Should You Wear Team Kits?

[leftover pie]

I do not think award jerseys, or country team or champion jerseys should be worn by any other than who won them. Or maybe the mother of the rider..

does the mother have to be the biological mother, or would an adopted mother be ok too?

 

[mewmewmew13]

Mothers-in-law?
Fathers?

 

[avanti]

I have no issue with riders wearing pro-tour team kit except I think some kit does not have good visibility for motorists on dull days - Sky kit is an example.

 

[nowhereman]

Odd comment.

Not an odd comment at all. Nobody, let me repeat, NOBODY has correct on their side when they comment on anybody else's manner of dressing. Unless of course the one with the opinion paid for those clothes. This thread is amusing and pathetic all at once because so many think they have the correct formula for assessing what some riders should and shouldn't wear. All these kits "World champion" and regular team kits are available to consumers. What makes it so hard to understand The teams have no problem with the licensing of those kits for world wide sale, The sanctioning bodies (UCI) have no problem with those jerseys being made available to the general public. Why do so many people (and I'm being kind using the term people) have problems with people dressing as they want to? I judge no one by the clothes they wear. But I do judge those that talk idiotically, they deserve it. There are no laws regarding what kit is acceptable to wear, nor are there any "rules". This thread is founded on absolute nonsense, and opinion that just exemplifies just how ridiculous we can all be at times. Everybody out there should feel comfortable wearing anything they want to wear. The thing you have to be most comfortable wearing is your own skin

 

[Captain Serious]

I have no issue with riders wearing pro-tour team kit except I think some kit does not have good visibility for motorists on dull days - Sky kit is an example.

Don't get me finished!! There's a trend here for wearing all-black kits, especially the locally-made stuff. No joke, on dull Winter days, ya can't see them from about 300m.
Back in my day, we wore stuff like this

 

[42x16ss]

That's a change from here - almost everyone wears team kits. They ride the way they think the pros train too. At least it helps to show who you don't want sitting on your wheel...

 

[Captain Serious]

Interesting. Here a few prime examples. Many bike shops around here make their own kits like this. Sure, they might look "stylish", but crikey..... what happened to "be seen, be safe"?

 

[42x16ss]

There are a few different club and shop kits around but not like the East Coast where they are common. I think it has to do with the relative lack of racing here.

 

[RedheadDane]

Not an odd comment at all. Nobody, let me repeat, NOBODY has correct on their side when they comment on anybody else's manner of dressing. ...

And yet you went in and claimed that sponsor's post - which was completely build up around "I don't think", personal views - was somehow "not even close to being correct".

You're right, there are not rules about wearing team kits - and the teams obviously want us to wear them - some of us would just feel silly wearing a kit for a team we aren't actually part of.

Also, if I had to wear a team kit, I'd probably pick the kit for a team like Rytger...

 

[Aapjes]

Does your house have "Tudor" windows, "Georgian" railings and "Corinthian" columns, too? I generally have a problem with reproductions. They are fake.

Arguably retro kit is fake in some ways, but I don't see how that automatically makes it bad. One argument could be that reproductions are often of worse quality, but a retro jersey with modern materials is actually better than the original, so you can't find fault there. Another would be misrepresentation, but who actually thinks that Merckx or his team mates still ride around in Molteni kit? Any team kit from obsolete teams is pretty much exclusively worn by fans. So as long as you stay away from retro event like L'Eroica, no misrepresentation happens.

You could make the argument that the design belongs in the past and has no place on the back of a modern cyclist, but I think it would be a shame to let great designs from the past fade away. Old building styles tend to remain in use a long time, but if you don't bring back retro jerseys the only examples are left to rot in museums or show up once a year at L'Eroica. Wouldn't that be a shame?

 

[TommyPlus]

Sad act club riders giving amateurs a hard time for wearing trade kits. Absolutely pathetic. Bunch of pretentious hard ons. "You haven't earned it" blah blah blah.
Do us all a favour and stick to your warm up 125kms or whatever other ballacks you make up.
If anyone ever said anything to me about what I was wearing whilst on my bike they had better have an IsoGel or Clif Bar shot(Pretty sure this is flavour of the month amongst the all mighty club cyclist) at he ready or his face will be wearing a black eye.

 

[nowhereman]

And yet you went in and claimed that sponsor's post - which was completely build up around "I don't think", personal views - was somehow "not even close to being correct".

You're right, there are not rules about wearing team kits - and the teams obviously want us to wear them - some of us would just feel silly wearing a kit for a team we aren't actually part of.

Also, if I had to wear a team kit, I'd probably pick the kit for a team like Rytger...

RedheadDane. Hi, there is no inconsistency there. The reason I said sponsor's post was incorrect is because sponsor is of the opinion that no one should wear the kits that were outlined in that post, as if there are rules(-his or her own rules) That is where the line is crossed. Then, for sponsor to opine that wearing such(team or world champion) kit "implies" that the person wearing that kit is trying to have people believe that they in fact won these jerseys is absolutely insane. To read that into someones reason for wearing a kit, without discussion, signals lots of problems in that persons reasons of deduction, to me. Normally sponsors comments should be taken with a healthy dose of Hilarity. But too many on this thread take this issue far too seriously. On a more personal note, I for one will not wear team kit when I'm feeling lousy, or I'm out for a "lazy" day, because I am aware of all the thoughts that run through peoples heads. So, I only wear team kit when I know I will wear them well. I like to carry my favorite teams colors proudly (and of course, without any further "implying")

 

[winkybiker]

Arguably retro kit is fake in some ways, but I don't see how that automatically makes it bad. One argument could be that reproductions are often of worse quality, but a retro jersey with modern materials is actually better than the original, so you can't find fault there. Another would be misrepresentation, but who actually thinks that Merckx or his team mates still ride around in Molteni kit? Any team kit from obsolete teams is pretty much exclusively worn by fans. So as long as you stay away from retro event like L'Eroica, no misrepresentation happens.

You could make the argument that the design belongs in the past and has no place on the back of a modern cyclist, but I think it would be a shame to let great designs from the past fade away. Old building styles tend to remain in use a long time, but if you don't bring back retro jerseys the only examples are left to rot in museums or show up once a year at L'Eroica. Wouldn't that be a shame?

Yes, the modern reproductions may well be of better technical quality. This is more true in cycle clothing than in architecture, perhaps.

The old designs aren't "better" designs aesthetically as a consequence of their age. They aren't intrinsically "great designs". Their appeal only really just lies in the way they replicate the designs of an era and perhaps generate some nostalgia.

The designs can be remembered without making copies. Preserve the originals. Marvel in the old photographs (reproductions!?).

No-one is likely to be misled that Molteni, Peugeot or Brooklyn are back on the sponsorship game; or that Merckx has found the elixir of youth.

Do the old designs deserve to be ridden? I wouldn't ride in one, but that's just me. Wear what you like. If it keeps the sun off, shields your pasty-white, skinny body from the eyes of those easily offended and holds your pump, phone and a few gels, then it is good to go.

 

[RedheadDane]

RedheadDane. Hi, there is no inconsistency there. The reason I said sponsor's post was incorrect is because sponsor is of the opinion that no one should wear the kits that were outlined in that post, as if there are rules(-his or her own rules) That is where the line is crossed. Then, for sponsor to opine that wearing such(team or world champion) kit "implies" that the person wearing that kit is trying to have people believe that they in fact won these jerseys is absolutely insane. To read that into someones reason for wearing a kit, without discussion, signals lots of problems in that persons reasons of deduction, to me. Normally sponsors comments should be taken with a healthy dose of Hilarity. But too many on this thread take this issue far too seriously. On a more personal note, I for one will not wear team kit when I'm feeling lousy, or I'm out for a "lazy" day, because I am aware of all the thoughts that run through peoples heads. So, I only wear team kit when I know I will wear them well. I like to carry my favorite teams colors proudly (and of course, without any further "implying")

Different ways of interpreting the comment then.
I simply read it as Personally I don't think people should wear team kits, but it's people's own choice, whereas it seems - to me - that you more or less read it as There should be some sort of rule against wearing team kits.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

I have a Astana kit that i wear when I race with my buddies. Not on training rides though

 

[Aapjes]

The old designs aren't "better" designs aesthetically as a consequence of their age. They aren't intrinsically "great designs". Their appeal only really just lies in the way they replicate the designs of an era and perhaps generate some nostalgia.

There have been many thousands of kit designs, but only a small fraction is turned into retro kit. Of course nostalgia plays a role, but it's hardly the only reason. Pantani is one of the most popular cyclists, yet Mercatone Uno kit is not very popular. The reason is that the kit sucks and not even nostalgia can overcome that. RVV was won in Castorama kit, yet no one wants to ride around in that horrible design.

The kits that get reproduced are invariably designs that are special. The checkered jersey of Peugeot, the Americana jersey of Brooklyn, the yellow/black design of Renault/Elf, etc. I do think these are much better designs than most other jerseys of their time.

The designs can be remembered without making copies. Preserve the originals. Marvel in the old photographs (reproductions!?).

The kits were intended to be seen on the road. Not in a photograph, not stuck to the wall in a museum. So isn't wearing them on a bike the best way to remember them?

Do you also get upset when musicians cover a famous song, a movie is remade or fashion resurrects a clothing style of the past? It takes nothing away from the originals and you can ignore it if you want.

 

[Hugo87]

Can I wear those Rui Costa's World Champion Lampre Merida jersey's without being mocked when i can't do those 13% plus hills?

I just find it beautiful, i'm not trying to look like a pro cyclist.

 

[stutue]

Wear what you want. Its a free world.

 

[Arnout]

NSA might come after you at some point though.

 

[Hugo87]

NSA might come after you at some point though.

Glad I'm not in the States, probably I would be arrested for using a world champ's jersey and being dead last in almost strava's segments that I know.

Edit - For the record i'm thin.

 

[nowhereman]

Wear what you want. Its a free world.

The best comment of this entire thread. Amen!

 

[nowhereman]

Different ways of interpreting the comment then.
I simply read it as Personally I don't think people should wear team kits, but it's people's own choice, whereas it seems - to me - that you more or less read it as There should be some sort of rule against wearing team kits.

ReheadDane, you really ought to take a break on trying to interpret me, because you're not doing a good job. And actually, I don't see your point. Your last comment put words in my mouth that I never said. I think I explained myself clearly, in my last comment, and the comment didn't need further explanation by another party. But hey, if you feel the need to continue, keep on, it's your choice. But I ain't playing with you anymore. This thread is not about me explaining myself to you. Over and out.

 

[RedheadDane]

^ This whole thing started because you posted that you thought sponsor's comment was far from being correct don't remember exactly what you wrote, but you get the point which I thought was kinda weird because the way I read sponsor's post (s)he was even trying to be correct, but simply stating a personal opinion.
Bit like - to use a somewhat silly example - if you had said that you preferred dark chocolate, and I claimed that your statement wasn't correct; milk chocolate is better. I like all kinds of chocolate.

I agree with you that people should be allowed to wear exactly what they feel like wearing, but that doesn't mean I can't personally think wearing team kits/award jerseys is silly.

 

[nowhereman]

^ This whole thing started because you posted that you thought sponsor's comment was far from being correct don't remember exactly what you wrote, but you get the point which I thought was kinda weird because the way I read sponsor's post (s)he was even trying to be correct, but simply stating a personal opinion.
Bit like - to use a somewhat silly example - if you had said that you preferred dark chocolate, and I claimed that your statement wasn't correct; milk chocolate is better. I like all kinds of chocolate.

I agree with you that people should be allowed to wear exactly what they feel like wearing, but that doesn't mean I can't personally think wearing team kits/award jerseys is silly.

Blah, blah, blah

 

[slowoldman]

Not an odd comment at all. Nobody, let me repeat, NOBODY has correct on their side when they comment on anybody else's manner of dressing. Unless of course the one with the opinion paid for those clothes. This thread is amusing and pathetic all at once because so many think they have the correct formula for assessing what some riders should and shouldn't wear. All these kits "World champion" and regular team kits are available to consumers. What makes it so hard to understand The teams have no problem with the licensing of those kits for world wide sale, The sanctioning bodies (UCI) have no problem with those jerseys being made available to the general public. Why do so many people (and I'm being kind using the term people) have problems with people dressing as they want to? I judge no one by the clothes they wear. But I do judge those that talk idiotically, they deserve it. There are no laws regarding what kit is acceptable to wear, nor are there any "rules". This thread is founded on absolute nonsense, and opinion that just exemplifies just how ridiculous we can all be at times. Everybody out there should feel comfortable wearing anything they want to wear. The thing you have to be most comfortable wearing is your own skin

Etiquette and respect are the reasons I (and I assume those who share my opinion) wouldn't wear the kits mentioned. Tradition is a great part of our sport. I long for the days when you didn't see 275 lb. world champions on every corner. Just because clothing manufacturers are willing to make a profit from your desire to purchase something someone else has earned doesn't make your opinion any more correct than others. You do have the right to wear whatever you would like, just don't be offended by someone commenting on your choice of attire.