Bike Attire questions

mdavenport555

I’m starting to spend more time going out on my bike (cyclocross) around roads and gravel pathways. Maybe 10 miles 4-5 times a week so wanted to get some correct gear,,,

I purchased a cheap pair of DHB waist shorts from Wiggle and a cheap zip jersey from PlantX (to replace my running t-shirt that I have been wearing).

The fit of the shorts are snug but seem ok.

However the fit of the jersey top leaves me with not a very good look. I purchased the correct size for my chest but as I am carrying a little extra weight around my belly its tight and not very flattering. It hugs in all the wrong places whereas my old running T-shirt was a bit baggy so felt more comfortable.

What is the view here. Is this normal and what do people who carry a little extra weight do about it? Or have I just gone and got a bad top!

For reference here are the products I purchased:-

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-shorts-2

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CLCAHSSJBLK/carnac-mens-haute-short-sleeve-jersey---black

TIA

oxoman

It used to bother me but soon got used to it. We all come in different sizes so don't worry about it. I wear bib shorts so they may or may not hold my stomach in a bit more. I ride with a few bigger lads and tbh the biggest issue is following them if they don't wear bibshorts. That said seeing a 5ft 5" bloke of 18 stone in full team lycra is not the best look. Be comfortable with how you are, we're not all 60kg racing snakes.

pblakeney

From the jersey description it sounds like you would have preferred the relaxed fit jersey.

"The Carnac Haute Cycling Men's Jersey features Carnacs sport fit. This cut is more streamlined and fitted than the relaxed fit jersey but is not worn as close to the body as race fit jerseys."

webboo

Give it some stick on the the bench press to get that chest sticking out more. Or spend less time looking in the mirror.
Most of us would like to look like Mathew Van Pole on a cross bike but it’s not going to happen.

MidlandsGrimpeur2

I think most people worry that they look like a plum when they first put on some lycra. Took me about a year of wearing regular shorts and a loose fitting cycling jersey before I got some proper gear. It is largely just a fear of other people's perception of how you look but you quickly get over it, I wouldn't give it much thought.

If, on the other hand, you are talking about poor fit and the clothing being physically uncomfortable, then that is a different issue...

mdavenport555

Thanks all.

Pblakeney, I hadn’t spotted that reference to relaxed fit so thanks. However I can’t see any relaxed fit ones on their website… :-(

mdavenport555

Any recommendations on reasonably priced ‘relaxed’ jerseys?

First.Aspect

Doesn't bother me on the bike particularly. Well documented that non-cyclists barely see us as human anyway.

Only time a feel self conscious is when I'm tramping through a garden centre to the cafe, on a group ride. Or if my wife has some friends round when I'm off for a ride.

Then I'm acutely aware of how very silly I look.

trevor.hall12

Bib Shorts will hold you in a bit ,least it does me

trevor.hall12

mdavenport555 said:

Any recommendations on reasonably priced ‘relaxed’ jerseys?

Fat lad at the back do as does Cycology ,get some funky cool stuff from the latter

seanoconn

If it bothers you size up or relaxed fit.

darrell1967

Buy a few stretchy base layer thingys from Planet X. They’re are great for holding in the lumps and bumps b

vincesummerskRoxcBTr

Watch out for pro/race fit unless you are pro or race shape!

pottssteve

Agreed that bib shorts are way better than waist shorts. They hold your (and my) gut in a bit, don't bag out and keep your back warm. Custom jerseys often come in "race fit" and "club fit". Club fit is looser, so maybe look for a jersey in the shops with similar dimensions? Like others have said, Lycra is pretty unforgiving, so not many people look good in it. Keep riding and you'll get fitter.

bonk_king

I find the best thing about looking a complete twonk on a bike, is that your helmet and glasses give you a good degree of anonymity. Whilst riding no one knows who the hell you are!

Cafe stops could take away that anonymity for a short while and may leave you feeling self conscious if you are all tarted up in lycra carrying a bit of timber.

The best thing is though, through regular riding your frame will sort itself out and in next to no time you will begin to feel better and less self conscious.

slowmart

Very few people look good in Lycra, however until someone finds something comfortable, aero and good looking which means you need to ensure you have the settled opinion that inflicting the view of yourself in Lycra to the general public is something that can’t be avoided.

Besides most people are used to mamils they don’t notice so it’s all in your head

That’s what I tell myself after coming from a mtb background and now a committed and enthusiastic Lycra wearer. Besides with what’s going on in the world , a pie eater in Lycra (me) should be the last of anyones worries and if it’s not, well, I’m not minded to engage in conversation