my58vw

Just a couple of questions.

What are you opinions on bike aperial? When are they acceptale to wear. Do you guys wear them commuting, long riding, mountian biking etc? What are peoples opinions when they see you in that attire? Thanks

LordOpie

Let's stick with lycra shorts, cuz that the most extreme apparel, right?

I'm guessing you don't currently wear such apparel? If you're like me, here's the progression:

1. Yeah, not ever, just too strange and goofy. Besides, I'm a bit overweight and only skinny people should wear tight clothing.
2. (long road ride) Okay, well, darn I *have* to wear 'em for road cycling cuz it's too uncomfortable, painful otherwise.
3. (mtb) Eh, lycra is more comfortable than baggy and I'm in the woods, so what the heck.
4. (commuting, which I do once a week) Maybe I'll wear baggy shorts over 'em, it's only 10 miles. Eh, screw it, lycra. (Tho I do bring baggy in my backpack and put them on before entering the office building)
5. (stopping at convenience store) People are looking at me, so I'll put baggies on over 'em.
6. (store, these days) I'm only going in for a minute, people can just deal... no baggies.


The right tool for the right job, huh?

Just skip the transition steps and jump into some bibs

operator

I'd wear my jersey and shorts if I had some.My commute ~ 30km. Shirts get soaked. I'd probably have a pair of baggier pants to put on when I reach my destination for the shorts. Otherwise you get everyone staring at you.

bpohl

I wear my lycra as much as I can. Then again, I've waited my entire life to have the kind of physique that would allow me to wear lycra and not get embarrassed. Heck, I've met my fiancee on my way home from commuting, thrown the bike on bike rack on teh car, then went grocery shopping in bibs and jersey. Don't worry about it!

my58vw

Exactly what you said, just wondering what kind of reactions that everyone gives on this.

bpohl

heh. I don't know. I don't take much notice. Really, I doubt that people really pay any attention. It's not much different than runners going into stores wearing skimpy shorts. I guess some people may stare, but I don't really notice.

LordOpie

now THAT is just wrong There's no chance of my boys dropping out of my lycra

cyclezealot

When on a recreational ride, I always wear bike shorts/jerseys..I ride long miles..Would be crazy not to...My work commute.26 miles..If not wear bike shorts, my rear would be bloodied...When I get to work, I put a pair of soccer shorts over my bike gear, as I enter the plants gates...
The only thing my work partners don't understand, I think, shaving legs..I hear them make fun of that..Think it efeminate.
I don't do such . Try to defend those that do..They remain unconvinced. So much for coping with non cyclists..I go into a quick convenience store,I do not worry about putting on a second layer of soccer shorts..If i spend long periods of time grocery shopping while going home on my touring bike- I do.

Dark Arrow

When commuting (I only have a 4 mile trip) I just wear my work casuals.
Daily road ride 15 to 20 miles I wear the whole getup. Underwear socks shorts jersey ect.
On the weekends my daughter and I have a routine wear we ride 10 mile round trip with a stop at McDonalds for lunch and then a toy store for her to play Yu Gui Oh Cards. (She is 10) we both wear shorts and jerseys. I sometimes slip on a Tshirt (keeps the salad dressing from getting on my jerseys lol) . I had comments like it's so good for me to ride with my daughter like this and you guys must be in some good health and the like but I've not noticed any strange looks. But then again I wouldn't care if they were there anyway. I'd look more stupid riding a $2500 bike with jean shorts and a Tshirt.
hahaha

Chris

bnet1

Ah, yes! One of the beauties of the 'bent! Just wear whatever is comfy and no worries! Poly shorts/shirts are great. 'bent jerseys are available if you want/need one. If it is a bit cool throw on some unpadded lycra shorts underneath your polys. It is really nice to throw something on and ride.

'bent Brian

shokhead

I wear by cycling cloths when i ride. Dont give a sh$t what reactions i get.

larue

Bibs and cycling jerseys are the most comfortable thing to wear while biking so that is what I wear. These things are made specifically for bikers so there is a need for them. If you think that the ad covered jerseys are silly plenty of companies make solid color versions and such. Descente and Campagnolo are two of my personal favorites.

Lufty

I wear cycle shorts/unders/jerseys when training, street shorts if I'm riding to the pub or something...I don't really care if someone thinks I look stupid in lycra...the GF and the neighbours GF love the stuff on me

Side note: Anyone know a maker of NON-BIB mens knickers? W or W/O chamois? I've been searching for ever and can't find any for cycling.

twahl

I wear my shorts whenever I get on the bike, unless maybe it's a quick trip to the bank or something that's going to be less than a couple of miles round trip. More often than not, I'm in a T-shirt, but hey, on a comfort bike I'm not really gaining all that much from wearing a jersey. On a long ride I have the jersey for the wicking benefit. As far as acceptability...I've never paid any attention to how people look at me in biking attire or anything else. Nobody has ever said anything and I've never noticed any rude looks or people seeming to treat me rudely while wearing the proper clothing.

My comfort an health are what dictates that I wear at least the shorts, and since how people think of me while I wear them has no effect on my comfort or health, I've never really even considered it.

my58vw

Thanks for the input. I asked this question because I was considering weather or not to wear bike shorts under my bike officer shorts or not to see if they will help. I am always seeming to get the back of the shorts caught up on the seat when I dismount.

Thanks All

SteveE

1. I like it, 'cuz it's comfy.
2. Whenever you're out riding the bike. However, black shorts are not acceptable formal attire.
3. Yes
4. Don't know. Haven't asked. Don't care.

You're welcome