My return from Fred-dom
#1
Le savonnier
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,706
Bikes: I can count 'em on one hand
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 729 Post(s)
Liked 597 Times
in
269 Posts
My return from Fred-dom
Anyone that has ridden with me knows that I haven't worn proper kit or used toeclips/SPDs since I quit road racing in the late 80s. I'm most likely seen riding in regular old cargo-type shorts, t-shirt, and some kind of funky non-biking type shoes (or even Keen sandals!).
I've been thinking a lot lately about changing that, and so yesterday I broke down and ordered proper bike shorts and a jersey from J&G Cyclewear (made in Oregon!).
Why now? Entirely practical reasons, I suppose. I felt like I wanted a clean separation between my biking clothes and my street clothes, jersey pockets are very handy, and it's just more comfortable on long rides.
I'm still on the fence, however, about shoes/toeclips/SPDs. Maybe I'll find some vintage shoes like my old Vittoria's, remove the cleats, and attach the clips/straps that I have in the parts bin. We'll see.
I've been thinking a lot lately about changing that, and so yesterday I broke down and ordered proper bike shorts and a jersey from J&G Cyclewear (made in Oregon!).
Why now? Entirely practical reasons, I suppose. I felt like I wanted a clean separation between my biking clothes and my street clothes, jersey pockets are very handy, and it's just more comfortable on long rides.
I'm still on the fence, however, about shoes/toeclips/SPDs. Maybe I'll find some vintage shoes like my old Vittoria's, remove the cleats, and attach the clips/straps that I have in the parts bin. We'll see.
#2
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 8,484
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3846 Post(s)
Liked 6,437 Times
in
3,183 Posts
Carl Spackler: We can do that. We don't even need a reason.
Sandy McFiddish: Then do it, man!
.
Sandy McFiddish: Then do it, man!
.
#3
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,496
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2401 Post(s)
Liked 4,350 Times
in
2,075 Posts
Most everyday clothes are just fine for everyday riding.
When you're doing specialized riding (e.g., training, racing, for sport), clothes designed to keep one comfortable and minimally chafed are advisable too.
Now if someone suggests that one absolutely needs cycling shorts and a team jersey to ride an IGH city bike to the store and back...well, I can tell you the Freddiot isn't the person who is content using everyday clothes for this task.
-Kurt
P.S.: The safety nannies have yet to come up with any scientific evidence that sandals are a problem while riding. Wear them with pride, knowing that you're pissing off someone in their SUV who thinks that your sandals - not their two-ton battering ram - is somehow the biggest threat to human life in the vicinity. Irony can be sweet and on your feet.
When you're doing specialized riding (e.g., training, racing, for sport), clothes designed to keep one comfortable and minimally chafed are advisable too.
Now if someone suggests that one absolutely needs cycling shorts and a team jersey to ride an IGH city bike to the store and back...well, I can tell you the Freddiot isn't the person who is content using everyday clothes for this task.
-Kurt
P.S.: The safety nannies have yet to come up with any scientific evidence that sandals are a problem while riding. Wear them with pride, knowing that you're pissing off someone in their SUV who thinks that your sandals - not their two-ton battering ram - is somehow the biggest threat to human life in the vicinity. Irony can be sweet and on your feet.
Last edited by cudak888; 12-17-21 at 09:57 PM.
Likes For cudak888:
#5
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,496
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2401 Post(s)
Liked 4,350 Times
in
2,075 Posts
Likes For cudak888:
#6
mycocyclist
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Monkey Junction, Wilmington, NC
Posts: 2,239
Bikes: 1964 Schwinn Paramount P-13 DeLuxe, 1964 Schwinn Sport Super Sport, 1972 Falcon San Remo, 1974 Maserati MT-1, 1974 Raleigh International, 1984 Lotus Odyssey, 198? Rossin Ghibli, 1990 LeMond Le Vanquer (sic), 1991 Specialized Allez Transition Pro, +
Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 901 Post(s)
Liked 802 Times
in
441 Posts
Fredless And Fashion Free
Rock socks with your sandals!
Last edited by machinist42; 06-09-21 at 11:46 AM.
#7
Zip tie Karen
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,006
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1465 Post(s)
Liked 1,542 Times
in
806 Posts
Keen offers cycling sandals with closed toes. Shimano sells sandals with open toes. I own a pair of Keens, and am glad for the closed toe cap. But I'm the type of person who is likely to jam or break a toe on some unseen object.
#8
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,001
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 277 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2182 Post(s)
Liked 4,525 Times
in
1,743 Posts
To each his own, I say ...
But personally I draw the line at sandals. Firmly. A sartorial faux pas of extraordinary magnitude. On the beach, when no one is watching? Maybe. But in the out and open? No sir.
My favorite cycling shoes for riding in town: hand-made Italian eel skin. And no, they have no SPD cleats.
On a more serious note: I like wool jerseys and shorts. Good-looking, comfortable, and the back pockets are very useful indeed. However, I find I don't really need them, at least not for the kind of rides I do: mostly leisurely rides up to 100k. And when touring, there are advantages to wearing "normal" clothing. Like when you ride into a town, and want to have lunch in a decent restaurant.
WRT shoes, I find these a good compromise. Classic cycle touring shoes. They are made for clips and straps, to be used without cleats, and - sort of - work well with both formal cycling apparel (wool), and a more casual outfit:
I have them in brown and black, of course.
But personally I draw the line at sandals. Firmly. A sartorial faux pas of extraordinary magnitude. On the beach, when no one is watching? Maybe. But in the out and open? No sir.
My favorite cycling shoes for riding in town: hand-made Italian eel skin. And no, they have no SPD cleats.
On a more serious note: I like wool jerseys and shorts. Good-looking, comfortable, and the back pockets are very useful indeed. However, I find I don't really need them, at least not for the kind of rides I do: mostly leisurely rides up to 100k. And when touring, there are advantages to wearing "normal" clothing. Like when you ride into a town, and want to have lunch in a decent restaurant.
WRT shoes, I find these a good compromise. Classic cycle touring shoes. They are made for clips and straps, to be used without cleats, and - sort of - work well with both formal cycling apparel (wool), and a more casual outfit:
I have them in brown and black, of course.
Likes For non-fixie:
Likes For johnnyace:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,416
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 928 Post(s)
Liked 1,595 Times
in
1,021 Posts
Ohhh Noooo!!!!
In Oregon maybe... Ha
What ever ya want is the best way to go. Transitioning from Bicycle Racing to just ridding can be more than tedious. There is a difference between a ridding bicycle and racing bicycle and it goes the same way with a kit, I guess. I did see once a guy with a full pro competition kit and a track helmet ridding a poser Walmart bicycle with fenders. It was odd. But hey man... He was ridding!!!
In Oregon maybe... Ha
What ever ya want is the best way to go. Transitioning from Bicycle Racing to just ridding can be more than tedious. There is a difference between a ridding bicycle and racing bicycle and it goes the same way with a kit, I guess. I did see once a guy with a full pro competition kit and a track helmet ridding a poser Walmart bicycle with fenders. It was odd. But hey man... He was ridding!!!
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
Last edited by zandoval; 06-09-21 at 12:41 PM.
Likes For zandoval:
#11
Le savonnier
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,706
Bikes: I can count 'em on one hand
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 729 Post(s)
Liked 597 Times
in
269 Posts
To each his own, I say ...
But personally I draw the line at sandals. Firmly. A sartorial faux pas of extraordinary magnitude. On the beach, when no one is watching? Maybe. But in the out and open? No sir.
My favorite cycling shoes for riding in town: hand-made Italian eel skin. And no, they have no SPD cleats.
On a more serious note: I like wool jerseys and shorts. Good-looking, comfortable, and the back pockets are very useful indeed. However, I find I don't really need them, at least not for the kind of rides I do: mostly leisurely rides up to 100k. And when touring, there are advantages to wearing "normal" clothing. Like when you ride into a town, and want to have lunch in a decent restaurant.
WRT shoes, I find these a good compromise. Classic cycle touring shoes. They are made for clips and straps, to be used without cleats, and - sort of - work well with both formal cycling apparel (wool), and a more casual outfit:
I have them in brown and black, of course.
But personally I draw the line at sandals. Firmly. A sartorial faux pas of extraordinary magnitude. On the beach, when no one is watching? Maybe. But in the out and open? No sir.
My favorite cycling shoes for riding in town: hand-made Italian eel skin. And no, they have no SPD cleats.
On a more serious note: I like wool jerseys and shorts. Good-looking, comfortable, and the back pockets are very useful indeed. However, I find I don't really need them, at least not for the kind of rides I do: mostly leisurely rides up to 100k. And when touring, there are advantages to wearing "normal" clothing. Like when you ride into a town, and want to have lunch in a decent restaurant.
WRT shoes, I find these a good compromise. Classic cycle touring shoes. They are made for clips and straps, to be used without cleats, and - sort of - work well with both formal cycling apparel (wool), and a more casual outfit:
I have them in brown and black, of course.
What brand are those classic cycling shoes? I may go that route.
#12
Cat 6
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Mountain Brook, AL
Posts: 7,519
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 183 Times
in
118 Posts
I like walkable cleats/shoes now, gone to SPD from the SPD-SL I was wearing. And I do have a set of SPD sandals. I was never of big fan of straps, even back when that was our only choice. They're fine for longer rides, but they just annoy me riding in neighborhoods.
Considering those large flat pedals (or something similar) that Larry from Mt Airy Cycles endorses. I don't recall the manufacturer off the top of my head. EDIT: Catalyst.
Considering those large flat pedals (or something similar) that Larry from Mt Airy Cycles endorses. I don't recall the manufacturer off the top of my head. EDIT: Catalyst.
Last edited by Ex Pres; 06-09-21 at 12:41 PM.
#13
Senior Member
I have a two toes all bent to hell from a sandal involved childhood accident while riding a bike.
#14
Disraeli Gears
I wanna see a movie of these shoes in action, when maneuvering requires turning the front wheel 10 degrees or so.
I really like the Holdsworth shoes, though they'd never work with my double-Ees feet. As I've posted before, I'm a satisfied Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 customer, many times over.
I really like the Holdsworth shoes, though they'd never work with my double-Ees feet. As I've posted before, I'm a satisfied Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 customer, many times over.
Last edited by Charles Wahl; 06-09-21 at 01:16 PM.
Likes For Charles Wahl:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
Casual, downtown on one of the classic racers, I’m wearing whatever. But, on the road with the Criterium Series I’ll wear jersey, helmet, gloves, glasses. I’m clips/straps the whole way.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Medford MA
Posts: 2,089
Bikes: Ron Cooper touring, 1959 Jack Taylor 650b ladyback touring tandem, Vitus 979, Joe Bell painted Claud Butler Dalesman, Colin Laing curved tube tandem, heavily-Dilberted 1982 Trek 6xx, René Herse tandem
Mentioned: 80 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 963 Post(s)
Liked 1,447 Times
in
721 Posts
I had been riding in sandals and ordinary khaki shorts for years. Rivendell influence, I guess.
I tried to go for biggest improvements first, so I started with the shoes, then the shorts, then the clipless pedals, and then the jersey. Each made a notable improvement. And each improvement was subtler than the last. In the end, I think the jersey makes the least difference and may even be worse than a nice linen shirt on a hot day going 15mph or slower.
I still commute in sandals and socks and ordinary clothes, but right now it's only 2 miles. I'd probably start with shoes, and work my way up the list, if my commute became any longer.
I tried to go for biggest improvements first, so I started with the shoes, then the shorts, then the clipless pedals, and then the jersey. Each made a notable improvement. And each improvement was subtler than the last. In the end, I think the jersey makes the least difference and may even be worse than a nice linen shirt on a hot day going 15mph or slower.
I still commute in sandals and socks and ordinary clothes, but right now it's only 2 miles. I'd probably start with shoes, and work my way up the list, if my commute became any longer.
__________________
Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
#19
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,496
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2401 Post(s)
Liked 4,350 Times
in
2,075 Posts
#21
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,001
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 277 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2182 Post(s)
Liked 4,525 Times
in
1,743 Posts
Those are both seriously stylish shoes. Yeah, sandals. I find that I can't really wear them any more. My feet get sweaty and gooey in no time flat, and it's just not a comfortable feeling. I most certainly won't be wearing socks with them.
What brand are those classic cycling shoes? I may go that route.
What brand are those classic cycling shoes? I may go that route.
The cycling shoes are the Holdsworth Rough Stuff classic touring shoes. Planet X sells them (or rather sold, as they're currently out of stock), at wildly varying prices. IIRC I got them on sale for about €70, and at that price I wanted to try them. And I like them.
Likes For non-fixie:
#22
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,651
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10243 Post(s)
Liked 11,596 Times
in
5,943 Posts
Likes For genejockey:
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,505
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5877 Post(s)
Liked 3,445 Times
in
2,066 Posts
I've been getting away from wearing jerseys. Nothing against jerseys but there are a lot of great technical t shirts out there. I like clipless but I've been moving to bmx pedals since I can run any shoe I like with them. But I'm keeping my lycra shorts.
Likes For bikemig:
#24
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,001
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 277 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2182 Post(s)
Liked 4,525 Times
in
1,743 Posts
To be honest, it isn't an issue. I guess they're smaller than they look. I only get toe overlap on my really short wheelbase bikes with fenders and toe clips. And only when not paying attention. Which doesn't happen very often, fortunately, as I prefer classic Bluemels, and I have had a front fender explode on me that way last year:
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Medford MA
Posts: 2,089
Bikes: Ron Cooper touring, 1959 Jack Taylor 650b ladyback touring tandem, Vitus 979, Joe Bell painted Claud Butler Dalesman, Colin Laing curved tube tandem, heavily-Dilberted 1982 Trek 6xx, René Herse tandem
Mentioned: 80 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 963 Post(s)
Liked 1,447 Times
in
721 Posts