Riding Clothes - In Praise of Clown Suits

[Dallant]

OTOH .. A Cape ?

Rain Capes - the answer to commuting in the rain!

How many on this forum have heard of Rain Capes? A Rain Cape is a poncho that is designed to be used when riding a bike. It has a long front that goes over the handlebars and a short back so it doesn't get stuck in the rear wheel. If you have a rear fender these are the ideal way to travel in...

electricbikereview.com

Never! I can see the wind blowing that whole thing up over my face while riding in traffic!

 

[tomjasz]

Never! I can see the wind blowing that whole thing up over my face while riding in traffic!

I have one and there are loops for handholds. Actually, a nice option when I'm caught in an unexpected rainy ride home. But I'm not a long-distance commuter.

 

[fooferdoggie]

OTOH .. A Cape ?

Rain Capes - the answer to commuting in the rain!

How many on this forum have heard of Rain Capes? A Rain Cape is a poncho that is designed to be used when riding a bike. It has a long front that goes over the handlebars and a short back so it doesn't get stuck in the rear wheel. If you have a rear fender these are the ideal way to travel in...

electricbikereview.com

at my speed that thing would act like a parachute

 

[Alaskan]

at my speed that thing would act like a parachute

I suspect your would have a much more difficult time of it attaining your normal speed with that sail raised

 

[fooferdoggie]

I suspect your would have a much more difficult time of it attaining your normal speed with that sail raised

depends on the wind direction.

 

[Alaskan]

depends on the wind direction.

True dat! A strong enough tail wind and you can stop pedaling and turn off the motor and just scoot along with full spinnaker doing all the work.

 

[fooferdoggie]

True dat! A strong enough tail wind and you can stop pedaling and turn off the motor and just scoot along with full spinnaker doing all the work.

I used to do that as a kid open up my coat and let the wind push me.

 

[Comfortably Numb]

I used to do that as a kid open up my coat and let the wind push me.

Exactly! CN

 

[Oberst]

I've been trying for quite some time to find the company that makes my avatar's biking jersey. Pinterest shows it as a cyclegarb.com product, but I can't find it on their website.
Can you tell I'm a Walking Dead fan?

Riding Dead?

 

[Lar]

 

[Art Deco]

Just not the same as the other cape, but noticeable ...

 

[Art Deco]

I wear an ANSI yellow safety vest with reflective stripes: https://www.mcmaster.com/8324T15
Worn by serious contruction workers everywhere.
Over long sleeve cotton red top mechanics tunic, long dickies polyester/cotton pants. which prevented pavement burns when I was knocked off the bike by a car labor day. Also numerous other pavement encounters. The dark blue clothing prevents sunburn, as well as wicking the sweat effectively.
I'm happy you never get thrown or knocked off to the ground.

That the classic style ...

 

[Kayakguy]

As for underwear, the best I've found for strenuous exercise is merino wool. I've used it on kayak trips where we were paddling anywhere from 15 to 25 miles per day. And I always wear my gore-tex dry suit (NW ocean waters are notoriously cold). The great thing about merino is that it doesn't smell at the end of the day--heck, not even at the end of the week.
REI has it in short and long sleeve versions, plus boxers. Not cheap, and not particularly durable, but it's well worth it.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Well. Richard defends roadie clothing. I'd rather subscribe to this style

 

[e-boy]

 

[Djangodog]

I wear my road “kit” when I ride my road bike. I wear bibs, a proper jersey, good gloves, cycling socks, Sidi shoes and a good, well ventilated helmet. The jersey wicks and keeps me cooler, the bibs stay where they belong, are supportive and make the ride more comfortable. The fingerless gloves aid grip, add comfort and provide some protection in a crash. The socks wick away sweat and work well. The helmet protects my head without overheating. I’m not a poser. I just wear what works.

When I ride my eBike, I dress the same except that I wear shorts over my bibs and a pair of 5-10 Freeriders.

I still enjoy my road bike as well as my eBike. I have never shaved my legs and I haven’t raced officially since 1992.

I walk both sides of the fence and have always treated anyone on any bike as a peer.

There are elitists participating in nearly all activities, and that is often more of a personality issue than anything else.

I think that we could do away with perpetuating stereotypes and name calling. A good road kit only looks like a clown suit if it is worn for anything other than cycling. On a bike, it is part of the equipment just as climbing gear is to a climber, or a ski outfit is to a skier. Technical clothing works.

I do appreciate that the post is at least “in Praise of Clown Suits”.

 

[rayray]

I typically wear loose-fitting clothing when riding. I discovered the downside a few weeks ago, when a bee got caught in the folds of my shirt and repeatedly stung my belly. To add insult to injury, it also stung my finger when I brushed it off. Fortunately, I’m not allergic to bee venom, but it sure didn’t feel good!

Anyway, I’ve now bought my first spandex bib shorts, and will be picking up some shirts as well. Resistance is futile.

 

[Prairie Dog]

A good road kit only looks like a clown suit if it is worn for anything other than cycling.

I’ll keep that in mind the next time I decide to jump out in front of the peleton.

 

[Flannel Guy]

After 30+ years of riding a bike I finally broke down and bought some padded shorts. Riding a emtb on rocky/rooty trails is a little like riding a bucking bronco at times which can lead to some less than desirable seat positions.

 

[Art Deco]

I’ll keep that in mind the next time I decide to jump out in front of the peleton.

View attachment 131693

Hopefully not on that Bike.