Team kit do you wear it?

burnthesheep

Dragging this topic from the dead.

I was in France on work, so took a vacation day extra to go see the last day in Paris of the Tour.  I'm so lucky it worked out that way.

​​​​​​​I bought a polka dot replica jersey.  I totally got it because I love polka dots and so I can wear it on purpose to the local A group ride. 

I'm totally hoping someone says something or has a cross look, as there's a few "Velominati" kinda riders.

I'm also going to take along the matching polka dot bidon also. LOL. Play some Chamillionaire.....They see me trollin, they hatin.....

daniel_b

burnthesheep wrote:

Dragging this topic from the dead.

I was in France on work, so took a vacation day extra to go see the last day in Paris of the Tour.  I'm so lucky it worked out that way.

​​​​​​​I bought a polka dot replica jersey.  I totally got it because I love polka dots and so I can wear it on purpose to the local A group ride. 

I'm totally hoping someone says something or has a cross look, as there's a few "Velominati" kinda riders.

I'm also going to take along the matching polka dot bidon also. LOL. Play some Chamillionaire.....They see me trollin, they hatin.....

lol, Planet DFS do some lovely Polka dot socks you should get a hold of too!

Kvin

Aargh someone else has the Merckx Molteni Arcore jersey.....I had to buy it and wore it once, but couldn't help thinking I am not worthy. Just can't wear it.

I think it takes me back to when he came to the then new Eastway cycling circuit, must have been early 70's. Picture a Bay City Rollers concert but with grown men screaming and falling at the great mans feet. Must stop and wipe a tear from my eye......

Suppose as time goes on older riders will smile wistfully at Peugeot and Bic and other wonderful retro jerseys. (I think it's my 60th birthday has turned me into an old git).

john1967

iron-clover wrote:

I don't have anything against anyone who wants to wear team kit if they like- as already mentioned it's not really different to wearing a football shirt. I see a fair few Sky jersey around nowerdays. I really regret not buying a team GB jersey from the Olympics when I had the chance.

I tend to find most people with Sky kit are relative beginners who have started relatively recently after the success of the recent Tours and Olympics (good on them!) and anyone in any other kit is likely to be pretty hard, especially if it's a classic kit.

However, I do find it acceptable to laugh when someone gets all the gear but doesn't have the legs to match it- the most memorable one I remember was someone in a full Team GB skinsuit (2011) walking up the small halfway hill at London to Brighton.

Why would you want to laugh at someone who is trying to do something positive ?? That rider is exactly who team GB want to inspire to have a go. How do you know that rider wasn't recovering from an illness or something similar.At least the rider didn't give in and he will always be faster than a couch potato.If you really want to laugh at someone in a team kit then then pop into your local pub next time the footballs on.

daniel_b

For complete transparency, I want to buy the current Mitchelton scott pro level shorts and jersey, just the price is putting me off.

turbotommy

john1967 wrote:

iron-clover wrote:

I don't have anything against anyone who wants to wear team kit if they like- as already mentioned it's not really different to wearing a football shirt. I see a fair few Sky jersey around nowerdays. I really regret not buying a team GB jersey from the Olympics when I had the chance.

I tend to find most people with Sky kit are relative beginners who have started relatively recently after the success of the recent Tours and Olympics (good on them!) and anyone in any other kit is likely to be pretty hard, especially if it's a classic kit.

However, I do find it acceptable to laugh when someone gets all the gear but doesn't have the legs to match it- the most memorable one I remember was someone in a full Team GB skinsuit (2011) walking up the small halfway hill at London to Brighton.

Why would you want to laugh at someone who is trying to do something positive ??

Because it’s quite funny?

shirley_basso

Do you also laugh at (your) children when they fall short of their aspirations?

pinno

Kvin wrote:

Aargh someone else has the Merckx Molteni Arcore jersey.....I had to buy it and wore it once, but couldn't help thinking I am not worthy. Just can't wear it.

I think it takes me back to when he came to the then new Eastway cycling circuit, must have been early 70's. Picture a Bay City Rollers concert but with grown men screaming and falling at the great mans feet. Must stop and wipe a tear from my eye......

Suppose as time goes on older riders will smile wistfully at Peugeot and Bic and other wonderful retro jerseys. (I think it's my 60th birthday has turned me into an old git).

There's always Prendas. Even if you just go the the website to have a look at the kit.

I'd love a pair of those KAS bib shorts... and a Vitus 979. Oh, and remember those sumptuous Mavic rear mechs that were 'totally strippable'? I couldn't afford one but I remember the Sean Kelly poster. (World number 1, 1986).. hang on...



I had to settle for a Suntour superbe; @ a small fortune £22 bought at some shop in Tunbridge wells, just after the storm.

Memories, light the corners of my mind...

Orkneylad

The football analogy doesn't really work, how often do you see footy supporters actually engaging in a game wearing team strip? They're far more likely to be enjoying a pie and a pint in their nylon (and that's totally fine....I like a pie and pint as much as anyone). They're wearing their kit as more of a tribal thing.

Cycling (in team strip) is not tribal in that sense, it strikes me that it's more 'wanting to look as pro as possible' and that's fine, except you're not a pro, so why roll about looking like a billboard? It's interesting that this 'affiliation syndrome' appears to be mainly a male issue; not being a psychologist I'm not really qualified to pontificate on what the root cause might be.

Still, if it helps you get out the door, go to it.

Matthewfalle

TurboTommy wrote:

john1967 wrote:

iron-clover wrote:

I don't have anything against anyone who wants to wear team kit if they like- as already mentioned it's not really different to wearing a football shirt. I see a fair few Sky jersey around nowerdays. I really regret not buying a team GB jersey from the Olympics when I had the chance.

I tend to find most people with Sky kit are relative beginners who have started relatively recently after the success of the recent Tours and Olympics (good on them!) and anyone in any other kit is likely to be pretty hard, especially if it's a classic kit.

However, I do find it acceptable to laugh when someone gets all the gear but doesn't have the legs to match it- the most memorable one I remember was someone in a full Team GB skinsuit (2011) walking up the small halfway hill at London to Brighton.

Why would you want to laugh at someone who is trying to do something positive ??

Because it’s quite funny?

can mf come and laugh at you? shouldn't be a problem as its funny.

pinno

Orkneylad wrote:

... 'wanting to look as pro as possible' and that's fine, except you're not a pro, so why roll about looking like a billboard? ...

But that is a presumption.

You may want team kit because:
You like a particular rider
You like a particular team
You like the kit itself
It's readily available.

When I was young, I wanted the Carrera outfit. I worshipped Stephen Roche. My first proper frame was a Battaglin in Carrera colours. He alone pressed that button. If kids are out there and they want Froome kit and dream of a owning/riding a Pinarello, so what?
As an adult, why not wear any kit you like? Does it really matter?

I don't wear trade jerseys but I still wear trade shorts, mainly because they're more interesting to look at than plain black, nothing to do with 'wanting to look like a pro'.

Orkneylad wrote:

...and that's fine, except...

Orkneylad wrote:

...It's interesting that this 'affiliation syndrome' appears to be mainly a male issue; not being a psychologist I'm not really qualified to pontificate on what the root cause might be..

A contradiction thrown in which highlights a poorly veiled snobbery.
Wearing trade kit underlines a psychological problem? Interesting.

pinno

Philosophically: I'm person 'A' and I am looking (as a passive observer) at person 'Y''.
Person 'Y' is behaving in a christian way (notice the small 'c').

Person Y can wear what they like. Person 'Y' is free (within social, legal and cultural boundaries) to do what they like. Person Y is not affecting me negatively in any way. Given the above, who am I to judge person Y?

pblakeney

Orkneylad wrote:

The football analogy doesn't really work, how often do you see footy supporters actually engaging in a game wearing team strip? They're far more likely to be enjoying a pie and a pint in their nylon (and that's totally fine....I like a pie and pint as much as anyone). They're wearing their kit as more of a tribal thing.

Cycling (in team strip) is not tribal in that sense, it strikes me that it's more 'wanting to look as pro as possible' and that's fine, except you're not a pro, so why roll about looking like a billboard? It's interesting that this 'affiliation syndrome' appears to be mainly a male issue; not being a psychologist I'm not really qualified to pontificate on what the root cause might be.

Still, if it helps you get out the door, go to it.

End of season sales. Quality kit at cheap prices. I got 2 pro team jerseys for £15 each last year.
Or Sky stuff that normally costs £hundreds for less than 1/2 non branded price.
Not going for the look, or a fan boy, just bargains.

chippyk

PBlakeney wrote:

Orkneylad wrote:

The football analogy doesn't really work, how often do you see footy supporters actually engaging in a game wearing team strip? They're far more likely to be enjoying a pie and a pint in their nylon (and that's totally fine....I like a pie and pint as much as anyone). They're wearing their kit as more of a tribal thing.

Cycling (in team strip) is not tribal in that sense, it strikes me that it's more 'wanting to look as pro as possible' and that's fine, except you're not a pro, so why roll about looking like a billboard? It's interesting that this 'affiliation syndrome' appears to be mainly a male issue; not being a psychologist I'm not really qualified to pontificate on what the root cause might be.

Still, if it helps you get out the door, go to it.

End of season sales. Quality kit at cheap prices. I got 2 pro team jerseys for £15 each last year.
Or Sky stuff that normally costs £hundreds for less than 1/2 non branded price.
Not going for the look, or a fan boy, just bargains.

This, I’ve said it a million times but when you can pick up Sky or Wiggins Rapha Pro Team bib shorts for under £60, you’d be daft not to buy them.

daniel_b

ChippyK wrote:

PBlakeney wrote:

Orkneylad wrote:

The football analogy doesn't really work, how often do you see footy supporters actually engaging in a game wearing team strip? They're far more likely to be enjoying a pie and a pint in their nylon (and that's totally fine....I like a pie and pint as much as anyone). They're wearing their kit as more of a tribal thing.

Cycling (in team strip) is not tribal in that sense, it strikes me that it's more 'wanting to look as pro as possible' and that's fine, except you're not a pro, so why roll about looking like a billboard? It's interesting that this 'affiliation syndrome' appears to be mainly a male issue; not being a psychologist I'm not really qualified to pontificate on what the root cause might be.

Still, if it helps you get out the door, go to it.

End of season sales. Quality kit at cheap prices. I got 2 pro team jerseys for £15 each last year.
Or Sky stuff that normally costs £hundreds for less than 1/2 non branded price.
Not going for the look, or a fan boy, just bargains.

This, I’ve said it a million times but when you can pick up Sky or Wiggins Rapha Pro Team bib shorts for under £60, you’d be daft not to buy them.

Todally, the JLT kit I bought, was something daft like £40 for shorts, and the same for jersey, versus the original price of something like £280 for the pair, with the added bonus that I like the colourscheme and design

N0bodyOfTheGoat

I bought one of those new-retro ANC Halfords jerseys https://www.halfords.com/cycling/cyclin ... ing-jersey a few weeks back, as an alternative jersey to wear during the heatwave, which was a bit too warm for the thicker material Lusso tops I had in addition to my http://www.wiggle.co.uk/endura-fs260-pr ... ve-jersey/

For ~£25 with BC discount, the Halfords top is OK, not quite as snug fitting as the Endura and on hotter days it would be nicer to have a longer zip if I'm putting some effort into a climb. The logo is quite plane, while the red and yellow sections are reasonably good for some visibility at sunset or sunrise.

Given it's an old team jersey, it's not quite the same as wearing a Manchester City FC or Team Sky top these days, more akin to something like wearing an Ipswich Town FC top.;)

burnthesheep

FWIW, I wore it and everyone actually ended up liking it.

I'm the skinny guy in the group and they said it was fitting I'd wear polka dots. No velominati showed up last night though, so we were free to have our fun!

At the end of the day, attitude is everything. If someone is a knob, they're a knob no matter what they wear or ride.

I've actually never met a single person pretending to be a pro when wearing pro kit of any kind. Or even local amateur kit (like from a brewery race team). If I did, I'd likely just mentally shake my head (not visibly), and pay them no mind.

turbotommy

Shirley Basso wrote:

Do you also laugh at (your) children when they fall short of their aspirations?

Yes, that’s exactly the same thing...

turbotommy

Matthewfalle wrote:

TurboTommy wrote:

john1967 wrote:

iron-clover wrote:

I don't have anything against anyone who wants to wear team kit if they like- as already mentioned it's not really different to wearing a football shirt. I see a fair few Sky jersey around nowerdays. I really regret not buying a team GB jersey from the Olympics when I had the chance.

I tend to find most people with Sky kit are relative beginners who have started relatively recently after the success of the recent Tours and Olympics (good on them!) and anyone in any other kit is likely to be pretty hard, especially if it's a classic kit.

However, I do find it acceptable to laugh when someone gets all the gear but doesn't have the legs to match it- the most memorable one I remember was someone in a full Team GB skinsuit (2011) walking up the small halfway hill at London to Brighton.

Why would you want to laugh at someone who is trying to do something positive ??

Because it’s quite funny?

can mf come and laugh at you? shouldn't be a problem as its funny.

Would that involve you stepping away from this forum for a bit? I’m sure lots of people here would be grateful.

Orkneylad

Pinno wrote:

Orkneylad wrote:

... 'wanting to look as pro as possible' and that's fine, except you're not a pro, so why roll about looking like a billboard? ...

But that is a presumption.

You may want team kit because:
You like a particular rider
You like a particular team
You like the kit itself
It's readily available.

When I was young, I wanted the Carrera outfit. I worshipped Stephen Roche. My first proper frame was a Battaglin in Carrera colours. He alone pressed that button. If kids are out there and they want Froome kit and dream of a owning/riding a Pinarello, so what?
As an adult, why not wear any kit you like? Does it really matter?

I don't wear trade jerseys but I still wear trade shorts, mainly because they're more interesting to look at than plain black, nothing to do with 'wanting to look like a pro'.

Orkneylad wrote:

...and that's fine, except...

Orkneylad wrote:

...It's interesting that this 'affiliation syndrome' appears to be mainly a male issue; not being a psychologist I'm not really qualified to pontificate on what the root cause might be..

A contradiction thrown in which highlights a poorly veiled snobbery.
Wearing trade kit underlines a psychological problem? Interesting.

Presumption/opinion.....well of course, the clue was in the "it strikes me that...." which you chose to edit out. :?

Liking a particular rider/team etc, that's all well and good (do what you like, I don't berate folk on the road for their sartorial choices) but it all feeds from this 'need to affiliate' which -if we want to talk about psychological problems- may stem from something called "The male warrior hypothesis".

The argument would be that you may think you're buying it because you like it, it's cheap, your fave rider wore it etcetera, but really it's this subconscious need to 'belong' in a group you find desirable......a marketeers dream!

Another interesting observation: have you noticed that the better the rider, the less likely they are to wear team strips? It's almost as if the higher up the categories one goes, the more it becomes a faux pas.

StillGoing

Orkneylad wrote:

Pinno wrote:

Orkneylad wrote:

... 'wanting to look as pro as possible' and that's fine, except you're not a pro, so why roll about looking like a billboard? ...

But that is a presumption.

You may want team kit because:
You like a particular rider
You like a particular team
You like the kit itself
It's readily available.

When I was young, I wanted the Carrera outfit. I worshipped Stephen Roche. My first proper frame was a Battaglin in Carrera colours. He alone pressed that button. If kids are out there and they want Froome kit and dream of a owning/riding a Pinarello, so what?
As an adult, why not wear any kit you like? Does it really matter?

I don't wear trade jerseys but I still wear trade shorts, mainly because they're more interesting to look at than plain black, nothing to do with 'wanting to look like a pro'.

Orkneylad wrote:

...and that's fine, except...

Orkneylad wrote:

...It's interesting that this 'affiliation syndrome' appears to be mainly a male issue; not being a psychologist I'm not really qualified to pontificate on what the root cause might be..

A contradiction thrown in which highlights a poorly veiled snobbery.
Wearing trade kit underlines a psychological problem? Interesting.

Another interesting observation: have you noticed that the better the rider, the less likely they are to wear team strips? It's almost as if the higher up the categories one goes, the more it becomes a faux pas.

Rubbish. I know a few riders in Cat 3 wearing the old HTC and Giant kits.

pblakeney

Orkneylad wrote:

The argument would be that you may think you're buying it because you like it, it's cheap, your fave rider wore it etcetera, but really it's this subconscious need to 'belong' in a group you find desirable......a marketeers dream!

No. It's not. It really is because it is quality products going cheap.
You may be analysing things from your own perspective though.

webboo

philthy3 wrote:

Orkneylad wrote:

Pinno wrote:

Orkneylad wrote:

... 'wanting to look as pro as possible' and that's fine, except you're not a pro, so why roll about looking like a billboard? ...

But that is a presumption.

You may want team kit because:
You like a particular rider
You like a particular team
You like the kit itself
It's readily available.

When I was young, I wanted the Carrera outfit. I worshipped Stephen Roche. My first proper frame was a Battaglin in Carrera colours. He alone pressed that button. If kids are out there and they want Froome kit and dream of a owning/riding a Pinarello, so what?
As an adult, why not wear any kit you like? Does it really matter?

I don't wear trade jerseys but I still wear trade shorts, mainly because they're more interesting to look at than plain black, nothing to do with 'wanting to look like a pro'.

Orkneylad wrote:

...and that's fine, except...

Orkneylad wrote:

...It's interesting that this 'affiliation syndrome' appears to be mainly a male issue; not being a psychologist I'm not really qualified to pontificate on what the root cause might be..

A contradiction thrown in which highlights a poorly veiled snobbery.
Wearing trade kit underlines a psychological problem? Interesting.

Another interesting observation: have you noticed that the better the rider, the less likely they are to wear team strips? It's almost as if the higher up the categories one goes, the more it becomes a faux pas.

Rubbish. I know a few riders in Cat 3 wearing the old HTC and Giant kits.

Since when was being a 3rd cat being a better rider.

BikerGroveish

I’ll wear team kit if it’s cheap in the sales or something or if I’ve been riding for a charity team and they’ve supplied the kit as it tends to be good quality well made comfortable stuff generally speaking. I wouldn’t pay full price or indeed anything for it if I could avoid it.

BikerGroveish

Webboo wrote:

philthy3 wrote:

Orkneylad wrote:

Pinno wrote:

Orkneylad wrote:

... 'wanting to look as pro as possible' and that's fine, except you're not a pro, so why roll about looking like a billboard? ...

But that is a presumption.

You may want team kit because:
You like a particular rider
You like a particular team
You like the kit itself
It's readily available.

When I was young, I wanted the Carrera outfit. I worshipped Stephen Roche. My first proper frame was a Battaglin in Carrera colours. He alone pressed that button. If kids are out there and they want Froome kit and dream of a owning/riding a Pinarello, so what?
As an adult, why not wear any kit you like? Does it really matter?

I don't wear trade jerseys but I still wear trade shorts, mainly because they're more interesting to look at than plain black, nothing to do with 'wanting to look like a pro'.

Orkneylad wrote:

...and that's fine, except...

Orkneylad wrote:

...It's interesting that this 'affiliation syndrome' appears to be mainly a male issue; not being a psychologist I'm not really qualified to pontificate on what the root cause might be..

A contradiction thrown in which highlights a poorly veiled snobbery.
Wearing trade kit underlines a psychological problem? Interesting.

Another interesting observation: have you noticed that the better the rider, the less likely they are to wear team strips? It's almost as if the higher up the categories one goes, the more it becomes a faux pas.

Rubbish. I know a few riders in Cat 3 wearing the old HTC and Giant kits.

Since when was being a 3rd cat being a better rider.

Isn’t it all a bit golf club though? Everyone wants what the pros use because the pros use it.

Matthewfalle

TurboTommy wrote:

Matthewfalle wrote:

TurboTommy wrote:

john1967 wrote:

iron-clover wrote:

I don't have anything against anyone who wants to wear team kit if they like- as already mentioned it's not really different to wearing a football shirt. I see a fair few Sky jersey around nowerdays. I really regret not buying a team GB jersey from the Olympics when I had the chance.

I tend to find most people with Sky kit are relative beginners who have started relatively recently after the success of the recent Tours and Olympics (good on them!) and anyone in any other kit is likely to be pretty hard, especially if it's a classic kit.

However, I do find it acceptable to laugh when someone gets all the gear but doesn't have the legs to match it- the most memorable one I remember was someone in a full Team GB skinsuit (2011) walking up the small halfway hill at London to Brighton.

Why would you want to laugh at someone who is trying to do something positive ??

Because it’s quite funny?

can mf come and laugh at you? shouldn't be a problem as its funny.

Would that involve you stepping away from this forum for a bit? I’m sure lots of people here would be grateful.

no- he has a telephone so he can laugh in your face and mock you on here at the same time.

Orkneylad

PBlakeney wrote:

Orkneylad wrote:

The argument would be that you may think you're buying it because you like it, it's cheap, your fave rider wore it etcetera, but really it's this subconscious need to 'belong' in a group you find desirable......a marketeers dream!

No. It's not. It really is because it is quality products going cheap.
You may be analysing things from your own perspective though.

Granted, if you're getting it dirt cheap it might make good economic sense, but you're saying that THAT is the main reason people buy it, when many who buy it are happy to pay full price, and want the very latest iteration.....it may be one reason but it is not the only one.

But yes, I can only analyse from my own perspective, which is no-doubt biased by an unwillingness to have every inch of my torso promoting some product or other.

Orkneylad

BikerGroveish wrote:

Isn’t it all a bit golf club though? Everyone wants what the pros use because the pros use it.

Possibly yeah, perhaps a consequence of cycling's evolution from being predominantly a working-class pursuit to becoming a major middle-class leisure activity.

daniel_b

PBlakeney wrote:

Orkneylad wrote:

The argument would be that you may think you're buying it because you like it, it's cheap, your fave rider wore it etcetera, but really it's this subconscious need to 'belong' in a group you find desirable......a marketeers dream!

No. It's not. It really is because it is quality products going cheap.
You may be analysing things from your own perspective though.

Supoib, think OL may have made the post of 2018. And there was all those forum members not knowing the real reason they may have bought team kit. It's a breakthrough moment for them and the country as a whole

imposter2.0

philthy3 wrote:

Orkneylad wrote:

Another interesting observation: have you noticed that the better the rider, the less likely they are to wear team strips? It's almost as if the higher up the categories one goes, the more it becomes a faux pas.

Rubbish. I know a few riders in Cat 3 wearing the old HTC and Giant kits.

You're kind of making Orkneylad's point for him there, I think..