Retro Grouch 

Hair too, at least in my case.

Wileyrat

Back in the 80's-90's I wore touring shorts, and they worked very well for what most riders do. I just don't see them anymore.

Bustergut

Do you mean wear lycra?
If so then no wouldn't be seen dead in that stuff it'd make me look awful.

Gerryattrick

The problem with lycra cycling kit is, for a man, once you get a beer gut, love handles, moobs etc, then to a non-cyclist, there is something faintly ridiculous about the look, especially when accompanied by clip-clopping around in cycling shoes.

There is nothing we can do about it just laugh along with it and suck it up. It's not important.

We know how much better it makes us feel on a bike and that's all that matters.

Wildwood 

Does your wife ever exercise? Swimming, yoga, gym, runner/serious walker?
Maybe just a critic.

NOLA? You are in the South. Tell her to wear a bikini next visit to the beach.

tcs

If you're 50+ and still care what people think, you're not doing it right.

cycling attire.jpg

rumrunn6

wish my wife laughed at me, that might mean she knew I was there or heard what I said

jimincalif

This.

wphamilton

I'm more likely to be laughing at it than my wife. She thinks that the middle aged women are ogling my body - I know better, but I don't much care how silly it looks.

cccorlew

Only when, as I'm getting suited up, I put my knee warmers on first. I do look pretty silly. No photo to post. You're welcome.

Wildwood 

The truth is..... maybe she wants you to shave those legs to match the true cyclists image. You can be forgiven only until the Spring season begins.

John_V 

My wife also rides so we kind of chuckle at each other in our cycling gear.

scott967

My wife buys all my kit (doesn't have to think too much about birthday/Christmas ideas) so if she doesn't like it, it's her fault.

scott s.
.

dmanthree

I'm a 63 year old man who routinely goes out in skin tight spandex. I rode past give a s**t a long time ago.

rob214

funny stuff guys, oh I really don't care what she thinks of me because I feel I look better than most 55 year olds anyway. she doesn't intend it to be mean or offend me but thinks it's funny that I wear that stuff, and really I like wearing lycra now it's really comfy. I can now see why woman wear yoga pants, comfy

Carbonfiberboy 

My wife's fave is leg warmers and HR monitor strap. I get that.

And no, she doesn't laugh. Smiles, says I look pretty good. I should lose 5 lbs. though she doesn't say that, I say that. Get with the program, guys. It's not a joking matter.

GadgetGirlIL

I think my husband is amused by the number of layers that I have to put on to stay warm when riding in 20 degree temperatures. But he is incredibly supportive of all my outdoor activities. And if he ever thought bike helmets looked silly ("bowling ball") that ended when he had to drive me to the ER when I wiped out on a bike ride and had a concussion with 6 hours of memory loss. It was in early February and we had a freak warm up. I probably hit a patch of ice. I was wearing my helmet and I hit hard enough to crack it as well as bruise my ribs. I have no memory of the crash (my electronics recorded the ride!) but I picked myself back up, finished the loop, put the bike in the car, and then handed my cellphone to someone in the parking lot to call him as I knew I couldn't drive myself home.

ksryder

Right -- I'm actually taken aback at the idea that there's wives who don't.

rydabent

Since a regular T-shirt and rugby shorts are my summer attire, she doesnt know if im riding or not.

Bob Ross

^^^This. 9 times out of 10 when I'm getting dressed for a bike ride my wife is also.

Rick@OCRR

Very similar here: My wife is an active roadie cyclist (she's the one that got me started riding double centuries!) so I would also ask, rhetorically: Why would either of us laugh?

Rick / OCRR

caloso

9 times out of 10, it's dark and she's still asleep when I head out. She probably would if she could see me.

canklecat

Check out Zoic and Pearl Izumi for mountain biking baggy shorts with detachable padded liner shorts.

Pearl Izumi still makes their excellent Canyon shorts with detachable padded liner shorts. Retail price is high but there are good sale prices (I don't see Zoic shorts discounted as often). I snagged a pair of the plaid Canyon shorts with detachable padded liner in 2016 for $30 via Amazon. The nearby Pearl Izumi outlet store occasionally discounts old stock PI shorts. Best made shorts I've ever had, and don't look bikey at all. No weird bits of trim or slashes of Lycra or Spandex.

I don't wear the padded liner shorts, though. Just Champion boxer/brief underwear. Padded shorts are redundant with my bikes' saddles, both of which use Lycra fabric stretched across just enough firm foam to be comfortable for long rides. I might change my mind if I ever get a firmer saddle.

RonH

No. She supports me 120% but says she doesn't see the need for all the cycling stuff. She says if she was a cyclist she'd wear regular shorts, jeans, t-shirt, sneakers, etc.

Biker395 

She thinks I look silly in them. But she's smart enough to keep the criticism at a low simmer, cuz she knows other women disagree.

I have to admit ... I thought we all looked pretty silly too ... I think it's an acquired taste.