American cycling fashions can be truly hard on the eyes. Yes, bright clothes have an obvious safety advantage. But if cycling becomes more popular we're going to have even MORE middle aged men in tights and dayglo spandex exposing themselves to the public. Wise mothers will learn to shield their children's eyes.
In Holland where more than half the population bikes to work, people wear normal clothes. Americans tend to have special uniforms for every activity: you don't just go fishing, you put on fishing gear. You have customized shoes for walking, running, cycling and relaxing. And the Gods of consumerism smile.
I realize you've got a lot invested in your 15 pound carbon fiber racing bike. But look, you're not Lance Armstrong.* Put aside your dreams of efficiency and speed for a moment and think of how you appear to others. Would you wear day glo tights to a business meeting...a date...a wedding? Consider the bike as a fashion accessory. It might be a bit slower in crosstown traffic but every head will turn.
Fashionable cycling clothes could change the image of our sport overnight and make cycling immensely more popular. The two fashion-driven designs that follow are promising steps in the right direction.
Here's a helmet that looks like (is?) a hat, not a ray gun.
Tip of the helmet to Kevin Hoover and Susanna Linqvist for these links.
* unless you actually are, in which case, Hi
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Fashion! Using a bike to get to work in Holland is not a fashion statement or a choice - wanna got to work? Ride you bike. And it is not a sporting event it is a commute for regular people in regular jobs, dressed for those jobs. If these people go on a strenuous cycling trip on a sports bike they will wear suitable clothing too. Even spandex!
ReplyDeleteAnd a commuter bike needs fenders. lights, bells and wide tires, and some kind of basket for your stuff.
Get it! You are really comparing sporting events with daily commutes. Apple and oranges!
Anon: Aren't you missing the main reason Dutch biking is so successful? The "fashion" is everyday casual. Here it's locked into a pricey commercial model: spandex or nothing. Only if we drive can we be ourselves and dress casually.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you might be Dutch. If so, you're missing the forest for the trees.
So I should ride and sweat through 85 miles of hills in jeans? I know that spandex isn't for every rider. But the majority of those donning the garb really do need the comfort and sweat wicking features of a good jersey and shorts for a long ride. You don't run track in bell bottoms and platform shoes just because short shorts aren't for everyday wear.
ReplyDeleteI don't put it on if I'm only riding 10-20 miles or some shorter distance. That is just silly.
To paraphrase Queen Victoria, I don't care what you wear up in the hills as long as you don't frighten the horses.
ReplyDelete