how much difference does lycra actually make?

[Toby_2009]

So, does lycra actually make much difference or is it just that cyclists like to wear what look right?

Cheers,

Toby

 

[Dave5N]

The right clothes for the job.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

brainiac once did a test whereby a lycra clad bloke on a scooter raced someone (richard hammond) in normal clothes.

the aerodynamic lycra won the day.

 

[dodgy]

brainiac once did a test whereby a lycra clad bloke on a scooter raced someone (richard hammond) in normal clothes.

the aerodynamic lycra won the day.

I can see a flaw in that test...

 

[John the Monkey]

The big plus is that your clothes aren't flapping around like some kind of sail once you get to a decent speed. Lycra gear also tends to wick sweat away from the body more effectively, so you'll be more comfortable.

Horses for courses really - I wouldn't ride more than 5 or 6 miles without proper kit, but if you didn't mind pottering a bit, or don't get sweaty, normal clothes would probably be fine.

Dave Moulton has a good article on this here;
http://davesbikeblog.squarespace.com/blog/2008/4/25/what-to-wear.html

 

[alecstilleyedye]

I can see a flaw in that test...

yes, i should clarify that they were both on a little motorised micro scooter, at full throttle.

 

[jimboalee]

I rode a 100km once wearing a loose jacket. Bloody hell it was like towing a parachute.
Close fitting clothing - "be slippery".

 

[Greenbank]

So, does lycra actually make much difference or is it just that cyclists like to wear what look right?

It makes a big difference in comfort. I don't wear it for looks.

It dries quickly if it gets wet (try riding in soaking heavy jeans or cotton trousers) and is much lighter when wet.

It wicks away sweat from your body, better for keeping you cool on a hot day than other fabrics.

 

[ChrisKH]

I could show you my chaffed bits from using shorts, as opposed to lycra, if you so wish.

In fact I'll probably do it if you request it or not.

 

[Globalti]

Blimey, that Dave Moulton article - it wasn't long ago, certainly the early 80s, when we were still buying Army surplus trousers and turning them into knee britches for mountineering, stitching the leg material onto the bum for reinforcement. How times change.

 

[Flyingfox]

I could show you my chaffed bits from using shorts, as opposed to lycra, if you so wish.

In fact I'll probably do it if you request it or not.

Too much information and just wrong

 

[ChrisKH]

Too much information and just wrong

Please see my member title. I'm obligated.

 

[ed_o_brain]

Lycra next to the skin is good for keeping comfortable in a wider temperature range. It's also easy to layer up or down as it stows away easily. It chafes a lot less.

It washes and dries quickly.

I do tend to reserve it for my longer rides tho.

 

[rob7222]

I do it for the ladies...

 

[MajorMantra]

It makes a big difference in comfort. I don't wear it for looks.

It dries quickly if it gets wet (try riding in soaking heavy jeans or cotton trousers) and is much lighter when wet.

It wicks away sweat from your body, better for keeping you cool on a hot day than other fabrics.

+1. More comfortable, greater freedom of movement, fast drying. Also, you can admire your quads as you ride.

Matthew