Overcoming fear of lycra

[RyanB98]

Ive just bought a new jersey and shorts for my rides. They're comfortable and fit well. When im on my bike, I feel fine, no worries at all. Its the short distance I have to walk from my front door to the road about 6 metres in front of my house. This wouldnt be a problem if I lived on a small sideroad, but I live on the largest and busiest street in the area, and so many people stare . Something so silly I know. Anyone else have this problem?

 

[slowmotion]

I was advised to stuff a pair of hiking socks down there to "add presence". Eventually, I came to terms with my tiny penis.

 

[mjr]

Nope. I ride in regular clothes. Lycra sands holes in me. Not that keen on the lost swimmer look either TBH

 

[screenman]

As you yourself say, something silly.

 

[Glasgow44]

I've come to the conclusion that Lycra (and being a man, I can only speak for men) only looks good if you have a six pack and/or you're packing 9 inches - neither of these apply to me but I don't care. I like my bike (all 3 of them) and if folk want to stare at my non toned abdomen and non 9 inches lunchbox, well let them!

 

[screenman]

Cycling was designed for lycra.

 

[mjr]

I've come to the conclusion that Lycra (and being a man, I can only speak for men) only looks good if you have a six pack and/or you're packing 9 inches - neither of these apply to me but I don't care. I like my bike (all 3 of them) and if folk want to stare at my non toned abdomen and non 9 inches lunchbox, well let them!

If you are packing, people just stare and wonder whether it's socks! I don't walk into cafes in my vest and undershorts and that's basically all most Lycra is. Unless one's racing or training to race, there's no excuse for skimpy Lycra on men. You're like those people going shopping in a bikini or budgie smugglers.

 

[biggs682]

Normal clothes for me with the exception of loose fitting cycling tops and shoes

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

Real men not only wear lycra but shave their legs too.

 

[bpsmith]

I think it's all in your head. I thought the same, when I first got into cycling.

The reality is that people look at you, whether in Lycra or just normal clothes.

Nobody bats an eyelid around here, aside from checking out what bike you have.

 

[gavroche]

Lycra is the uniform for cycling so I think most people accept that and expect cyclist to wear lycra. It doesn't bother me at all.

 

[hoopdriver]

I took the plunge, in my fifties, and bought some Lycra bib shorts and was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was/they were. And while I felt a bit self conscious wearing it, I did use it for a year or two and grew accustomed to it. But I never really connected with my inner MAMIL and found myself drifting back more and more to my old touring shorts (and new ones I bought) I have since given away my Lycra. It was a worthwhile experiment. I can understand why it is popular, but it just isn't me.

 

[Venod]

Is this fear of wearing Lycra a new cyclist thing ? I have been cycling a long time and Lycra has always been worn, its comfortable doesn't flap in the wind, its perfect for cycling, I have some tougher MTB shorts, but its very rare I wear them on the MTB, I prefer the Lycra, it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks its you who is enjoying your cycling and your not alone there are thousands out there (all shapes and sizes) enjoying the comfort of Lycra every day.

Never shave my legs.

 

[Jimidh]

If you are packing, people just stare and wonder whether it's socks! I don't walk into cafes in my vest and undershorts and that's basically all most Lycra is. Unless one's racing or training to race, there's no excuse for skimpy Lycra on men. You're like those people going shopping in a bikini or budgie smugglers.

My legs were made for Lycra ( and a kilt - although not at the same time) shame to hide them from the ladies.

 

[Bollo]

I don't walk into cafes in my vest and undershorts

You don't? You should try it, it's awesome!