CarbonFrk

I'm about to get my first road bike and start to immerse myself into this sport.

However, I'm not to keen on getting the Lycra/Spandex riding outfit quite yet. Now I completely understand why I should wear this, and I'm sure I will in the near future.

However, since I'm a noob on road riding, I don't want to deck myself out with the tight outfit. Therefore, any suggestions on good, breathable riding outfit that is not like wearing a glove over the body?

*By the way - I'm in shape so that's not the issue

bubbaeck

You could try a pair of MTB shorts - they're baggy but still padded. As for a jersey, any loosefitting, wicking synthetic fabric should be all right.. something made out of polypro. Or, you could just ride around in cargo shorts and a tshirt.

Tri JP

Bah. If you're in shape and that's not the issue, get over yourself and get a proper kit. You'll look a lot dumber dressed up in whatever you come up with than real cycling clothing. You want to get immersed in the sport? Get immersed and quit worrying about whether people can see your schlong.

charmed

If you are in shape please, please go for the lycra/spandex. Us carpool moms could use the view.

Bill L

you will get over the spandex issue and become comfortable in it.

the hi performance fabrics help wick moisture away and they don't flap around in the breeze, and when you start longer rides you will find the spandex shorts are much more comfortable

I don't mind the fit because i look freekin hot in spandex

B

builtbym

knickers and a tee works for me. i still dont have a pair, because i have yet to win the lotto, but i still hear that swerves are the best. i have some made by borah, and they are wonderful. lots of pockets, comfy, and they fit well.

ShadowGray

If you don't like (or like me, want to spend on) a jersey, you could try those tight underamor type shirts, which you can pick up on the cheap from Walmart. Get the tighter ones so they don't flap in the wind.

For $8, it's not bad.

I wouldn't skimp on shorts though, those saddles can really cut into you.

urbanknight

Nude

But seriously, +1 to a pair of baggy, padded mountainbike shorts and a moisture wicking shirt from a sports store, or even x-mart if you want a cheap one to start with.

builtbym

i also should say, i like to wear nike under armor from time to time, its less spandexy, and less expensive than a jersey.

Pugsly

How do you immerse yourself in the sport without embracing the uniform?

This is akin to saying "I plan to immerse myself in swimming, but am not sure I want to get wet, what options do I have?"

irish pat

when I started riding, I was in the same boat. I would not wear the shorts. I got a gel saddle so I could ride with regular shorts. Then I was getting chaffing, so I got the spandex shorts and a good jersey. I used to put a pair of loose fitting shorts in my rear pocket in case I had to get off the bike. Then, when I was riding with a group for the first time, I would wear underwear, because I was very sensitive about people staring at my junk.
Not anymore, now I race with the spandex etc. and even get on the podium in front of lots of people with only my spandex on-imagine that.

Wear whatever you're comfortable with, you will be less worried about it as you grow to love the sport.

Surferbruce

Theres quite a few companies that cater to the fixed gear/messenger crowd that make bike specific knickers and such. Chrome, Hypnotic, Portland Cyclewear, Rapha are just a few. there's plenty of times you don't want lycra for riding a bike, but for serious cycling and training you need to get on the bus homie.

cohophysh

I'm fat and I wear the lycra because 1) I don't worry about chapping my ***** 2) my testicles aren't getting crushed, 3) they wick away the sweat 4) they also act to compress the muscles which can reduce muscle fatigue.

And sorry to the soccer mom's who are repulsed by my fat ***** but I don't really care how I look, just that I am comfortable

Impulse666

get some real road biking shorts and then put some baggy shorts over them.

canthidefromme

just do it.

Booger

Get over it. Have a little self-confidence.

Geoff326

to me, if you're not wearing lycra it looks weird

huhenio

https://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx...12&prod_id=212

BarracksSi

Lycra looks weird everywhere OFF the bike -- but it makes total sense ON the bike.

The snug fit of the stuff I've got is a byproduct of its function. The shorts (usually bibs, actually) don't chafe against my skin, the lack of seams in the pad is just as important as the padding itself, and there's no baggy fabric to get caught on the seat. The jersey doesn't flap around, it doesn't get bunched up on my shoulders, its drop tail covers my backside somewhat, and the rear pockets are much better for carrying items than pockets in regular shorts.

I end up looking like a goofball when I go into a sandwich shop, but it's really nice while riding.

Get one jersey and one pair of shorts or bibs, and reserve them for special high-mileage days. You'll see why us weirdos wear them.

Red Rider

Few things are as absurd as a guy in baggy, non-cycling clothes on a really nice road bike. By wearing non-road-specific clothing you do the bike (and yourself) a disservice. Why have a light-as-air bike if you won't wear clothing to enhance your aerodynamicness?

I can't speak for other women but a cyclist in Lycra=hawt.

So what are you waiting for?

Industrial

If you are that self-conscious about lycra, buy a different saddle and wear basketball shorts & regular wicking t-shirts. Or regular gym clothes. I recommend a brooks b-17 narrow. You can wear jeans with that saddle and ride all day. It will look absurd on a race bike but so does not wearing proper lycra on a race bike.

Regular sport saddle = $15-$80
1 set of Lycra pants and jersery = $40-$300
1 set of MTB baggy shorts = $15-$140

filtersweep

With a helmet and sunglasses, who can recognize you anyway?

uberclkgtr

Soccer shorts work fine, but of course there's no padding. Any any poly shirt that wicks should be fine. Don't wear cotton.

weavers

saran wrap:


or borat:

thirdin77

I suggest that you use a road cycling jersey because the sleeves and the waist will be elasticized, meaning they won't flap around in the wind which gets to be very annoying esp if you're riding into a headwind. It doesn't have to be super tight as many brands incl Pearl Izumi and Canari make their jerseys in tight, semi-tight and loose-fitting. Go semi-tight.

For shorts, get mountain bike-style shorts, i.e. baggy shorts, which have a liner. Get some with a heavier, soft shell exterior, like this so they neither flap around in the wind as easily as thinner fabric nor will they ride up on your thighs as easily.

Surferbruce's suggestions look interesting too, I think I'll check them out myself.