Pantani shows how to do it.
Whenever something tries to be something it isn’t, you wind up getting into trouble. Those Cutlass Cruisers in the 70’s and 80’s with vinyl wood panelling weren’t fooling anyone. Neither are those linoleum tiles in my kitchen; not one person in history has ever mistaken them for being marble. And Lycra has never tricked anyone into believing it was a pair of jean shorts. Despite the extra effort to add a fly and pockets to them.
Which brings up an important point. Looking Pro is not the same as Looking Fantastic. They mostly just stumble into looking cool because they’re on their bikes so much that everything becomes natural for them. But Pros frequently look completely crap, often because their sponsors are paying them to wear something no one in their right mind would ever wear. Like denim-printed bib shorts. But sometimes, when you’re baller enough, you can pull off the most horrendous of kit and still Look Fantastic.
Pantani is the only rider on the long list of those who rode for Carrera who ever pulled off this look. Shit, he even pulled off the all-denim-print long sleeve jersey. He might even have special-ordered it, just to prove he could do it.
Don’t try this at home, kids. You are not this cool, and you can not pull off that look. Pencils down, class dismissed.
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@Chris
Espresso spat onto keyboard
@Stephen
I fixed your post.............
@Teocalli
Tidy work sir, tidy work.
How about real denim, spandex and a syrup? In fairness he's from Vegas.
@frank
(From the original post)
"They mostly just stumble into looking cool because they’re on their bikes so much that everything becomes natural for them. But Pros frequently look completely, often because their sponsors are paying them to wear something no one in their right mind would ever wear."
Pros look completely what? I can stand the suspense.
For the record, I would look like a complete tool in that Carrera kit. I'm not sure I don't look a tool in my club kit, although I like to tell myself I look pro and awesome. Reality, delusion, what's the difference?
@VeloJello
Fixed? I still see a yachting enthusiast wearing Team New Zealand Americas Cup lucky red socks and rugby boots about to mow the lawns...
@frank
Cappuchino gets away with this on two counts: 1) he's Italian and 2) the polka dots are so loud and dominant that they distract the eye away from the "denim" shorts.
Really, it should be the French who started this look as the word denim is sourced from a cloth known as serge de Nimes.
Castorama was naff, but I still maintain a quiet liking for AG2R's kit.
@osbk67
Lace-ups were good enough for The Prophet (not that he had much choice) so as long as the bike is of a suitable era and riding clips I see no sin. In fact I have a pair (though not so shiny) for riding The Butler. As they say, Cuff and Tails should match so I trust @stephen also has leather gloves with string backs.
Those Carrera bikes are uber though. I have a hankering for a steel bike in white with chrome forks and chainstay. Came close to buying another project a couple of weeks back for a vintage track bike but the VMW was not too keen till I clear out some old parts and ski gear I no longer need to give me the base budget.
@Stephen
Why? Why wear horse jockey riding breeches for road cycling ??