When I first started cycling, I could never picture myself in all that spandex and wondered if it was necessary. Then after trying a pair of bike shorts, the answer was 'yes, this is more comfortable than rolled up jeans'. Then I tried a jersey, and 'yes - it wicks moisture and has pockets in the back'. Then other cyclists started telling me that it was much easier to cycle with a hard sole on your shoe instead of tennis shoes, and 'yes, even with toe clips, bike shoes are an improvement'. The other comment when I showed up in a black windbreaker was 'do you want to die? - so my colors got bright'. The helmet I got at the time I bought the bike because I do value my head. So, now I look like a proper cyclist.

The whole fashion thing is really just as nuts as riding on the sidewalk in the wrong direction. I would stay far away from those folks.