If you're starting out in cycling you'll most certainly hit the point where someone will say something along the lines "You need to buy a pair of padded shorts" followed by the familiar reply "I'll never wear Lycra". Of course further down the line you end up buying a pair to save your arse from the punishment of the scantily padded narrow cushion of what we call a saddle.
In my opinion Lycra is something that should be embraced rather than shunned. You wouldn't run with dress shoes on. Or swim wearing a t-shirt and shorts? No, you'd buy the proper kit that's made for purpose and same goes for cycling gear.
So why don't more people invest in Lycra when the first start out? I think part of it is an image issue, cycling shorts in particular can be quite revealing that would make most people uncomfortable to be seen in. There's also the "Borat" image that comes with bibs. Note: Never wear bib shorts on its own. But once you're on the bike no one really cares.
As for jerseys, there's so much variety you can choose the type of fit, aero, fitted and casual as examples. Design to has changed where you can buy a classic/retro jersey worn with black shorts say "Yes I enjoy cycling". Cycling kit is so much more a fashion statement than a decade ago where it was mainly function over style. Take Paul Smith for example designing the classification jerseys for the tour of Qatar earlier this year. Even H&M had there own cycling range at one point and Rapha have perfectly matched fashion and functionality that you wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen wearing.
So as much has cycling gear has become more fashionable it will always have that stigma will new cyclists and only makes sense as an investment a little further into the future. Yes you can also buy more casual cycling gear that's not made of lycra. I didn't touch on this because no-one I've come across has looked down at buying that type of gear unless you follow the Velominati. (Refer to rule 18 of the Velominati Rules of the Road).
As for jerseys, there's so much variety you can choose the type of fit, aero, fitted and casual as examples. Design to has changed where you can buy a classic/retro jersey worn with black shorts say "Yes I enjoy cycling". Cycling kit is so much more a fashion statement than a decade ago where it was mainly function over style. Take Paul Smith for example designing the classification jerseys for the tour of Qatar earlier this year. Even H&M had there own cycling range at one point and Rapha have perfectly matched fashion and functionality that you wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen wearing.
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| A year or two back fluro was fashionable |
So as much has cycling gear has become more fashionable it will always have that stigma will new cyclists and only makes sense as an investment a little further into the future. Yes you can also buy more casual cycling gear that's not made of lycra. I didn't touch on this because no-one I've come across has looked down at buying that type of gear unless you follow the Velominati. (Refer to rule 18 of the Velominati Rules of the Road).
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