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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@DeKerr
Thank you.
End of my ride. I pretty much start and end all my rides from home these days. Gives me a chance to both warm up and cool down riding in an urban environment. So I'm always in my small ring leaving and returning. Plus my Hollands is old school gearing. 53/39 up front and 12x23 in back -- used to be 12x21 when I raced but I had to make an accommodation for getting old(er). :-) Even so, 39x23 is hardly that small a gear compared to modern compact gearing.
@Mikael Liddy
Thank you. IMHO they match in a clashing sort of way. :-) And these days I kind of prefer my socks to be "loud."
@chuckp
you may be keen on the work of Jeremy Dunn & The Athletic - http://www.theathleticcommunity.com/
Cooler than ice...
twice...
@Mikael Liddy
Thanks Mikael! I see a pair of their La Cubiste socks in my future.
@frank
Isn't it spelled, "Balleur"?
@wiscot
the mullet is an underappreciated and unfairly maligned haircut.
@Cary
It is? Where the hell do you live man?
@wiscot
In some parts of the world the mullet is a purely functional hair style. The flowing locks down the back help keep the sun off of the neck. The more trimmed look on the top and sides helps keep one cool (temp wise). This should actually be perfect for pro cyclist. However, function often follows fashion.