Pro kit a no-no?

Felix-da-house-mouse

popette wrote:

I wear giro tops because they're pink and all ladies cycling stuff I've tried on is made with kate moss in mind and not giants like me.
Black socks? what's wrong them 'em? I always wear black socks - got some wooly booly ones on now and I in summer I wear endura trainer type socks. One type of socks I don't get is those up to the knee socks that Paula Radcliffe wears.

ha ha ha i wear the pink giro top as well, it makes lucy and i look even brighter lol, plus pink on a guy means assurity of my sexuality, well thats what the ex girlfriend said :roll:

Felix-da-house-mouse

to quote terongi i feel a bit plain Jane on the continent compared with the locals.

well thats one reason i wear team kit cos it is better looking than boring single colour outfits.

brit66

I generally wear Heli Hanson type clothing although I did invest in a SIS top because it was both a nice understated design and had useful pockets.

Personally, I like to see a group of riders pass by all decked out in colourful kit. It's part of what makes cycling enjoyable IMO.

twowheeledwriter

But on the continent, everyone seems to be kitted out in their favourite pro team kit. In fact, when I go out riding in France or Switzerland I feel a bit of a plain jane compared with the local riders.

I was out riding yesterday here in the south of France and, out of 12 riders, I was the only one wearing any pro team kit. Two of the riders had the local club kit and all the rest had plain kit.

I've not seen many riders here in team kit, although that may well change in the summer. In the autumn, I was wearing my old long sleeved Gan shirt with plain shorts and was quite jealous of the rider I saw in the full Gan kit (long sleeved shirt, shorts, socks and gloves, 'though I doubt I'd go that far - maybe just add the matching shorts).

The only full team kit I have (shorts and shirt) is the team Italia kit from a couple of years ago. Goes well with my blue Bianchi. Other than that I have a couple of team shirts and some Bianchi shorts. I like to mix'n'match a bit and make myself visible.

Mettan

I usually wear UK regional team jerseys - am usually advertising some obscure Ceramics company from Workington or whatever

fluff.

terongi wrote:

The only replica kit I would consider wearing (because it doesn't have advertising on it) is a team GB kit, but I cannot find anywhere to buy it. Does anyone know where I can get some?

I don't think you can buy it new, though some turns up on ebay now and again.

Mike Willcox

I choose to wear a royal blue top with white lettering on the sleeves and front and back. It is well designed with good pockets and is of good quality material. The colours make it stand out at a distance and I happen to like what it looks like, which is why i bought it in the first place.

It happens to be a Discovery replica top. It could equally be advertsing toilet rolls. Who gives a monkeys?

Felix-da-house-mouse

fluff. wrote:

terongi wrote:

The only replica kit I would consider wearing (because it doesn't have advertising on it) is a team GB kit, but I cannot find anywhere to buy it. Does anyone know where I can get some?

I don't think you can buy it new, though some turns up on ebay now and again.

try ebay there always on there

Guyzie

terongi wrote:

Excellent thread. I am really enjoying it.

I especially like the guy pushing 40 who wears a TdF Young Rider jersey.

Terongi, I bought my Dad the Giro Young Rider l/sleeve jersey for Xmas.
He's 70 :-)
For those who know I thought they'd enjoy the humour, plus it looks pretty good too.
Good old Prendas!

terongi

Guyzie wrote:

Terongi, I bought my Dad the Giro Young Rider l/sleeve jersey for Xmas.
He's 70 :-)
For those who know I thought they'd enjoy the humour, plus it looks pretty good too.
Good old Prendas!

Excellent!

Let's have a forum competition for oldest cyclist wearing grand tour young rider jersey. Photos please.

Guyzie

That's heading towards "Girls in lycra" territory isn't it??

If it stops raining I'll try and get a pic of him astride his flash Viner, kitted up:-)

G

AntLockyer

I actually put one on in TK MAXX on Saturday. My Mrs didn't see the funny side and said it looked good.

I'm 33

sloboy

You can get away with anything, as long as it's done with a bit of irony.

However, I think the limit is having a team colours bike that matches the kit. That's tooo much. I'm even concerned about getting a Cervelo, cos I already have the matching CSC-colours Bell Sweep hat !

cee

man there are some anal cyclists around huh (although it would seem mostly in the older club member demograph)??

Not allowed to wear black socks.....whats that you say......kill me?....cretin...ive pushed harder folk oot ay the way tae git tae a fight.

Don't wear team kit.........poo to you sir.

Don't mix and match caps/shorts etc. its like my united states of whatever.

Wear what yer like as far as im concerned.

sonicred007

gumball3000 wrote:

Mog Uk wrote:

Someone care to explain the black sock scenario....!!

Nearly all my summer socks are black for both cycling and running ! Do I need to go into the confession booth and ask for forgiveness ? :?

It tends to be the older "Club" members that have a really strong view on the socks thing.

I remember when Lance rode a TDF time trial with a pair of black Nike socks, someone actually wrote into Cycling Weekly to moan.

There is a bit too much traditionalism in cycling clubs sometimes. I rode with someone who uses down tube shifters the other day. He still sees STIs* as voodoo!


* Has STI become short for Sexually Transmitted Infection recently? Someone told me that Disease was too harsh a word and woulf hurt peoples feelings...(Not as much as VD would....). I wonder If Shimano are thinking of dropping the STI name.....

But all sealskinz socks are black - are they to be banished.... admittedly, all my other socks are a combination of primary colours on white

sonicred007

AntLockyer wrote:

I actually put one on in TK MAXX on Saturday. My Mrs didn't see the funny side and said it looked good.

I'm 33

I'm yet to find any cheap cycling gear - apart from jackets - in TK Maxx.... my search continues

CHRISNOIR

Felix-da-house-mouse wrote:

... pink on a guy means assurity of my sexuality, well thats what the ex girlfriend said :roll:

This has always been my argument when challenged over my T-Mobile jersey. Takes a certain kind of bloke to pull on some pink lycra in public.

AntLockyer

sonicred007 wrote:

AntLockyer wrote:

I actually put one on in TK MAXX on Saturday. My Mrs didn't see the funny side and said it looked good.

I'm 33

I'm yet to find any cheap cycling gear - apart from jackets - in TK Maxx.... my search continues

thurrock never has any, this was my first trip to Bromley and they had the white jerseys and some retro looking TDF nike things. I bought one to wear in the pub.

nolf

Here are some guidlines I like to refer to when looking at whats acceptable

The Official Euro Cyclists Handbook

If you're on facebook join the group! (or have no taste)

It's a fairly long post I'll admit- but worth a read!

********* -THE OFFICIAL EURO CYCLIST CODE OF CONDUCT- *********

Created by Dom Guiver and Mike Flavell


1. Image and style shall be your primary concern. When suffering, one must focus first on maintaining a cool, even composure, and second on performance. Winning races is an added talent, and only counts if said euro cyclist wins with appropriate style.

2. Training is based solely on feel, while racing is to be guided by sensations and instinct. The Euro Cyclist will never accept tried or tested scientific training methods.

3. You shall NEVER, under any circumstances, wear plain black spandex bibs (shorts, regardless of colour are BANNED) or any team kit containing non-prominent Logo's. Shorts will extend 55-60% of the way down the upper leg. IN NO CONDITION shall it extend any further.

4. Legs will be SHAVED year-round. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS. Certain hair removal creams are endorsed only on a case-by-case basis. One shall never show up to a race (large or small) with ANY AMMOUNT of stubble visible on legs.

5. A prominent line where your kit ends and where your tan begins is essential to your image. Artificial tanning is BANNED. The tan SHALL reflect the level of training commitment.

6. The Socks must extend no less than 2cm below the main bulge of your calf muscle, and shall never extend further than 1cm past the primary calf muscle bulge. All socks SHALL BE WHITE in colour with prominent logo placement.

7. Cycling shoes must contain at least 80% white!
The following exceptions apply…
i) Colours combinations such as world cup stripes, or Olympic gold where title has been EARNED.
ii) Shoes which are custom-made for specific riders by companies endorsed by this group. These shoes will be accessible to the particular cyclist only, and shall follow the preceding rules.

8. If white cycling shoes are not available where you reside, white booties with prominent logos shall always be worn. When booties are worn, socks should protrude approximately 7 centimetres above the ankle, and shall always protrude at least 1.5cm from any booties worn.

9. Your bike frame must contain 2-4 colours IN ADDITION TO WHITE. All colours are acceptable as long as they combine tastefully. In addition to this, wheel selection must also match frame and fork.

10. You shall race only on Bora’s or Lightweights. Mavic Open Pros, Fulcrum Racing Ones or Zipp’s (404’s or 202’s) are considered stylish enough to be used as training wheels ONLY. Regardless, Ceramic bearings shall be used at all times on both training and race bikes.

11. ALL wheels shall be equipped with tubulars, regardless of your ability in gluing them.

12. Ridiculously stylish eye wear (see endorsed products list) is to be worn at all time without exception.

13. Hair shall be kept neatly short, and matching helmet shall be worn (again with prominent logo placement). Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES shall a clashing helmet colour be worn with your euro kit.

14. In RARE cases, it has been deemed acceptable to have long hair. In this event, hair shall be neatly slicked back in maximum euro-styling, and helmet SHALL NOT be worn. It is IMPERATIVE rule 12 is followed in these special cases.

15. When riding, sans helmet (with short hair), a team issue cycling cap (white in colour), shall be worn. The bill shall remain in the downward position at all times. Cycling cap can be worn forwards or backwards to coincide with specifics of current hairstyle. During spring training, cycling toques WILL be worn at all time in place of caps.

16. Kits will always be freshly washed, and one shall ALWAYS have applied a subtle quantity of eau de toilette (cologne). It is, AT ALL TIMES, FORBIDDEN to ride in an unwashed kit, as it is extremely detrimental to your image.

17. Saddles shall be white in colour only and will be manufactured in Italy or France. Exceptions shall be made in the following cases…
i) Saddles containing WorldCup Stripes or Olympic Gold when EARNED
ii) Italian Flag colour combo when rider is ITALIAN (born in Italy)

18. Handlebar tape is required to be cork as well as being WHITE IN COLOUR. Bar tape will be kept in pristine white condition. This state shall be achieved either through daily cleansing or frequent replacement. These jobs will NEVER be performed by the cyclist as you must maintain your image.

19. All stems must be a minimum of 120mm and a rise of no higher than -10 degrees. Stems shall be positioned no more than 0.5cm above the top of the headtube. ALL stems shall ALWAYS be oversized, made out of ALUMINUM, and airbrushed in kit/frame colours.

20. A rider will ALWAYS have liniment applied to his legs before appearing in public.

21. Facial hair will be restricted to (at maximum) a goatee, and even this is discouraged. Moustaches, beards, or any combination thereof are EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED in all instances. Stubble is, however, advisable in virtually ALL euro-situations. It is important to note: this DOES NOT apply to the legs!

22. Campagnolo shall be THE ONLY acceptable componentry and is hereby deemed superior to ANY Shimano product in ALL circumstances. You are expected to have nothing less than an ENTIRE campy grouppo. Crank substitutions are NOT permitted. There is a case by case exception for SRAM RED.

23. You shall NEVER, under any circumstances, acknowledge the presence of a cyclist riding a bike costing less than €2000 in a public place. This could be severely detrimental to your image.

24. You shall NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, associate with triathletes. It is FORBIDDEN to have any number inked onto your body before a race.

25. Any physical activity, other than cycling, is STRONGLY FROWNED UPON. This includes any form of running or swimming and their derivatives (this includes walking). The ONLY TWO other sports with a recognized degree of euro are Cross Country skiing, and long track speed skating.

26. MTB gloves are FORBIDDEN in all instances. Cycling gloves will be slick, white (in accordance with kit), and have minimal padding. Padding will be beige or white in colour. Wearing NO GLOVES is entirely acceptable and encouraged. In the case where said euro cyclist is wearing a leader’s jersey, special gloves will be made to match the colour of the jersey while blending the team kit colours simultaneously.

27. In a circumstance where any cyclist (or triathlete) ever displays aggression or disrespect towards you, one will ride up uncomfortably close and slap them in the face with your team issue gloves.

28. In the event a motorist disturbs your ride, you shall proceed to ride up beside the car, form a clenched fist and bang the boot of the car while doing your best attempt to sound irritated in Italian. Wild arm/head movements are strongly encouraged to enhance the apparent rage.

29. ONE shall never rearrange their package while riding. Adjustments regarding seating/hanging comfort are to be done in private in order to preserve image.

30. ABSOLUTELY NO FORM of seatbag, frame pump, mud guard or mirror shall come within 2 meters of ones bike.

31. Gearing is restricted to a titanium Campy Record 11-23 cassette with a ABSOLUTE MINIMUM of 42-53 up front. One shall never be seen pedaling at a cadence over 90rpm in case it detracts from your calm/smooth factor. The use of 25t cog is acceptable in special training circumstances.

32. ALL BIKES shall feature personalized nameplates next to ones home country’s flag located on the top-tube within 10 cm seat-tube ON ONE SIDE ONLY.

33. Pedals MUST be either Look or Time. No other pedals are to be considered and ANY form of Shimano product is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.

34. Coffee is a necessity and as such must be consumed strong (ie. espresso) on a patio in Italy in full kit, it shall be drunk black. Sugar is STRONGLY FROWNED UPON. The only milk present shall appear frothed on top (if at all).

35. All podium shots (pictures) shall be taken with the euro-rider wearing team kit and appropriately matching casual euro shoes (such as puma's). Socks shall remain within the guidelines above. The rider is expected to display an appropriate degree of bulge while receiving kisses/trophy.

36. All pre and post-race activity will be conducted under a gazebo (this includes massage, interviews, and looking fantastic) leaving one in reasonable distance of the Euro-sun to top up your enviable tanlines or pose for photo’s.

37. Post-race, one shall be tied to their mobile phone, receiving endless calls from their attractive euro-girlfriend or important ad executives concerning modelling contracts. This will be done under the protection of the post race gazebo.

38. Team bikes will be built up so that they violate the UCI weight limit, in order that weights might be attached to the frame to demonstrate its superiority and lightness.

39. Motivational music during training SHALL consist of late 90s house or deep-trance hard-style German techno hereby known as euro beats. NO EXCEPTIONS.

40. Naked black ALL CARBON water bottle cages (manufactured by ELITE CAGES) will be used on ALL BIKES. Exceptions include….
i) Special edition 24k gold cages are acceptable in certain cases such as photo shoots, prologues or where colour coordination dictates. Ex. Gold Cage with Olympic Gold/white team kit.

41. Water Bottles shall be referred to solely as "Bidon's" and shall have a volume NOT EXCEEDING 500ml. Bidon's will always be matching of team/kit colours. It is NOT ACCEPTABLE in ANY CIRCUMSTANCE to leave bidon's on bike more than 10 minutes post ride OR while transporting bikes via bike rack.

42. A gold pendant on a very long, thin chain bearing some form of religious icon is STRONGLY recommended for mountain races.

43. While soloing in for a victory, one will ensure their jersey is FULLY ZIPPED and ALLIGNED, so all title sponsors are clearly visible. One shall then smile and flex arms while pointing skywards. The projection of ones fatigue is EXPLICITLY FORBIDDEN in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.

44. When appearing in a photo spread for sponsor’s products, one shall appear either fully nude or in full Brioni 3 piece suits. Smiling is prohibited in these instances.

45. When appearing in documentaries, you must be seen walking around the hotel in your kit at all times. It is also recommended that you constantly be eating something in front of the cameras.

46. When asked "how are you?" while riding you must proceed with one of the following...
-Complain about coming off a sickness.
- Explain you're peaking for bigger races later in the season
- Mention that this is a "recovery ride"
-That you are on the tail end of your daily 6 hour training ride

47. When the Euro Cyclist feels the urge to relieve himself during a race, he will gracefully meander to the back of the pack, seat himself sideways on his saddle, and pee into the sunflowers. He must ensure that no cameracrew catches the act, for it could be detrimental to his image. Under no circumstances shall the rider dismount from his bike to urinate.

48. When climbing anything with a gradient above 20% and lasting over 8 kilometers, the Euro cyclist must fully unzip his jersey and let it flutter in the wind.

49. When dropping out of a race, one shall avoid the embarrassment of entering the official broomwagon and will instead wait for their team vehicle. When asked the reason for dropping out, one will cite mechanical problems or oncoming sickness as the reason, to avoid any bad speculation in relation to your fitness.

50. If in doubt, the euro cyclist shall mention in an interview that his pollen allergies are acting up, and that he’s not sure that he’ll win the Giro this year. In this situation, remember to note that the sensations are otherwise good, and that eventually you’ll win a beautiful stage.

51. Team-building motivational camps will be held annually in the off-season. These are to place team members in as ridiculous a setting as possible. Photos will be widely reproduced to demonstrate team cohesion.

52. During the pre-TdF medical checks, star riders of each team are STRONGLY ADVISED to play doctor with each other while shirtless. Photos taken must strive to be as HOMEROTIC AS POSSIBLE.

53. In order to avoid the harsh European winter, you shall:
i)flee to the warmer climes of Mallorca/South Africa/Canary Islands/etc.
ii)“train the mind, body and soul” with Kreitler brand rollers

54. In the event of a crash, no matter how badly the Euro cyclist has injured himself, he should proceed to mummify himself with fishnet gauze. The act of gauzing oneself is looked upon with respect by other Euro cyclists because it
is a statement of commitment and strength of character to continue racing when injured. White Gauze is the norm, but world cup striped gauze and or national colors may be worn on select occasions depending on the rider.

Felix-da-house-mouse

JESUS. I JUST FELL ASLEEP READING ALL THAT AND WOKE UP 2 HOURS LATER SLEVVERING INTO MY KEYBOARD!!! NOLF PLEASE FORWARD A NEW ONE PLEASE

nolf

You can't summarise rules such as those! :shock: :?

Thats akin to summarising the 10 commandments! :shock:

But if you could, the closest would be- WWCD? (what would Cipo do?)]

If Cipo would do it, the it's Euro!

AntLockyer

nolf wrote:

WWCD!

Thank you I can top carrying the rules around with me now

jimmythecuckoo

fluff. wrote:

terongi wrote:

The only replica kit I would consider wearing (because it doesn't have advertising on it) is a team GB kit, but I cannot find anywhere to buy it. Does anyone know where I can get some?

I don't think you can buy it new, though some turns up on ebay now and again.

http://www.bobshop.de/en/article/britis ... -2007-s-1/

simon_e

I've never been one for pro team kit - too tribal, I don't have a 'favourite' team, and I don't like being a mobile advert. Although worse would be having Carlsberg, Vodafone or O2 across one's chest and BECKHAM or SCHOLES across the back - unless that really is your name. You wouldn't catch me in the T-Mobile shade of girly pink, er I mean magenta, either.

However, I don't have any problem with anyone who wants to wear team kit, even T-Mobile. ;-) Tastes vary, we're all different. If it makes someone happy I don't see why I should criticise their choice.

I'd be more inclined to lean towards the humorous:
http://www.thecyclejersey.com/ (favourite here is the Tunnocks Tea Cake)
http://www.foska.com/acatalog/shop.html

or retro style from NZ, but they're not cheap:
http://www.solocc.com/products.cfm?cat_id=1

Slipknotjonny

I think that Cycling Jerseys are fantastic whatever design they sport, there are so many pockets to shove all my shoplifted bits and bobs in.

Watch out Geoffrey Butler, I'll be down tomorrow! :shock:

disney

A few points. Since rejoining cycling, it has made me wear the brightest and most garish kit that can be seen from the Moon as a necessity with the helmet and the reflective glasses. Pedestrians seem to regard you as an 'expert', a real cyclist or the 'biz' and actually say sorry if they or their dog impedes you, but not if you wear dark 'tatty' non pro gear. Even cars and white vans seem to give you more respect, well at least white vans give you a head start before cutting you up. The real gear seems well made, comfortable and does the job that it is designed for and lastly I just love the colours. Pink, lime green and giant logos in lycra is a recipe just made for cycling. My favourite is team CSC. My running kit is the same and I wear the most garish clashing colours and dont give a jot what anybody thinks. Wear all the famous gear with pride. I must get a red and white polka dot jersey which will nicely match my electric blue shorts I have.

howiejmidlands

Well i have spent the last 30 mins agreeing and disagreeing with the previous posts. If you want my highly valuable opinion, i wear pro kit. If you want to look totally CONSPICUOUS wear the pink of the Giro leader with Milram, oh but you do need to be 19 stone lard arse to carry it off with style and panache!!

As for the socks, sorry but it has to be white, for sport, and for work. Do i have to throw all my white socks out and wear black for work????? Thats probably why i havent had a promotion in 20 years. So it must also mean i have to throw my gold bracelet away.....boo hoo. Any maybe even my necklace!! Lord no please!

Now here is a very serious point. How do you get the road poo/muck/oil/ debris/shit out of your aforementioned beautiful pink leaders jersey after 5 washes.

Ruari

I think if it's pink you have to 'Trust Pink, Forget Stains...!' Vanish is the only answer!

Felix-da-house-mouse

i've never had any problems getting the stains outta my pink top. just tell your mrs to stop buying Tesco value washing powder!!! :P