New cyclist, concerned about lycra

[Coggy]

My missus had a laugh at first but reassures me I look alright.

LOL !

My missus did that when I bought a wet suit for scuba diving. She said I looked like "The only gay in the village" !

 

[GentlyBenevolent]

If it bothers you that much just wear a poly / synthetic sports top. The reason for having something close-fitting is that it doesn't flap around when you're moving / in the wind. Cycling tops will have pockets on the back, and are slightly longer at the back to compensate for you being bent forward.

Really though, forget about what you look like. As soon as your bum gets on the saddle look outwards and enjoy the view rather than looking inwards for faults you don't have.

 

[winjim]

Not me, I look beautiful always
Op, wear what you like, but most important, wear what's comfortable on the bike for you

Sorry Pat, you are correct. I have amended my post accordingly.

 

[Steady]

I always thought I would be self concious.. and I am before I start but when I actually am cycling I couldn't really care less, I fortunately can't see what I look like and it's motivation to cycle faster so I can't hear if anybody shouts anything! But then.. Most normal people really aren't going to give you that kind of thought, and those that are looking are probably like me who think "Oh he's got a bit of belly, that's okay means I can wear lycra too!"

As long as it doesn't feel too tight as in restrictive then it's okay functional wise, self-concious wise I think these jerseys are all skin tight/hugging by design and will show off a few rolls if they're (temporarily!) there.

Comfort wise I don't regret getting a jersey, it feels great and much better than t - shirt and that's what gets me to put it on. I find it rides up a little but I just don't notice, so if it doesn't feel comfortable after a ride? Get a bigger size.

 

[TigerT]

+1 to what everyone else is saying. I've got a bit of a belly, but I care far more about comfort than what I look like. I'm never going to look great on (or off) a bike regardless of gear!

Just be comfortable and enjoy your new bike.

 

[Arjimlad]

I think I need to do some press ups, feel a bit like this sometimes



But what the heck - wear what you feel most comfortable in - proper cycling tops are a lot more comfortable and flap about in the wind less.

 

[Cyclist33]

Hello all, first post here as a complete newbie to the cycling world.

After having my arms twisted by a few people at work, I'm collecting my first ever road bike on Sunday. It's a Trek 1.2, shimano groupset, new wheels etc.

My colleague has given me some Lycra to try. It includes a rather expensive bib-shorts and jersey. I'm quite comfortable with the shorts as I have a decent bum and solid legs. The jersey however, I feel a little self-conscious about. I've got a bit of a belly on me you see. 5ft 11 and weighing 15.5st.

The jersey is a bit of a hugger, and when i say a bit, i mean skin tight. I mean it fits, but it moulds itself to every bit of myself.

My missus had a laugh at first but reassures me I look alright.

Is there anyone else out there who can reassure me than the lycra jersey should be absolutely skin tight??? Or should I just buy a looser fitting one for now on the cheap, until i've lost a few pounds?

I'd supply a photo if that really helps, but not if it's purely to take the mickey!

cheers
Jason

Put it this way, you won't be the fattest bloke out there in spandex on a Sunday, not by a long chalk.

(I don't believe a lycra top makes any real difference at your sort of level anyway. Ride in what makes you happy!

 

[ushills]

Try walking around the house with just the bibs on for a while, get all the comments out of the way then don the top. You will feel much less self-conscious!!

 

[Fab Foodie]

Nothing wrong with a good Aerobelly ....

 

[Cuchilo]

Most of my cycling tops are the next size up from what I should have but I prefer a looser fit . No belly to hide , its just what I prefer . I sometimes take the road bike out in MTB shorts if I don't fancy getting lycrad up .
I'm just a crazy cat

 

[Bryony]

I have a belly but I still wear lycra! I don't care what people think its what I feel most comfortable in when I'm on the bike. All I can say is just wear what feels comfortable, if you feel self-conscious then put the jersey away for a bit then try it again when you've lost a bit of weight, or just cycle faster so no-one can notice what you're wearing!!

 

[Big Nick]

I had similar concerns and am a similar size as you

Just wear it as I do, you're on the bike most of the time anyway!!

 

[Davos87]

You have been given plenty of sound advice on this thread......make sure you take it!
The benefits to your health and general well being from enjoying being out on your new bike will far outweigh any perceived fashion faux pas,
Get out there, pedal and good luck

 

[JasonHolder]

Tight as possible for me personally. But I do have an ego that leans toward un-achievable Pro-ness

Rain jacket is so tight I STRUGGLE to get my hands through the sleeves. And when I do-they stay through.

 

[redcard]

I really admire people who can wear what they want because it feels most comfortable. Some people are either at peace with their bodies, or have a complete lack of self-awareness. Either way, good on you!