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Can anybody suggest a good cycling outfit that is functional without looking geeky?


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wrythought
Yahoo User

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:07 am Post subject: Can anybody suggest a good cycling outfit that is functional without looking geeky?

I cycle on road a lot and can cover a 100 miles in (I think) good time, up till now I have used my favourite shorts and t-shirt. But they have finally died. I do not wish to look as daft as some of the "roadies" especially those(usually middle aged) ones who can afford all the gear and know the "names" but have never competed in their lives. I do not compete so skimming a fraction from my time is irrelevant unless it is by improving my technique or fitness, any suggestions?sorry Elvis nooffence meant. I dont have a wooden heart.again sorry Mr G, I think your anger is mixed up.I presume you fit the above cataegory.Thanks some great answersMr G is rugby the game where they pass the ball backwards? yeah, its like a war out there.In fact didnt you Brits fight WWII on the same principle- you started off in Poland and kept passing things back till you got to England. JUST KIDDING LOL

Elvis
Yahoo User

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:10 am Post subject:

i hate you.

lynnguys
Yahoo User

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:17 am Post subject:

I would suggest sticking to a monochromatic outfit (either black or grey). Anything more than that is just distracting to drivers!

scott.braden
Yahoo User

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:23 am Post subject:

I think "geeky" is in the eye of the beholder and the specifics of the situation. For example, if you play football in full uniform and pads, then that's not geeky, it's functional. But if you then go hang out at Starbucks, that's geeky. Same with bike clothes. Lycra, jersey, helmet, gloves, are functional - they have the materials and shapes they do for a reason. But, hanging out at Starbucks, or doing your grocery shopping... inappropriate. So for a long ride, or a workout, or "with the group" I do the full lycra and bright colors bit. (by the way, you want bright colors so the soccer mom in the SUV _will_ notice you and not run over you). But for cruising the neighborhood with my kids, or pedaling to the store for some milk or beer, I just wear casual shorts and a t-shirt.It comes down to what you like and feel comfortable in.

M R
Yahoo User

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:29 am Post subject:

Elvis is too funny...I do recommend bike shorts. They are much more comfortable than other stuff. Since you don't want the look, do what I do: On super hot days I wear a pretty tight tank top and bike shorts. It's got a little room but doesn't flap in the wind. On cooler days I might wear a T that fits like the tank. I admit I do use cycling jerseys, BUT mine are 1 color, no logos etc. Often I'll be in the black bike shorts with a dark red or black jersey, looking pretty normal but feeling comfortable.

onlyme Mr G
Yahoo User

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:00 pm Post subject:

I wear the geeky gear and feel great for it.Perhaps somes sensible slacks and a warm cardigan might suit you better.Dont forget the bicycle clips and 'sam brown' Fluorescent belt. A weak lemon squash drink and some spam sandwiches will be a good lifesaver on your trips to the shops.Oh . . . .and dont forget your anorak! ok Fred!The correct cycling gear serves a pupose, thats why I wear it!( I even have nifty little pockets in the rear of my shirt for spam sandwiches and a weak lemon drink!)Your American Football Heros wear their gear for a purpose too! dont they? ? (even though our game of Rugby is tougher, but thats a different subject. Lol)

misteramara
Yahoo User

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:56 pm Post subject:

Wow, lots of really bitchy answers here! Looks like die-hard cyclists are a defensive bunch, although I suspect that the first answer is from some car driver with a chip on his shoulder about cyclists.Anyway, I'm actually in the same position as you. I'm going shopping soon for a bike for cycling to work, and need to figure out what to wear for cycling without looking like a bit of a tit. I'm thinking of sticking with something cheap and casual like a t-shirt and a pair of reasonably hardwearing cargo pants or shorts, with trainers.I suppose the main sartorial criteria are;-comfortable-doesn't flap around in the wind-doesn't ride up while cycling-trouser leg doesn't get stuck in gears-cool (in temperature terms, not fashion, although that sort of cool wouldn't hurt either)I'm also planning on discussing this with the guy in the bike shop, and I'm going to start paying attention to what other cyclists I see around town are wearing.

borracho111
Yahoo User

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 5:26 pm Post subject:

so you don't like the bike gear like the rest of us. not a big deal. have you ever thought of going out and finding some new clothes, like the ones that make you happy- your shorty shorts and t-shirt? after all, we all enjoy cycling for the same reason.... cheers.

sfr1224
Yahoo User

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 5:54 pm Post subject:

I love to see folks at the bike store on weekends who are completely dressed out to play the part. The funny thing is they drove rather than rode their bike to the store. Hum...Anyhow, there are always two sides to cycling clothes. One side is entirely functional and I'll get to that in a moment. The other purpose is tribal identification. If tribal identity is not an important criteria, your clothing selection is much wider.Regarding function... Bike shorts and tights are form fitting to prevent chafing the insides of thighs and your bottom against the saddle. The chamois is in the bottom to provide a bit of padding and help prevent chafing, as well. Road jersies are usually form fitting to reduce flapping and wind drag. Mountain bike jersies are not always form fitting since they don't move as quickly. Unlike a cotton T-Shirt, bike jersies are usually made of fabrics that wick away perspiration so you stay cool rather than damp and clammy. Of course, they have pockets in the back for carrying keys, food, cash, cell phone, etc. I think you will find cycling clothes are more comfortable than your favorite old shorts and T-Shirts. Bet you don't have cycling shoes and clipless pedals either do you?You really can't go wrong with plain black shorts and a single color jersey. The racer tribe in their sweat stained, grease speckled, torn, bright, multi-colored garb will immediately recognize you are not a wannabe and will appreciate your independence. The wanabe racer tribe in their brand new, fresh smelling, bright, multi-colored garb are clueless anyhow, so who cares?Personally, I have always had good luck with Pearl Izumi clothes. They are well made, tough, and reasonably priced. Oh, and they come in plain colors!Hope this helps.

x2pumpiron
Yahoo User

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2007 6:11 pm Post subject:

I just grab some of the S-works brand from wallyworld - $6-10 for tight or loose fitting dry fit tops. We have a performance bike in the area now, so i've been grabbing their brand of shorts on sale. So, not a bad outfit with black shorts and a red/blue/white shirt - visible, and functional.For comfort and to keep your boyz from scaring the kids at the convenience store with a minimal increase in weight and wind resistance, grab a pair of mtn biking shorts. They have the padding and bike short underneath of a short with tons of pockets. As far as the bike gear, the thing that makes me want to pull over and nail bikers is when a boy/girl have on matching outfits and bikes. That and the guys with the jerseys that zip all the way up in the front and they have them unzipped down to their waist showing off their guts. Whats the point of even attempting to wear a bike jersey if your going to leave all but the bottom unattached and create a parachute for yourself.

zurriolo
Yahoo User

Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 4:32 am Post subject:

Wear what is comfortable for you.1) Replace your good old shorts and t shirts for something as similar as you can. 2) A black cyclist short and solid colour top is a modest, elegant, non failure choice too.Geek is not what some people wear, it is how they wear it! Lol.

haardvarx
Yahoo User

Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 8:44 am Post subject:

Try www.foska.comYou should be able to find something that you like there.Really great designs! Not cheap though

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