WHOOOSSHHH...

Q....you crack me up!

Adrianinkc

Don't ask questions, if you like wear it who really cares about what the serious Fred's are going to think.

Nachoman

I wear a yellow jersey every now and then. It doesn't bother me and I'm pretty sure it hasn't bothered anyone else. No one has ever said anything negative to me.

teterider

As many times as this subject gets beaten like a rented mule, I really like this answer. If you're the type of person who would wear a shirt reading "US Olympic Cycling Team" and have a replica gold medal around your neck, then you would likely wear an award jersey too. If it floats your boat...

But again the UCI jersey in question (plus bibs) are not award issued so that point is mute here. But they are promoting an organization with questionable tactics and ethics and will probably be wrapped up in the scandal of the inevitable and unfortunate sinking of USS Lance.

Taqi

Wear what you like, but do you really want to be associated with the corrupt, greedy, self-felching weasels that are the UCI?

jamesdak 

No big deal, quess we're both misunderstanding each other. No need to brag about an 84 mile ride as plenty of folks do those distances routinely and a lot faster than I do.

I am curious about the "cultural norm" statement though. If one in unaware of the "cultural norm" then is there even such a thing in relation to that individual? What if they don't accept or believe in that "cultural norm"?


I just find the whole concept of anyone worrying about what anyone else wears for any reason totally pathetic. Maybe that's just my problem. I just don't understand the mindset at all. I pass lots of riders on the road yet don't judge them in anyway. I wave, say hi, and go on about my business. Don't really analyze them at all based on what the ride, what they wear, etc. Oh, other than the fact that most are faster than me. Sort of a given as they pass me by

Anyway, I guess we are just the polar opposites on this issue with opinions that ultimately matter to no one but us. Sorry if I offended you, not my intent. This is after all just a little internet forum available to us for entertainment. I should not go around stepping on toes in it.

JTGraphics

These topics always make me LOL.
Why do some worry about what someone wears? If its a team jersey and your not in a race and on a ride what's the problem?
The jerseys that are official the teams surly get royalties from the sale so take into consideration that you are helping the team and sport of cycling it surely needs it!.
If you have time to worry about what someone else has on or worried about what someone may think of what you have on you should ride faster and harder so you don't have this free time on your hand. LOL ride fast enough so you are never passed and no one will see you.

Taqi

Yep, if a person wishes to wear a jersey that says "UCI - We lick Lance's ball for money", who has any right to object.

rufvelo

Lance's ball

DrPete 

How much time or energy do you think it takes?

I have a hard time believing you live in SoCal, world capitol of the game of outward appearances, because you seem to not think that every culture/place/group in existence has some set of social norms for the "in" group. If you really don't believe that appearances matter and you can't "look the part," it makes me wonder if you're chronically unemployed, kidding yourself, or just so used to doing it that you're not aware of it. It takes no time, energy, or effort to identify a "new guy" or someone who's not adhering to a social norm. It's true in just about any social or professional setting you can think of, even where everyone is supposed to look the same, like the military.

Again, this thread was started by a new rider who identified that there are jerseys out there whose wear is considered outside the norm by a certain "in" group of competitive cyclists. The UCI jersey in question isn't one of them, but there are some that, if given the choice, you shouldn't wear if you want to be viewed as adhering to the norm. It's not like you'll get Cinzanoed for wearing a maillot jaune to a group ride full of racers, but they'll definitely look at it and think "that's odd."

It always amuses me, though, that the people who claim not to care what people think seem to have the angriest posts in threads like these. I assure you it took far more energy and effort for you to write that post than it does for me to look at a jersey and have an opinion.

DrPete 

See my post below. I think it'll explain my answers to what you're asking. Social/cultural norms are EVERYWHERE, and cycling is no exception. Do you show up for work in totally inappropriate clothes? Do you look at someone who's way underdressed/overdressed at a meeting and not have a thought about that? It's not a be-all, end-all, but it's one data point.

(edit) here's a "what's a social norm" discussion I grabbed off the googles: https://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...0073547AA54YFG

Like I said, it's not like it's a big deal, but anywhere in life you can either "look the part" or not. In cycling the consequences of not looking the part are pretty much zero, besides maybe some racers thinking you're a goof.

Someone once showed up for a cat 4/5 crit wearing a TdF white jersey. The official made some joke about it, and when the guy asked me what was up I explained the concept of award jerseys and how people involved with bike racing get weird when you wear an award jersey you didn't earn. He said he didn't know, thanked me, and off we went. And, as it goes with most new guys in their first race, he got shelled early and came back the next week--with shaved legs and a different jersey.

spry

"silly posers'

justabikegirl

Me, my own self, I really like white so I'd buy it. The rainbow matches my side-kick Chercheval's collar so that's always a plus. Go for it man.

bomski99

I admit I'm as green as they come and I've found this site to be a useful tool for advice on bike related topics. Having said that, that will be the day that I get permission to wear something I want to wear from anyone online. I'm from Green Bay, you don't have to go far without seeing someone wearing a Packers jersey even though I'm almost certain they do not actually play for the team. Wear what you find stylish, or comfortable, or convenient. If anyone has a problem with that, it's their problem not yours.

DrPete 

How many of those people wear replica super bowl rings?

TheKillerPenguin

No seriously, wear what you want. Note that if it's a pro kit and you don't look the part I will make jokes at your expense behind your back, but don't let that stop you, as I am kind of a ******bag.

I bet them garmin bibs feel like Jessica Biel.

megalowmatt

Well at least now I know why my yellow jersey was on sale and there were a whole bunch of them left over. lol I honestly didn't know what it meant until this thread. My triple chain ring and baggy shorts would probably be another indication of my non-racing ways.

Come to think of it, last time I rode with a good friend that's a serious cyclist, he hesitantly looked at my yellow jersey and said "well, I guess we'll be seen".

Kind of Blued

What's more poserish than wearing a team jersey?

Implying that you think you're awesome by saying that you wouldn't wear one unless you earned it, as if you had a snowball's chance in hell.

I also wouldn't wear a UCI jersey, but solely because I hate them as an organization. It is a cool design though.

JimF22003

I wear this jersey so people will think I ride for the Washington Capitals Cycling Team:

merlinextraligh

1) wear what you care to, as long as your not in a sanctioned race;

2) there's a difference between a yellow jersey, and a replica jersey of the TDF GC leader.

Personally, I'd wear the former, not the latter.

Bob Dopolina 

Is that jersey one that is awarded during a race, like a sprinter's jerseys, a stage winner's jersey or a GC winner's jersey?

No.

Those jerseys have specific meaning to racing cyclists. Wearing one is an earned right.

Wearing a pro team kit is totally fine and signifies nothing beyond being a fan of that team. Wear it with pride.

I am with Dr Pete on this one; Team jerseys are just fine, awards jerseys are a bit odd.

gregf83 

Men riding in spandex are a bit odd so maybe it's appropriate.

tagaproject6

The implication is only in your head and your own judgemental attitude. How would you know they are trying to imply anything? There could be other reasons why they have the jersey, but I doubt it is as grandiose as you assume it to be.