Cycling Uniforms

June 11, 2010 | Comments Off on Cycling Uniforms

Cycling is one of those pursuits where the uniforms threaten to dominate you into submission. Without them, don’t you feel just a little bit ILLEGITIMATE?

Ok, so I’ve learned the hard way that intense grodiness and chafing ensues if you don’t wear some tight spandex material w/ padding “down there” while on a long or serious ride. Other than that, I don’t see too many restrictions on what I can wear (aside from dressing for winter/cold weather/rainy riding which is a whole other topic).

But the spandex Jersey and spandex cycling shorts is more than just functionality, it’s a real uniform. If you go to a group ride wearing anything which deviates from the uniform, you may get a few comments. Usually they will be in the form of a question about functionality, like “aren’t you cold in those shoes?”

And then if you go to the city, you’ve got a whole other uniform to deal with: the fixed gear aesthetic. Interestingly, this uniform is just as flashy and conservative as the lycra roadie style.

Of course, there are some big differences here. The spandex uniform was borne out of creating the best outfits for serious road racers. The fixed gear aesthetic was cobbled together from bike messenger / punk / hardcore cultures as an evocation of urban coolness with a few appendages of messengering functionality thrown in.

I feel the same way when confronted with both these styles. I’m not saying it’s a negative feeling necessarily, but it’s definitely something you confront if you’re a regular cyclist.

I guess my point is that you should try and access your own unique subjectivity and inclinations when thinking about what you wear while riding.

Sometimes it’s important to have cycling-specific gear to avoid discomfort (loose, flappy shorts on a long ride are such a drag!) And sometimes you might want to deck yourself out in a messenger bag and rolled-up corduroys and one of those nifty little bicycle caps with the Italian flag stripes. And maybe sometimes you want to wear a business suit with fancy pant clips and pretend you’re a Dutch business man on your way to work.

What I’m trying to say is that the threat of the uniform is looming everywhere in the cycling pursuit. Sometimes it’s not a bad idea to go with or even embrace the uniform, especially if that’s the look you’re really happy with. But don’t feel like you have to be submissive to the prevailing attitudes and styles.


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