Bah Humbug

In other fun "camo as workout wear" info, the zig-zagging black and white stripes on a lot of workout wear (and some Giro helmets) comes from WW1-WW2 ship camo. It didn't really work, but also looked cool. I doubt the people who wear it care about anything but the fact that it looks cool.

memebag

If camo worked on the bike it would kill you.

Spoonrobot 

I don't have any, mainly because I couldn't find any in colors I liked, but I do like the patterns I've seen. It's just a twist on what is popular now. There's been a major war on for a couple decades (for US residents) and the churn of young people in/out of the military has had an impact on what's "cool." I mean MOLLE backpacks are available in the camping aisle at Walmart for some reason and it bleeds into other industry as well. So camo is in, bright contrast is in so put them together and it's fashionable, sometimes. You didn't post any examples so I'm not entirely sure what you're referring to but I do like the patterns below:

wiggle.com | Alé Graphics PRR Camo Jersey | Short Sleeve Jerseys

I almost bought this a couple times but the full kit is ridiculously expensive for something I would wear 5-10 times a year. Also, this isn't "camo" but for some places I ride would blend right in, I like it but probably won't buy for the same reasons as above.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm0WxlcB...-by=toecutters

But anyway I'm not convinced visibility for most recreational cyclists is an issue as much as it is a red herring continuation of the "I didn't see him/he swerved right into my path" lie that motorists tell to reduce their culpability in car/bike collisions. As such I don't put much stock into being visible due to my attire so having camo kit making me more or less visible isn't an issue. I also just wear cotton t-shirts most times so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Also, I feel like I might have seen the bullet wheel bike guy before but I can't recall.

TimothyH

Half the people replying to this thread don't understand the term "disruptor" camo.

It is a design which mimics traditional camouflage patterns but incorporates bright colors. Whereas the intent of traditional camouflage is to decrease conspicuity, the intent of "disruptor" camo is to increase conspicuity, to make one more visible, not less. At least that is the claim.


This is a very lucid and well thought out reply.

The constant state of war is something I've not considered. There are many combat vets out there. Support for the troops, especially by family members, is something I've not considered. I'm sure some see it as thumbing their nose at the government and/or military as well. It makes perfect sense and puts the fashion trend in perspective. Your thoughts are very provocative. I mean that in a good way. Thank you for typing this out.

The LeCol jersey posted above is one of the better examples and I've seen the Ale products. They actually make more sense to me now.


-Tim-

jamesdak 

WHAT??!!! I need this for the days I ride this!

memebag

No. See Disruptive Coloration aka Disruptive Camouflage. Disruptive camouflage is still camouflage. Camouflage, by definition, hides things. It doesn't make them less hidden.

LesterOfPuppets

Someone needs to make some bar tape, so I can match this saddle.

Bah Humbug

That's awesome! The best way would probably involve the double-overlap technique I've seen somewhere to show multiple colors at once, and do that differently per side.

TimothyH

Thanks. I read that article. That's how the term was used 100 years ago. Some of it is quite effective at masking shape of and distance to a target.

I'm talking about contemporary claims specific to clothing manufacturers that brightly colored camouflage disrupts the background and makes one more visible.

My contention is that this is mostly marketing bull designed to impute greater practical benefit than actually exists.


-Tim-

redlude97

Can you quote this marketing? I've never seen it before

Maelochs

Link?

memebag

That's how the term is used this year, too.

I suggest avoiding such marketing. Perhaps an ad blocker would help. Anyone who says camouflage will make one more visible should be ignored.

TimothyH

Well, LeCol makes the claim for the orange jersey pictured earlier in the thread...


I'm going for a ride in my superbly performing and extremely tasteful Rapha Pro Team Midweight jers ey and Classic Bibshorts II so we'll have to put a bookmark in it and resume the argument later. In the mean time, keep in mind Fournell's Theorem which says, "To look good is already to go fast."


-Tim-

memebag

They call that a "distinctive anti-camo design".

bobwysiwyg

I believe it was called dazzle camouflage, or "razzle dazzle"

Bah Humbug

"Razzle dazzle" in the US and just "dazzle" elsewhere, yes. Even the Giro Vanquish colorway is called "dazzle".



I have no idea what Lululemon called it.

wipekitty

I know nothing about disruptive camo, but do enjoy some of the camo kits from Alé!

Camo happens to be high fashion in western Wisconsin. Seriously, Sunday best is camo pants, a Packers hoodie, and a Realtree camo hat. Women sometimes wear pink camo. Hunting season brings orange camo (since real camo cannot be worn for actual hunting.)

So...camo kit with high-viz elements seems like a good fit for rural riding.

mstateglfr 

from the link you provided...
The Jersey comes in our new bright and bold 'hot summer' colours including our distinctive anti-camo designs, a play on the current trend of camo design, but with a purpose to disrupt the background and increase rider visibility.

I would be shocked if anyone cares to know what you are going to wear to ride. It's a bib and short...as long as it doesn't somehow fall apart or chemically burn you while riding, its performed properly.

who is Fournell and why is he trying too hard with appearance?

Sy Reene

With a matching helmet..

*

Seattle Forrest

I've never seen (or at least never noticed) anybody riding in a camo kit. I've seen a lot of people wearing the stuff in other venus, including in the grocery store, once I get out of Seattle.

Cyclist0108

See, it really does work!

Or else you need to hang with the militia crowd more often.

datlas 

redlude97

that doesn't say what you think it says

downhillmaster

Maelochs

@TimothyH---one benefit of starting your own line of bike-related clothing and accessories is that you get to hire and photograph hot models.

Go plan your new business!

(And quit posting these lame threads.)