I think this Specialized webpage promotes a bad image.
09-07-16, 02:15 PM
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I think this Specialized webpage promotes a bad image.
OK, maybe just me. Maybe I'm just being a cranky young middle aged old guy. Maybe I'm a snob.
This image from Specialized, linked from a promotional email about the Sequoia, IMHO, presents a bad, sloppy public image of cycling and reflects poorly on the company. Specifically, the older man in the center, riding with open vest-shirt, whatever that strange looking printed garment is.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...GET%20INSPIRED
My opinion is that - Serious Cycling has an image. I'm not talking about kids riding around the neighborhood or the family who does 3 miles on Saturday on their $100 Wal-mart BSO's. I am thinking about those involved in it as a sport and a serious passion, who are the type of customers who would buy from a Specialized dealer. Or for that matter Cannondale, Fuji, Kestrel, Cervello ... any of the brands sold at a "real" bike shop or "real" online retailer. Not Walmart or Kmart or other "big box" stores.
So, we live in a society, in the US anyway, that does NOT like cyclists overall. Anecdotal evidence - the jeers, honks, insults we all face on the roads from "motorists". The ones who say "get off our roads" - even though we also (most of us) have cars, and pay the same taxes the non-cycling citizens pay.
I know, another thread about "how you look" versus "how you perform". Sorry. My opinion is - we need to be good ambassadors for the sport to help it thrive. Look the part, act the part, and promote its positives in a patient and respectful way. The industry won't thrive if younger generations don't take it up, and there is a LOT of competition out there, from popular sports like soccer to the tragedy of kids who live on junk food and play video games and get NO physical exercise, being set up for obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, cancer.
I believe part of the allure of the sport is the appearance. I bristle when people refuse to wear helmets because they "look weird" or "stupid". Nothing is "cooler" for lack of a better phrase than a great helmet, matched with great kit and shoes. Doesn't mean you have to ride in team uniform if you're not on a team, but I believe in looking the part as well as acting the part. Doesn't mean that performance and ability don't come first, but appearance matters.
I have a white collar job -- what would my clients and co-workers in the firm think if I came into work dressed in ratty old clothes? Not a professinal image.
OK, off my soapbox, let the arguments begin.
This image from Specialized, linked from a promotional email about the Sequoia, IMHO, presents a bad, sloppy public image of cycling and reflects poorly on the company. Specifically, the older man in the center, riding with open vest-shirt, whatever that strange looking printed garment is.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...GET%20INSPIRED
My opinion is that - Serious Cycling has an image. I'm not talking about kids riding around the neighborhood or the family who does 3 miles on Saturday on their $100 Wal-mart BSO's. I am thinking about those involved in it as a sport and a serious passion, who are the type of customers who would buy from a Specialized dealer. Or for that matter Cannondale, Fuji, Kestrel, Cervello ... any of the brands sold at a "real" bike shop or "real" online retailer. Not Walmart or Kmart or other "big box" stores.
So, we live in a society, in the US anyway, that does NOT like cyclists overall. Anecdotal evidence - the jeers, honks, insults we all face on the roads from "motorists". The ones who say "get off our roads" - even though we also (most of us) have cars, and pay the same taxes the non-cycling citizens pay.
I know, another thread about "how you look" versus "how you perform". Sorry. My opinion is - we need to be good ambassadors for the sport to help it thrive. Look the part, act the part, and promote its positives in a patient and respectful way. The industry won't thrive if younger generations don't take it up, and there is a LOT of competition out there, from popular sports like soccer to the tragedy of kids who live on junk food and play video games and get NO physical exercise, being set up for obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, cancer.
I believe part of the allure of the sport is the appearance. I bristle when people refuse to wear helmets because they "look weird" or "stupid". Nothing is "cooler" for lack of a better phrase than a great helmet, matched with great kit and shoes. Doesn't mean you have to ride in team uniform if you're not on a team, but I believe in looking the part as well as acting the part. Doesn't mean that performance and ability don't come first, but appearance matters.
I have a white collar job -- what would my clients and co-workers in the firm think if I came into work dressed in ratty old clothes? Not a professinal image.
OK, off my soapbox, let the arguments begin.
09-07-16, 02:25 PM
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I don't think that particular ad is why a lot of people in the US look down on cyclists. (My theory is that there are a few reasons, but mainly the fact that as a driver you don't want to be "stuck" behind a cyclist.)
Also they're selling the bike based on lifestyle. Target consumer is obviously a middle aged man trying to extend his youth. Apparently that's who buys "all road" bikes. Look at the booze in this one:
Meet the 2016 GT Grade - Go Rogue!
Advertising isn't terribly important to me. I didn't see the GT marketing until after I'd already test rode and bought the bike.
Also they're selling the bike based on lifestyle. Target consumer is obviously a middle aged man trying to extend his youth. Apparently that's who buys "all road" bikes. Look at the booze in this one:
Meet the 2016 GT Grade - Go Rogue!
Advertising isn't terribly important to me. I didn't see the GT marketing until after I'd already test rode and bought the bike.
09-07-16, 02:25 PM
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I too am a middle aged guy with a white collar job (which I commute to everyday on a bike) And I'm involved in cycling as a sport. I shave my legs year round. I have a powermeter and a training plan. I race road and CX, I'm on the board of my team, and the juniors coordinator. It's a serious passion. And what's more, my most recent bike purchase was a Tarmac from a Specialized dealer.
And I think this webpage is awesome. It shows friends out exploring this big wonderful world on bikes and having fun. Bikes are fun. Life is fun. Lighten up a little.
And I think this webpage is awesome. It shows friends out exploring this big wonderful world on bikes and having fun. Bikes are fun. Life is fun. Lighten up a little.
09-07-16, 02:26 PM
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OK, maybe just me. Maybe I'm just being a cranky young middle aged old guy. Maybe I'm a snob.
This image from Specialized, linked from a promotional email about the Sequoia, IMHO, presents a bad, sloppy public image of cycling and reflects poorly on the company. Specifically, the older man in the center, riding with open vest-shirt, whatever that strange looking printed garment is.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...GET%20INSPIRED
My opinion is that - Serious Cycling has an image. I'm not talking about kids riding around the neighborhood or the family who does 3 miles on Saturday on their $100 Wal-mart BSO's. I am thinking about those involved in it as a sport and a serious passion, who are the type of customers who would buy from a Specialized dealer. Or for that matter Cannondale, Fuji, Kestrel, Cervello ... any of the brands sold at a "real" bike shop or "real" online retailer. Not Walmart or Kmart or other "big box" stores.
So, we live in a society, in the US anyway, that does NOT like cyclists overall. Anecdotal evidence - the jeers, honks, insults we all face on the roads from "motorists". The ones who say "get off our roads" - even though we also (most of us) have cars, and pay the same taxes the non-cycling citizens pay.
I know, another thread about "how you look" versus "how you perform". Sorry. My opinion is - we need to be good ambassadors for the sport to help it thrive. Look the part, act the part, and promote its positives in a patient and respectful way. The industry won't thrive if younger generations don't take it up, and there is a LOT of competition out there, from popular sports like soccer to the tragedy of kids who live on junk food and play video games and get NO physical exercise, being set up for obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, cancer.
I believe part of the allure of the sport is the appearance. I bristle when people refuse to wear helmets because they "look weird" or "stupid". Nothing is "cooler" for lack of a better phrase than a great helmet, matched with great kit and shoes. Doesn't mean you have to ride in team uniform if you're not on a team, but I believe in looking the part as well as acting the part. Doesn't mean that performance and ability don't come first, but appearance matters.
I have a white collar job -- what would my clients and co-workers in the firm think if I came into work dressed in ratty old clothes? Not a professinal image.
OK, off my soapbox, let the arguments begin.
This image from Specialized, linked from a promotional email about the Sequoia, IMHO, presents a bad, sloppy public image of cycling and reflects poorly on the company. Specifically, the older man in the center, riding with open vest-shirt, whatever that strange looking printed garment is.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...GET%20INSPIRED
My opinion is that - Serious Cycling has an image. I'm not talking about kids riding around the neighborhood or the family who does 3 miles on Saturday on their $100 Wal-mart BSO's. I am thinking about those involved in it as a sport and a serious passion, who are the type of customers who would buy from a Specialized dealer. Or for that matter Cannondale, Fuji, Kestrel, Cervello ... any of the brands sold at a "real" bike shop or "real" online retailer. Not Walmart or Kmart or other "big box" stores.
So, we live in a society, in the US anyway, that does NOT like cyclists overall. Anecdotal evidence - the jeers, honks, insults we all face on the roads from "motorists". The ones who say "get off our roads" - even though we also (most of us) have cars, and pay the same taxes the non-cycling citizens pay.
I know, another thread about "how you look" versus "how you perform". Sorry. My opinion is - we need to be good ambassadors for the sport to help it thrive. Look the part, act the part, and promote its positives in a patient and respectful way. The industry won't thrive if younger generations don't take it up, and there is a LOT of competition out there, from popular sports like soccer to the tragedy of kids who live on junk food and play video games and get NO physical exercise, being set up for obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, cancer.
I believe part of the allure of the sport is the appearance. I bristle when people refuse to wear helmets because they "look weird" or "stupid". Nothing is "cooler" for lack of a better phrase than a great helmet, matched with great kit and shoes. Doesn't mean you have to ride in team uniform if you're not on a team, but I believe in looking the part as well as acting the part. Doesn't mean that performance and ability don't come first, but appearance matters.
I have a white collar job -- what would my clients and co-workers in the firm think if I came into work dressed in ratty old clothes? Not a professinal image.
OK, off my soapbox, let the arguments begin.
If I was selling high end bikes, those guys are my target market. College students, with chiseled bodies and no chest hair, can't afford my products.
If I were you, I'd be more concerned about my clients seeing the attitude displayed in that post, than whether my jersey is zipped on a hot Saturday afternoon ride.
09-07-16, 02:30 PM
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Meh.
I thought your were going to complain about the guy in the CBGB inspired shirt. OMG, that was a club where they played music! And drank alcohol! Oh, the humanity!
I thought your were going to complain about the guy in the CBGB inspired shirt. OMG, that was a club where they played music! And drank alcohol! Oh, the humanity!
Last edited by cb400bill; 09-07-16 at 02:33 PM.
09-07-16, 02:30 PM
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The invisible hands of capitalism will take care of whether it is a good marketing job or not.
if it sells bikes they did good, if not, they will yank it down.
If I am abiding by and riding within the confines of the law and "basic courtesy" then I am not worried about how I look. I am also not worried about how others perceive me, image wise.
I sometimes wear a black jersey with a skull on it. But I am courteous and I don't run little old ladies of the road.
I also do not think cycling has a negative image. Riding in a unsafe manner and blocking traffic is what will give cyclists a bad image. the only people looking at that Specialized ad are already cyclists, or interested in cycling, most likely.
if it sells bikes they did good, if not, they will yank it down.
If I am abiding by and riding within the confines of the law and "basic courtesy" then I am not worried about how I look. I am also not worried about how others perceive me, image wise.
I sometimes wear a black jersey with a skull on it. But I am courteous and I don't run little old ladies of the road.
I also do not think cycling has a negative image. Riding in a unsafe manner and blocking traffic is what will give cyclists a bad image. the only people looking at that Specialized ad are already cyclists, or interested in cycling, most likely.
09-07-16, 02:38 PM
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My take on Specialized has nothing to do with their ads and everything to do about their attempts over the last few years to bully small companies who use words in their business names that Specialized also uses. This often backfires on them, and they have to retreat. Other than that, I like the ad, have no problem with an older guy showing his chest
Being a much older guy myself
Being a much older guy myself
09-07-16, 03:11 PM
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. . . My opinion is that - Serious Cycling has an image. I'm not talking about kids riding around the neighborhood or the family who does 3 miles on Saturday on their $100 Wal-mart BSO's. I am thinking about those involved in it as a sport and a serious passion, who are the type of customers who would buy from a Specialized dealer. Or for that matter Cannondale, Fuji, Kestrel, Cervello ... any of the brands sold at a "real" bike shop or "real" online retailer. Not Walmart or Kmart or other "big box" stores.
, and other such snobbishness [see above quote] leads to bad attitudes toward "serious" cyclists who wear "kit", reinforces the popular stereotype of "serious" cyclists as pompous, preachy, uptight, spandex wearing geeks, and does nothing to stimulate widespread interest in bike riding or good public policy towards cycling. [see below quote]So, we live in a society, in the US anyway, that does NOT like cyclists overall. Anecdotal evidence - the jeers, honks, insults we all face on the roads from "motorists". The ones who say "get off our roads" - even though we also (most of us) have cars, and pay the same taxes the non-cycling citizens pay.
Last edited by sea coil; 09-07-16 at 03:13 PM. Reason: clarity
09-07-16, 03:25 PM
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OK, maybe just me. Maybe I'm just being a cranky young middle aged old guy. Maybe I'm a snob.
This image from Specialized, linked from a promotional email about the Sequoia, IMHO, presents a bad, sloppy public image of cycling and reflects poorly on the company. Specifically, the older man in the center, riding with open vest-shirt, whatever that strange looking printed garment is.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...GET%20INSPIRED
My opinion is that - Serious Cycling has an image. I'm not talking about kids riding around the neighborhood or the family who does 3 miles on Saturday on their $100 Wal-mart BSO's. I am thinking about those involved in it as a sport and a serious passion, who are the type of customers who would buy from a Specialized dealer. Or for that matter Cannondale, Fuji, Kestrel, Cervello ... any of the brands sold at a "real" bike shop or "real" online retailer. Not Walmart or Kmart or other "big box" stores.
So, we live in a society, in the US anyway, that does NOT like cyclists overall. Anecdotal evidence - the jeers, honks, insults we all face on the roads from "motorists". The ones who say "get off our roads" - even though we also (most of us) have cars, and pay the same taxes the non-cycling citizens pay.
I know, another thread about "how you look" versus "how you perform". Sorry. My opinion is - we need to be good ambassadors for the sport to help it thrive. Look the part, act the part, and promote its positives in a patient and respectful way. The industry won't thrive if younger generations don't take it up, and there is a LOT of competition out there, from popular sports like soccer to the tragedy of kids who live on junk food and play video games and get NO physical exercise, being set up for obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, cancer.
I believe part of the allure of the sport is the appearance. I bristle when people refuse to wear helmets because they "look weird" or "stupid". Nothing is "cooler" for lack of a better phrase than a great helmet, matched with great kit and shoes. Doesn't mean you have to ride in team uniform if you're not on a team, but I believe in looking the part as well as acting the part. Doesn't mean that performance and ability don't come first, but appearance matters.
I have a white collar job -- what would my clients and co-workers in the firm think if I came into work dressed in ratty old clothes? Not a professinal image.
OK, off my soapbox, let the arguments begin.
This image from Specialized, linked from a promotional email about the Sequoia, IMHO, presents a bad, sloppy public image of cycling and reflects poorly on the company. Specifically, the older man in the center, riding with open vest-shirt, whatever that strange looking printed garment is.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...GET%20INSPIRED
My opinion is that - Serious Cycling has an image. I'm not talking about kids riding around the neighborhood or the family who does 3 miles on Saturday on their $100 Wal-mart BSO's. I am thinking about those involved in it as a sport and a serious passion, who are the type of customers who would buy from a Specialized dealer. Or for that matter Cannondale, Fuji, Kestrel, Cervello ... any of the brands sold at a "real" bike shop or "real" online retailer. Not Walmart or Kmart or other "big box" stores.
So, we live in a society, in the US anyway, that does NOT like cyclists overall. Anecdotal evidence - the jeers, honks, insults we all face on the roads from "motorists". The ones who say "get off our roads" - even though we also (most of us) have cars, and pay the same taxes the non-cycling citizens pay.
I know, another thread about "how you look" versus "how you perform". Sorry. My opinion is - we need to be good ambassadors for the sport to help it thrive. Look the part, act the part, and promote its positives in a patient and respectful way. The industry won't thrive if younger generations don't take it up, and there is a LOT of competition out there, from popular sports like soccer to the tragedy of kids who live on junk food and play video games and get NO physical exercise, being set up for obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, cancer.
I believe part of the allure of the sport is the appearance. I bristle when people refuse to wear helmets because they "look weird" or "stupid". Nothing is "cooler" for lack of a better phrase than a great helmet, matched with great kit and shoes. Doesn't mean you have to ride in team uniform if you're not on a team, but I believe in looking the part as well as acting the part. Doesn't mean that performance and ability don't come first, but appearance matters.
I have a white collar job -- what would my clients and co-workers in the firm think if I came into work dressed in ratty old clothes? Not a professinal image.
OK, off my soapbox, let the arguments begin.
I think "professinal" tips it more towards trolling
09-07-16, 03:28 PM
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I think there are an equal number of people who think "Serious Cycling" is a messed up image.
Especially for people trying take up bicycling after living a long life doing other things.
If there is a problem with Specialized, it's because they sell themselves as an image, at all.
It can also be quite boorish to start up a conversation about bicycling and hear, oh, but so-and-so is a Serious cyclist, or have someone sneer down at you because you don't dress like them and ride a different bike that they don't understand.
Especially for people trying take up bicycling after living a long life doing other things.
If there is a problem with Specialized, it's because they sell themselves as an image, at all.
It can also be quite boorish to start up a conversation about bicycling and hear, oh, but so-and-so is a Serious cyclist, or have someone sneer down at you because you don't dress like them and ride a different bike that they don't understand.
Last edited by bulldog1935; 09-07-16 at 03:33 PM.
09-07-16, 03:29 PM
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On second glance, it's actually CBGV, which is apparently a hemp oil (CBGV: Cannabigerovarin)
09-07-16, 03:30 PM
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Pretty sure sleeveless is "wrong" for all cyclists other than triathletes. That open front sleeveless is beyond disgusting.
09-07-16, 04:20 PM
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Well for me neither "serious cyclist" kitted out in matching bike/bib/shorts/helmet/jersey or tatted up adventure cyclist are inclusive to me, so I will have to keep looking for people who look more like me!
09-07-16, 04:28 PM
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OK, maybe just me. Maybe I'm just being a cranky young middle aged old guy. Maybe I'm a snob.
This image from Specialized, linked from a promotional email about the Sequoia, IMHO, presents a bad, sloppy public image of cycling and reflects poorly on the company. Specifically, the older man in the center, riding with open vest-shirt, whatever that strange looking printed garment is.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...GET%20INSPIRED
)
This image from Specialized, linked from a promotional email about the Sequoia, IMHO, presents a bad, sloppy public image of cycling and reflects poorly on the company. Specifically, the older man in the center, riding with open vest-shirt, whatever that strange looking printed garment is.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...GET%20INSPIRED
)
09-07-16, 04:37 PM
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DaveQ24,
I'm a conservative-leaning, white-collar IT job, bald-headed middle aged guy with a full head of hair and a training goatee and I have no problem with that ad.
Three guys out for a ride with their new bikes, socks, shoes, jerseys, helmets, etc. The guy on the left has some tats we can't make out, the guy in the middle has the muscled arms I wish I had and the guy on the right is, well, he's the young one who's trying to stay ahead of the two older guys.
Does it project the wrong image of cycling? Not in my opinion. What projects the wrong image of cycling are cyclists that don't obey the street signs, cut in and out of traffic, ride during rush-hour, run stop signs and red lights and give the one-fingered salute to any motorist that dislikes that bad behavior and think it's not cool to run lights at dusk and dawn.
I used to commute to my job also. I don't any more because we moved and I work out of the house now. I know how it is out on the road. And, commuting IS different than a rec ride. I saw the bad cyclists...and the bad motorists to.
That ad reflects reality not rainbows and unicorns. I think a lot of people who don't ride would look at that and say, "Hey, that's me. I can do that".
Take the time to watch that video. It's pretty good to...albeit, what's up with that guy at the end fishing with the mask on???? Weee-ird.
I'm a conservative-leaning, white-collar IT job, bald-headed middle aged guy with a full head of hair and a training goatee and I have no problem with that ad.
Three guys out for a ride with their new bikes, socks, shoes, jerseys, helmets, etc. The guy on the left has some tats we can't make out, the guy in the middle has the muscled arms I wish I had and the guy on the right is, well, he's the young one who's trying to stay ahead of the two older guys.
Does it project the wrong image of cycling? Not in my opinion. What projects the wrong image of cycling are cyclists that don't obey the street signs, cut in and out of traffic, ride during rush-hour, run stop signs and red lights and give the one-fingered salute to any motorist that dislikes that bad behavior and think it's not cool to run lights at dusk and dawn.
I used to commute to my job also. I don't any more because we moved and I work out of the house now. I know how it is out on the road. And, commuting IS different than a rec ride. I saw the bad cyclists...and the bad motorists to.
That ad reflects reality not rainbows and unicorns. I think a lot of people who don't ride would look at that and say, "Hey, that's me. I can do that".
Take the time to watch that video. It's pretty good to...albeit, what's up with that guy at the end fishing with the mask on???? Weee-ird.
Last edited by drlogik; 09-07-16 at 04:41 PM.
09-07-16, 04:39 PM
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The apparent upper-body strength, especially on middle-aged cyclists, indicates Specialized is encouraging anabolic steroid abuse. The tattoos on the guy on the left indicate Specialized is trying to increase the hepatitis C epidemic, and in all three cases Specialized is clearly trying to promote skin cancer. I also think they are trying to discredit Volagi in there, somehow.
09-07-16, 04:43 PM
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09-07-16, 04:46 PM
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Whew, I'm glad people rose to defense of the ad, because after the OP I was starting to think that I wasn't "serious" enough to be on this forum.
The guy looks like he's having a blast to me. If I have to wear certain clothes to ride my bike in public, or have expensive shoes, or not let my chest hairs glisten in the sun... Ha ha, I'm glad that there's fun people on this forum also. I may like it here.
The guy looks like he's having a blast to me. If I have to wear certain clothes to ride my bike in public, or have expensive shoes, or not let my chest hairs glisten in the sun... Ha ha, I'm glad that there's fun people on this forum also. I may like it here.
09-07-16, 04:57 PM
#20
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I agree that everyone should consider him or herself as biking ambassadors and role models. I disagree that the photo is disrespectful to the sport or anyone else. Riding in causal clothes on a backroad with a bike designed for that kind of riding seems appropriate to me. They would look totally silly in spandex "kits" so I'm glad Specialized had the sense not to show them that way. I like the idea of moving the image of cycling away from the "racers" and more to average people.
09-07-16, 05:19 PM
#22
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09-07-16, 05:27 PM
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09-07-16, 05:44 PM
#24
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that ad is a bad image for cyclists? ummm I think the OP's post is more of a bad image for cyclists
09-07-16, 05:47 PM
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OK, maybe just me. Maybe I'm just being a cranky young middle aged old guy. Maybe I'm a snob.
This image from Specialized, linked from a promotional email about the Sequoia, IMHO, presents a bad, sloppy public image of cycling and reflects poorly on the company. Specifically, the older man in the center, riding with open vest-shirt, whatever that strange looking printed garment is.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...GET%20INSPIRED
My opinion is that - Serious Cycling has an image. I'm not talking about kids riding around the neighborhood or the family who does 3 miles on Saturday on their $100 Wal-mart BSO's. I am thinking about those involved in it as a sport and a serious passion, who are the type of customers who would buy from a Specialized dealer. Or for that matter Cannondale, Fuji, Kestrel, Cervello ... any of the brands sold at a "real" bike shop or "real" online retailer. Not Walmart or Kmart or other "big box" stores.
So, we live in a society, in the US anyway, that does NOT like cyclists overall. Anecdotal evidence - the jeers, honks, insults we all face on the roads from "motorists". The ones who say "get off our roads" - even though we also (most of us) have cars, and pay the same taxes the non-cycling citizens pay.
I know, another thread about "how you look" versus "how you perform". Sorry. My opinion is - we need to be good ambassadors for the sport to help it thrive. Look the part, act the part, and promote its positives in a patient and respectful way. The industry won't thrive if younger generations don't take it up, and there is a LOT of competition out there, from popular sports like soccer to the tragedy of kids who live on junk food and play video games and get NO physical exercise, being set up for obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, cancer.
I believe part of the allure of the sport is the appearance. I bristle when people refuse to wear helmets because they "look weird" or "stupid". Nothing is "cooler" for lack of a better phrase than a great helmet, matched with great kit and shoes. Doesn't mean you have to ride in team uniform if you're not on a team, but I believe in looking the part as well as acting the part. Doesn't mean that performance and ability don't come first, but appearance matters.
I have a white collar job -- what would my clients and co-workers in the firm think if I came into work dressed in ratty old clothes? Not a professinal image.
OK, off my soapbox, let the arguments begin.
This image from Specialized, linked from a promotional email about the Sequoia, IMHO, presents a bad, sloppy public image of cycling and reflects poorly on the company. Specifically, the older man in the center, riding with open vest-shirt, whatever that strange looking printed garment is.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...GET%20INSPIRED
My opinion is that - Serious Cycling has an image. I'm not talking about kids riding around the neighborhood or the family who does 3 miles on Saturday on their $100 Wal-mart BSO's. I am thinking about those involved in it as a sport and a serious passion, who are the type of customers who would buy from a Specialized dealer. Or for that matter Cannondale, Fuji, Kestrel, Cervello ... any of the brands sold at a "real" bike shop or "real" online retailer. Not Walmart or Kmart or other "big box" stores.
So, we live in a society, in the US anyway, that does NOT like cyclists overall. Anecdotal evidence - the jeers, honks, insults we all face on the roads from "motorists". The ones who say "get off our roads" - even though we also (most of us) have cars, and pay the same taxes the non-cycling citizens pay.
I know, another thread about "how you look" versus "how you perform". Sorry. My opinion is - we need to be good ambassadors for the sport to help it thrive. Look the part, act the part, and promote its positives in a patient and respectful way. The industry won't thrive if younger generations don't take it up, and there is a LOT of competition out there, from popular sports like soccer to the tragedy of kids who live on junk food and play video games and get NO physical exercise, being set up for obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, cancer.
I believe part of the allure of the sport is the appearance. I bristle when people refuse to wear helmets because they "look weird" or "stupid". Nothing is "cooler" for lack of a better phrase than a great helmet, matched with great kit and shoes. Doesn't mean you have to ride in team uniform if you're not on a team, but I believe in looking the part as well as acting the part. Doesn't mean that performance and ability don't come first, but appearance matters.
I have a white collar job -- what would my clients and co-workers in the firm think if I came into work dressed in ratty old clothes? Not a professinal image.
OK, off my soapbox, let the arguments begin.