The Cycling Gentleman on Parade, Part II

Another photo from last weekend’s local holiday parade. Not exactly everyday cycling attire (or cycle), but pretty snappy. The sleeve garter is a nice touch.

 

High-End Clothes For Bicycling

I’m conflicted. You see, I started this blog to promote a sense of everyday bicycle style, nothing fancy, just the idea that all clothes are potentially cycling clothes, not just expensive race-inspired spandex costumes. The idea was, in some small way, to democratize access to the bicycle as a form of transportation. Too many Americans still believe that you can only ride a bicycle in specialized clothing. So, I didn’t have just bicycle commuters in mind, but also folks who ride bicycles for errands, recreation, whatever.

Well, I get this promotional email the other day from a new company called OUTLIER, with the slogan “Clothing for Cycling in the City.” Cool, I think, this looks right up my alley. I go to their site, and find these apparently amazing black trousers. So amazing, in fact, that based on the sales pitch, you may not ever have to take them off. It’s a young company, just getting started, and still very small. Awesome, I think, just the kind of thing I’d like to promote. But then I saw the price: $240 for a pair of pants.

If you want these pants, and can afford them, great. They’re probably the greatest single thing you’ll ever own. Problem is, myself and most of the people I know couldn’t possibly afford to drop this much on a pair of pants, even if they came with super powers and cash stuffed in the pockets. I’ve posted about high-end “everyday” cycling garments before, and I wonder if this niche market isn’t simply a continuation of the idea that you need special clothes for cycling.

A lot of folks will say, “what’s the big deal, this is just a small company making a product to make our lives better, leave ‘em alone.” I couldn’t agree more, and if you really want these trousers (and there are sane reasons to want them), you go buy them, and feel good about supporting this small company. I don’t think this post is going to stop anyone from doing that. My only point is that you don’t need $240 trousers (or shoes, or shorts, or jerseys) to ride a bike, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

OUTLIER

 

Scarf!

Or a muffler, if you please.

From the very excellent Science and Society Picture Library.

 

The Stance

This image reminds me a little of the iconic Tiananmen Square image from the protests of 1989. The square stance, the comprehensive safety gear, and the almost-defiant “I will take the lane in front of this Toyota” attitude represents everything the Cycling Gentleman should be. Good work, Anonymous Sir!

Thanks Charlotte.

 

Are those reflective pants, or are you just happy to see me?

Ho-ly crap, people, why has it taken us this long to figure this out!? From the website of San Francisco-based Cordarounds:

Bike pants make for silly work pants, and vice versa. So we set out to design a product for commuters that functioned equally well at both. Using fabrics like Illuminite Teflon and 3M Scotchlite we’ve bought reflectivity to regular trousers. They line the inner pantcuffs and rear pockets, allowing you to deploy added protection and reflection as you pedal off. The pant cuffs and mudflap pockets can be worn in 4 known ways. There are likely more, and we invite you to invent them.

Via EcoVelo, who scooped The Cycling Gentleman on this one! Does anyone own a pair of these wonders? I’d love to hear some reviews or see some photos of these things in the wild.

 

Styrian Cycling Attire, circa 1900

Styria is a state in the southeast of Austria (the second largest, in fact), with a traditional regional costume that seems perfectly suited for cycling: short pants, warm socks, and layers. I particularly like the vest and the socks, but the entire package is wonderful. I also like the blanket tied to the saddle.

This turn of the century image comes from Flickr user radlmax’s photostream.

 

No Foolin’? I’m from North Kilttown!

Okay, yes, the post title is a Groundskeeper Willie reference from The Simpsons (I couldn’t help myself). There’s almost too much that’s wonderful in this photograph from Da’ Square Wheelman, who writes the very excellent blog The Bicycle Diaries. This purports to be Mr. Wheelman himself at this year’s Lake Pepin Three-Speed Tour (in Red Wing, Minnesotta), sporting not only the kilt, but custom saddle cover, an umbrella holder, a pump, packs galore, lights, a bell, and a stem-mounted water bottle holder. Did I miss anything? Click the image for a larger version, you’ll be glad you did. Also, more images here.

I hope this will be the first of many kilt sightings. Mister Wheelman, any sage bits of advice for would-be kilt-clad cyclists?

 

The Once and Future Trouser Clip

Evidence that the more things change, the more they remain the same. While perusing old bicycle supply catalogues from the early 20th century, I came across this ad for trouser clips that bear a striking resemblance to clips I’d seen at Velo Orange and Harris Cyclery. For the gentleman who prefers not to bare his scrawny white ankles and/or black socks pulled all the way up, the trouser clip is a handy way to keep one’s cuffs out from one’s chain. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to have a fully-enclosed chain case, then you don’t need these fellers. Naturally, there are lots of DIY ways to replicate trouser clips, most obviously with a rubber band, strip of velcro, etc., but for the truly retro look, you can’t beat the original design. Of course, these are pretty snappy, too.

Images: vintage detail from the Canadian Cycle and Motor Company Catalogue, 1918 from Archive.org. Photo of modern clips from Velo Orange.