Has Fashion in Cycling gone too far?

[@jim2111]

Wear what you want, ride what you want. As long as you are riding.

[@markrskinner]

Yep. It's as simple as that.

[@notreally2406]

As long as you dont look ridiculous

[@ozgurinsan]

Yes it has became an elitist bunch.

[@fede1275]

I guess it is the behaviour that counts

[@NJLinSpain]

It's always nice to look good on your bike, but ultimately what is most important when you are out for 4-5 hour rides is how comfortable you clothing is and how it performs in varying weather conditions. I have found, for example, that while Rapha clothing is stylish , it doesn't perform as well as higher tier Castelli. So I don't use it anymore. Thank you for putting together yet again an excellent video. All the best for the upcoming festivities and the New Year.

[@fede1275]

Thank you!

[@neilfox9540]

I think Rapha stuff performs really well though I do love Castelli winter clothing!

[@Raven__70]

I wear Le Col, Castelli & Sportful, these brands work the best for my bodyshape & last the four seasons. Not the cheapest but can be purchased for less in end of season sales etc. I buy kit that fits me properly & perfoms, idgaf what other cyclists wear nor would I judge them for it. 😀I enjoyed the sights of London, Fede, nice vid! 👍

[@neilfox9540]

The holy trinity of cycle kit in my view (though partial to some Rapha too!) As you say fit is so important.

[@Raven__70]

@@neilfox9540 I have tried other brands over the years but always return to these three, the only thing that annoys me about Castelli is the peeling logos on bibshorts & bibtights, even Le Col have started printing logos now, which is a shame.

[@andrewwigley1252]

Have been cycling for 60yrs now and not once have i followed posing fashions just a bunch of sheep mostly middle classes who are frightened to look different and be individual.

[@fede1275]

@@andrewwigley1252 or maybe you decided to follow a smaller group to differentiate from them? Can't escape the mechanism

[@cupidstunt1975]

What utter guff. It might be important in London, but the rest of the country couldn’t care less about London. Bright kit, lights, mudguards. Couldn’t give a damn about fashion.

[@ChrisSpriggs-rj2ys]

It matters here in Brighton 😊

[@Cycling-through-cancer]

" London" coffee ride scene . Expensive bikes, Expensive kit whilst riding around Richmond park in between coffee. Federico, you are a top bloke, now venture outside of the London scene and join us in the Cotswolds for a day.

[@fede1275]

@@Cycling-through-cancer Would need definitely to ride more, here is mostly Surrey, Kent and Richmond Park for me

[@joeblack7469]

Matters here up north as well

[@JQ0110]

I ONLY wear yellow and orange neon colors for my longsleeves, mainly Castelli. My health is more important to me than fashion, when its getting dark around 16 h I want to be seen. As a cyclist you will always be on the receiving end.

[@joenaai3]

high end pricing makes me a bit sick, but not as much as socks over.

[@drummerman122]

Yes we have. I occasionally ride with one or two People who have mega expensive bikes, wear all the most expensive kit and ride 40k spending more time at the cafe discussing the latest Lake shoes than actually riding. They are a marketing man’s dream. I use brands like Siroko good quality kit at a reasonable price.

[@dlbutler]

"...because in Italy, as a country, we do follow fashion..." Understatement of the year. I wear a white helmet, white gloves, and white shoes for visibility, but also so I can jump off my bike and mime my way through an intersection if the need arises. Excellent video. Molte grazie!

[@stevedouglas3975]

As ever over priced brands making mugs out of guillible consumers who will leap onto latest trend. Paying £150+ for a short sleeve jersey is madness. Wear what fits and suits your budget and is comfortable. That's it really. Personally I think socks over looks not right but it's just personal taste although no doubt some are now doing that because it's the latest trend. Give it a year and it'll change.

[@fede1275]

Then we will all follow the new trend lol

[@cycleoflife565]

The socks over the tights (white socks/black tights) increases visibility and the socks being on an area that is in motion also increases visibility. I personally don’t care for the look but it does serve a purpose even if it is a fashion trend.

[@fede1275]

@@cycleoflife565 Interesting. I also think the belgian knitted overshoes contributed to the style

[@Soul-u9h]

I still don't get what it is with some people who think that their existence depends on how many people they can attempt to dominate over such trivial things as what clothes or what bike others may have/use to get outside. Actually, that's one of the main reasons I stopped riding with groups . Might revisit that but, for now, I'm having too much fun riding on my own. Not saying that's for everyone. It just works for me. Moral of the story - do what works for you and don't worry about what others may think. Now, go ride your bike Mr cool.

[@fede1275]

@@Soul-u9h maybe you follow the fashion of the cool single rider, it's impossible to escape 😀

[@ironempress]

If you're someone who's always had a strong sense of personal style that will of course carry over to the cycling clothes you choose to wear. Some of it is expensive but you can buy in sales, buy secondhand, and get plenty of good new stuff on Ebay which is what I did when I started road cycling. I may be a London cyclist with a nice road bike who wears Rapha but I started on a £50 road bike 20 years ago wearing my gym clothes so try to avoid stereotyping us that way. And I don't agree that you can't mix brands, it's not that deep, what's important is that I'm comfortable with what I wear and I'm riding my bike.

[@fede1275]

I actually agree. Regarding Rapha, I just had to mention what I see, as an observation. I don't share that view, but it is somehow out there. I did mention it in another video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKeziHh6rayKiZosi=beKQCOOt3iUvo2X1 The brand mix was just a joke, referring to the Velominati Rules

[@mozpassion8996]

For me the most important is performance. I wear what is available and mix brands with no problem.

[@a1yallop]

Hi Federico, I live in southern Spain Altea, I'm half Irish and half Italian (Frank Miele). The pro teams have been here for a couple of weeks now training, they set the trends. You're right about the socks over the bib tights it started a couple of seasons ago. Big at the moment are all black bibs and tops with colarless gilet worn open of course! striking coloured neck buffs and socks as a highlight to the black. These are pure roadies. However, the gravel riders as you say wear muted colours with obligatory bar bag and tan walled tyres. I now wear Alé cycle clothing, it's excellent quality very stylish and reasonably priced.

[@fede1275]

@@a1yallop thanks for that, I really like to see what's happening and understand these trends

[@tilmannschwenk8472]

When we first started racing cycling, we were proud when we could wear professional team clothing. Back then, racing cycling didn't involve so many shifts. It didn't matter whether the pants matched the jersey exactly or not. It had to be professional clothing. That also had its appeal and was of course much more individual than the current fashion. Not better, just different. This fashion thinking didn't exist back then. Because it was primarily just about cycling. Of course I try to adapt to today's fashion, but individuality is definitely missing today. Everything is more or less a so-called “one size fits all”. In principle it doesn't matter whether you wear clothes from this brand or the other. Everything looks more or less the same. I hope you understand what I mean.

[@mg6263]

These clothing rules are ridiculous. Wearing head-to-toe in the same brand is the equivalent of wearing Adidas track suits and trainers all the time 🤢. Those that spend a fortune on their look are the only ones who want to be judged (positively). Unfortunately, no one cares, especially non-cyclists. Wear comfortable, functional kit. Label envy and ubervanity needs to go. It makes the sport worse, not better.

[@fede1275]

Of course everyone can decide what to do, but the trends exist and it's just way of life. Can you justify £1000 or so for a Balenciaga trainer? I can't but some do

[@marcocasamassima389]

Fede you are my new favorite fashion blogger 😉

[@fede1275]

Hahaha

[@johnpritchard1428]

A brand where you know the fit works for you, comfort, well made and either aerodynamic for speed or weather proof for training. Fashion just feels like another layer of competition I have no interest in. I will relent and say I would prefer to wear something that 'looks nice' but not as an aim in itself.

[@PaulMapstone]

I know what you mean,Assos and Rapha I can buy blind as I know the sizes fit. Santini Castelli don’t fit and don’t get me started with the rubbish Paz sell. 😉

[@PaulMapstone]

PS: I only buy at the end of season sales😉

[@tongotongo3143]

You are the country man. While metropolitan metrosexual and bisexual men are very much into fashion.

[@valmorell]

Cycling and skiing allow me to wear the colours and fashion my soul desires. Bring it on...

[@robertchristian6910]

Let us be honest, the reason fashion in Italy looks great is because we are such a handsome and beautiful people..

[@fede1275]

That is also true

[@markfly480]

Nothing wrong with wearing expensive kit (but not white shoes and socks on country roads in winter-it's silly cus they just get ruined). However 'all the gear no idea' springs to mind! If you're covered in expensive kit you better be good, else it's just embarrassing 😂

[@rangersmith4652]

The terms _fashion_ and _cycling_ do not belong in the same realm. Of course you can mix brands -- I do it every time I ride. The clothing I wear for cycling makes me more comfortable, and how it look is how it looks. I admit to enjoying all the various jersey designs, but I buy functional yet inexpensive ones with a focus on visibility and/or clever messaging. When I was a kid, I rode in cut-off jeans, sneakers, and a t-shirt, and I was faster than most. If you're kitted out in cycling "fashion" and a kid dressed as I was blows by you, how do you look now?

[@richardseverin8707]

Wear what you want as long as you’re happy, there will always be be haters out there no matter what kit is flavour of the month. People can spend their money as they wish ( as li g as they’ve earned it through hard work) . Ent the fruits of your labour, they’d what consumerism is all about . If you can’t afford it buy something else . Keep up the good work Fede , I’m pretty much socks under bibs . But like white logos on where definitely looks pro 👍🏽

[@tongotongo3143]

No, social environment isn’t about “what makes you happy”. It’s a good tone to use common sense and not to shock people around you. A man wearing tights is just irresponsible behaviour. It’s very much advisable to sacrifice a couple of watts for appropriate looks.

[@fede1275]

I should have added that socks over with tights with zippers are a bit silly indeed. My bib tights now don't have them

[@joeblack7469]

Ultimately the rise in all these high end brands just shows it hasn’t gone too far, in fact it’s got a long way to go yet.

[@eddysobieralski8075]

White socks over, any socks over - that's not fashion, it's a crime against fashion. Not a good look...

[@phil_d]

My fashion is straight out of Aldi! More money for titanium bolts 😅

[@E30OG1]

Biggest issue I have with style in cycling is the price!! Another thing that prices people out of cycling in the gear they would like to cycle in, creating a snob culture, I happen to do half okay in life and still can’t quite afford if I wanted to buy half the kit I’d like aka universal colours or PAS, crazy game cycling is

[@fede1275]

Yes, I believe the economy follows where people like to differentiate themselves with expensive kit. It is part of life and happens to many social set ups where there is the want for luxury. Blame evolution

[@Millicente]

That’s not a cycling issue that’s a human nature issue. If you think cycling is the only place where people create “luxury” you need to take a step into any commercial area

[@savagepro9060]

Federico: " Has Fashion in Cycling gone too far? " Me: "If they're wearing rags, it's because, after buying a bike for £6000-plus, what else can you afford?"

[@marceloaranguizpasche7826]

Nice topic Federico, few have touched this. Yes, I think it went too far, there are brands that are ridiculous expensive, but it seems there is a market willing to pay those prices. Castelli is my favorite brand, not cheap but when on sale there are good deals.

[@roa5359]

Looking good makes you faster 😊 Have a great Xmas

[@fede1275]

Same to you!

[@starwilkinson8020]

Wearing black on a black tarmac riding a black bicycle in heavy traffic is by far the stupidest thing I have ever heard of. I wear as much white as possible when I'm riding in any condition. This is by no means a personal attack sir. I do very much enjoy your channel.

[@fede1275]

I know, I like to mix as I feel it

[@cycleoflife565]

The color of the bike is not important in terms of visibility considering the amount of visual space it takes up. Having lights front and back day and night is much more important than the color of your bike.

[@starwilkinson8020]

@cycleoflife565 that is the most ridiculous statement ever. Which is exactly why in my 54 years I've never been hit. You can choose to believe what you want to believe but the reality of it is the higher visibility the better because drivers are morons and are not paying attention as it is.

[@grahamriley8124]

I see cyclists when I am driving and in the day and high viz clothing makes no difference. I see them all! That said my winter jacket is bright orange. However, lack of lights at night is really silly as when I drive they can be really tricky to see.

[@andrewcharlesworth2512]

For me: 1. Avoid the really expensive kit unless your ability justifies it. Avoid all the gear no idea 2. Don’t try too hard to coordinate - wear kit that’s comfortable 3. Wait for the sales- there every other month these days 4. Don’t wear all black - wear something which will let other road users see you- doesn’t mean you have to wear hi viz

[@scotiavelo1405]

People who ride there GOOD bikes in Winter 🤷🏻‍♀️🙄. No mudguards, overshoes. Salt on the roads in shitty weather is just great for your high end components eh 🙈🙄

[@65Lynchy]

Every Utube cyclist/ chopper

[@doctorscoot]

You can’t mix brands? lol I ride with Santini tops and Castelli bibs half the time

[@fede1275]

😨😨🤣

[@doctorscoot]

@ well I like the Castelli bibs what can I say ?

[@JSC131]

I look like a patch work quilt and have been known to wear my old 1980s Coldra RC colours south Wales club. Just wear what you want. Cycling has always been an image look, but the cost of some clothing is bonkers. If you like it, it can afford it buy it as long as your happy, great content again.

[@markj.a351]

I don’t really care about fashion but I always just wear black with a bright coloured top and helmet. Going around in all black is selfish to other road users and gives diminished responsibility when they hit you. If they claim they didn’t see a neo green/orange jacket then questions can be raised if they should even be driving. makingteaatsixtwentyamramble

[@fede1275]

On the other end some have experienced more road rage by wearing high viz, can't win lol

[@antoniovacca5671]

Black cycling gear, except shorts, should be banned. We should be bright and easier to see. Cycling fashion is great but keep it safer by making it brighter. As a motorist too, I see cyclists quicker when they’re not wearing black. Just my opinion. 😁

[@utube7930]

It's got nothing to do with the sport and everything to do with social media

[@youriyimmek7767]

When tribalism meets consumerism, what a progress for mankind

[@fede1275]

It is evolution's fault

[@del4189]

I'm surprised the government allows the sale of dark cars, vans, trucks etc, I've lost count of the amount of times I've bumped into a black or grey car because I did'nt see them 🤣

[@fede1275]

True, however in Germany there used to be a bonus for bright pastel coloured cars back in the days!

[@greghart6310]

But isn't that exactly the disease that is killing cycling off? - Making things more expensive, more exclusive. Small wonder that brands who pitch a medium price, whilst still producing good quality products, are taking the top priced brands down. What happened to cycling being a sport for the everyman? Cycling brands shoot themselves (and the sport as a whole) in the foot by going the exclusive route.

[@fede1275]

I am not sure it is the case for the clothing. The main issue to me for the prices hike is the components and frames costs. Actually I blame Shimano not to produce anymore the beautiful mechanical rim brakes groupsets

[@larsronning8132]

@@fede1275 Mate, you're Italian - you should ride Campag! :-)

[@VictorElGreco]

Some say that cycling is merely an excuse for the vanity of middle-aged men. 🤨 Luckily for me, 😉 I’m in my 60s so there’s nothing “middle” about me. So I dress as bright and cheerful as I like and basically don’t give a damn. 😄

[@fede1275]

I am conscious of my mid life crisis condition...😅

[@DougBateson]

I like that there is so much choice in design since I think you should choose what you personally like and feel good wearing. Of course you ultimately need clothing that is functional and comfortable. Given you can combine all this then just enjoy what you wear like you enjoy your riding. I would build on Federico's point about cost by saying that the cost for some of this kit is pretty outrageous.

[@jgogl9791]

Never been on Instagram. Or Facebook. Or Tiktok. Or Snapchat. Etc. And yes I'm smug in saying that. Makes me chuckle. And how on earth do you get your white socks white again after a ride?

[@fede1275]

Maybe you are following the fashion of the non-social media followers... Somehow we all link each other to some sort of circle. In fairness I wear black when roads are dirty

[@jgogl9791]

@fede1275 the fashion of not being fashionable. Like it Fede, good answer! Buon natale!

[@MariusBert]

Wear what the heck you want if you feel comfy and good in it. I mix brands, colours etc. I don't really care 🤟😀 Good video though brother

[@fede1275]

You are following the mixing brands fashion group then 😂

[@MariusBert]

@@fede1275 🤣 you might say that

[@banjo7127]

It’s a great thing. A multitude of options and prices for every budget and type of cyclist.

[@WattsOnTheUp]

Only if you're on Instagram.

[@Millicente]

Nothing wrong with kit that looks better or is more expensive. Humans are creatures that always want “better.” Either better than what they had or better than what the person they see has. It’s just a part of human nature. Unless we’re all forced to as a part of a dictatorship, no one is going to want to wear the same thing, at the same price, with the same name. If people can have something that they think looks better, feels better, gives them more prestige, etc, they’ll want it.

[@fede1275]

@@Millicente it's Evolution's to blame

[@Gramkan]

Look good, feel good, perform good. Doesn’t need to be expensive

[@fede1275]

Agree!

[@markplayer3772]

Is Euro Fluro still a thing? But it’s all good

[@a1white]

I use my bike more for commuting and practical journeys so I prefer clothing I can wear off the bike too, without looking like a low-grade superhero in Lycra when you arrive. I’ve found the brand Galiber has some great jerseys and jackets that look good off the bike as well as on it and isn’t hugely expensive.

[@marioortega4481]

Good morning from the States. Enjoy your videos, but the theme of this one is pure nonsense. As they say, "wear what you brought." Let that be a fancy kit or bibs and a t-shirt. What matters is the sport and how much you enjoy it. Personally, I wear what I can afford. If it means mixing brands, so be it. One last thing....I love LeCol because of their sizing and the quality of the products. Happy Holiday season, and keep on riding!!! 👍

[@fede1275]

I can't say it is nonsense, it is just a phenomenon that is interesting to observe and I play with it as well. I also started with affordable clothing and I am happy to be sponsored by a brand in a similar category.

[@thewattlife]

The video ive been waiting for

[@fede1275]

Took inspiration from you!

[@lesliereissner4711]

Although I don't own any of their clothing, you have to applaud Rapha for being a style brand rather than a fashion one. According to the excellent book on their 20th anniversary, "The Extra Mile," it was all about an aesthetic inspired by the Golden Age of Racing so beyond clothing there was so much more: publishing, travel, organized rides, clubhouses, and events like the Women's 100 and the Festive 500. All the other recent pricey brands are just pale imitations. Cycling clothing should be comfortable and functional and it's your money and your choice but if you are paying 300 GBP for a jersey you should spend the money on therapy instead. Still, looking good is maybe better than being fast! Great video, Federico, but that socks-over---no no no. Also, if I wore all black kit I would be run over here in less than an hour cycling on the road.

[@fede1275]

Yes, Rapha have done a great work and paved the way for all the others. I have to confess to often go black socks over, so less conspicuous

[@gabrielfernandeztattoos]

Fitness and clean live is fashion now, so, let bike with style!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@richmck007]

Macho, te admiro por meter en las calles en Inglaterra. Yo soy de Londres. Yo nunca meterme en la carretera. Te admiro de verdad. Enhorabuena!

[@grahamriley8124]

Be patient, buy second hand and a 200 pound jacket becomes 30 pounds!

[@repiola174]

It helps knowing what kind of cyclist you face. When I see people wearing jerseys with big pns or rapha logos on them I know why they are cycling. I think the best way to know if a brand is worth it is to try it. From my point of view some are expensive but worth it (velocio, 7mesh, assos). So far the biggest joke for me has been Rapha.

[@markclements1509]

Like my Bike all clothing is Italian with Sportful being my favourite, it lasts forever and is really comfortable and affordable. Oh my glasses are Swedish.

[@tongotongo3143]

Try to wear traditional African clothes, it looks much better than this tight clothes fetish.

[@grahamriley8124]

Sportful are great! I love their tops with hoods - you have the convenient back pockets but look more casual.

[@santiagobenites]

Style is the man himself - George-Louis Leclerc Buffon (1753)

[@pakelly99]

I habitually do ride mixing, rapha and pas. Depending on the type of ride, I do feel going outside any respective brand allows more flexibility or specialisation. A well worn comment, repeated on an ongoing basis re pas is that they are an expensive “fashion” brand, rather than primarily cycling brand, and even, disposable fashion, Cf. cheap disposable fashion clothing one buys from zara, h&m, muji or latterly shein. The difference being, while those brands manufacture for peanuts, the pass on some significant savings to the customer, and then, if garment falls apart within a couple of years or so, it’s no skin off anyone’s nose. This is however the nexus of extremes that pas or others operate in, which is leveraging their aesthetic intelligence, regards the appearance of the object, combined with a product, which in terms of wear durability and robustness, is, off the top of my head, perhaps, a customer rrp at ~10X the price of manufacture. In one sense, it literally is the emperors new clothes, and they milk it for everything (or should that be, inordinately, well beyond what) it’s worth. The cycle of new releases every few weeks is relentless, for example. I want to criticise them, and I do, but equally, I can’t resist purchase on occasion either. I do believe too though, that pas will be conscious that now is :their: time, and connected to this zeitgeist, and that just as was observed with rapha, their star, like others, rising inexorably, for some time, will peak, and will fall off that peak of popularity, market appeal and esteem. I feel like pas are super conscious of this and, for the time being, are set on making their hay while the sun shines. The blurb about being made by cyclists for cyclists is a conceit and is a redaction of a more accurate description, maybe, made by aesthetically conscious, design talented cyclists, and, at the highest retail price to manufacture cost feasible, to the sucker cyclist consumers who will pay that top dollar for that product. But, is it, or any product solely the physical entity? Isn’t it a lot of other psychological value too? You pays your money, as they say.

[@notreally2406]

The most important thing is how your form looks

[@fede1275]

That should have a separate video

[@cyclingunboxed]

I guess you wear what you like, fits well and is comfortable right. Personally I like a bit of colour. Not a fan of wearing black myself. A non negotiable for me is the white shoes and helmet 😂

[@fede1275]

@@cyclingunboxed you are always stilish anyway!

[@MoRidah]

Look good, feel good, feel good, ride good

[@GunnzTT]

the light coloured bibs are too far for me i'm not a fan of non black bibs

[@fede1275]

I love them!

[@veggiebiker]

Federico i worry that you might crash whilst looking at your reflection in shop windows 😁i know you dont want to add a mirror on your bike for road safety reasons as that obviously isnt important, [as youre always looking behind] so for your priorities i suggest mounting a vanity mirror 😁

[@fede1275]

Very true 🤣

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

Rapha is very successful but still does not make any money lol.

[@fede1275]

@@johnlesoudeur3653 competition is tough!

[@neilfox9540]

Good video Fede. Personally I love cycling clothing, though some of these fashion brands are a bit mistifying. I miss your kit reviews from the early days. The Siroko stuff is very boring IMO although you always strike the right balance of style and understated practical choices.

[@ReaperCH90]

I use a a cycling short and old longsleeved shirts from my time aa a soldier, when it's cold a vest I got for free from work. I don't see the point of being more aero when I won't get paid for it or want to do a long distance. Only problem I see is that I am wearing clothes that are meant to not be seen, so that is a bit of a security concern. That being said, I like your style.

[@Heidimm]

I find the clothing trends quite overwhelming and intimidating. Seeing big groups wearing the same kind of kit looks weird and a bit cringe to me. There's a huge accessibility and inclusivity issue as well as a lot of these brands have a small range of sizes.

[@lorjon68]

If you find trends overwhelming just don't pay any attention to them. Big groups like to dress similar to increase bonding. All real cycling clubs have a team kit for example the same as in all sports. I think you are really overthinking all of this and the best cure for that is to just get out and ride!

[@trevorhawk2000]

I wear mainly Le Col and Siroko which are about the only brands that accommodate my body shape. Not the cheapest but can be purchased during sales offers quite nicely. I have to admit, some of the kit coordination is nicely done and looks the part but I for one cannot justify the costs of some of the kit prices. Maybe when I drop some 30kgs and can afford a 10K road bike, maybe just maybe.

[@kolokowalsky772]

The real value was when some brands just started, then the prices were realistic and good value. Once they become established rarely anything below 100 Sterlings. You can buy quality suit for 200-500 Sterlings in London! The same technology, the same fabrics, and the same quality. Buy just on sale, and in low season.

[@savagepro9060]

Federico: " Has Fashion in Cycling gone too far? " Fashion in Cycling: "Hold on. Let me check my Garmin!"🤭

[@bb-r5710]

❤

[@BoomsRiddico4868]

Good Video and a very relevant subject Frederico

[@SyLens1]

A bib shorts shouldnt be more than 150€, a jersey not more than 40-50€. Maap, rapha and all those fancy kits. Theyre all cheaply made in asia or south america. Theres no reason for them to be so much more expensive. Siroko, van rysel and ekoi are the best brands to get stuff for a fair price. Its all instagram that makes people want to buy the expensive kits. I do agree they look better than all the club kits or random stuff people used to wear a few years back. The modern helmets also look better than the over the top aggro “aero fins” helmets

[@MarioKurill]

Maap makes their clothing in Europe, mostly Italy and balkan states. I can only confirm their fit and quality is a lot better than the one of Rapha’s. Most of my stuff is off an archive sale for fraction of rrp 👌🏼

[@fede1275]

I know, but prices and luxury are really driven by market. We can all find our niche, with the right approach to others

[@preprecycling]

my opinion: clothing are good, the main think for everyone as i thought its sport-race look and comfort. If someone starting to think that you need went for a ride just to show the clothing, its so sad:( hope that everyone enjoy the cycling in the correct way!

[@fede1275]

@@preprecycling every way of enjoying cycling is the right way 😀

[@stuartfreedman6854]

Black looks good though - and its slimming! Maybe kit style, like neck tie width, will cycle back and forth every few years. Don't throw out your old stuff!!!

[@fede1275]

@@stuartfreedman6854 you never know in fashion!

[@stephensmith2820]

I can't believe this nonsense. I like to ride my bike. Clothing is merely utilitarian. As long as I am dry, warm & crucially, can be seen, that will do. As far as London goes, the world would be a better place without it.

[@ChrisSpriggs-rj2ys]

Puritan

[@DDai-qd8uk]

Someone had a hard 2024

[@fede1275]

It is all Romans' fault from the beginning!

[@paulszebesta3454]

Why invalidate your entire argument with a ridiculous hyperbolic statement at the end of it

[@yourdeadjack]

Boohoo

[@davidlau2467]

You can be a fashion cyclist or cafe rider all you want, it's your choice, but please join the right group and don't expect others to wait for you in a performance oriented ride.

[@fede1275]

Group and performance ride, might be another topic!

[@errbud]

I wear Pearl Izumi & Endura neither are cheap but not silly expensive either and function well. But whatever floats your boat I guess

[@erhan6095]

Because women has enter the game. Women always work to make better herself and her environment.

[@Raymond-Farts]

I've spent thousands of dollars on Rapha clothing, casual as well as cycling stuff but last year I tried some ASSOS Winter garments and discovered they work much better. Rapha seem to always be sold out of the items I'm interested in, also there is the fact that they closed their US distribution and it takes longer to get my orders. I can actually get packages from China quicker sometimes. One more complaint about Rapha is with their Merino Wool products, I've purchase several items and every one of them developed holes after the first use. I wash my stuff by hand, not in a machine but it still got holes and for me I won't wear stuff with holes in it. So Rapha have almost totally lost me as a customer. Guess I have to shop around more for Jerseys because ASSOS jerseys seem to be geared more towards racing. I don't like jerseys that have logos and racing stripes that resemble stuff the Pros wear and I think the basic black looks good. No socks on the outside of the pant though. Not a good look. 😉

[@Gixer750pilot]

The passer-by’s were like “that’s guys not only doing a selfie , but Go-pro,ing himself too”

[@fede1275]

I am ridiculous really...🤣

[@796monster]

What will all these cyclists do when the pro teams all go back to black shoes and socks

[@ikawpipa]

Merry Christmas Federico.

[@fede1275]

And to you!!

[@karelvandervelden8819]

Function over form please.

[@simonskeggs7284]

Rapha tops & base layers for me, I’ve had some for years & still look like new. Don’t like there bibs or shorts though, I find Castelli ones much better. I don’t wear black on the bike, I want to be seen, also use very bright lights day & night.

[@tongotongo3143]

Sprezzatura in cycling is adapting and wearing non cycling clothes and shoes, and wearing them with pride!

[@fede1275]

Not on a road bike though

[@bubby372]

socks over looks ridiculous. imo black jersey black tights not so great either.

[@fede1275]

I am not the one making the rules... 😅

[@neilfox9540]

​@@fede1275 why are the London types not wearing overshoes in winter? This will keep feet warm, shoes clean and give you that 'colourblock' look on your feet for a similar visual effect.

[@fede1275]

@@neilfox9540 I ride every day to work and I'm wearing overshoes most of the time!

[@MegaMoneygod]

I´m guilty. I started build my own bikes on cheap frames from China and branded the frame on the downtube with "Kinakol" (Chinacarbon) just to annoy fashionistas and sneaky snobby riders. Today I´m riding S-works, wearing Pas Normal, Rapha and other brands I promised myself to never wear but I never judge anyone riding a bike. To finish it up, in the beginning I rarely or never received any greetings or the like from snobbish cyclists. Today it's almost like I've changed sides and feel that some who are now where I was at the beginning are almost distancing themselves from me because they have the same idea about the bikers in fancy brands that I once had. Believe you have to look beyond the lycra.

[@fede1275]

Absolutely! It happened the same to me when I used to ride a BMW R1150R motorbike, all of a sudden all other BMW riders were waving at me and the rest looked away LOL

[@richmck007]

No solamente ha ido tan lejos con la moda de ciclismo también se pasa con los precios en Europa de las prendas para ciclismo o en día es absurdo lo que cuesta comprar mallas Mallot, chaquetas camisetas, etc. etc. desde cuándo es este deporte un deporte de lujo???? Not only is this fashion outrageous, I think they have gone too far with the prices for what it costs to buy cycling gear nowadays. it’s incredible what it costs for a jacket, a one piece outfit, a pair of cycling shoes, etcetera… Since when did the sport of cycling become a luxury sport ????

[@KOL630]

It’s nice to look good on the bike but it doesn’t really matter. Nothing wrong with wanting to looks sharp though. BUT, cycling kit is stupidly expensive now and it’s just not worth jt. Recently I got a £7 puffa filet in Lidl for riding as it gets covered in mud and it’s great. An equivalent Cafe Du Cylist one is £150 🤯 Madness.

[@Trevor.Adams640]

What’s missing is your mudguards!And socks over your bib tights? What’s that all about?

[@Jay-nt2ew]

whatever gets more people on bikes. I think the fashion is mostly a good thing.

[@mrrandom2501]

The samething applies to Running. It's more about fashion than function, for example, tracksmith

[@otopeixe]

Try chinese brand Ykywbike.

[@abhimawa1]

Good episode. Ironic but true. Especially when you pay a lot and become a moving ad for them (big bold brand on the kit). Personally, I prefer brands established since a long time ago, and with minimal branding (including Van Rysel bibshorts since they are quite good and well priced), black or iridescent shoes (easy maintenance). I thought all those kits must rely on one important thing: athletic P H Y S I Q U E. Why spend a lot and still look unsightly? Look at those Peacocks at Pitti Uomo, trying so hard to look clownish. Should L’Avvocato aka Sig. Agnelli have been a cyclist, he’d have worn anything he likes and people would have gone “ohhh! ahhh!” Ciao! 👌

[@fede1275]

I know, the Pitti peacocks look so weird, it is definitely not easy to master the Sprezzatura!

[@abhimawa1]

@ esattamente!

[@Gufolicious]

u lost me at black shoes

[@gmohk1567]

in belgium we prefer our teamkit

[@fede1275]

It seems in Italy as well it is still going strong

[@montrose252]

I LOVE cyclng fashion. (But always boycott RAPHA, hahahah!) I like micro-brands and the classics - Castelli, Sportful, Santini