I wear cycling gear on most days as I ride at least 30 miles most days. I don't when I cycle a few miles to the pub or to go shopping. Yesterday I had a go at downhill MTB so put on my bibs and then a baggy pair of shorts and a tshirt on top. I think wear what you want or what works for you. Riding the bike is more important than what you look like doing it.
Do we sometimes get too hung up on looking like cyclists
- Thread starter sidevalve
- Start date
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summerdays
Cycling in the sun
- Location
- Bristol
I cycle in what I want to wear that day, with quite a few days being leggings, proper cycle gear is more likely in winter or rides over 20 miles.
Julia9054
Guru
- Location
- Knaresborough
I haven't worked out a way of cycling even relatively short distances without turning into a sweaty mess! So I wear sports gear for commuting and change when I get to work and Lycra for longer rides at weekends. Cycling specific clothing is designed to do the job and, although I'll spend money on decent padded shorts, much of the rest of my stuff is second hand from eBay so no more expensive than regular sports wear.
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
I wear the gear because it's most comfortable, appropriate and workable. Ending up looking like a 'cyclist' is simply an unavoidable by product of that, not the goal. I'll no more ponce around in Team Sky gear than I will drive to the shops in Ferrari overalls and helmet.
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jazzkat
Fixed wheel fanatic.
- Location
- The Cumbrian Riviera
I always wear 'proper' cycling gear because all my rides are either out all day or one hour full on training type efforts and Lycra stuff is just the best for that type of ride. I've got a few merino mix jerseys that are quite retro and look great off the bike. I dislike team kits and wouldn't be seen in one.
Hip Priest
Veteran
I occasionally commute in jeans and I always regret it. Heavy, restrictive and uncomfortable.
I wear padded shorts (lycra) but wear a pair of "Funkier" shorts on top..........just so I dont look like a real cyclist 
I never used to wear padded shorts but in my old age.......as I've got back into cycling........I just cant do without them (or my bum can't)
I do believe that the right clothes help i.e. they are designed to do a specific job such as wicking base layer so you dont get overly sweaty & cold etc.
I never used to wear padded shorts but in my old age
.......as I've got back into cycling........I just cant do without them (or my bum can't)I do believe that the right clothes help i.e. they are designed to do a specific job such as wicking base layer so you dont get overly sweaty & cold etc.
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
TBH that's why I don't wear jeans at all. I used to be a fashion scruff bag constantly in joggers, but fashionable cargo trousers have been the saving of me in both cred and comfort.
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I think I know what you mean, and I like wondering about stuff too! As I stood and watched cyclists in London only a couple of weeks ago, it was difficult NOT to notice the amount of full-on roadie kit on display. (I have no problem with that BTW, just an observation).
I reached no conclusion with that thought (there are many things one might conclude) but I did also notice, in amongst the lyra and specs, cyclists in civvies. The blokes in suits on Boris bikes made me smile. I saw bikes as function and not just fashion.
Noise can obscure. It is too easy to see only the kit (maybe there's roleplay too but that's harmless enough) and not see the big picture. People on bikes are OK by me in whatever form they take.
Hill Wimp
Fair weathered,fair minded but easily persuaded.
If i am going out on the road bike it's lycra and a cycle jersey anything else just doesnt feel right.
On the hybrid it's whatever suits the weather conditions and what i'm doing such as now when its shorts and t shirt as i have just cycled to the beach.
On the tourer it's lycra bottoms but whatever on top.
On the hybrid it's whatever suits the weather conditions and what i'm doing such as now when its shorts and t shirt as i have just cycled to the beach.
On the tourer it's lycra bottoms but whatever on top.
It could be that. Or there could be another reason
Noticing and caring are not necessarily the same thing!
Dayvo
just passin' through
- Location
- 59° 50′ 5.55″ N, 10° 47′ 41.89″ E
When I played cricket, I wore cricket clothing.
When I play golf, I wear golf clothing.
It goes without saying that I wear cycling clothing when I cycle - although not the replica wannabee team kits, but lycra and proper clothing for an improper cyclist (i.e. not a serious cyclist).
When I play golf, I wear golf clothing.
It goes without saying that I wear cycling clothing when I cycle - although not the replica wannabee team kits, but lycra and proper clothing for an improper cyclist (i.e. not a serious cyclist).
