I guess my way of thinking may be different than most and it may change through this discussion, I am not that strongly aligned to one side or the other. However, to my way of thinking there is a difference between wearing a team replica jersey which is clear and obvious you support the team as a fan, vs wearing a jersey that is " the pinnacle of that sport" that some individual earned.. unless you are a super fan you probably don't know who the current jersey wearer is anyhow at which point it is just a fashion statement?

Anyhow I see the point of each to their own and if wearing the rainbow stripes floats your boat go for it, then again if wearing an Olympic gold medal replica around your neck feels right so be it.

News flash-we ALL look completely ridiculous in biking outfits.

When I was a young whipper snapper just getting started in triathlon, we had a local Wednesday night 10mi TT (those were the days)

Being a triathlete I only had sleeveless tops, so in an attempt to not look like an idiot I jumped on ebay and tried to find a cheap skinsuit.

The problem... all the cheap ones were replica's from CSC, HTC, Discovery, etc... and of course I didn't want to look like a poser. Finally, I found this generic "USA" looking skinsuit. Not a stars and bars kit, just a good old red/blue/star "USA" kit. Didn't look like anything anyone was wearing. Great, purchased. It actually fit me pretty well too.

So I show up, get kitted up and get ready to go, lining up. My minute man is this older gentleman, introduces himself as Kent. He comments on how much he likes my skinsuit and smiles.

So not even to the turnaround this fella comes flying by me like I'm standing still... he's riding on some stupid level... obviously crushes everyone there.

So, small talk with one of the guys afterwards as we're packing the car, I mention how fast that guy was going. "Oh yeah, that's Kent." At this point I feel like that should mean something to me so I inquire "Kent who?" To which he tells me to go home and google "Bostisaurus."

So yeah, turns out that skinsuit was a copy of the one USA wore in the 96 olympics, and the older gentleman was Kent Bostick :D and all my attempts at not looking like a poser went extremely well.

.

Bikes? Ehhhh, the 4/5 crowd can look pretty Fred like. I'm a smaller dude. I have the weird "rods in your calves" look going on and wear a medium in most kit. Even then, for an all rounder I'm probably 10lbs heavier than a pro would be at my height.

I'd say if you're not a Cat 3 or faster you probably don't look as much like a pro cyclist as you dream you do. Haha.

Closest I look is probably on the TT bike. That's also the MOST ridiculous I look. Geez. Poc Tempor is stupid fast for my fit, but man is it uggggllllyyyy.

I was certainly including pro cyclists amongst those who look ridiculous. Just because they may have less
Fat doesn’t mean they look good in skin tight clothing and goofy helmets.

I think this may be why there is such a market for retro bike kit. Less skin tight, less intentional looking, possibly even no helmet.

I did a quick search an have not seen anything on this topic. Deceuninck is selling the Alaphilippe replica, https://www.deceuninck-quickstep.com/...b0-9f03-c2da5ee9556c

I think others have as well... personally I think it is weird, I would not wear one.

I think you are missing the point-biking outfits, whether loose, tight, retro, new, cool, not cool, pro team kit, local team kit, picture of Reese’s peanut butter cup etc all look stupid. I’m fine with it. I full embrace it. But I fully acknowledge the absurdity of it all.

News flash-we ALL look completely ridiculous in biking outfits.

You probably also subscribe to the idea that TT bikes aren't welcome on club rides. Reminds me of the roadie rules guy that I bury every WNW. Lmao. People can wear what they want and enjoy it. They owe no explanation to you or any other pretentious douche.

Sounds like you fit in very well on your ride.

I have a British & Irish Lions Performance Kit, I have a US Eagles Kit, I have an All Blacks kit. I have previously worn these three all too Rugby Practice and at bars when watching games.
.

100% agree.

There's a few things I dont do in sports and sports gear:

-I dont as a mid 30's guy wear team sport jerseys to sporting events or watch parties.
-I dont bring a ball glove to a baseball game anymore
-i dont ask for autographs
-either of those rules are "allowed" to be broken if said guy is a dad of a kid....that's a fun ass bonding experience
-i dont wear WC / team kits of teams I never rode for.


But that's just me and I get people will do what they are going to do. So if it gets them out to a group ride and experiencing the fun in sports, by all means.....I just won't do it, and I may think it's "wrong" but again it's just my personal take (that I keep to myself). I'll give them a kudos for coming out and enjoying the sport regardless.

I think you are missing the point-biking outfits, whether loose, tight, retro, new, cool, not cool, pro team kit, local team kit, picture of Reese’s peanut butter cup etc all look stupid. I’m fine with it. I full embrace it. But I fully acknowledge the absurdity of it all.

WC jersey is a little different than wearing a regular game jersey. Its more like wearing a replica Masters green jacket on the golf course. Or if you bought a replica superbowl ring.

WC jersey is a little different than wearing a regular game jersey. Its more like wearing a replica Masters green jacket on the golf course. Or if you bought a replica superbowl ring.

People can do what they want and I agree with the fan angle and I'm not going to think any less of someone for wearing a regular team jersey or team colors. But wearing a WC jersey just seems a bit over the top, its not like I would comment on it (tell someone it's lame) but I would conclude they are kind of a doofus or at least that they've taken their man crush too far.

Lighten up. News flash-we ALL look completely ridiculous in biking outfits. The difference in the level of absurdity between wearing a WC jersey and one bought on Castelli’s website is non-existent. If you don’t think you look ridiculous in your non-WC kit, actually look at yourself in the mirror before your next ride.....if you still don’t think you look ridiculous, you need a reality check.