think I ought to be given a cookie for my tact (and people say I don't have any!). Harden the **** Up? Bah, I'll do and say as I please. I won't, however, take insult.
05-13-08, 02:06 PM
#48
Senior Member
Me too! Rides faster than a speeding... tricycle! Lifts grocery-laden panniers with ease! Leaps tall curbs at a single.... OK, two half bunny hops with a foot on the ground and a lot of cursing (for some reason Calgary traffic planners like to put one non-cut-out curb in each intersection. I can only imagine what kind of names they get called by wheelchair users).
And I wear spandex shorts because I earned the legs (etc) to do so
05-13-08, 02:26 PM
#50
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
