KraneXL

False. In fact, I get compliments on my brightly colored jersey from the general public every time I wear it. Something I've never gotten when I'm "out of uniform."

If you take time to put your kit together without being gaudy, people will notice and respond positively. I think that's true with just about anything you wear.

Maelochs

When I drive to the stor, I don't care in the least about making driving to the store "relatable" or "accessible" to other people, nor to care if I am an good "ambassador" for people who drive to the store.

When i ride my bike to the store, i am going shopping. I think about what I am going to buy, I ride safely so I actually arrive, I shop. I do not function as an "ambassador," and no one who sees me---or any of the rest of you---ever thinks, "Wow, that sweaty guy in noisy shoes makes riding a bike to the store so accessible. I can definitely relate." No one gives me any grief, either. I am just another person at the store.

I wonder about people who are so reliant on others' perceived acceptance---you do know that 99 percent of the people you see don't see you any more than you see them, right? Because like you, they are obsessing over their "image."

Machka 

I had a particular laugh that the gloves had to be black or white.



Personally, I've got my own style when I cycle ...






And I believe that a person should match their nail polish to their bicycles and gloves.






And jersey ...

scott967

Lose the gut so you don't look like he-who-can't-be-named and you're good to go regradless.

scott s.
.

Trsnrtr

I thought I was the only one. Guess that makes two of us.

2seven0

"It is better to look good than to feel good."
-Fernando

prj71

^^^This.

That article is enough to make a person puke. Good god. "Looking good on the bike" Seriously...Puke puke puke.

indyfabz

Yep.

If people think you look like a ****** in cycling clothing it's likely because you do. If you think everyone in cycling clothing looks like a ****** then, IMO, you have no discerning eye and/or a lot of self-loathing.

WTH? How did that word get censored? It's the nickname name of a character on "The Andy Griffith Show."

wphamilton

Looking fashionable and stylish is a lost cause for me regardless, and that's one of the things I appreciate about cycling. The default, expected look is geeky or at least eccentric, so you don't need to worry about it. Just carry the helmet and it excuses your fashion choices.

mstateglfr 

I dont think anyone here is surprised you view this as a very practical article.

A Swiss Army Knife is practical.
A minivan is practical.
That article is all theory and not practical.




Regardless, thank you for your weekly clothing thread. I depend on your vanity to provide regular entertainment at work and this has certainly delivered so far.

mstateglfr 

Your veiled contempt for the female gender continues to be disappointing. I genuinely feel bad that your views on relationship are so distorted.
While some women may be as shallow as you think, I have found that most are in fact the exact opposite. I have found that most women are dedicated to the relationship they are in and dont bounce from guy to guy based on something as superficial as clothing(or $10).

Shallow vanity is a primary driver for actions and motivates some in life regardless of gender. It is not unique to females or males. Either way, it is unfortunate that you seem to think its common since you are basing discussion points on something that is actually so rare.
I hope that match.com account you mentioned leads to a relationship that helps you overcome such a shallow view of women.

MyTi

Too much steerer tube. You should slam the stem and get aero.

Bah Humbug

The Devil Wears Rapha could be the Wayans brothers' take on this.

wphamilton

Um, almost what I wore this morning except it was a ridiculously orange technical T-shirt un-tucked of course, too-loose cargo shorts, and running shoes. As long as you're carrying a goofy looking bike helmet you can pull it off! And even worse!

I wouldn't know about guys stealing good-looking girlfriends because you dress casually, but I can tell you this much. On the bike path I get a lot more random smiles and greetings when I have nothing even remotely "cycling" apparel, and hardly any when I'm "suited up" in the full costume even if it's meticulously color-matched and perfectly fit .

Steeljag

Dan333SP

Fixed your signature for you ;(

caloso

Dan333SP

The people who have said any attempt at "looking good" on the bike is just trying to signal certain things to other riders are correct. Passing motorists don't give a rat's ass what you are wearing, whether it's color coordinated, etc. Guys thinking that women driving or jogging by are going to notice their outfit or "look" and be impressed are just living in a narcissistic fantasy land.

That said, I do almost exclusively wear team kit, and I deliberately picked my sunglasses, shoes, helmet, and a few other little things to match some of the highlight colors on my team's gear. It makes me feel good and I like representing the company that sponsors us, but I also know the only people who "check me out" on the bike are other riders who are probably just trying to either see if they recognize me or are sizing me up for a Cat 6 street fight.

Ironically, the only time I've ever had anyone yell a compliment at me was when I was breaking the "rules" of road cycling and wearing a sleeveless jersey while I lived in Miami. Some girl yelled, "Nice arms, Lance!". Most times the yelling is a bit less flattering.

KraneXL

Taking the time to care about how you look when you go out in public has to do with the person, not the activity. That personality traits would be the same regardless of environment or pastime. Some folks like to get dressed to go out to dinner. Others are comfortable wearing flip-flops and a tank top. As long as you're not contrary to the codes of the establishment, there are no expectations.

On the other hand, if you're a part of a group then you should be expected to follow the codes and customs of that group. For the record, the generally casual individual can be just as judgmental as his more formal counterpart. Socks can be either length (even no shows) as long as they don't go above the calf. Colors can be bright or dark, and sun glasses always go inside the helmet. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, all of the above are true. Men notice women and women notice men. Who would deny that?

noodle soup

incorrect

Dan333SP

Sure, people notice each other, but it's despite the cycling attire, not because of it. Non-cyclists in general think the outfits we wear look silly. If you're in great shape, people looking at you will notice that regardless of the color of your socks or jersey. A lady friend of mine at work just came over and noticed a photo at my desk of me racing my bike. She said something flattering about my tan and also said, "your little sport pants look ridiculous". YMMV, but this has been my experience after having had many conversations over the years with non-cyclists about how they perceive us "roadies".

Bah Humbug

Not in my world.

noodle soup

Tryathletes should be the last people to give fashion pointers to cyclists.

Bah Humbug

Have fun with that... to the outside world we look equally dorky, which is the main issue with this article.

We (stereotypically) think y'all look ridiculous as well, fwiw.

Trakhak

Irrefutable.

Which, of course, won't stop anyone from arguing.