40 year old men who ride bikes... in packs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: are there bike jerseys that don't have the logos all over them, or that do not resemble Tour de France attire? I can see why wearing a jersey would be more comfortable for cyclists since it's designed for that particular activity. And most spandex bike shorts are padded which seems to serve a purpose. Are PPs expecting cyclists to wear a t-shirt and baggy gym shorts?

It's not unlike how distance runners dress. If you're going to be running for 2 hours, you want to wear clothes that don't chafe and wick moisture and are designed for what you're doing. If you are a serious swimmer, you're not going to wear a suit that creates a log of drag. That doesn't mean you consider yourself to be the next Michael Phelps.

Criticizing cyclists for how they use the road is one thing but I honestly don't understand the criticism over their attire.

Triathlete here (so I'm a cyclist AND a runner...and a swimmer...)

But there was a similar thread here about a year ago where a poster was claiming that YES, people should ride bikes in "sweat shorts" and that she did, all the time, with no problems.

As far as not having logos all over them--I know a lot of cyclists choose their clothing for visibility. Anything that gets you seen/noticed helps with safety. Apparently they are choosing well since you all are noticing.

FWIW, my favorite cycling kits come from https://www.cycologyclothing.com/?gclid=CObXg4_sodMCFVmBswodSpEE7A (I am DROOLING over the new "Medusa" kit)
and https://www.vanderkitten.com/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wtf. I get that I already don't like you because I'm a runner and you're a biker. It's like the Sharks and the Jets. Like Snowboarders versus Skiers.

But what I don't get is why y'all dress like Lance f'in Armstrong wearing a tight onesie with 18 brand logos. Note to self: you're not sponsored by Gatorade and no one at Starbucks wants to see your banana hammock in that Richard Simmons unitard that you think looks cool on your dad bod. It doesn't. Also, why the need to exercise in packs. Are you a wolf?

-Disgruntled Runner

I don't wear lycra every time I ride, but I have worn it enough to know how functional it is. A. Its made of wicking fabric. B. Its more aerodynamic C. The pants are more comfortable.

So I don't really care what you think of what it looks like.

Also while I often ride without a group its fun to ride with friends. Also its functional - the lead rider reduces wind resistance for following riders, and riders in a paceline will take turns leading.

This tells everyone you don't get it, PP. What do you need to shave .4 seconds off your time for that gold medal at the finish line? What's the gold this week -- first dibs on the vanilla latte at starbucks?

[Anonymous]

I've gotten tired of getting into the fights about bikes and rules of the road. Short version is everyone - walkers, runners, cyclists, drivers should be more considerate.

As for the clothing.
1. PPs have noted, bike shorts have extra padding. Trust me, if you ride for 30, 40, or 100mi, chafing sucks and that extra padding sucks. They don't look good on me, but they are necessary parts of riding. This is different than someone riding an upright bike as their transportation. Neighbors I know who commute by bike, do wear bike shorts btw.

2. Yes, jerseys can be totally plain. Most of mine are. Those with logs are likely a few different things. One is people who are on racing teams so it's their team jersey. Two are people who have them for fun or as a memento. Do you ever wear or Marine Corps Marathon or Cherry Blossom Ten Miler shirt to run in? Or your Virginia is for Runners shirt? Same thing. DH has a jersey with his college logo. He also has one with the logo of the Ironman race he completed. By contrast, almost all of my cycling jerseys are plain but brightly colored to be visible, mostly bright pinks or yellows.

3. No, I have no illusions that I look good in my cycling gear, but I wear it for specific reasons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: are there bike jerseys that don't have the logos all over them, or that do not resemble Tour de France attire? I can see why wearing a jersey would be more comfortable for cyclists since it's designed for that particular activity. And most spandex bike shorts are padded which seems to serve a purpose. Are PPs expecting cyclists to wear a t-shirt and baggy gym shorts?

It's not unlike how distance runners dress. If you're going to be running for 2 hours, you want to wear clothes that don't chafe and wick moisture and are designed for what you're doing. If you are a serious swimmer, you're not going to wear a suit that creates a log of drag. That doesn't mean you consider yourself to be the next Michael Phelps.

Criticizing cyclists for how they use the road is one thing but I honestly don't understand the criticism over their attire.

Seriously, making fun of cyclists' clothing seems pretty red-necky to me (ride out near Poolesville on an unlucky day when a pick up driver yells out the window and you'll know what I mean). One would think that people in the DC area would be used to seeing cyclists (and their attire) just like residents of any major city in the Western world. Interesting cycling jerseys are functional and fun and no one is asking the rest of you to wear one. Grow up.

Case in point!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wtf. I get that I already don't like you because I'm a runner and you're a biker. It's like the Sharks and the Jets. Like Snowboarders versus Skiers.

But what I don't get is why y'all dress like Lance f'in Armstrong wearing a tight onesie with 18 brand logos. Note to self: you're not sponsored by Gatorade and no one at Starbucks wants to see your banana hammock in that Richard Simmons unitard that you think looks cool on your dad bod. It doesn't. Also, why the need to exercise in packs. Are you a wolf?

-Disgruntled Runner

I don't wear lycra every time I ride, but I have worn it enough to know how functional it is. A. Its made of wicking fabric. B. Its more aerodynamic C. The pants are more comfortable.

So I don't really care what you think of what it looks like.

Also while I often ride without a group its fun to ride with friends. Also its functional - the lead rider reduces wind resistance for following riders, and riders in a paceline will take turns leading.

This tells everyone you don't get it, PP. What do you need to shave .4 seconds off your time for that gold medal at the finish line? What's the gold this week -- first dibs on the vanilla latte at starbucks?

I wear mine for comfort - at my speed aerodynamic effect is trivial (other than on days with a very high headwind). But for some people it matters - they want to get where they are going faster - they want to ride more comfortably in traffic by going faster and thus delaying cars less - or yeah, they want to train for races, or just go fast. Its actually fun to go fast on a bike, you might want to try it some time.

AFAICT many runners seem to prefer going fast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: are there bike jerseys that don't have the logos all over them, or that do not resemble Tour de France attire? I can see why wearing a jersey would be more comfortable for cyclists since it's designed for that particular activity. And most spandex bike shorts are padded which seems to serve a purpose. Are PPs expecting cyclists to wear a t-shirt and baggy gym shorts?

It's not unlike how distance runners dress. If you're going to be running for 2 hours, you want to wear clothes that don't chafe and wick moisture and are designed for what you're doing. If you are a serious swimmer, you're not going to wear a suit that creates a log of drag. That doesn't mean you consider yourself to be the next Michael Phelps.

Criticizing cyclists for how they use the road is one thing but I honestly don't understand the criticism over their attire.

Seriously, making fun of cyclists' clothing seems pretty red-necky to me (ride out near Poolesville on an unlucky day when a pick up driver yells out the window and you'll know what I mean). One would think that people in the DC area would be used to seeing cyclists (and their attire) just like residents of any major city in the Western world. Interesting cycling jerseys are functional and fun and no one is asking the rest of you to wear one. Grow up.

I agree. And I'm a runner too. I'm sure plenty of people think you look just as ridiculous with your iPhone armband, belt with 5 gels and 4 water bottles, sunglasses, running skirt, compression socks, etc. Get over it.

I'm the PP who asked the question. I agree that it's silly to take issue with what cyclists wear. I don't see anything wrong with it, and I was asking the question to try and understand why so many PPs were criticizing their jerseys. I thought perhaps there were other options out there that PPs expected the cyclists to wear. I'm a runner, too, and I don't care what people think of me when I'm out on a long training run. I probably do look silly, but oh well. I'm running for hours so I need to be comfortable. I just surprised me that so many people seem to have a problem with what cyclists wear!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wtf. I get that I already don't like you because I'm a runner and you're a biker. It's like the Sharks and the Jets. Like Snowboarders versus Skiers.

But what I don't get is why y'all dress like Lance f'in Armstrong wearing a tight onesie with 18 brand logos. Note to self: you're not sponsored by Gatorade and no one at Starbucks wants to see your banana hammock in that Richard Simmons unitard that you think looks cool on your dad bod. It doesn't. Also, why the need to exercise in packs. Are you a wolf?

-Disgruntled Runner

I don't wear lycra every time I ride, but I have worn it enough to know how functional it is. A. Its made of wicking fabric. B. Its more aerodynamic C. The pants are more comfortable.

So I don't really care what you think of what it looks like.

Also while I often ride without a group its fun to ride with friends. Also its functional - the lead rider reduces wind resistance for following riders, and riders in a paceline will take turns leading.

This tells everyone you don't get it, PP. What do you need to shave .4 seconds off your time for that gold medal at the finish line? What's the gold this week -- first dibs on the vanilla latte at starbucks?

This last poster is an a-hole. What, you don't have any hobbies that you take seriously and enjoy doing as well as you can? I think the PP "get's it" just fine. He's doing something he enjoys, while you come across as just bitter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wtf. I get that I already don't like you because I'm a runner and you're a biker. It's like the Sharks and the Jets. Like Snowboarders versus Skiers.

But what I don't get is why y'all dress like Lance f'in Armstrong wearing a tight onesie with 18 brand logos. Note to self: you're not sponsored by Gatorade and no one at Starbucks wants to see your banana hammock in that Richard Simmons unitard that you think looks cool on your dad bod. It doesn't. Also, why the need to exercise in packs. Are you a wolf?

-Disgruntled Runner

I don't wear lycra every time I ride, but I have worn it enough to know how functional it is. A. Its made of wicking fabric. B. Its more aerodynamic C. The pants are more comfortable.

So I don't really care what you think of what it looks like.

Also while I often ride without a group its fun to ride with friends. Also its functional - the lead rider reduces wind resistance for following riders, and riders in a paceline will take turns leading.

I don't take myself so seriously. Larlo Armstrong Dad of 2 Federal Employee thinks he's coming up on a medal in Paris.

This tells everyone you don't get it, PP. What do you need to shave .4 seconds off your time for that gold medal at the finish line? What's the gold this week -- first dibs on the vanilla latte at starbucks?

This last poster is an a-hole. What, you don't have any hobbies that you take seriously and enjoy doing as well as you can? I think the PP "get's it" just fine. He's doing something he enjoys, while you come across as just bitter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wtf. I get that I already don't like you because I'm a runner and you're a biker. It's like the Sharks and the Jets. Like Snowboarders versus Skiers.

But what I don't get is why y'all dress like Lance f'in Armstrong wearing a tight onesie with 18 brand logos. Note to self: you're not sponsored by Gatorade and no one at Starbucks wants to see your banana hammock in that Richard Simmons unitard that you think looks cool on your dad bod. It doesn't. Also, why the need to exercise in packs. Are you a wolf?

-Disgruntled Runner

I don't wear lycra every time I ride, but I have worn it enough to know how functional it is. A. Its made of wicking fabric. B. Its more aerodynamic C. The pants are more comfortable.

So I don't really care what you think of what it looks like.

Also while I often ride without a group its fun to ride with friends. Also its functional - the lead rider reduces wind resistance for following riders, and riders in a paceline will take turns leading.

This tells everyone you don't get it, PP. What do you need to shave .4 seconds off your time for that gold medal at the finish line? What's the gold this week -- first dibs on the vanilla latte at starbucks?

This last poster is an a-hole. What, you don't have any hobbies that you take seriously and enjoy doing as well as you can? I think the PP "get's it" just fine. He's doing something he enjoys, while you come across as just bitter.

PP is right.

The truth of the matter, is that trails and roads in our area were NOT designed to handle the kinds of speed that these wannabe Tour de France guys go. Trails have speed limits. They are far too narrow, curvy, and trafficked. Slow the hell down - your ride is not a damn race.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I don't take myself so seriously. Larlo Armstrong Dad of 2 Federal Employee thinks he's coming up on a medal in Paris.

Well at least you don't know enough to quote properly.

Look, dude. After starting to bike commute, and coming into work in a sopping t-shirt on warm days, I finally tried a jersey. It felt a lot better and made riding more enjoyable. That it seems to have made me faster was a bonus.

Now tell me, why should I care what you think?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wtf. I get that I already don't like you because I'm a runner and you're a biker. It's like the Sharks and the Jets. Like Snowboarders versus Skiers.

But what I don't get is why y'all dress like Lance f'in Armstrong wearing a tight onesie with 18 brand logos. Note to self: you're not sponsored by Gatorade and no one at Starbucks wants to see your banana hammock in that Richard Simmons unitard that you think looks cool on your dad bod. It doesn't. Also, why the need to exercise in packs. Are you a wolf?

-Disgruntled Runner

I don't wear lycra every time I ride, but I have worn it enough to know how functional it is. A. Its made of wicking fabric. B. Its more aerodynamic C. The pants are more comfortable.

So I don't really care what you think of what it looks like.

Also while I often ride without a group its fun to ride with friends. Also its functional - the lead rider reduces wind resistance for following riders, and riders in a paceline will take turns leading.

This tells everyone you don't get it, PP. What do you need to shave .4 seconds off your time for that gold medal at the finish line? What's the gold this week -- first dibs on the vanilla latte at starbucks?

This last poster is an a-hole. What, you don't have any hobbies that you take seriously and enjoy doing as well as you can? I think the PP "get's it" just fine. He's doing something he enjoys, while you come across as just bitter.

PP is right.

The truth of the matter, is that trails and roads in our area were NOT designed to handle the kinds of speed that these wannabe Tour de France guys go. Trails have speed limits. They are far too narrow, curvy, and trafficked. Slow the hell down - your ride is not a damn race.

Some trails do, some don't. Pretty sure the W&OD does not. I think the NPS trails are all designated at 15MPH. Even that is too fast, if the the trail is crowded and people are not passing safely (IE calling passes, yielding to oncoming traffic, appropriately going all the way to the left to pass, etc). Basically everyone should be polite, predictable and alert.

Note of course there are times and places where the trails have few pedestrians, and some of the trails (the rail trails esp) are not that curvy (and the W&OD at least is fairly wide) . To expect someone coming into work at 7AM on a rainy morning on the W&OD to stay at 15MPH or below is probably not reasonable. No real danger to the occasional runner from a 20 MPH cyclist. (even more so on parts of the W&OD that have side gravel trails where runners can go)

Oh and if you really want faster riders off the trails, you should push back against the folks complaining about cyclists on roads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wtf. I get that I already don't like you because I'm a runner and you're a biker. It's like the Sharks and the Jets. Like Snowboarders versus Skiers.

But what I don't get is why y'all dress like Lance f'in Armstrong wearing a tight onesie with 18 brand logos. Note to self: you're not sponsored by Gatorade and no one at Starbucks wants to see your banana hammock in that Richard Simmons unitard that you think looks cool on your dad bod. It doesn't. Also, why the need to exercise in packs. Are you a wolf?

-Disgruntled Runner

I don't wear lycra every time I ride, but I have worn it enough to know how functional it is. A. Its made of wicking fabric. B. Its more aerodynamic C. The pants are more comfortable.

So I don't really care what you think of what it looks like.

Also while I often ride without a group its fun to ride with friends. Also its functional - the lead rider reduces wind resistance for following riders, and riders in a paceline will take turns leading.

This tells everyone you don't get it, PP. What do you need to shave .4 seconds off your time for that gold medal at the finish line? What's the gold this week -- first dibs on the vanilla latte at starbucks?

This last poster is an a-hole. What, you don't have any hobbies that you take seriously and enjoy doing as well as you can? I think the PP "get's it" just fine. He's doing something he enjoys, while you come across as just bitter.

PP is right.

The truth of the matter, is that trails and roads in our area were NOT designed to handle the kinds of speed that these wannabe Tour de France guys go. Trails have speed limits. They are far too narrow, curvy, and trafficked. Slow the hell down - your ride is not a damn race.

Some trails do, some don't. Pretty sure the W&OD does not. I think the NPS trails are all designated at 15MPH. Even that is too fast, if the the trail is crowded and people are not passing safely (IE calling passes, yielding to oncoming traffic, appropriately going all the way to the left to pass, etc). Basically everyone should be polite, predictable and alert.

Note of course there are times and places where the trails have few pedestrians, and some of the trails (the rail trails esp) are not that curvy (and the W&OD at least is fairly wide) . To expect someone coming into work at 7AM on a rainy morning on the W&OD to stay at 15MPH or below is probably not reasonable. No real danger to the occasional runner from a 20 MPH cyclist. (even more so on parts of the W&OD that have side gravel trails where runners can go)

Oh and if you really want faster riders off the trails, you should push back against the folks complaining about cyclists on roads.

Just to reiterate, its possible to be dangerous at under 15MPH.

I commute on the Mount Vernon Trail. On a nice day, at evening rush hour, the area called Gravelly Point (where people picnic and watch planes at National Airport) tends to be crowded. Walkers wandering semi-randomly across the trail, lots of small children.

Riding along 14 MPH in street clothes on an upright bike is generally too fast in those conditions. You need to slow to not much more than, I guess, 7-10 MPH. If you are not willing to do that, you need to take a parallel road.

OTOH, as I said above, on a rainy morning on the W&OD, most riders can ride safely at well over 15MPH.

[Anonymous]

A bunch of a-hole cyclists in yes those shirts cut through the crosswalk as I was trying to use it walking, did not yield to me at all, including those others on the sidewalk. Right in DC near Tidal Basin. Was not the first time. The least these insane cyclists should be worried about is criticism over their goofy shirts. They should be worried about the come-uppance they are due when some pedestrian is hit . . .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wtf. I get that I already don't like you because I'm a runner and you're a biker. It's like the Sharks and the Jets. Like Snowboarders versus Skiers.

But what I don't get is why y'all dress like Lance f'in Armstrong wearing a tight onesie with 18 brand logos. Note to self: you're not sponsored by Gatorade and no one at Starbucks wants to see your banana hammock in that Richard Simmons unitard that you think looks cool on your dad bod. It doesn't. Also, why the need to exercise in packs. Are you a wolf?

-Disgruntled Runner

I don't wear lycra every time I ride, but I have worn it enough to know how functional it is. A. Its made of wicking fabric. B. Its more aerodynamic C. The pants are more comfortable.

So I don't really care what you think of what it looks like.

Also while I often ride without a group its fun to ride with friends. Also its functional - the lead rider reduces wind resistance for following riders, and riders in a paceline will take turns leading.

This tells everyone you don't get it, PP. What do you need to shave .4 seconds off your time for that gold medal at the finish line? What's the gold this week -- first dibs on the vanilla latte at starbucks?

I wear mine for comfort - at my speed aerodynamic effect is trivial (other than on days with a very high headwind). But for some people it matters - they want to get where they are going faster - they want to ride more comfortably in traffic by going faster and thus delaying cars less - or yeah, they want to train for races, or just go fast. Its actually fun to go fast on a bike, you might want to try it some time.

AFAICT many runners seem to prefer going fast.

Super- get some lycra that allows you to go 50 on the 45 mph roads! And stay off areas with pedestrians. Perfect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A bunch of a-hole cyclists in yes those shirts cut through the crosswalk as I was trying to use it walking, did not yield to me at all, including those others on the sidewalk. Right in DC near Tidal Basin. Was not the first time. The least these insane cyclists should be worried about is criticism over their goofy shirts. They should be worried about the come-uppance they are due when some pedestrian is hit . . .

There are jerks who ride bike, jerks who drive cars and jerks who walk.