[Hank Rearden]

Skintight clothing serves a very functional purpose.

Yeah. I'm sure it does. Especially in San Francisco.

[bicycle thug]

"Yeah. I'm sure it does. Especially in San Francisco."

Brave words, now if you go to the star finish line of a criterium or road race and repeat something simular to the large group of surely, competitive men in the best of shape I would be impressed. Yeah, that would really be something to watch. Especially if you threw in something about how vulgar shaved legs look on a man.

Bicycling clothes are the time tested and proven gear for the job. Pushing the envelope of distance on particular courses in 'X' amount of time and being the first of the group doing it means everything, you and your conditioning, the bicycle, what it is and how well it is maintained, and your clothing, how well it protects and lets you pass sweat and heat while not creating undue wind resistence.

If you ride on rollors or an exercise bicycle without a fan, the 'engine' overheats very quickly. By slamming the clothing, you are making the same argument as begrudging the fins on an air cooled motorcycle engine.

Or do you also take other sports to task if they show too much of the human body? They have their out of shape posers who often wear the clothing for those sports too.

Your browbeating about the clothes is pointless and serves only a mean spirited purpose. But, you already knew that.

[KneelBeforeZod]

how many cars do you see running red lights and stop signs compared to bikes running red lights and stop signs?

in my town where the roadies flip off almost every car, they also run almost every red light. then the complain about dangerous drivers on Sand Hill Road

its more than a few bad apples.

[DollyCali]

what is your take on what the olympic swimmers & divers wear, Hank ?

pretty "revealing" also...(probably also "hot" in San Fran ) but functional.

do you think these outfits are worn ONLY by gay swimmers?

Series cyclists wear the proper clothing. (Just like I wear proper clothing when I cross country ski) If it bothers some & presents an opportunity for "uneducated flaming" .... so be it.

When you do serious, long rides, the proper attire is impt.

out on the trail for 10 - 20 miles....your cargo shorts & Reebok tennies are fine.. (and I wear those too for casual rides with some friends).. but in HOT weather on long rides I go for the wicking element that Bicycle Thug described & the streamline effect. For some reason these clothes are less offensive on we gals ( *G*)

But do believe Hank.. the reason the men wear these is NOT to turn on the gay element of our society.. (although I am sure we have some gay riders of both sexes).. Trust me.. these outfits turn on MANY MORE WOMEN THAN MEN IN OUR CIRCLES !!! and it not just the outfits.. it is the spirit and the love of life that is inherent of most bicyclist that I have known over the years.

Just like the flight suit on W.. yes, a bit of a turn on for many.... but the character of the man inside is what makes the turn on complete...

so dont judge to easily, my FReeper friend.. there are good folks on this thread, who just so happen to have as an avocation: Bicycling !

Yes, many are guilty of thoughtlessness when biking - me included. Bikes are less forgiving when we make mistakes than in cars. I try to be very considerate to cars.. I sometimes am not. I dont judge every auto driver harshly when several drivers PO me on a given day. Even the very best drivers have their moments..

Have a good day to you two gentlemen & all other FReeprs who find their eyes on this thread this day...