My experience with good cycling wear is that it is hard to get stuff that doesn't have logos plastered all over it.

Anonymous wrote:I have to admit, I've wondered the same thing. My cycle shop has plenty of options for riders that have padding and/or support in the sensitive nether regions, and are designed to wick away sweat and to cool the body. Interestingly, many of them are not skin tight Lycra. I can stay comfortable while I ride, and the public at large doesn't have to see more than they bargained for when they left the house.

I see this same thing in other sports in which I participate, though. All of us middle-agers want to look like real athletes to console ourselves that we're a little tubbier than we used to be, so we shell out the bucks to wear clothes that we think make us look like we're 20-something pros. Cycling clothes, more than others, tend to draw attention to this more forcefully than other clothes like soccer/football/basketball jerseys.

What kind of bike do you ride, PP?

My husband's bike is one of those with an itty, bitty seat, where he leans forward almost flat and his shoes clamp into the pedals (they aren't the normal kind of pedals, just little bars).

If I were riding that thing at the distances he rides, I would wear whatever weird biking apparel was out there, as long as it increased my comfort. I would also go as bright as possible to keep myself visible.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband and his friends go on 3 hours rides: these outfits work.

I'm a marathon runner. I run at least 6 miles every day and at least 12+ miles on Saturdays. Yesterday I ran 22.

I didn't need to dress up like an ass-hat and neither does your husband. And I was running, not peddling a bike for a couple of hours.

Correction: your singlets do make you look like an asshole and Id rather have sex with my husband who has an amazing body then a runner like you who probably looks like a cancer patient (since most guys who run 12+ or 22 miles do).

How do you know this poster is a man?? And runners don't generally wear singlets outside of the actual race.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My husband and his friends go on 3 hours rides: these outfits work.

I'm a marathon runner. I run at least 6 miles every day and at least 12+ miles on Saturdays. Yesterday I ran 22.

I didn't need to dress up like an ass-hat and neither does your husband. And I was running, not peddling a bike for a couple of hours.

Correction: your singlets do make you look like an asshole and Id rather have sex with my husband who has an amazing body then a runner like you who probably looks like a cancer patient (since most guys who run 12+ or 22 miles do).

I have to admit, I've wondered the same thing. My cycle shop has plenty of options for riders that have padding and/or support in the sensitive nether regions, and are designed to wick away sweat and to cool the body. Interestingly, many of them are not skin tight Lycra. I can stay comfortable while I ride, and the public at large doesn't have to see more than they bargained for when they left the house.

I see this same thing in other sports in which I participate, though. All of us middle-agers want to look like real athletes to console ourselves that we're a little tubbier than we used to be, so we shell out the bucks to wear clothes that we think make us look like we're 20-something pros. Cycling clothes, more than others, tend to draw attention to this more forcefully than other clothes like soccer/football/basketball jerseys.

Anonymous wrote:It's not the padding or the colors. It's all the logos that people find odd on recreational bikers. You just don't see that on other weekend warriors.

I find this assumption interesting.

Many people pull on their Redskins jersey or Nats t-shirt to go to a game or even just to run around town. Look at the number of OBX or similar car magnets. You don't mock them, right? Or maybe you do! Why is it odd to wear logos or styles that are part of your hobby and reflect your personality?

I know the answers to the questions PP. I'm fine with the utility of it and the cost, etc etc etc. My point is is what's with the faux/outlandish Indianapolis 500-ish branding/sponsorship that they all seem to be wearing? They look like idiots. That's it. Nothing more.

Another reason: visibility. That ugly spandex is very easy for drivers to see.

Anonymous wrote:0807: Sorry I touched a nerve. It's ok to be a superficial person, I guess.

Maybe I can explain the bike clothing thing in terms you can understand: Why do women pay hundreds of dollars for designer strollers when a base model will do?

Why do women spend hundreds of dollars on a trendy purse when a cheap one from Target works just as well?

Why do people buy designer watches when a Casio will tell time just as well?

Why do people drive a BMW when a beat up chevy or nissan will get you there just as quick?

OP, don't you already know the answer to these questions?

0807: Sorry I touched a nerve. It's ok to be a superficial person, I guess.

Maybe I can explain the bike clothing thing in terms you can understand: Why do women pay hundreds of dollars for designer strollers when a base model will do?

PP: Are you out there feeding the needy today or are you posting idiotic responses to a forum???????????????

Anonymous wrote:why does every dude who rides a bicycle these days where the outfits that make them look like they are competing in the Tour de France. When I grew up, we just wore levi's and a sweatshirt. Now everyone looks like they are olympians....

Really, OP? All the problems in the world, and this is what you spend your time thinking about?

Because it's what's available (no idea why - that's another question) so it's a self sustaining cycle.

Last year I got into long bike rides (did my first century ride), and have 2 shirts: one is a basic blue / no ads that I got on sale at REI A number of years ago, the other is hot pink with logos that I again got on sale at a bike store. I'm cheap, so I buy what's on sale, and this time it had logos, so that's what I got.

Though now that I've biked a bit, you can bet any future shirts will be in as eye-catching a color / pattern as possible. I WANT car drivers to see me, and if I have to look like an idiot to accomplish that I'm down with it.

And the padded, tight shorts, well that's just function. For long rides I actually double up on the padding.

I think the only reason is these workout clothes are light weighted and very comfortable as well.

It's not the padding or the colors. It's all the logos that people find odd on recreational bikers. You just don't see that on other weekend warriors.