joejack951

For reals. My team car and doctor that follow me on every ride are getting SO expensive. And that damn domestique I hired better get his ass in shape if he wants to keep his job.

bulldog1935

in any other activity, duplicating the image of a pro would be considered a poser





But it's so pervasive in cycling, that even non-cyclists use apparel as a measure of who is a serious cyclist and who isn't.
It's actually the one thing that separates us all - it doesn't have to.
Getting sized up in the once over when you pass.
If you don't dress like me, you can't be serious? horse hockey

I met a guy on a greenway ride last week who could have passed for the eastbound guy on the Pinarello.
We had a great time. Recently moved here from the east, he only rides for exercise, and does not ride roads - only greenways.
We were on a 13-mi one-way path. I told him how to connect two other paths to get 25-mi one way, and he was appreciative.
To me, it's the guys who won't talk to you because of the way you dress who are the posers.

MRT2

And yet, in forums like these, there is an opposite tendency to go the opposite direction, avoiding cycling specific gear to make some point about standing apart from the gullible hoards taken in by the cycling marketing machine.

I am all for people doing what they want, and when it comes to footwear, I am not going to tell anyone who wants to wear basketball shoes that he can't do it, though I will say there are better choices whether or not you want to go with clipless.

The gear serves a couple of purposes.

- One is function. Lycra/spandex shorts are simply more comfortable for most people cycling over a period of time. Same with technical jerseys with front zippers and back pockets. The technical fabric is more comfortable when riding in the heat, snug fit to avoid flapping in the wind, back pockets to store food, phone, id, money, and tools. And clipless pedals/shoes to keep the feet securely on the pedals in the optimal position, and shoes with stiff soles for efficient pedaling. Or alternately, platform pedals with pins and shoes with stiff and grippy soles, which many downhill mountain bikers prefer.

- A second is tribal. Wearing cycling specific gear identifies you as part of a cycling tribe, just as riding a bike while wearing old school gear, or no gear identifies you as a member of a tribe who rides but refuses to wear cycling specific clothes, or who just doesn't care.

- A third applies to those to wear matching team kit. This could mean either that person competes as part of a team, or that person is a fan of a particular team. While some might call the latter posers, I am more charitable. I see an awful lot of overweight middle aged men, and some women wearing pro football jerseys though most have never suited up for a game ever.

bulldog1935

all my cycling gear is cycling specific, with the exception of Merrell running shoes matched with long and wide spiked platform pedals (certainly cycling specific).
Though I find myself wearing my MUSA shorts and pants for lounging all summer and winter - the knickers only get worn on the bike (though I guess if I wanted to do a pirate thing).

For whatever reason you called me out, it doesn't match the rest of your post - that's called non-sequitur.

Leebo

So wait, when I tour with my keen sandals I'm not actually touring? Who knew? No matching kit? Throw him under the bus. Anyone on a bike, by definition is a cyclist. As opposed to a runner, hiker, driver. Efficient? Maybe one likes to be comfortable. Not race and enjoy ones self at a relaxed pace. Egads. Lets see, I have pedaled in bare feet, high tops( Converse Allstars), flip flops, sandals, boots, them damn toe running things, winter boots and dress shoes once. Mt bike clippy things for dirt pedaling too. Hoser.

fietsbob

I see David Tennant's Dr Who, wearing High top 'Chuck Taylors'.. todays episode they were Red.

Maxacceleration

I'm running a 1947 TdF kit, and in nickers too! Retro gear is fun, and kinda anti cyclist.
But I'm clicked in and putting out a pace.
I have seen a couple of homeless dudes pedaling around with bassetball shoes. But they wore Nikes.



As for the argument of pulling up with clipless, that is my secret weapon with a couple of my friends on hills.
As soon as I'm fatigued 'pushing down', I concentrate on pulling up. Its like a second wind for me.

I deserved the attack here guys , but it was really tongue in cheek. ...I know it takes all kinds.
But alas, I am not pc. Somebody brags up their cheap b ball shoes on a bicycle forum, I'm gonna rib him. Lol

zze86

I ride regularly in work boots.

Leebo

Nice outfit. 1947? Wouldn't that come with one of those steel can holders on the handlebars filled with red wine? And some no filter cigarettes? All good.

shelbyfv

BB for BB, cycling for cycling. I know, novel idea, right?