I mean honestly!!!! Come on man!!!!

**vinzclortho** · 12-11-2004, 05:51 PM

Can somebody explain the deal with men, especially older dudes, on street bikes wearing spandex, riding in groups? I just don't understand it. I was in Santa Barbara today and must have seen 100 of them, all over the 101, but it's not just here, they are in Mass too. I mean they aren't really sponsored by Heineken or Giro or anybody. Why the spandex? Can't they just wear normal shorts? Or at least a normal shirt? Am I a bike jong for not understanding this? Is chafage that much of an issue? Somebody explain non-sponsored spandex wearing bike riders to me. It just seems unnecessary and pretty queer lookin. Old dudes, spandex, bikes: discuss.

**Tap** · 12-11-2004, 06:17 PM

its not that big of a deal, vinz.

it's part of the roadie culture.
it's more aerodynamic.
it's more comfortable on the saddle without the extra fabric bunching up.
it wicks better.
and it gets that padded diaper that much closer to your special spot.

i bet you $5 that most of them had their legs shaved too. they'll tell you it's so they don't get hair and dirt in there when they fall, but it's all about showing off their sexy legs to other men road bikers.

don't be disgusted with them because you found yourself uncontrollably drawn to looking at them.

**vinzclortho** · 12-11-2004, 06:29 PM

Oh. Well see now it kind of makes sense. I kind of understood it must have a reason and it being part of the culture makes sense. I'm an outside observer looking into that world. When there are 30 of them riding on the side of a highway and you are doing 80 mph 10 feet from them it's best to notice that they are there is all. That part we don't have in Mass, no bikes allowed on highways...kinda makes sense to me but then I'm a stranger in a strange land. I ask alot of stupid surfing questions on the board as well since I see surfers almost every day now. No offense meant to anyone, just an observer.

**Wizard** · 12-11-2004, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by vinzclortho

Oh. Well see now it kind of makes sense. I kind of understood it must have a reason and it being part of the culture makes sense. I'm an outside observer looking into that world. When there are 30 of them riding on the side of a highway and you are doing 80 mph 10 feet from them it's best to notice that they are there is all. That part we don't have in Mass, no bikes allowed on highways...kinda makes sense to me but then I'm a stranger in a strange land. I ask alot of stupid surfing questions on the board as well since I see surfers almost every day now. No offense meant to anyone, just an observer.

Weak! Very weak Vince, don't go too pussy on us out there!

"It kind of makes sense....(oh oh)... no offense" [QUOTE] = BS!.

Be training this week in Carhartt's, MF! Get some balls, man, spandex is for the race(ers)....unless your WC racer, nuff said! Put on some shorts and go...who are you trying to beat? Lance? The more AIR resistance = better training. Then...run nude...now, feel how fast you are; flying!!!

I mean really, Vince, there is the stupid line in "roadies" just like skiers, I see more assholes, than not. ALL THE TIME!

-wiz

**TeleAl** · 12-12-2004, 05:31 AM

As a convert, I respond:

First, understand, I used to ride with all the ghetto gear (hiking boots, leather work gloves, an old anarak, etc. I was cool then. It worked. Really.

After some time (read years) riding my mountain bike, I changed over to a road bike. This was not an easy decision for me. I detest roads with cars, and refuse to compete with them. I cannot imagine riding in the US, especially on a highway. Where I live, we have roads with few, if any, cars. I ride them as a rule, or use a bike path.

About your question pertaining lycra, when one invests in a road ride, one realizes that weight matters. Reduce weight, go faster. Those skinny tires offer little friction and a turn of the pedals sends you farther than any mountain bike could hope.

I switched for a few reasons, but mainly because I began to seek out new longer rides. The people joining me had road bikes. They pedalled less. Logic followed.

Now, imagine you are going to ride some 50-70 miles. Shorts suck, get something that doesn't rub/chaffe your thighs. That's important. Yes, it looks gay. And it feels like wearing women's underwear. Ever try that? Don't knock it until you try it. Me, I don't. But, I prefer not to be prejudice.

Riding in packs is for the long haul, or for a break. Whenever I can, I jump onto a group for a break, especially if they pass me going in the same direction. The guy in front is doing much more work than those following. This allows the pack to go faster. Going fast in a pack, working as a team, is fun. Leading the pack, and holding a speed, is fun.

As for sponsorships, I don't wear them, at least not until someone starts giving me the gear. That's the idea, isn't it. I guess if you like a team, you might wear their gear. I don't (yet).

In the end it is all good. They are on bikes, not polluting, not making much noise, not hurting anyone. As you pass, feel free to give a friendly toot-toot, a wave, and laugh at the Gay Lycra Mafia as you pass.

Personally, I prefer the wrestling style suit. To make my point more clearly, I also wear rainbow socks, because if I am going to look completely stupid, I might as well push it as far as it goes. The socks are a hit.

I do not shave my legs. Someone needs to pay me to do that.

**Plakespear** · 12-12-2004, 10:50 AM

Ride three hours in a pair of baggy cargo shorts.

The next day, ride three hours in a pair of lycra cycling shorts.

Report back with the results.

Edit: The best selling jersey at the shop I work at is a Corona jersey.

And wearing a Euro team kit on a road ride is no different than wearing your Lakers jersey to a pickup game at the local court

**Benny Profane** · 12-12-2004, 06:41 PM

Chicks dig Benny's butt in lycra.

**cumerritt** · 12-12-2004, 10:08 PM

Do you wear jeans and cotton sweatshirts when you ski?

Bike clothing is just what you wear when you ride a bike, on road or off road. Its functional and allows you to ride comfortably, just like ski clothes wick sweat, and keep you warm and dry.

**tjb** · 12-13-2004, 03:20 AM

Originally Posted by cumerritt

Do you wear jeans and cotton sweatshirts when you ski?

Bike clothing is just what you wear when you ride a bike, on road or off road. Its functional and allows you to ride comfortably, just like ski clothes wick sweat, and keep you warm and dry.

I'm a MTBer and resisted for a long time wearing lycra. I've got to say, it is so much better as it breathes better, keeps you cooler in summer and warmer in winter, and is SO much easier to clean after a 2 hour mud epic.

What I don't get is the lycra clad body builder types who cruise in road packs riding so slow that a posse of MTBers on dual suspension XC machines can ride past on the road - I guess they are on the ride for their next latte!

**Il Eagle** · 12-14-2004, 09:23 PM

Get out of the closet and admit that you like looking at dude's asses in lycra, and get turned on by their shaved legs.

**Viva** · 12-15-2004, 09:37 AM

Tight-fitting pants don't snag on the saddle when you change position.

**Wizard** · 12-15-2004, 11:59 PM

ya, ya, ya, the baggy is non-proformance, but I look cool, man.

Lycra is wear-its-at for riding & I wear it upper (& under), but i'm little scary with the package hanging and dangling, so i suffer the climbs for the looks...boot me..but I do it for the Children, eh. Believe me...it's ALOT cooler than THAT scene.

Just a jong...vince.

**cumerritt** · 12-16-2004, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by Wizard

ya, ya, ya, the baggy is non-proformance, but I look cool, man.

Lycra is wear-its-at for riding & I wear it upper (& under), but i'm little scary with the package hanging and dangling, so i suffer the climbs for the looks...boot me..but I do it for the Children, eh. Believe me...it's ALOT cooler than THAT scene.

Just a jong...vince.

huh?

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