Should You Wear Team Kits?

[luckyboy]

Nice little article Be Nice to Hubbards

Surely you have to wear plain black shorts/tights with a team jersey?

That's what I do anyway. I just have FdJ & Cofidis jerseys that my uncle gave me. Couldn't really afford a decent plain one, and I'll just get a club jersey when I join one in the Autumn.

 

[Polyarmour]

Anybody who puts on a set of cleated shoes and lycra shorts to ride to the coffee shop is an idiot.

Don't ever go to Monaco then because the pros that live there (Hushovd, Porte, O'Grady, Boonen, Gerrans etc) have a ride they call the 9am coffee shop ride. Yes there is a stop at a coffee shop and oh yeah, they're in lycra and cleats.

In fact there must be so many "idiots" on bikes. How many group training rides or social rides would involve a stop at a coffee shop? It must be in the millions don't you think? Imagine that, there are millions of "idiots" on bikes. But thanks for pointing that out, next time my training group wants to stop for a recharge.... I'll just keep peddling... I don't want to be mistaken for an "idiot" ....or even a professional cyclist.

 

[Polyarmour]

There is an old guy I pass every day who wears a full Cervelo kit and a full HTC kit on alternating days. He's clearly out training, keeping himself fit, good luck to him. He obviously likes and follows cycling, the kit looks good, he would've paid top dollar for it. He's given me no indication that he thinks he is Carlos Sastre or Mark Cavendish so who cares? Why all these hangups about what people are wearing on the bike? Who has the right to pass such negative judgements on someone else's clothing choices? What is this, the teenage fashion police?

 

[VeloEcosse]

Yeah he does sound cool. In the past, I always traditionally though of a "Fred" as a guy riding his bike wearing running shorts and tube socks.

These days I think of a "Fred" as a 40 or 50 year old guy with way too much money, and a $5k dollar bike that he rides to the coffee shop. He wears a complete pro tour uniform everywhere he rides. Anybody who puts on a set of cleated shoes and lycra shorts to ride to the coffee shop is an idiot.

I miss the old Fred, he wasn't a bad dude. He was just kind of a newbie.

The new school Fred is a total poser, and that is way worse.

Way worse than what?

Hunger, Poverty or Cancer?

I think we need to put this into perspective. If someone has the means and has purchased an expensive bike and the kit to match whilst only riding to the coffee shop then more power to them. They are obviously content with themselves and do not care about the opinions of others.

Is this person really doing something wrong or are we just trying to exclude people from a sport/pasttime/hobby/obsession that has engulfed us for so long that we won't share it and want to appear too cool for school?

Does this mean that if you are not an F1 driver that you should not have a Ferrari or Lambourghini? Maybe people should not buy Adidas Predator boots because they are not professional footballers?

Most cyclists don't hold these views and any that do are in the minority. I agree with some of the other comments on here that there is an air of elitism that is ill afforded and misguided. After my last posting I did a poll of my club and to a man everyone said they could not care less what other people wear as long as they are getting out there and doing it for real. The real "Freds" are those that take an elitist stance.

We have an elite amateur racer in our club who wears the Saxobank kit almost all the time as he is a big fan of Andy Schleck and could, I would warrant, drop most people on this forum with little trouble. What would your answer be to this? Is he a "Fred"? He doesn't ride for a UCI Pro Team or live in a tax-free haven because he gets paid so much.

So what is the formula for being a "Non-Fred"?

I ride a Fixie to work with no cleats x Vintage Jersey + No Helmet x Vo2Max + "I supported cycling since 1910" as a % of my recent acsents of Alpe D'Huez in under 1hr 30 mins = Cycling Offcianado

Baffling though it is to me your opinion is just that. Your opinion.

Maybe you should talk to some of these guys you look down upon and see if they actually might be worth knowing.

 

[dsut4392]

You should wear what you like. My only exception is if the team happen to train locally. A number of Fly V Australia hang at the local coffee shop, so I wouldn't be seen in their kit (I like the kit mind you).

Personally, I like to roll with the local club kit as much as possible.

Tricky one. I'm not usually a fan of wearing any advertising, but have just been given a team jersey as I'm a client of the main sponsor (Genesys, the old Praties cycling team, source of Richie Porte and now Will Clarke who is newly signed with AG2R). It's a nice jersey, and I may as well wear it, but a number of the team riders live/train locally...I guess it's a small enough town that anyone who cares, probably knows the guys on the team (if the speed I go isn't enough of an indication!).

 

[ManInFull]

Tricky one. I'm not usually a fan of wearing any advertising, but have just been given a team jersey as I'm a client of the main sponsor (Genesys, the old Praties cycling team, source of Richie Porte and now Will Clarke who is newly signed with AG2R). It's a nice jersey, and I may as well wear it, but a number of the team riders live/train locally...I guess it's a small enough town that anyone who cares, probably knows the guys on the team (if the speed I go isn't enough of an indication!).

It's no different than fans wearing jerseys of their favorite football, basketball, or hockey team. Even better, we are actually wearing the kits and getting exercise.

I can't wait to wear my Astana kit here in Texas. Will really **** some LanceFanboys off.

 

[**Uru**]

I could care less if someone wants to wear a team kit, matching shorts, gloves, socks, whatever. They would not sell the stuff if we were violating some immutable cycling law or anything. What stuck out like a sore thumb (or other part of the anatomy) was a guy on last weekend's group ride wearing jean shorts. Now, that would hurt after a few miles.

 

[Barrus]

Yeah he does sound cool. In the past, I always traditionally though of a "Fred" as a guy riding his bike wearing running shorts and tube socks.

Than it is almost official, I'm an old school Fred. I just ride in a normal short/three quarter pants, with a normal t-shirt on top of it, while wearing normal shoes and normal socks.

But yeah, I mainly ride by myself, don't race and just ride to enjoy myself (also I don't have money for any more equipment )

 

[ManInFull]

I could care less if someone wants to wear a team kit, matching shorts, gloves, socks, whatever. They would not sell the stuff if we were violating some immutable cycling law or anything. What stuck out like a sore thumb (or other part of the anatomy) was a guy on last weekend's group ride wearing jean shorts. Now, that would hurt after a few miles.

Did he stay with the pack or get dropped?

 

[TopCarbon]

Did he stay with the pack or get dropped?

maybe they were Carrera team shorts that look like jeans.........remember those?

 

[craig1985]

Rode with a older guy this morning, and he was wearing an Acqua e Sapone kit, and he's no Fred, being a Masters World Champion, and done well in races like Grafton - Inverall (a one day race of more then 220km), and the Melbourne - Warrnambool (the longest one day race on the UCI calendar, longer then Milan - San Remo at 299km).

 

[TheDude]

Rode with a older guy this morning, and he was wearing an Acqua e Sapone kit, and he's no Fred, being a Masters World Champion, and done well in races like Grafton - Inverall (a one day race of more then 220km), and the Melbourne - Warrnambool (the longest one day race on the UCI calendar, longer then Milan - San Remo at 299km).

Yeah, he was wearing kit, that makes him no Fred. (I can't go for the modified definition - I really like Freds). Now if he had been in wool +4s and had a pipe (and especially if he then beat everybody) that would have been super-Fred.

Now, back to the original question. I don't wear any team kit (today I was in a jersey with my company logo on it from a club in one of our other offices), but figure it is one way to support your guys. I'd say more important for the continental than the pro tour guys, but I have been thinking of getting a liquigas, just cuz it is so damn bright that it should be safe.

 

[Polyarmour]

.....but I have been thinking of getting a liquigas, just cuz it is so damn bright that it should be safe.

I used to ride to work in all black. I thought it looked cool but I had so many close calls with cars that didn't see me... particularly at dusk. Now I have the green/yellow flouro jacket and I haven't had a problem.

 

[Archibald]

Now, back to the original question. I don't wear any team kit (today I was in a jersey with my company logo on it from a club in one of our other offices), but figure it is one way to support your guys. I'd say more important for the continental than the pro tour guys, but I have been thinking of getting a liquigas, just cuz it is so damn bright that it should be safe.

I see a couple of liquigas jerseys on the commuters around london, so you won't be alone in that thought.

agreed on the continental teams angle - its all part of the "support those who support us"...

 

[Hangdog98]

Get noticed

I'll sometimes use the excuse that team kit is more noticeable on the road and I'm less likely to get squished by a car or truck than if I was wearing some Non-Fred apparel. Before anyone suggests a fluoro or a HiViz jersey, let me stop you right there.
They're for people who:
a). Ride a comfort bike to work and
b). Aren't aware that peripheral vision is black and white.

 

[Barracuda]

Im a bit of a Non-Fred Fred, by that I mean love wearing team kit but cant find one that floats my boat!

I do like the Cervelo ones but riding a TREK and wearing that would definately class me as a FRED. So I will stick to the local cycling club kit with local town sponsors on it and enjoy the ride.

 

[nowhereman]

I just came across this. I think it's hilarious. With just the right amount of tongue in cheek. Have a laugh, and for those that need to, lighten up!
Enjoy
http://www.velominati.com/blog/racing/kit/the-wearing-o-the-kit/

 

[redranger]

here in Italy people wear what ever they want it seems like. I have seen may people wearing all kinds of kits. Sky, Saxo Bank, Lampre, Liquigas, ISD, and also alot of club/LBS kits. it is rare to see people with blank shorts and jersey,

 

[Vonn Brinkman]

Why should you not wear teamkits? It simply shows you are a fan and respect the team greatly.
I have something serious against people who wear yellow jerseys, or polka dot jerseys though, that simply shows disrespect and does not honour the jersey. But teamkits are okay. I have two myself, Rabobank and Francaise Des Jeux, which is just nice to wear when you go out for a ride.

 

[Leopejo]

here in Italy people wear what ever they want it seems like. I have seen may people wearing all kinds of kits. Sky, Saxo Bank, Lampre, Liquigas, ISD, and also alot of club/LBS kits. it is rare to see people with blank shorts and jersey,

You don't really see many pro kits in Italy, just your own club's ones. The last really popular kits I remember were Mapei and Pantani's Mercatone Uno ones.

 

[nowhereman]

You don't really see many pro kits in Italy, just your own club's ones. The last really popular kits I remember were Mapei and Pantani's Mercatone Uno ones.

Try reading the link I left a few posts ago.

 

[Arnout]

I only have an Euskaltel kit, but want to get some older kits and maybe Caisse as it is a a brilliant kit and they will be stopping of course.

 

[nowhereman]

I only have an Euskaltel kit, but want to get some older kits and maybe Caisse as it is a a brilliant kit and they will be stopping of course.

I agree! go for it!

 

[irideredthebike]

Is there anything wrong with buying a football shirt and wearing it during a evening kick about with mates? No? Thought not. Same with wearing team cycling kits on rides.

There is something wrong with buying a complete football uniform - shirt, shorts and socks - and wearing it during an evening kick about with the mates, unless you are under 10.

 

[Barracuda]

Don't see any issue at all with the team jersey out on the road, but agree with the "be prepared" comments that a lot of you guys warn about. It would be nice having the option to support your team, without this attitude. Especially for those of us who are neither the youngest, speediest down the road or club members. (I ride solo - as it's either infrequently to work or when I can escape the family).

I would like to see an option of a plainer, much more toned down version of the teams jersey with maybe just the main colours and smaller logos (badge size) of the main sponsor(s) on the front.

That way I can support a team/rider, and when coffee-breaking alongside other cyclists, maybe give them the impression that "Hey that guy is a cycling fan" instead of "Hey that guy looks a complete tw@t"!

(EDIT: To give myself some credibility I neither ride Cervelo nor Carbon)

AGREE 100% .... I would like to support my team with a toned down version of the real thing ... clearly never going to be as good as the likes of SLANT on this forum but still retain interest in PRO Tour "goings on".

A "toned down version would allow this without the "School Play ground antics" of SLANT and their friends. Man, someone musta kicked sand in that dudes face on the beach. Let it out man... vent some more.... ahhh feel better now!