Do we sometimes get too hung up on looking like cyclists

[sidevalve]

Does anyone else just get the feeling that maybe we all get too bothered about being 'cyclists' ?
I mean wear the lycra - the padded shorts - the shoes - the specs - the gloves - the helmet [no helmet debate here please just mentioning it]. I remember the days as a lad [ok you had to avoid the dinosaur droppngs back then] when you just jumped on and rode off.
Yeah it's cool to wear the gear when you're off for a long ride but there are days when you just want [or only have time for] a quick wander along the canal / bridleway / lanes / backstreets and getting changed is just a pain and besides that by the time you're ready you've wasted half the time you had anyhow.
Just wondering.

 

[DEFENDER01]

I just jump on and go.

 

[classic33]

Used to cycle in jeans, so never gave any thought to what was being worn.
Now, since fashions changed, work trousers are worn. More room for the legs than a pair of jeans.

 

[fossyant]

Padded shorts are essential. Unless it's a couple of miles to the pub with the kids and missus.

 

[snorri]

I remember the days as a lad when you just jumped on and rode off. Just wondering.

I hadn't realised things had changed, apart from the natural progression to long trousers.

 

[growingvegetables]

Does anyone else just get the feeling that maybe we all get too bothered about being 'cyclists' ?

Not me. Jeans and sneakers. Shorts. Whatever's comfortable.

[But not Lycra. My legs are so bandy, they're Rococo!]

 

[shouldbeinbed]

No lycra here

 

[gbb]

TBF, I only indulged in padded shorts in the last 5 years or so, never bothered before that, quite ok up to 50 miles. That said, padded are better...but not an absolute neccessity.
AND I wear underpants underneath..always. Dunno why, its never occured to me to try commando, never had any discomfort.

 

[gbb]

That said, I do wear modest end cycling gear, jerseys, lycra, helmet etc...but only because its comfortable, not because I care what anyone else thinks.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Padded shorts are essential. Unless it's a couple of miles to the pub with the kids and missus.

I've never worn padded shorts, even when I've done Audaxes or charity rides I've alway ridden unpadded.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I only wear cycle gear for my Sunday rides, my commuting and general riding around is all done in Civies, I remember that my first club rides, in the mid 1980's were done in civies, what ever I was comfortable in, its only in the last 5-10 years that I've started to use cycle specific clothing.

 

[Mrs M]

I wear tracky bottoms but proper jerseys, jackets and shoes and gloves.
(No need for padded shorts in my case)

 

[DEFENDER01]

Steel toe cap boots are good adds a bit more weight to push the pedals down.

 

[tyred]

60 miles completed today in normal shorts and T-shirt. No padding, don't feel any need. Thank you Mr Brooks for making a saddle that works!

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Steel toe cap boots are good adds a bit more weight to push the pedals down.

They are great on a fixed, get the cadence over 90, I use them with clips and straps, and there's a definite flywheel effect.