Source:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/blogs/are-we-there-yet/3499270/Why-do-you-hate-Lycra

Why do you hate Lycra?

24/03/2010

So there's an issue that's been fascinating me for a while, but I don't think I've ever posted all about it. Mentioned it plenty, sure - in fact it may be the most over-used word in my blog  - but as yet there's been no post devoted to it.

Why do people get so upset over other people wearing Lycra/spandex/stretchy stuff/whatever the hell else you want to call it?

Perusing Stuff's Australian cousin site, I came across an opinion columnist all hot and bothered over the offensiveness of Lycra and advancing his view that all cyclists (because they're the most obvious offenders) have superhero complexes.

I'm not sure about that. Leaping out of a phone box with my undies on over my shorts is likely to get me carted off to visit the nice men in white coats - or by the nice men in blue outfits. So funnily enough,  I've never felt the urge. I've also never felt like a superhero on my bike, unless superheros have bad days where they are prone to perspire, curse the wind and wonder why this seemed like a good idea

See, the thing about Lycra is only a small minority wear it to be a poseur. It's functional. As anybody who has spent long hours on a bike seat will tell you, padded bike shorts are not about fashion, they're a necessity, just like the helmet and gloves.

And unfortunately, the skin-tight thing is also necessary for road riders. There's nothing quite as frustrating as clothing that flaps out behind you as you ride, not to mention dangerous - if it caught on the bike you'd quickly be getting cosy with the road.

As far as Lycra shorts and running go, I have one word. Chafing. Not being a runner whose thighs do not meet at the top, for me loose shorts are not good times.

Now, I know it's often not a pretty sight and I have never made it a secret my shorts do indeed make my butt look big. Jennifer Lopez has competition. But if it offends you so much, don't look. Oh, wait, first you'll have to make sure you don't run me over. Then don't look.

Hey, maybe that's why motorists hate cyclists so much? Perhaps I have found the cause of so many accidents?

Yes, there is an element of uniform because everyone wears it, so when you take up the sport, you rig yourself out the same. In my opinion, Lycra shirts take it too far - they're as unnecessary as plastering yourself with the logo of Lance Armstrong's latest team.

But that would be why I love my retro cycling shirt from the Tri world champs, circa 1989 if the colours are to go by.

But as far as my logo dislike goes, you know what? I don't have to wear them so I need to build a bridge, just like everyone else needs to get over the Lycra.

It's Lycra, not a meteor shower that's going to blind you, a la Day of the Triffids. (Great book, terrible TV adaptions.) It is not Armageddon.

Okay, time to throw open the floor. What do you think? Love or hate Lycra? Think it's necessary or it's only worn because all us wannabe athletes are poseurs? Time to vent ...