Or, a long-winded explanation of who we are and what we do.

It seems like every week now we see a story in the news about how high fuel prices are motivating folks to take to their bicycles instead of their cars for their daily commute, errands, and recreation. Many of these new cyclists are buying “comfort bikes” that seat them upright, have fenders and chainguards, and usually no more than three to eight speeds.  Sometimes these are “hybrid” style cycles, so-called “city” bikes, or the increasingly popular Dutch cycles. All of these bikes have one thing in common: they are designed for utility and transportation purposes over speed.

It doesn’t make much sense for the transportation cyclist or casual recreationist to get all gussied up in racing spandex, bug-eye sunglasses, and clip-on shoes, but for many years, Americans have believed that this constituted “proper” cycling attire. Bicycle culture in the United States has long been held captive by a cadre of enthusiasts who believe that a person is not a serious or “hard-core” cyclist if they don’t ride an expensive race bike or top-of-the-line mountain bike. This has been the result of successful marketing on the part of the bicycle industry, going back to the 10-speed boom of the 1970s.

Today, as bicycle culture becomes more diversified and accessible to folks who eschew the $2,000 racing models, we are left wondering what actually constitutes “correct” cycling attire? The answer is simple: whatever you feel comfortable in. Naturally, however, we would all prefer it if folks would forego the stretched-out sweatpants with the hole you-know-where in favor of more stylish alternatives. To that end, The Cycling Gentleman proposes to present a panoply of such alternatives and examples for your viewing pleasure.  The goal is to inspire, inform, and to help create a new sense of modern everyday cycling style. We will also be presenting material from the first Golden Age of cycling, the 1890s-1920s, when style actually meant something, and few climbed aboard their machines without looking dapper. We will surely evolve as the endeavor advances, but these, at least, are the initial goals.  Enjoy!

Image: The Worcester and & St. John’s Cycling Club near Bransford Bridge, Worcestershire, England, ca. 1890, from the Worcestershire County Council Record Office.