What should I wear on my folder?
 

I commute 7 miles each way. Much of it is open road. I find I prefer to wear cycling gear, a bike top and the old lycra leggings. But when Im dressed like that I seem to get more pointing and laughing than usual. So tell me, do I look stupid togged up on a folder? Is that the sad truth? Or is it that the combination of an "athletic" me plus super cool folder are too exciting and these morons are covering their own inadequacy? Any opinions?
I must admit that I will continue to wear what the hell I like, bit I'm curious about what other foldies wear?

What I find so very sad is that we allow others to dictate what we do, see, hear and wear. You have the right to choose what you want to wear, even pink underwear worn on the outside of your pants. I know where you are coming from my friend, but from a good education in the 60's and 70's, if you get my drift, what other people think is of NO concern to me -- as long as its legal and its not causing others any discomfort. As far as what to wear on you folding bike -- wear whatever. You have the right to chose and others have the right to look the other way.

Enjoy you ensemble. :thumb:

Cheers
Wayne

I suggest wearing your favorite superhero costume; preferably something with a cape...but not a long cape since it could get caught in the wheel. Since my Mantis is black, I would go with the Batman costume.

^^^FYI,if you wear a Punisher costume,drivers might not buzz you.:p

I wear road cycling gear . . . including lycra shorts.

Continue to wear what you like and so what if you like an escaped mental patient.

Best thing to wear? A good pair of underwear is not to be underestimated.

Wearing anything other than Permapress® or clothes that fold nicely will subject you to ridicule.

I ride dressed that way and never get points or laughs. Especially not when I am passing.

Since you didn't include a picture we can only surmise, but I for one look WAY more like a clown when riding one of my folders or fat bikes in full Lycra regalia, than when riding a road bike, and am also more likely to get yelled or honked at. The only thing you might want to consider is what if someone were to burst into uncontrollable laughter after seeing you and crash into a child, or worse yet, a group of children; you should always think about the children, particularly the seemingly increasing number of which appear to be afflicted with Coulrophobia.

If you feel self conscious about how you look, conform, comfortable street looking clothing that dries quickly can be changed out of, just have a good saddle interface.

I don't care what others think either. I am awaiting the arrival of my first folder and I plan to wear the same thing I wear when on any of my bikes. American flag or patriotic Skulldana, cargo shorts in either khaki, green or brown, ventilated fishing shirt and hiking boots. I like to be able to walk the trails at any of the nearby parks or stop and fish. I also usually have my fly rod with me as well.

I wear what is appropriate for the kind of riding I'm doing. Work out lycra shorts, jersey, gloves. Coffee run shirt shorts. Commute t shirt, shorts. I live close to work and my work doesn't require showering to preform.

Maybe wear English Leather or..

Brompton World championship race kit is bike shorts and jacket shirt and tie..

Wise words! Im now convinced that Im right and the eejits are just to be pitied. Although Im Scottish, its English Leather and pink undies for me from now on. Lets see them get a laugh out of that!

As a former mental health worker that's a very insenitive remark.
Its not that I don't like a laugh, but this is the sort of casual remarks that hurt a lot of otherwise ordinary people ie one in four.
Come on, more intelligent jokes please.

That's the spirit -- give people a laugh. Why not. Consider it as contributing to the health and well being of your fellow man. You'll be doing them a great favor by lowering their stress levels. :)

Don't wear replica team sponsored road race kit, unless your training ride, shopping trip,pleasure ride, or train connection is subject to contraction obligations!!!

The further you are away from your bike the more ridiculous you look in lycra!!

Personally I wear sweat wicking normal cloths. I have been known to wear airtex and plain lycra, handle downs, victoria secrets..........

I really suspect this is your imagination: people are cool with you riding a clown bike, but suddenly get all worried if you are in lycra? I suspect the difference is you, not them.

Where are you? In London, I don't think you'd get a reaction to a folding bike of any sort, while in Melbourne (for instance) the small wheels and the fold draw the eye no matter what.

Personally, 7 miles is around or just below the threshold of wanting to change when I get to work, but you may pedal faster.

(bhyte, I agree with your point, but it;s not the most egregious offence of that type even this week! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24278768)

I'm with jefmcg here. It's the dinky bike, not the spray-on gear, especially if you are average height or higher, that makes them look and laugh. I wear bike shorts on any bike, and there are definitely more smiles and odd looks come when I'm on the folder. But even I roll around on the floor laughing when the spouse rolls past on his folder. He's just over 6 foot tall, and most of that is leg. Long legs, long person, tiny wheels and spandex is something for the Comedy Network.

Can we have pictures of the leather and pink underwear please?

Goodness me -- I'm sorry here guys, but I have to say that this is getting rather silly :). Why are so many worried about how you are going to appear in other people's eyes? Live YOUR life, not THEIR'S. If one has the courage to ride a dinky bike as its been put, then one has the courage to wear whatever suites their fancy. Anyway, I won't go on about it. As a product of the 60's/70's era I could go on and on about what society dictates etc. Just wear what you want mate and don't worry about what other's think. Like I said -- live YOUR life. I have a red and white Brommie, and at times I'm out riding around in red shorts and a white t-shirt -- and not to mention my red or blue Crocs. Besides, if I have the blue Crocs I'm prepared to say to anyone who comments that I'm feeling a bit patriotic. If I have the red Crocs on I'l tell them I'm from Canada ahhhh! :) (red and white flag for those who don't get it).

Pictures with the leather and pink undies -- oh do post!! :thumb:

8 yard kilt of sheer fabric?

Oh no... smallwheeler is going to take that as a challenge.

They are not pointing and laughing at you, They are laughing at the little circus bike your riding....

Seriously, I consider it VERY GOOD if any drivers focuses on me. Most of the time I think we are almost invisible despite our best efforts.