How To Dress PRO

November 6, 2009 · Comments

I had a great question from a reader last week on how to look PRO.

Q. Having formally been a fairly keen golfer who started as a hacker and progressed to being a fairly decent low marker I know the transition from buying the wrong gear and wearing the wrong clothes. Being pretty new to this cycling thing and having already lived the loser/geek horror in my former golfing life I am scared, seriously scared, of going through that terrible process again.

Can we have some sort of ‘losers’ guide for those who can’t even get to the looking ‘pro’ stage yet. I mean I am so fearful of what to buy. E.g. does buying a pair of Livestrong Oakley’s make you and immediate loser who is just trying to look like Lance? I want to get a new helmet, and note to look pro it should be white…but!!…is it ‘loser’ to get one with the ‘worlds’ colours on it? I am paralyzed with potential ‘loser’ fear of making a purchase I will think is cool and only learn to regret in months to come…help!!!!!!!!!!

Great question and I think I can help.  You’re right – there’s a fine line between what the snobbery of cycledom considers to be wanker and what’s considered PRO.  If there’s one thing I know it’s how to look PRO.  Having the look is key.  If you don’t have the look, I’m not going to let you have the wheel I’m sitting on.   Let us start from the bottom up outlining the basic rules of how to dress PRO.

Shoes

Not PRO: Thou shall refrain from wearing mountain bike shoes unless one is racing cyclocross in Belgium. Nothing will relegate one to the back of the pack quicker than wearing a set of mtb shoes on a bunch ride.

PRO: One shall only consider wearning white shoes.  However, the better one gets, the more obnoxious one’s shoes can be.  If done carefully, one can disguise lack of ability and fitness with a loud set of shoes.

Socks

Not PRO: Thou shall never wear socks that are low cut, dirty, non-cycling specific, any color other than white.  Socks are paramount.  One shalln’t overlook sock detail or the whole image will be blown.

PRO:  High-cuff (12cm, no more no less) Capoforma socks are only to be worn.  Preferably brand new every time one rides.

socks

Photo by fyxomatosis

Leg Warmers

Not PRO: Skins or any other compression garment underneath one’s knicks are strictly forbidden.  These are not meant to keep one warm and demonstrates one paid $140 for some tight pants with no understanding what they’re for.

PRO: Though shall use embrocation in place of leg warmers whenever physically possible.  When not possible (i.e. -15C), one’s leg warmers must match perfectly with knicks with sponsor logos is plastered all over.

Knicks

Not PRO: Thou shalln’t wear plain black knicks unless racing for Rapha Condor.   In addition, any knicks without a bib are strongly frowned upon and demonstrate one’s noobness.  At the opposite end of the spectrum one shall not, under any circumstances, wear knicks resembling these:

D06JH8

PRO:  One shall wear superb quality knicks that make a statement one’s commitment the roadie image.   Again, do not consider wearing anything except for bibs.  The current UCI world champion  is the only one on Earth permitted to wear white knicks.

Jersey

Not PRO: Yellow, Green, Pink, Pokadot, World Champ, etc are strictly forbidden for everyday use.  ProTour replica jerseys are also not permitted unless one is Gerro or equivalent stature.  Cutoff arms are largely disproved upon unless one is of Italian descent or has worthy deltiods.  Tanlines are PRO and are a statement of one’s level of commitment to being PRO.

cipollini2

PRO:  PRO-approved jerseys can be acquired from Campagnolo, Santini, Rapha, Capofroma or an obscure Belgian team one raced for over the summer.  Under no circumstances will anything other than full zip jerseys be worn.

Arm Warmers

Not PRO: Loose fitting armwarmers or long sleeved undergarments are not PRO.   This clearly demonstrates one does not appreciate proper layering techniques.

PRO: One’s armwarmers shall be a perfect match with thy jersey. Tight fit is key.    If caught in a dilemma, armwarmers are better being too short than too long.

Helmet

Not PRO: Thou shall not don a helmet exceeding 3 years old and below $200.  Subtle differences in helmets can make them look either cheap or PRO.  $200 is that threshold.    Visors and magpie diverting tie-wraps are automatic exclusion from the PRO Beach Road peloton.  Helmet shall be worn over forehead 2cm above eyebrow, not tilted back.

hiltz

PRO:  If in any doubt – WHITE.  One cannot faulter with a $200+ Giro or Bell helmet.  Hideous are Metz helmets.  One’s cycling experience is displayed by the way one wears thy helmet.   Give heed to this small detail that is paramount to the PRO look.

Cap

Not PRO: One who dons a baseball cap underneath thy helmet shall incur a hefty penalty.  Proper cycling caps shall’nt be worn backwards.  And unti Marco Pantani comes back from the dead, thy bandanna shall never arise.

PRO:   Cap is only to be worn when armwarmers (at minimum) are called for.  35 degree weather does not warrant the use of a cap.  For locally PRO-made caps checkout Rocketfuel

Sunglasses

Not PRO: Casual-wear sunglasses or anything with a wire frame is highly unacceptable.

PRO: Oakley Jawbones and Radar are PRO.  One cannot falter with any of these. Occasional models of Rudy Project are satisfactory and Giro are starting to become cool.

If you catch me violating any of these rules please pull me aside and politely tell me.  As snobby road cyclists we have all signed up to a commitment and obligation to make each other look and feel PRO.

Tagged as: , , , ,

  • Pete
    Like the Rapha one, another stupid "How To Dress" thread.
  • dirty_harry_123
    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2258201150
    and if you want to look fully euro pro you must abide to these guide lines
  • Leigh-anne
    Thou shall not wear a skinsuit out on a 75 km bunch training ride......to my horror after the ride someone pointed out to me the real reason everyone liked the colour pattern of my suit, uh its see through and very revealing from behind apparently!!!!! Skinsuits are better left for the track I think..........;)
  • lauren
    Okay, so I really need a new helmet...

    But now the choice is a new helmet or new tyres. Curses!!

    A serious question: how do I know when to replace my knicks? I've come back to cycling after buying a decent bike for my budget for my daily commutes and I've got some 3/4 length knicks. I like to think I take proper care of them, washing them after each ride in wool wash. I don't want to be one of the dreaded bum meshers - ick!!
  • Chester
    Lauren when polite hellos turn into wolf whistles and howles it is time to replace your knicks as the mesh may be a slight thin:)
  • Tim
    I concur. If you have the sunshine behind you, and a several guys following respectfully along behind your behind, then ma'am, something may be afoot!
  • Tim
    Wade, you have (probably not) egregiously left out the one thing that had to be mentioned.

    The gaper.

    The person who wears non-bibbed knicks and then proceeds to show all and sundry the gap between the top of the (usually plain black Netti) knicks and ill fitting jersey.

    Particularly horrendous if donned by a Hairy Man Back.

    *shudder*

    The gaper is a travesty best eliminated from the roads, our lexicon and memories!

    I shall also submit the Bum Mesher.
    This is the person who thinks it is acceptable, nay, desirable (!) to wear knicks with a cutout above the top of the derriere crack, with a mesh insert in the hope that they may evacuate the hot air away from said bottom crack. Always forgetting the poor souls left in their wake, their eyes irrevocably drawn to That Hole, *shudder*, which despite your best efforts, has the same gravitational pull strength of a black hole, but without the blissful ending (destruction into anti matter) because you are stuck Wishing, Hoping, that that person will move Out Of The Way.

    HORRIBLE.

    Respectfully,
    timbo
  • Rouleur
    Ha ha!

    May I also submit the 'See Through Bum'
    Usually an older rider; a sleeper; someone whom is getting back on the saddle after a hiatus; or someone whom has no regard for themselves or fellow riders; - This person rides with a pair of well worn knicks which have been owned for centuries and have been through the wash more times than they've had rides. These knicks are usually transparent allowing those behind to see all and sundry and in direct sunlight you can see what one has had for breakfast. Usually cheaper brand knicks or lighter colours are culprits, however 'See Through Bum' does not discriminate.

    Not changing your knicks every season or two - Not PRO!
  • Tim
    Excellent submission sir! I am interested in your ideas and would like to subscribe to your e-zine.

    The See Through is, to be sure, a travesty of nature, however, I think we can all agree, if it's a particularly attractive member of the fairer, gentler sex, then we can of course, make an exception, can we not?
  • Jack
    Not PRO = wheel sucking a gaper. Gapers should never be a problem as you shouldn't be on their wheel - unless they are a Sleeper-Gaper?
  • GDWheeler
    My cycling club has blue/pink kit and the only helmet that matches that is the Lampre team Specialized helmet. So what colour should the helmet be so that i don't look like a fool in a team replica helmet?
  • Me
    But what about shop kits?

    Are they Pro or not.
  • Great question with no easy answer. It all has to do with how good the design and graphics are. I've seen some outstanding ones and I've seen some hideous ones.
  • Dan
    Just bought a brand new pair of Capo Euro Socks Black and White this morning from Total Rush Richmond. Now show me start line!!!!!
  • Having the Cycling Tips logo on the back of your jersey- PRO!!
    But WW, why is only on the back of the long sleeve jersey, and not on the short sleeve or windvest of the new O2 kit???

    Having the most stand out colored bike in the peloton in bright red and yellow, and matching it with similar colored gloves and shoes - Extreme PRO

    Campagnolo - PRO
    Shimano or SRAM - so far from PRO

    SRM - Rich!!!!!!!!
  • Tim
    Clarky you are such a monga, I swear to God.
    Campag schmampag. It's not going to save you this weekend. Or up the Tourmalet in L'Etape.
  • AMR
    CT,

    As mentioned before, white shoes are so gone!!! Pros were wearing them because they were given, or got paid to wear them...
    And, sorry, your socks are way too long. Trust me, I am a friend!
    But bloody hell, where did you get those calf muscles from???
    Cheers,
    A.
  • Blue Bullet
    Socks and Shoes = Semi PRO
    White Shoe Covers matching rest of team kit = PRO
  • Pugno
    riding deep dish tubs is pro, deep dish clinchers and you're a hack. will also depend on brand. anything less than 3.5k is rubbish.

    another tip is to wear a vest, to hide the moderate beer gut from winter hibernation ;-)

    you forgot about stem length mr tips ;-)
  • kors
    Unless I have missed it there is one important FAIL not here - riding deep dish wheels training or at a club race.
  • Rouleur
    Have I also missed clip on Aero bars?
  • Craig
    I think there is a difference between PRO when racing and PRO when training. Of course, real PROs have endless supplies of matching kit and a soignier to launder for them, however, I think unearned but obscure jerseys are quite PRO. In my collection are a Japan national team jersey and a tour of poland leaders jersey. I think this has an element of 'PRO in the off season not wanting to draw attention at the cafe with full team kit.'

    I also think that one must avoid Jerseys matching one's bike brand. This is an instant sign of a Fred. The exception is if one is a current world road racing champion who has signed with a factory road team.
  • mellowvelo
    I agree with Cam99. I think of it this way:
    Looking uber PRO - talent or speed = tool

    I only look better than I am because I know how to shop for a bargain. It's gotten my ass kicked on group rides because I look too fast for my abilities.

    BUT, it is a bit of a confidence boost when riding alone.
  • dboskee
    Wow. I'm not sure you have it right here. I've been riding the roads seriously since the mid 80's. There's nothing better than coming up on a group of "decked out" riders on a hill, and pulling past them when you're dressed in a t-shirt, gym shorts (of course I wear Canari padded underwear underneath), Costco socks and a raggy old leather helmet. They always try to keep up, but seldom can. I ride my old beater in Hawaii in shorts, t-shirt and flip flops (slippers) and love pulling up to someone at a light on a fancy Colnago all decked out and leaving them in the dust. What you wear isn't important, it's the love of riding.
  • Cam99
    There is something very cool about being Non-Pro in look but riding very powerfully.....

    This extends down to the bike level an includes the shaving of legs. Cycling is about matching your appearence and gear to your performance. There should be a series of performance tests done when we purchase key aspects of clothing or bike gear - For exampe to upgrade your gearing from Ultegra to Dura-Ace you should have to reach a VO2 max of 63.
    One must always strive to maintain a performance level in check with the gear. All power to the Apollo's, old School Malvern Stars & hard rubbish bikes who can out perform the Pro Clad >$5000 Carbon Roadies.
    Each rider must find their own comfort zone in the price v's performace stakes ...but its really uncool to look the goods and ride like crap
  • Felto
    Speaking of looking Pro, what happened with the idea for a Cycling Tips jersey and bibs?

    Your logo is pretty sweet CT and I'd gladly give you some free advertising while also looking seriously Euro Pro...
  • Good eye Felto. The CT kit has been put into production and is a few weeks away. I'm holding off unveiling it before I either get a good concept drawing together or I can get some real life photos. These things never look good in the panel layout drawings.

    I can say that the kit will have a retro flavor to it with all PRO considerations taken into the design. Anyone will look good in it!
  • haitch
    I am very fair and to avoid frying I usually wear a long-sleeve jersey and tights, even when it's hot. Have been wearing protective clothes in summer forever and a day so the increased heat doesn't really bother me, but what is the PRO stance on this??
  • raphaandy
    Haitch
    This used to be the PRO way,train in leg & arm warmers unless very very hot,many still say keep on the leg warmers up to at least 20C.

    A big no is embrocation for training,leg warmers it mst be
  • haitch
    Thank you andy - heartening to know that I have been unwittingly working the PRO look!
  • Listen to this guy folks. PRO advice straight from heart of Belgium.
  • What about the ladies!!! i think most women cyclists need a few tips on how to look pro....and not like Longo or Kathy Watt...dare i say
  • AB
    I would think that the same rules should apply!

    Not PRO - Hairy Legs
    PRO - Smooth, shiny and tanned calves :)
  • Dave
    Nothing worse than a rider wearing an item of clothing that sports a bike brand different to their own bike. For example: Giant jersey, but Specialized bike... Not cool.
  • Rouleur
    I agree, and disagree.

    Team sponsors change seasonally. But yes agree must be some association there.

    Any jersey with unashamed bike branding Not PRO.
  • GeoffreyP
    Damn, second reply was deleted. Was going to say: Replying twice to a thread, SO not Pro. :)

    Now I don't look PRO. God.
  • that's my fault. Some comments are showing up twice. Not PRO on my part!
  • JLala
    Haha!!

    Long live the sleeper, he's out there somewhere.
  • Notverypro
    This is very depressing..... Must go shopping.
  • JC
    Stephen,

    To get the green light on endless cycling related expenses you need to make sure that your wife is having fun while you're cycling. This is not easy, but can be achieved. I recommend encouraging your wife to do her favourite things during the times you're out on the bike (i.e. shopping) Send her out with the credit card while you head off on the bike. If you're lucky like me you might even be married to a window shopper who doesn't spend any money. Once she gets used to these regular shopping trips she'll feel compelled to keep all your cycling needs met. She may even get up to speed on PRO cycling apparel and do your cycling shopping for you. If so, all the better.
  • I now realise that my Kit is 'ok ' , but my Helmet must go.
    Please GOD make Christmas a reality, as the wife will not allow any more bike related purchases.

    Honest I have been Good!
  • jeff
    No mix-matched pro kits allowed.... not cool, infact the worst thing ever. And black bibs, dunno, if you wear a team jersey and black bibs, you just look like a cheap-skate. I am not "euro" due to my low socks, but matching kits are a must.
  • JC
    Black is the new white. Although only the true pros can pull it off. Unless the rest of your kit is pro to the max you'll look like you're wearing your old school shoes
  • EPO
    does this mean that Lance isnt PRO with his black shoes?
  • Lance is above PRO. He can pretty much get away with anything.
  • Nat
    black socks are an absolute no no. Lance or not.
  • Ash
    he just cant do it with style..
  • Haha. Dare I say he probably does!
  • Justin L
    Those of us less well-resourced in the hair department can't abide by the no-cap-in summer rule, unless we want a head like a chess board (those expensive Giro helmets let a lot of sun through those massive vents!)
  • Ribs
    Furthermore, I find that the caps keep the line of sun off your face between your glassed and your helmet.
  • TMcG
    yes! caps always, I don't want sunblock in my eyes!
  • Tommy_P
    Agreed. I always wear one.. also keeps the sweat out of your eyes.
  • Rouleur
    Love the cap - sweat, sun!
  • Total crack up! Loved it. I'm glad I didn't start riding with you guys though or I would have been mocked til I gave up and did triathlon or something...

    I started bunch rides with Illawarra Cycle Club on a flat bar Avanti commuter wearing mtb shoes and a t shirt, and a red $60 mtb helmet with a VISOR!!! Ewwww. But they let me in and I've never looked back. Of course, over time I've learned to look PRO - and now that I've got my 5 new descent black bibs, white special edition Liquigas SIDI's and new road helmet (cost $200) I'm feelin' pretty PRO!

    Great post CT. Best humour post in a while
  • Went for a ride this morning in one of 5 new Descente BLACK bibs... felt very conscious of it and it seemed horribly NOT PRO. Damn! Gonna be a while before I've worn 5 of these bibs out. Perhaps I'll grow my leg hairs and try for the sleeper look instead.
  • Rick
    http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=...

    Additional information on how to look Pro.
  • cam
    capo socks so 2007
    DMT shoes so 2005
    White shoes are now out and replaced by yellow or red shoes

    youre so last year
  • You got me. Busted!

    Shoes and socks on order. It won't happen again sir.

    ;-)
  • It's a good article, but the word you are looking for is "dons", not "dawns."
  • Thanks Ian! I was looking everywhere for the correct spelling with no avail.
  • Tim
    a couple of small typos - "Having formally been a fairly keen golfer ..." should be "Having formerly etc ..." unless he was wearing a tux to the links.

    and "shan't" rather than "shalln't"

    great post, thanks!
  • Me
    Pro - Wearing green Giro climbers jersey to a crit :)

    Pro but wanker alert - white arm warmers

    Not Pro - yellow Netti rain jacket
  • Spencer24
    never mock the yellow netti rain jacket. it kicks ass!
  • Chester
    There is an alternative to Pro in performance car terms it is called the sleeper.
    Plain black Knicks
    Plain Santini or Uno single coloured jersey
    Plain socks

    Shoes and helmet with no brand name

    The big difference of the sleeper is that he looks quiet and not pro till he passes you at an average speed the likes you could never concieve does not hold wheels as that would slow him down and does not stop for a 4 dollar coffee when he can have instant at home
  • Steffo
    Please refrain from placing the Santini and Uno brands in the same sentance. Any Uno branded clothing is almost as PRO as footy shorts and a Rip Cool rash vest. The only time an Uno jersey will be seen passing you is...never
  • Cheste
    Ill remember that next time i pass ya your missing the point the sleeper goes out of his way not to look pro :)
  • gm
    try the sleeper move of passing a PRO dressed group on beach road in mixed gear and on a mountain bike....
  • Pugno
    you guys miss the point, a true pro sometimes rides slow on purpose... ask urself this, do you wheel suck on beach rd when passed? if the answer is 'yes', most likely u are not pro

    note: a hot shot sleeper will 99% look pro, regardless if he is wearing a non matching kit due to their position on the bike, and the way they pedal.
  • JC
    Chester,

    I agree, the sleeper is out there. Often he is a convert from another endurance sport (i.e. running) and has 6-12 months hardcore cycling under his belt. Despite his apparent unproness he can surprise you with a withering attack up a short shallow hill. Some sleepers have been known to put out up to 500 watts for as long as 5 minutes. It's not unheard of for sleepers to sport fury legs in the infancy of their switch to cycling
  • Me
    Love the sleeper comparo. I use and subscribe to it all the time!
  • Rouleur
    holy crap I need a new wardrobe
  • notPRO
    http://www.velodramatic.com/archives/3560

    who is this guy wearing black socks and black SPD mountain shoes? he's such a poser...what a noob!
  • Rouleur
    ... and does helmet guy make ammends with his high-cuff socks?
  • Blackbeard's Delight
  • Blackbeard's Delight
    Avast ye maties, but I do smell the waft of a humour-laden post. Scurvy ridden as it is.

    Arrr, well do I delight upon gazing with amazement at that fellow pirate and adventurer of the high-tarmac, Cippolini. He was the business. In other words, he was, The Balls.

    If you wear high cut socks, you will be like Big Talls Socks Brett.

    Your failure to include the King Pirate Sunglasses of them all - the M Frame - does bespeek ill of your taste Sir. I shall allow this one glaring oversight, only once. Otherwise, prepare to be boarded and surrender yonder booty, arrrrr.

    ARRRRRRRR.
  • Rouleur
    LMAO - could guilty of one of these!

    Has anyone seen the Phil Anderson look alike riding Beach Road recently? circa 80's fluoro frame, White Bell Helmet, long curly brown hair.
  • Tim
    The ice cream bucket helmet? Yep, I have!
    There was a dude rocking a very retro bright green GAN top in the NRR ride I think yesterday.

    It's like there's an underground BFB (Bring Flouro Back) or FOR (Flouro or Die) movement afoot.
  • Rouleur
    Spot on Tim - that's him!
  • Rouleur
    PS: Only seen him a couple of times, he looks kinda cool in a retro kind a way
  • rovers2001
    You guys have to keep at eye out when in Adelaide for the TourDownUnder next year. We have the all time classic down at Glenelg...

    Homemade one piece white lycra TT suit...with no padding or double thickness material where it should be...
    Not a good sight when he's excited to see the shop boys turn up for coffee and is on for a chat...
  • How times have changed. When I actually was a real roadie (but never much good), when we had clips, and lycra was superbly exotic, the rules were different. If you could buy a euro jersey for training then this was seriously impressive (you couldn't race in them, no signage at all in those days in the amateurs). Being colour coordinated and the rest would have caused mirth and serious questioning of your sexuality. To turn out to training in full euro replica, apart from being not possible (no one sold it), just would have been, well. Imagine you play footy. You turn up to footy training dressed perfectly like Brendan Fevola. Instead of what ever pair of shorts were clean at the time, perhaps the club jumper (but not compulsory), some socks which might not match and some trackie pants. Turning up like an elite fully paid professional footy player for training, well you'd just be a dickhead and sort of not get that its Tuesday night footy training followed by the barbie. That's how I still respond to full team kit. If you aren't paid to wear it, you don't. And it is ok to mix and match a bit for the same reason as the footy example. You've got a few sets of knicks, jumpers, mitts, bidons, and since you're only going training for christ's sake you put on what's at hand. You might like and want to look like the pros, but you have to earn that, and most of them in all that shop or team kit are doing it because they get it for free. Same reason you don't wear a rainbow jersey unless you earnt it. That'd be like turning up to footy training with an imitation brownlow round your neck. I mean, how fast can you say dickhead?
  • JC
    Are you saying I should stop wearing my imitation brownlow?
  • MtbSkillsCoachPat
    This self confessed 'cross dresser' ie road&MTB was responsible for wearing MTB shoes and having XTR pedals on my road bike for a long time.
    My reasoning was that I only needed 1 pair of shoes. Glad I got over being a tight arse, cause the instant power gain from getting carbon road shoes and pedals was huge, as was the instant 'pro feeling' haha.

    All very funny stuff WW, can we have a weekly 'Looking Pro' post, there is so much good humour and banter in them.
  • JC
    Oh crap, I just realised how un-pro i really am. I know non bib knicks are a cardinal sin but can i get an exemption for mid week after work evening rides where pre-ride and post-ride time is limited. I like to soak and hang dry my favourite PRO knicks after each wear and this is not always possible during the week. On the other hand my plain black bibless numbers just get chucked in the corner awaiting their next torture session.
  • Damn... Now I have to replace my Met.
  • JD
    I was a bit disappointed as well to read about the Metz criticism. My Metz was not cheap by any stretch and I in fact quite like my helmet. Tis comfortable and I think it looks alright for the riding I do. Go the Metz! haha
  • agnosia
    A more appropriate question is how do i RIDE like a pro. Who the hell cares if you LOOK like a pro.
  • bonesx
    first thou must commit the dictionary to memory...

    http://members.tripod.com/geert_pc/slang.htm#Di...

    then you can at least "talk it up" ;)
  • Steve
    You can be Pro all you like, I'd much rather be Euro - and for those rules you need to follow the group on Facebook. 60+ nuggets of goodness on how to look exceptional on the bike, ranging from acceptable hair styles to which brands you should be buying. And, yes, Capoforma clothing is endorsed...
  • yes, as you can see I tried to copy their writing style. Brilliant!
  • Bob
    The biggest mistake you can make is to dress unproportionally to your ability. If you have pasty white hairy legs and a beer gut - none of the above will help - in fact it will only make things worse.

    So, to tone down the above:
    - shoes - comfort is the key. Any colour is fine - no-one cares. Try them on.
    - black shorts are acceptable (high quality, bib only), and will actually help create more versatile wardrobe, as they won't clash with any jersey.
    - pro colours are fine - but the more subtle the better.
    - socks - anklets are fine. It's actually "Australian" to wear short socks. Only Euro-wannabees wear high socks here.
    - avoid world colours and lance colours - not deserved and not worth it.
    - helmet - cheap does look bad, so above advise is good.

    My advice is to just relax and enjoy your riding. There's so much to learn about the actual riding that the clothing side of it will just take care of itself.
  • Sven
    Lighten up a bit Bob!
  • In all seriousness to the original question, you hit the nail on the head Bob.
  • taking over while bike snob NYC is on vacation?
    http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2009/10/this-ju...
  • I wish I could write like BSNYC.
  • Ribs
    Ha! I was thinking about this post this morning on my way to work, and thought, know what? BSNYC's picked on the fixed guys for too long. Roadies are equally, if not MORE deserving of his ridicule.
  • Boz
    It's easy. Just use lengthy and witty similes and metaphors.
  • I was also thinking that surely you can't go wrong with plain black bibs

    CT - I'm pretty certain I saw you on the boulevard last night. o2 kits look good!
  • Agreed, you can't go wrong with plain black, but the quality of the plain black bibs is the subtle difference in PRO and not PRO

    Thanks - the new O2 kit is Over-The-Top PRO (so pro that I can barely handle it!)
  • Do I smell a hint of a Pandora's Box being opened? hehe
  • No matter how PRO it may look, I refuse to wear High-cuff socks.
    Not PRO > Dork!
  • Jack
    Surely:
    - plain black bibshorts - or even woollen shorts if one is truly hardcore - are allowable combinations (indeed the only combinations) with an old school wool long or short sleeve jersey (save for Molteni replicas which are prohibited); and
    - wired spectacles are allowable IF one accompanies it with a Laurent Fignon-style receding hairline and ponytail.
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