How much is too much skin?

[ilima]

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.

[arielmoon]

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...TC39C&v=glance

Another reason I like them is the tan line. The shorts tan line is bad enough, I dont want the tan line across my biceps.

I got road rash through both my top and my shorts so I dont think there any extra protection to warrant short sleeves. Neither one even had a pull. In fact I cant tell now which one of my 3 pairs of Shebeest are the ones I crashed in. But I had me some road rash up my thigh and hip and across my shoulder blades where I had clothing.

I have had some guys come up and touch my lower back when they wanted to chat and I was not real keen on it but when I got a push up a tough hill I was all about appreciating the help. I guess it depends on the circumstance for me.

[OakLeaf]

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. 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]

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!!!" Maybe I'm the girl in the car in this particular case?

[7rider]

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]

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.

[Triskeliongirl]

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.

[jusdooit]

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.

[witeowl]

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...TC39C&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.

[leathela]

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]

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]

Somehow this just screams too much skin - http://www.tampabay.com/features/hum...cle1019825.ece

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Somehow this just screams too much skin - http://www.tampabay.com/features/hum...cle1019825.ece

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

[Zen]

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

[nolemom]

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.