How much is too much skin?

**witeowl** · 07-20-2009, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by 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

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?):

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

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, 06:05 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, 06:14 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, 06:20 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, 06:22 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, 06:54 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, 06:55 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, 07:56 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, 09:18 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, 10:32 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, 01:54 PM

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

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 07-20-2009, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by nolemom

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** · 07-20-2009, 03:48 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

**nolemom** · 07-20-2009, 04:25 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, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by nolemom

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

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!

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