There is, of course, nothing wrong in riding in whatever clothes one wants to. If it is comforable, and you don't get saddle sores from it .....your choice, who cares. But there is a sense in this discussion that the guys in team kit and all the "right" accutraments are elitist and somehow exclusionary. They probably are. However, in their defense, bike riding, especially among guys and women who ride a lot and who ride a lot in established group rides, is a subculture just like any other. It has its informal norms and rules that serve to identify those it considers insiders from those who are "other." I am not saying this is right or wrong or whether it has any useful purpose or not.....but it is. One could think of a thousand such subcultures each with a set of informal norms that create a sense of identity among those who see themselves as part of this or that group. Religions do it, executives do it, punk rockers do it, motorcyclists really do it, soccer moms to it. everyone does it. "Bike riders" do it. And, when I use the term "bike rider" I am not referring to people who ride bikes but people who ride bikes and see themselves as deriving their identities from that activity. If you have ever taken a trip to one of the heartlands of cycling, Belgium (a country I visit often), it is phenomenal. Every weekend there are literally hundreds of groups on the road, each belonging to a different club with its own fancy clothing. They even have their own "clubhouses" which usually is a local bar they all go to meet before the ride and gather after for lots of beer. These guys, and women to a lesser extent, are defined by their group membership. Its like that in Italy to some extent. It gives people a sense of belonging and helps establish a sense of trust.....and trust on the bike is an important thing I think. In some ways, the steet runs both ways. They may seem intolerant and elitist to some of us, but to them some of us seem like....well Freds....people who ride bikes but not "bike riders." Edward Albert Chappaqua, NY, U.S.A.
Edward Albert, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Sociology