How much is too much skin? [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

WindingRoad

07-19-2009, 08:02 AM

I'm curious to get your opinions about what is appropriate cycling attire. I am pretty conservative in how I dress myself so maybe I'm just thinking a bit prudish on this topic? I try to keep as much of myself covered as possible when riding. One reason is, well lets face it, most of us ride with primarily men and I don't want to be sharing my goods with guys I don't know. I had a guy grab my butt on a ride once attempting to "give me a boost" and I wasn't at all comfortable with that. I ask this because I saw a woman at a ride yesterday that was to me very exposed for a ride that started while it was 58 degrees? I was thinking about it over the next 160 miles and maybe it was just exhaustion but it seemed totally inappropriate?:rolleyes:

tulip

07-19-2009, 08:26 AM

Everyone has different standards. I wear jerseys with sleeves for sun protection and crash protection. I'm not one to go out in a bra (I think it's just plain tacky) but if some people do, that's their choice. If someone bothers you on a ride, tell them to get lost.

Biciclista

07-19-2009, 08:28 AM

welll, since you aren't going into specifics, it's hard to answer. I think almost anything goes any more. I think there are bra tops that would be fine really as a top, if you don't mind sunburn and road rash.
I've seen enough guys with transparent backsides on their shorts :eek::eek::eek:

for me personally, short sleeve jerseys and shorts are my limits; but I've seen plenty of young gals showing a lot more skin and it does not bother me (unless i start thinking of wrecks!!)

Some guys will be inappropriate even if you wear a burka

jobob

07-19-2009, 08:31 AM

Not sure what you're getting at here :confused:

Are you talking about "too much skin" in the upper half - chest, cleavage, arms? -- or in the legs?

Or are you talking about form-fitting lycra shorts?

There are a lot of ways you can cover yourself up while cycling, what is appropriate is what you're comfortable with.

Check out the TE online catalog for things like boleros and wrap skirts.

I ask this because I saw a woman at a ride yesterday that was to me very exposed for a ride that started while it was 58 degrees? I was thinking about it over the next 160 miles and maybe it was just exhaustion but it seemed totally inappropriate?:rolleyes:

:confused: Why exactly did you think that woman was over-exposed? Did you feel she was dressed inappropriately for the weather, or otherwise?

Sorry, I'm a crummy mind-reader...

WindingRoad

07-19-2009, 08:42 AM

I didn't want to go too specific because I don't want to offend anyone who may be comfortable wearing less than myself. OK, that's my disclaimer.

I guess she seemed inappropriate b/c it was 58 degrees and she had on a sport bra and short (maybe 1.5 inches below the crotch) cycling shorts. There was the whole display of rubbing on of the sunscreen too in front of a whole bunch of guys. There was more I guess than just the clothes. I swear to you all I'm not being a catty git it just struck me as unnecessarily showy. Standing next to this person while the sunscreen was going on made ME uncomfortable and I'm a girl. Guys around me were wiping their chins realizing I'm next to her during this provocative moment was uncomfortable. Like I said, on that front, I'm rather conservative.

snapdragen

07-19-2009, 09:15 AM

I think I understand, it's more about the behavior than the clothing. I've seen a few women dressed minimally for a ride, behaving as if they were in a singles bar. I swear, one woman was wearing a pushup bra! I suspect they would behave this way no matter where they were, or what they were wearing. They are the same ones that show up in full makeup for a century. :rolleyes:

Wear what you're comfortable in, ignore the rest. Me? Right now I'd be comfortable in a burka....

snap "not gonna see me in lycra soon" dragen

kiwibug

07-19-2009, 09:29 AM

I don't know.. I wear tank tops (made for exercising in) simply because I can't afford any jerseys. I already had these tops from going to yoga and the gym, and so I chose to spend my money on good cycling shorts instead! Sometimes it makes me kind of self-conscious because maybe I look less serious about cycling.. As for cycling in a bra, I wouldn't be comfortable doing that.

Mr. Bloom

07-19-2009, 10:03 AM

I think I understand, it's more about the behavior than the clothing.

I really agree with this...but please realize that what looks prudent standing up may look very different "in the drops" and if this matters to you, it's another issue to consider.

Biciclista

07-19-2009, 10:06 AM

ah, so it wasn't her lack of clothing, it was the way she was acting. You have every right to be indignant about that, but, where I come from we have people who ride in the nude... okay, with body paint... and I don't think they're being inappropriate...

Grog

07-19-2009, 10:39 AM

I just feel sorry for her if she crashes, because where there isn't fabric there will no be skin anymore. :eek: I also don't understand how short cycling shorts can be comfortable. The chafing on inner-thighs would be unpleasant to me, I like my shorts to be about 2/3 down my thighs.

This being said, I wouldn't be too bothered if she was riding with me, that's really her problem. If she was riding in my club and there was a club uniform, matters would be different.

As for someone pushing your bum from behind: I don't think it's construed as groping within the cycling world, and I've seen men do it to each other. But if you don't want the person to do that, just say "no thanks."

BleeckerSt_Girl

07-19-2009, 10:54 AM

I can't control what others do or wear, I can only be responsible for myself in such situations. If they want to show lots of skin or act provocatively or even make fools of themselves, that's their business --unless they are doing something directly harmful to me (apart from simply evoking my personal disapproval).

As to a guy grabbing/patting my behind to 'give me a boost'- well i'd let him know loud and clear in front of everyone that that was totally inappropriate.

channlluv

07-19-2009, 11:03 AM

I like my thigh-length PI cycling shorts, too, but I'm not crazy about the tan line. That would be my main motivation for getting shorter shorts. Ah, vanity.

I also wear tank tops for riding. I picked them up at Footlocker for $5 each. Can't beat that. They're long, loose, light cotton that dries quickly and are really comfortable to ride in. I do wear sports bras underneath. It would have to be really, really hot for me to ride in anything less.

I've got a couple of sleeveless jerseys, too, but they're short and I feel like my waistline is exposed when I ride in them. I'm not quite that much of an exhibitionist.

As for that woman's behavior, well, props to her obviously high self-esteem, but yeah, if she crashes, I pity her the road rash. Was it a "Woman in Red" kind of thing, where she wasn't aware that she was putting on that kind of display, or was she luxuriating in the attention that her hotness was drawing? Some women are just more exhibitionistic. (Is that a word?) Others are focused on the athleticism. I have to admit to flexing a bit more myself when my husband is around. He appreciates the view, and I appreciate his appreciation, you know?

As for the guy grabbing your butt while riding, did you really need a boost up a hill? I would have been shocked, too, believe me. I'm not experienced at all in group rides, though. I've never seen anyone, male or female, "boost" anyone like that. Maybe it was perfectly innocent.

Roxy

Biciclista

07-19-2009, 11:06 AM

i have been boosted too, but the guy who did it didn't touch me, he pushed my bike! it was hilarious. Obviously, he hadn't gotten too close to me, as I couldn't feel it..

jobob

07-19-2009, 11:28 AM

Wear what you're comfortable in, ignore the rest. Me? Right now I'd be comfortable in a burka....

LOL, snap! :D

ilima

07-19-2009, 02:19 PM

I live in Hawaii, where shortish shorts and tanks are common on women. I usually wear a short sleeve jersey for sun protection. Gotta get me a pair of Coolwings.

Although uncommon, you see the occasional triathlete training in a triathlon-specific bathing suit, typically when she's gotten something new and wants to test it out before a race.

The behavior accompanying the outfit is what makes it or breaks it. While I've seen some skimpy clothing, the women can simply hammer and aren't dolled up or putting on a show while applying sunscreen so I think nothing of it.

Mr. Bloom

07-19-2009, 03:21 PM

if she crashes, I pity her the road rash

I think there's a misperception on the protection that clothes provide from road rash.

Some of my worst road rash was under my unripped clothes - the only difference between the exposed skin and the unexposed was the road grit.

Sorry to hijack...

Crankin

07-19-2009, 03:32 PM

I wear a lot of sleeveless now that it's finally hotter out. Mostly, my sleeveless are Terry Eurohalters, which come up high in the front, and don't show any stomach. But, my arms, shoulders ,etc are very bare. I have 2 regular sleeveless jerseys, which I wear, but I like the Eurohalters better because no bra is needed (there's a built in shelf bra). Believe me, no one is looking at my, ah, chest area!
I have one new Descente halter which is short and tight. I look fine in it, but some might think someone my age shouldn't wear it. My shorts are longer (right above the knee) for my Bellas; the new S Pros are shorter, but, what I would call average length. There's some advantage to being short here.
If some strange guy tried to push me by touching my body, I would scream bloody murder. I've never had anyone do anything remotely like that. I have had men act "interested," when I go on my group rides, which are mostly people my age, but they are harmless and nice. I always mention my DH, if they don't know I'm married.
I am debating whether to wear the bra top I bought for running tomorrow. It's hot out and I really am feeling it. Frankly, my stomach looks better than some of the younger girls I've seen running in bra tops. I wear longer shorts when I run, so I just might go for it. Can't be any worse than some of the shirtless men I see running!

Biciclista

07-19-2009, 04:09 PM

wear it Crankin! just don't moan suggestively when you put on your sunscreen!

BleeckerSt_Girl

07-19-2009, 04:33 PM

Yeah, you look great. Wear what you want. :)

Crankin

07-19-2009, 05:08 PM

After my hot ride today, I am definitely wearing it! I have my yoga class in the AM, so i can't run until later.
Believe me, no suggestive sunscreen application. It is done in the privacy of my bathroom. Some people just have no sense :eek:.
Looking forward to the cool breezes in Maine later this week.

shootingstar

07-19-2009, 05:26 PM

Even when it's 90 degrees F with 100% humidity, I wear short sleeved jerseys ..or as described elsewhere, I've worn loose long sleeves.

And some shorts have a short inseam. Others do not.

I've never been tempted to wear tank top or go sleeveless, while cycling (though I will off-bike or go sleeveless), it's primarily for skin protection across other unexposed areas.

I just feel sorry to see women around my age, whose skin around their chest, etc....is darkened and hardened already. My lower leg skin does have a icthomyosis...where the skin has become dried and shiny over the years. Despite slathering on 50 SPF sunscreen/block. So I know...

After seeing dermatologist a few wks. ago who confirmed for now, I don't have anything malignant, but still need to take care, I have less incentive to show more skin while cycling.

OakLeaf

07-19-2009, 06:05 PM

I think there's a misperception on the protection that clothes provide from road rash.

Some of my worst road rash was under my unripped clothes - the only difference between the exposed skin and the unexposed was the road grit.

Sorry to hijack...

My experience is that my lycra has definitely protected me from road rash. That's why the scars on my knees and elbows are so much worse than the ones on my shoulders. And that is why racing used to require the shoulders to be covered - don't know if that's still the case.

Yesterday I rode with two women in sleeveless jerseys. I was in a long-sleeved jersey and wishing I'd worn a wool base layer and knee warmers. Whatever! Different people have different tolerance for cold. It's not my business what they wear. If it's not an event with equipment requirements, it's no one else's business, either.

On the boosting: I know a guy who'll boost his wife. Never seen it around here except for that.

Pedal Wench

07-19-2009, 06:28 PM

I think that anyone who's out there, on their bike can wear whatever they're more comfortable in. Who are we to judge?? There are many people who feel that anyone with the slightest bit of a belly shouldn't be wearing lycra at all. Sorry, but I don't like judging people based on what they wear. She was wearing what she felt comfortable in. Good for her.

HoosierGiant

07-19-2009, 08:53 PM

Momentary thread hijack...

160 miles -- were you, perchance, riding in Indiana?

Aggie_Ama

07-19-2009, 09:09 PM

I live on the face of the sun so most of the summer I wear sleeveless. I see women riding in sports bras and shorts, I don't feel like putting on the much sunscreen and don't have the abs for it but I don't care what they do. Some non-cyclist around here complain about people wearing lycra that are a little chunky, again I could careless and could probably be a little thinner so why judge?

I have wrecked mountain biking in sleeveless and short sleeve, same amount of carnage. I usually manage to hit the most on the uncovered parts no matter what I am wearing. DH ripped a sleeved jersey and the skin under it so I don't subscribe to the thought that clothing protects when we have rocks to wreck on.

The worst road rash I saw was a former co-worker who ripped the side of his shorts off and the sleeve of his jersey. No, he didn't show me his butt however I saw his upper arm - it was gruesome!

pinkbikes

07-20-2009, 01:53 AM

Oh yeah - I'm hearing you on the clothes not protecting you! I think lycra is one of those bullet-proof things. I have taken some great falls in the forest onto rocky horrible stuff and torn great chunks of butt and hip and shoulder *though* the knicks and jersey, without leaving a damned *mark* on the damned lycra! I reckon it only protects itself!!:mad:

I have matching chunks on my unprotected skin too - knees and elbows have not escaped unscathed. I reckon I've had more scabs on my knees in the last two years since I took up MTB than I had as a kid! My mother is horrified!

As for lycra and exposure, I have a figure that probably doesn't shout "Put lycra on me and I'll look great!" But I wear it anyway because it is comfy and if I have generous curves they aren't going to look any smarter hidden in a voluminous tshirt. I have made a pact with myself to wear my curves out where they can be seen and appreciated for the power behind them rather than their sartorial style! I say wear whatever you're comfy in and if you're comfy enough to flaunt, then go for it!:)

And boosting - well the first time DH boosted me I nearly had a heart attack. And I was probably a bit miffed that he thought I needed a boost - I'm pretty much one of those "if you can't carry it yourself, then don't bring it" kind of people, including when cycling.:o

But I must admit when riding the tandem on a nine day tour recently, I was boosted several times when I was struggling up hills by a couple of nice fellows (who certainly had no evil intentions in the presence of my 10yo DD stoker) and appreciated it *very* much.:) So I guess it just depends on the circumstances and intent behind the boost.

Actually, I once had to "boost" a male workmate who came out MTB riding with me. He was trying a particular uphill logpile for the first time and I was spotting him. He didn't quite give it enough in the run up and I ended up planting my hand fair on his rump and giving him a push. Thought nothing of it at the time but wondered afterwards if I was a workplace harasser!:o:D

Trigress

07-20-2009, 02:03 AM

Any official UCI races require short sleeves and cycling shorts with legs - it says in the rules.

I think a bra top and short shorts must be fine if it's a warm day and it's not a race. Sunscreen application is a necessity and not an activity I would normally place in the erotic section, and getting a helping hand on the back is necessary for me, at least until I really do take up that yoga class. The skimpiest outfit I've worn is probably the Castelli Melbourne dress with the accompanying shorts - they're really short, and even my hubby commented on there being rather a large proportion of flesh showing. For club training I always wear proper jerseys and shorts, normally the club attire.

When riding in a pack, being pushed about a little is quite common - it's probably the only gathering of people in which touching one anothers' bottoms is quite normal. When climbing I regularly receive a helping push either on my bottom or on my lower back - depends on the height of the rider who pushes - I'm tiny and so many of them don't reach down to my bum, but they normally get a better push the lower towards the seat they push. Even in girls' packs this is quite common, and if you watch TdF you can see that they quite regularly push each other, either to mark that they want another rider to move or to make him take a lead.

arielmoon

07-20-2009, 05:32 AM

OakLeaf

07-20-2009, 06:11 AM

The fact that a garment is undamaged after a crash is proof that it DID provide protection, not that it didn't.

It's not the same as a helmet, where it absorbs impact and is destroyed. Fabric protects by sliding. Different fabrics protect to different degrees. Skin-tight shiny lycra is the best for sliding against your skin. No thin fabric will protect against large, sharp rocks. Obviously it's not motorcycle leather, but it's some protection.

As far as tan lines... find a nude beach or move to the country. :rolleyes: Considering all the other lines (zero tan on the front of the torso; Y stripes on the jawline from the helmet; whatever type of gloves you wear; socks; darker on the tops of the thighs and the backs of the calves than anywhere else; etc. - sleeves hardly makes a difference.

WindingRoad

07-20-2009, 06:48 AM

Always interesting to hear what everyone has to say. I also run so I really understand about the heat factor. I usually wear a tank to keep cool because I'm a furnace when I run. I've pondered wearing just a sports bra only but my modesty kicks in and I just can't do it.

We actually had a record low the day of this ride (it barely hit 70) which is why it popped out in my mind as kinda over the top. And yes HoosierGiant it was the raIN ride, I hope you had a great ride too if you were out there:). I can see it's very subjective (obviously) on what people consider appropriate cycling apparel. It's kinda funny to think about us considering ANY cycling apparel conservative now that I think about it. Most people that don't ride who drive by us and see us out in our spandex are like "God I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that!!!" :rolleyes: Maybe I'm the girl in the car in this particular case? :)

witeowl

07-20-2009, 06:58 AM

I do not like jerseys when it is really hot out so I wear a singlet. This has spawned a few questions about whether I am a triathlete because I guess they look like tri tops but they are not revealing at all in the front.

For example: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001Y4VCCG/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=AU8KF031TC39C&v=glance

Ooh, that's a nice top. I hate typical sleeveless jerseys because they cut off right at the shoulder (as if someone ripped off the sleeves). That is so ultra-unattractive on me. (Not like I'll win any beauty contests either way, but there's no need to make matters worse, eh?)

Sorry, back OT (wait, is it?):

The fact that a garment is undamaged after a crash is proof that it DID provide protection, not that it didn't.

Huh? I think it's proof of nothing other than the fact that the garment was more able to withstand friction than my skin. (And/or that it stayed relatively still and didn't face as much friction, so the friction now occured between my skin and the garment whereas it would have occurred between my skin and the ground. Nothing different but less gravel to pick out. Which, come to think of it, is not insignificant.

I've gotten plenty of damage underneath clothing, without even being on a bike, so I don't think fabric would help me fare any better at 15+ mph. (I'm a bit of a klutz.)

And, not directed at anyone particular, if anyone's offended by my pudgy belly (and arms and thighs and.... fingers?) then that's on them. Even at 100lbs overweight, I wore lycra on the bike because it's functional. I'm not going to go running in a mumu, and I'm not going to give up my bike clothes. There's a reason the svelte people wear lycra, and it's not because they're professionals in training and it's not (just) because it's stylish. I wear my lycra for the same reason of comfort and function.

Long ago, at that 100+ mark, I was biking by the river in my lycra and 3x pink jersey and heard, "Oh my god!" by some guys walking the opposite way. I could see in my mirror that they even turned to gawk after I passed. I didn't say anything in return, (I may or may not have muttered something not for children under my breath) but ultimately knew that their unabashed criticism told much more about them than me.

7rider

07-20-2009, 07:05 AM

It is pretty subjective. I personally wouldn't wear a halter top or racer-back top. For one, they generally don't have enought pocket space for me to haul all my crap. But also, I've a pretty poor body image of myself and don't dare flash my rolls for anyone.
But what is "revealing"? I wear a short sleeved jersey and lycra shorts on my commute that goes through a conservative orthodox neighborhood. Women in ankle-length skirts and long sleeves are the norm. I feel naked as a jay bird there. I never know if I'm insulting folks with that.
Re: boosting. My DH does that....in the small of my back...never the butt. He has boosted other women - with their prior consent. Another guy has boosted me - again, with my consent. I think it's a hoot. Love it. But the guys hate it when you stop pedalling! It's supposed to help you - not have them push you up a hill!

BleeckerSt_Girl

07-20-2009, 07:14 AM

Yeah, it's kind of useless to spend any mental energy on what other people are wearing, since we don't control the people around us anyway. We should all just wear what we want.
Different if she's hitting on other people's partners or something I suppose- but then that's really more about behavior and less about clothing.

jusdooit

07-20-2009, 07:20 AM

I live in MS, and have yet to see a woman riding in less than a tri top. I wear a sleeveless jersey during the summer, but have been known to unzip it completely when riding alone in extreme heat. I am rather top heavy so I'd never wear only a sports bra, but wish I felt comfortable doing it at times. As for the sunscreen..........it is best applied 15-20 minutes before sun exposure for optimal protection. It's on the package.
Remember to each his/her own. Sometimes it's the person who is "offended" that needs to step away.

Triskeliongirl

07-20-2009, 07:22 AM

I could care less what othes wear on rides. Personally, I prefer short sleeve jerseys and longish shorts for the sun protection, but in hot weather I like the jerseys with underarm venting (like the shebeest wahini). As for the behavior, while I wouldn't like it, to me its her problem not mine.

But, I did once have a guy grab my butt in the guise of boosting me up a hill, and I let him know in no uncertain terms that was not acceptable. First of all, I was not having any difficulty getting up the hill on my own. Second, this creepy guy just started coming to our club rides, joining groups of women riding (why not ride with the men his own age/ability?), and grabbing their butts......... Let's just say the day I called him out on it was the last time he showed his face at one of our club rides.

lauraelmore1033

07-20-2009, 07:54 AM

My DH once gave me a boost from behind and it made me really mad. He didn't warn me, so it felt like a hostile shove. I'm not sure what his motivations were, but at the time it didn't seem like he was helping me, it seemed like he was criticizing me for being slow up the hill. My impulse was to yell at him--and I love him dearly. I can't imagine what my impulse would be if some strange man did that to me without warning. He might be missing his head...

Cataboo

07-20-2009, 07:55 AM

I tend to have a short sleeve top & bike shorts on. The one time I wore sleeveless, I ended up crashing and my arm & shoulder didn't do too well compared to my lycra covered legs.

I do end up unzipping my jersey all the way when I get hot, and I do end up finding smashed up small dead bugs down in the sports bra, so I'm getting it could look a little bit revealing if I'm leaning forward... But... erm, I get hot when riding.

If I'm riding in 58 degree weather - I don't have much more on then the short sleeve top & bike shorts.... just arm warmers & leg warmers, and I'm probably guaranteed to take those off within about 20 mins.

There have been times that I've been doing a tough hike in 20 degree weather and have ended up stripped to my sports bra and with my pants hitched/rolled up as high as I can get - which really is not a pretty sight and definitely not titillating anyone, but vanity be damned if I'm overheating and I need to get up a steep hill.

Karma007

07-20-2009, 08:56 AM

Occasionally, I will wear a bra top if I'm riding by myself (it just feels nice to have the sun on my skin) , but not when riding with others. Then I prefer more coverage. My issue (let's get personal) is the "pencil erasers" on my chest. Nothing but the thickest running bra will keep them covered, and I'm terribly self conscious about them. It's hard b/c I don't want to have to wear one of my "bulletproof" sports bras (usually reserved for running) under my jersey. I prefer to wear a lighter cooler bra, but the pencil erasers poke through, and it drives me nuts.

And after seeing the tan lines on my legs yesterday, I'm all for shorter shorts, but then again, more to be worn on solo rides than group rides.

leathela

07-20-2009, 10:18 AM

I know that I, personally, like to be pretty covered up in the mornings (it can be chilly here!), but usually wear short-sleeve jerseys or tank tops when I ride. As far as shorts go, I tend to prefer the shorter ones, so as to minimize tan lines. I guess they're just what I'm used to, too.

I don't see a problem with someone wearing whatever makes her feel comfortable and confident--whether that be 'more' or 'less.' That being said, I think any rider should be smart about what she wears, and dress for safety first. I have definitely wiped out in a tank top before, which isn't exactly fun. (I might have been better protected in a jersey...I'm not sure). So, whenever I'm riding rougher terrain, I tend to err on the more 'conservative' side and wear clothing that leaves less skin exposed.

Crankin

07-20-2009, 11:32 AM

I am happy to report that I just came back from a 3 mile fitness walk in my bra top and running skirt and had no comments from any drivers or construction workers. Of course, right when I turned out of my driveway, a town truck full of workers, pulled up across the street to trim the overgrowth along the road. It's pretty humid and warm, and frankly I didn't care.
I did have one person wave to me as I was walking down the sidewalk of a busier road, but since this person was in a mini van, i suspect it might be someone that knows me.

nolemom

07-20-2009, 02:54 PM

Somehow this just screams too much skin - http://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/article1019825.ece :eek:

BleeckerSt_Girl

07-20-2009, 03:18 PM

Somehow this just screams too much skin - http://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/article1019825.ece :eek:

I say good for him!
He looks happy and healthy and natural.

Zen

07-20-2009, 04:48 PM

I wish we had him in our town. We don't seem to have any good eccentrics anymore.

Just wait till I move to town :p

nolemom

07-20-2009, 05:25 PM

I just wish I had the guts to not worry about what other people thought. My boys go to college in Tallahassee so they have actually seen the guy. Hopefully, he will always be noticed since he is riding on some scary roads even when you are in a car.

witeowl

07-20-2009, 06:57 PM

Somehow this just screams too much skin - http://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/article1019825.ece :eek:

If only I didn't hate speedos with a passion, worse yet g-string speedos. I hate them on anyone, even hunky dudes. Honestly, I'd rather he rode nekkid. But then he'd be breaking the law, so there's that.

Good for him in any case! :)

WindingRoad

07-20-2009, 07:02 PM

ROFL :D Oh dear....

Zen

07-20-2009, 07:39 PM

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/toomuchskin.jpg
But nothing can top Bikini Man

Trigress

07-20-2009, 11:17 PM

The worst part of the Bikini Man's attire was without doubt his knee-length socks. That's just distasteful.

shellabree

07-21-2009, 05:24 AM

I'm a south Florida triathlete and on my training rides I typically wear bike shorts (I prefer anywhere from a 5" to 6" inseam) and a tight fitting tank top. I've never ridden in a bra top on the bike, although I must say that I only ever run in a sports bra... I never, ever have a shirt on (unless it's colder out that 50F- which is like 2x per year here). It's just too hot.

I actually race up to a 1/2 iron distance in a workout/competition two-piece swim suit ('The Finals' makes my favorite two-pieces) and that's pretty much the only time that I'll be on a bike with just a sports-bra style top.

Many, many peole have already written this... but I think actions speak a heck of a lot louder than the "clothes" that someone has on. In South FL, I typically see people with a lot less clothing on than I would see up North. My very best friend often rides her bike on training rides in just a sports bra; but she certainly isn't trying to seek attention from it... it's just a heck of a lot cooler!

Good thread!

BleeckerSt_Girl

07-21-2009, 06:23 AM

The worst part of the Bikini Man's attire was without doubt his knee-length socks. That's just distasteful.

Yeah, that's the only thing that bothered me too!....the dorky tall white socks! Such a 'Fashion NO'. :D :D :D

Ana

07-21-2009, 04:28 PM

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/toomuchskin.jpg
But nothing can top Bikini Man

I beg to differ (my apologies if this offends anyone!)

Zen

07-21-2009, 05:25 PM

And to think I used to date him :rolleyes:

witeowl

07-21-2009, 07:22 PM

And to think I used to date him :rolleyes:

Would it be a bad thing to say that you made a cute couple? :p

Zen

07-21-2009, 07:25 PM

He loved to dance to accordion music. Ah, good times.

Biciclista

07-21-2009, 08:08 PM

yes, those were the days, back when we both passed the pencil test.

Geonz

07-21-2009, 08:17 PM

I beg to differ (my apologies if this offends anyone!)

I love it.

Personally I admire people who will BE THEMSELVES, layers of exposed skin and all. Now, if it's because they need to be made fools of... welp, that ain't healthy, perhaps, but sometimes a good, honest, "eat worms!" to the world and its arbitrary definitions of "beauty" is a good thing.

teigyr

07-21-2009, 08:21 PM

yes, those were the days, back when we both passed the pencil test.

oh. You actually WENT there :D

witeowl

07-21-2009, 08:25 PM

yes, those were the days, back when we both passed the pencil test.

oh. You actually WENT there :D

On the bright side: While I may no longer pass the pencil test, I do now have a place to keep my car keys when I hit the nudist beach. :D

(Too far?)

Zen

07-21-2009, 08:52 PM

Ha! I can hold my keys and a can of cat food!

witeowl

07-21-2009, 10:21 PM

Ha! I can hold my keys and a can of cat food!

Why do you need cat food at the nude beach? :confused:

:D

Trigress

07-21-2009, 11:34 PM

Ha! I can hold my keys and a can of cat food!

Wouldn't it be so much more useful with a can of Coke? On the nudist beach I mean? Or a packed lunch?

teigyr

07-22-2009, 01:33 AM

There used to be this guy on the bike trail in SoCal who would power walk during his lunch. I'd be out on a training ride and he'd be striding along in his walking shoes, socks, speedo with the backside rolled up as to prevent tan lines, and NO SHIRT. He was kind of hairy too.

I'd say at the beach, water bottles would be preferable. Perhaps cycling bottles?

cylegoddess

07-22-2009, 02:35 AM

Zen, you should come riding with me. I need someone to hold a spare water bottle:p oh and a can of beets for lunch!
I myself, dont care how little anyone wears,but I agree that blatant picking up signals should at least, wait until the post ride lunch!!:rolleyes:
I have been caught silhouetted on the top of hill, checking my heart monitor strap, sports bra, jersey flapping by a very appreciative( and it may have been because I gave a good laff!!) male cyclist.( he was cute too!)
I wish I had ANYONE around to push me:(
I dont mind nude skin but blatant stripper behavior is a bit sick making( and Im from a sub culture that has naked people in bodypaint, riding around!! Too)