Tan Lines

[MomOnBike]

I just don't have the grip (arthritis, carpel tunnel, generally unhealthy thumbs) to handle the grip shifts on my bike. The gloves make shifting possible.

I have some interesting tan lines, too. My wrists are all but black, from the gap between my long sleeves and the gloves, my hands look like I have some dread skin disease from the polka-dots left by the crocheted backs of my gloves, and let's not forget the white line around my chin/throat where my helmet strap goes.

I'm a multi-colored mess.

But, then again, I've always wanted to be one of those eccentric old ladies that other people make allowances for. I'm well on my way.

[tatormc]

Does anyone know of any gloves that don't come very far down the arm? I have PI Gel Light's and they cover about an inch of my arm. I'm looking for something a little shorter that would stop right at the bottom of the hand instead of coming down on the arm and leaving me with white wrists.

[caligurl]

i've given in... and now ride without gloves... my hands/arm tanline was HIDEOUS (still is there.. but my hands are catching up!)

i now have that line at my ankle and HATE it! but i don't see it as much as i do the wrist/hand one.... they need to invent cycling sandals (actually.. think i've seen then somewhere on the internet.. but not sure how safe they are!?)

[DeniseGoldberg]

Shimano does make a cycling sandal (their product id = SH-SD60) for mountain bike cleats/pedals. I've heard of a lot of folks who tour in these sandals, but I don't have any personal experience.

For me, sandals have 2 strikes against them: 1) I prefer really stiff shoes and I've been really happy with my Sidi Doms (yes, I know, there are less expensive shoes out there, but these have a very stiff sole which is an absolute requirement for me, and they are also the only shoes that I can get my very high-arched foot into!), and 2) On those really hot days sandals sound enticing - but I sunburn really badly (enough that I always use SPF 30 sunscreen) and I'd prefer to keep my feet covered.

I got over the tan line thing years ago...

--- Denise

[RoadRaven]

Does anyone know of any gloves that don't come very far down the arm? I have PI Gel Light's and they cover about an inch of my arm. I'm looking for something a little shorter that would stop right at the bottom of the hand instead of coming down on the arm and leaving me with white wrists.

So... my gloves wrap tight at the wrists with velcro, just the depth of the velcro... are you looking for something less than that?

[roughingit]

I love my tan lines! I hate getting burned, so I apply sunscreen liberally, but I always have the most outstaning watch tan! My short and sock lines are nothing to scoff at either

[RoadRaven]

I'm with you rough - I am very proud of my tan lines too - for other people who cycle, they see my brown arms and pale hands and they know I cycle too - its like a badge or password into an elite club - no matter that I'm really at the beginners end of the spectrum. I bike, and I bike enough to sport these special marks, so I belong!

And when the uninitiated ask why I have have such interesting tan lines... well its a legit excuse/reason to brag about cycling!

[CorsairMac]

Does anyone know of any gloves that don't come very far down the arm? I have PI Gel Light's and they cover about an inch of my arm. I'm looking for something a little shorter that would stop right at the bottom of the hand instead of coming down on the arm and leaving me with white wrists.

Performance carries a crocheted back glove that ends right at the top of your wrists. I love them coz the backs have terry and cotton so I can use the whole surface of the glove to wipe my - ummmm - face! They're all of $6.99 I think but..........they will leave cute little brown dots all over the backs of your hands too! Which I'm looking at right now and getting a kick out of!

[betagirl]

All I know is I look really good after my century yesterday with minimal sunscreen. Can we say Pasty Thighs? And a nice spot in the middle of my back where my tank jersey went up. I'm high stylin' right now. And I have a wedding to go to this weekend.

[runnergirl]

I have tripple tan lines on my legs, there's a line where the running shorts hit (about 2 inches above fingertip length), one from bike shorts (7-8 inches above my knee, and again at my ankles. I look like a freak in a swimsuit!

But I'm proud of the tan lines, all the perfectly tanned women have nothing to show for those hours outside.

[betagirl]

Ah yes the "Neopolitan ice cream tan". I had that up until yesterday. Very hot.

[roughingit]

I have tripple tan lines on my legs, there's a line where the running shorts hit (about 2 inches above fingertip length), one from bike shorts (7-8 inches above my knee, and again at my ankles. I look like a freak in a swimsuit!

But I'm proud of the tan lines, all the perfectly tanned women have nothing to show for those hours outside.

Heehee, I have that too, except I have double sock lines instead from having two different sock styles! Those crocheted gloves sound like a hoot!

[annie]

i've given in... and now ride without gloves... my hands/arm tanline was HIDEOUS (still is there.. but my hands are catching up!)

i now have that line at my ankle and HATE it! but i don't see it as much as i do the wrist/hand one.... they need to invent cycling sandals (actually.. think i've seen then somewhere on the internet.. but not sure how safe they are!?)

I absolutely love my Shimano sandals. I ride in them as much as I possibly can. (75 miles today) I don't go off-road with them. Have mtb shoes for that and figure I need the extra protection..... But most of my road riding is with the sandals when the weather is warm enough. I agree that the soles are not as stiff as most cycling shoes. But they are so comfortable, on the bike and off, that the trade-off is worth it to me. On the rare occasion that I do a time trial or race, i wear my stiff-soled road shoes. There is definitely a difference. But on any other ride, it doesn't matter to me. I think of it as good training to ride hard even with the sandals. I also make sure I always remember to sunscreen my feet, along with all other uncovered skin areas. Regardless, it makes for a very funny tan on the foot!! Looks pretty funny when wearing other sandals. However it does take care of the ankle line tan.........
As far as safe, the cleats install the same as on a shoes. There are two velcro straps. I've worn the sandals for years and never had a strap failure. I don't see any way that they wouldn't be as safe as shoes, except off-road, where I think shoes are better protection from trail hazards.
Well, there you have it. Another opinion. Each of us to what works.

annie

[caligurl]

ok... i'm gonna look up those sandals in a little bit!

as far as tan lines and not worrying about them... not gonna happen... i cycle to be fit.. and being fit.. i can wear cute clothes.. i like cute clothes.. no.. wait.. i LOVE cute clothes! and i sure don't want to look funny in them cuz of the stupid looking tan lines...

i it's bad enough having the racer back lines when i wear a tank top.. but to have short sleeve lines.. ain't gonna happen... i'll continue to roll my shorts up to the very top of my leg (and that is still too low of a line for me.. but i can't wear a bikini bottom when cycling!) i wear no show socks.. so my line is lower on my ankle/foot... i don't even own a pair of the higher socks... well.. on pair that was given to me a at a ride.. i've never worn...

and the whole "badge of honor" thing.. nah.... it's not... not to me anyways.... i have other ways to show i'm a cyclist (the yellow band... people have even asked because of my sunglasses! my legs... etc) so no.. tan lines (on the arms/wrists/ankles are plain and simple.. UGLY! (my opinion!)

[RoadRaven]

I'm afraid that getting a fake tan all sorted is way too much work for me --- I'm too lazy to be bothered