A Matter of Style: Looking Good on the Bike
08-15-18, 10:22 AM
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In a competitive athletic situation where no standard uniform is required, I go with a "sleeper" look. I feel it gives you an advantage to be as "mentally invisible" as possible to the other competitors. No logos if possible. Solid, plain, unassuming colors, etc, etc. In today's world of "look at me," it also gets under their skin a little more.
08-15-18, 10:27 AM
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Flashback to my bike store days:
A guy dressed in gaudy kit pointed to a colorful jersey on display and guffawed, "I'd look like a clown in that!"
His girlfriend looked at him, looked at the jersey, looked back at him, said nothing.
A guy dressed in gaudy kit pointed to a colorful jersey on display and guffawed, "I'd look like a clown in that!"
His girlfriend looked at him, looked at the jersey, looked back at him, said nothing.
08-15-18, 10:32 AM
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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.
I have had occasional complements on my kit, but those have all come from other roadies who happen to like my jersey or what not. Or my dear wife who I'm sure is just being kind.
Face it, to non-roadies, cycling kit simply looks ridiculous. If you are fit and attractive people will notice you, most likely in spite of the clown outfit you are wearing. But certainly not because you only wear black or white gloves
08-15-18, 10:41 AM
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Also, realize that the general population does not think the mantis look with no upper body development is sexy. Lean and toned is sexy, but not stickman/stickwoman. As my wife says, "there is nothing there to stir the loins."
08-15-18, 10:47 AM
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For an article about looking good on a bike I was expecting to maybe like some of the kit. No, not a bit of it, its all hideous and I wouldn't be seen dead in any of that kit, weak sauce. Rapha kit is just so homogenised and boring, as stylish as an accountants beige slacks, do not want.
08-15-18, 10:47 AM
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08-15-18, 11:16 AM
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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".
08-15-18, 11:21 AM
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So true. The fittest roadies are generally the most grotesque looking. Bony hips, no upper body, generally no shape. There's some shade being thrown on triathletes, but their bodies are generally much more "fit" looking than pure roadies. I actually get asked if I do tri, because I work out my upper body in the gym and have actual shape to my torso and arms, and have more of that body shape than pure roadie/climber.
08-15-18, 11:22 AM
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08-15-18, 11:26 AM
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08-15-18, 11:45 AM
#64
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Typically done with white helmet and black shoes but yea, I agree with you.
I guess if I wore nail polish I'd agree with that as well. It makes sense.
-Tim-
08-15-18, 11:47 AM
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For an article about looking good on a bike I was expecting to maybe like some of the kit. No, not a bit of it, its all hideous and I wouldn't be seen dead in any of that kit, weak sauce. Rapha kit is just so homogenised and boring, as stylish as an accountants beige slacks, do not want.
What do you recommend?
08-15-18, 11:50 AM
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in that article, at the bottom, they should have wiped down that rear derailer cable before they photo'd it. looks oily with a coating of fuzz
08-15-18, 12:11 PM
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Probably too pricey for many of you. BTW...It also comes in pink.
https://www.bonanza.com/listings/Sim...SABEgI0PvD_BwE
08-15-18, 12:26 PM
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Probably too pricey for many of you. BTW...It also comes in pink.
https://www.bonanza.com/listings/Sim...SABEgI0PvD_BwE
08-15-18, 12:29 PM
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08-15-18, 12:37 PM
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08-15-18, 12:39 PM
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