How much is too much skin?

[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.

[lauraelmore1033]

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]

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]

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.

[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.