> Ahoy !
>
> May I ask the informed Listers to comment on when and what types of
synthetic fabrics and what article of clothing ? Jerseys, shorts, gloves,
caps, helmets, shoes ?
>
> Gosh, cycling is a great sport ! - 103 degrees F & humidity index through
the roof in wool jersey and shorts ?
>
> Regards,
> Richard Cielec
> Chicago, Illinois
Hmmm... I'd sure rather wear wool in 103 degs. than any of the clammy, stinky synthetics out there today that make cyclists looks like Cirque de Soleil performers. Woolistic classic jerseys are brilliant. And the best thing I ever bought is their wool undershirts.
But I really like wearing suitable "kit" when I ride, to me it's just part of the hobby. I loved Aldo Ross's pix of everyone's favourite Italian riders in plus-fours, berets and cardigans!
I think synthetic wool jerseys are a mid 70s thing. They are tolerable in summer if you wear one of the light Woolistic wool undershirts. Most of the original '70s jerseys I own are indeed synthetic wool or an 80 per cent wool/20 per cent synthetic blend. Pockets in fronts of jerseys seem to have passed by the early 60s, ditto the pointy collars.
Helmets: it's interesting to see the traditional "hairnet" helmets in fairly regular road use even in the 1950s but there seems to be no trend as to when and where and by whom. So many riders wore nothing on their heads, even caps. I note a definite trend among the "lads" today on racing machines to go back to cycling caps. No comment lest that start some tedious helmet or not debate!
Gloves: the biggest change is velcro.... I think this came just at the end of the CR timeframe. Before that it was buttons and finding proper buttoned gloves is not easy. And a lot of riders seemed to not even use them during our Time Frame.
Goggles: definately a gritty old Tour de France thing... but when did they pass from use? 1950s?
Peter Kohler Washington DC USA
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Get it on your mobile phone.