The lure of lycra and drop handlebars

[rowan 46]

I'm a commuter cyclist, I pootle about in civvies on my hybrid. Having recently started a new job I have decided a new bike is in order so I have ordered a norco ceres 10 from evans. However after joining this site I find myself looking enviously at all these bright young things as they zip past me on their road bikes. Its 40 years since I rode a road bike and I couldn't get on with drop handlebars then. Today I was in aldi I saw the stuff and got myself a jacket, trousers and jersey got home and tried them on oh dear! Mutton dressed as a dogs dinner. It fits all right but unfortunately I don't fit it. Hopefully it will look better on a road bike (either a viking or pinnacle) anybody else gone back to road bikes after a long lay off and how did you cope with the shame of lycra?

 

[wiggydiggy]

When I first got back into cycling I too went for the full lycra, it swiftly got removed other than the tops. Leggings get worn later in winter but its strictly baggy shorts (whose bum I have worn through now) for me

 

[Dora]

I don't ride a road bike, but I have occasionally been known to wear lycra. If I must wear it, I hide my shame under jeans, combats and occasionally skirts.

 

[Christopher]

Just wear your tutu!

Seriously: Endura Humvee 3/4 shorts over cycling shorts in summer. Ron Hills over ditto when cold. Biblongs instead of shorts if it's really cold. Conventional jersey on top.

 

[rowan 46]

Just wear your tutu!

Seriously: Endura Humvee 3/4 shorts over cycling shorts in summer. Ron Hills over ditto when cold. Biblongs instead of shorts if it's really cold. Conventional jersey on top.

to be honest I am less embarrassed in my tutu than I am in lycra. honestly if I'm not careful it will be clip in shoes next

 

[Andrew_P]

I love wearing my lycra, look a tit but it was one of my best cycling upgrades. I do not care if fat people point and laugh while smoking in their Corsa!

 

[fossyant]

Full lycra kit here have done for last 25 years ! I have no shame - I even colour co-ordinate (I need locking up).

 

[rowan 46]

I love wearing my lycra, look a tit but it was one of my best cycling upgrades. I do not care if fat people point and laugh while smoking in their Corsa!

Sorry I will have to stop doing that

 

[LosingFocus]

Full lycra kit here have done for last 25 years ! I have no shame - I even colour co-ordinate (I need locking up).

I bought a blue l/sleeve top in Aldi today - not because I needed it, but because it matched my bike colours perfectly.

 

[Ibi]

im trying to lose weight to try and get into lycra
i tink it looks good if you have the body

when i go get into is the million dollar question

thanks
Ibi

 

[Christopher]

to be honest I am less embarrassed in my tutu than I am in lycra. honestly if I'm not careful it will be clip in shoes next

Clip in shoes? You pervert!

 

[lulubel]

If you cycle in anything but lycra, everyone gives you a second look here, and that includes if you're riding a MTB. It doesn't seem to matter what size or shape people are. Lycra is the way to go.

 

[Tynan]

it's an incentive to put some effort in and get into shape

and it's lovely when you actually start looking the part

 

[4F]

it's an incentive to put some effort in and get into shape

and it's lovely when you actually start looking the part

Which "part" do you look like then Tynan ?

 

[rowan 46]

it's an incentive to put some effort in and get into shape

and it's lovely when you actually start looking the part

I definitely look like a part