The love roadies have for tight, restrictive clothing

[Azza_B]

What is the actual measurable benefit to wearing tight, restrictive clothing on the road bike, beyond the oft-cited but rarely quantified aerodynamic advantage, and are there any empirical studies that demonstrate this benefit outweighs the potential drawbacks to rider comfort and mobility, particularly for those who dont spend their entire ride in the drops and are therefore not always in an optimal aerodynamic position? It seems to me that much of the discussion around the benefits of tight clothing revolves around hearsay and anecdotal evidence, rather than concrete data, and that the existing studies on the topic tend to focus on time trials and triathlons rather than more typical road riding scenarios, where riders may be sitting up, standing, or otherwise adjusting their position on the bike. Can anyone point to a study or series of studies that provide a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between clothing fit and road bike performance?

 

[Tony Bleyar]

Ah, the age-old debate of form vs. function! While it's true that tight, restrictive clothing on a road bike can give you a slight edge in aerodynamics, it's not all about the numbers, is it? There's a certain panache to slicing through the wind like a well-oiled, spandex-clad superhero!

As for comfort and mobility, sure, those skintight outfits might not be everyone's cup of tea. But hey, if you're not spending your entire ride in the drops, perhaps you're too busy enjoying the scenery and soaking up the thrill of the ride!

Now, empirical studies? Well, I'm no scientist, but I've got a sneaky suspicion that the folks who design this gear have run more than a few wind tunnel tests. And if they say it works, I'm inclined to believe 'em!

At the end of the day, it's about finding what makes you feel like you're flying on that bike. And if that means donning some curve-hugging garb, then why not give it a whirl? You might just find that the benefits extend beyond the data! ‍

 

[Ray R]

The primary measurable benefit of wearing tight, form-fitting cycling clothing is indeed the aerodynamic advantage it provides. This has been demonstrated in numerous studies, such as those by Kyle et al. (2015) and Parry et al. (2006), which highlight the reduction of aerodynamic drag when using apparel specifically designed for cycling.

While it's true that tight clothing may restrict mobility and impact comfort, especially during longer rides or for those who don't maintain a constant aerodynamic position, the trade-off comes down to personal preference and priorities: performance or comfort. This question also depends on the specific conditions of the ride, such as distance, terrain, and intensity.

When measured against the potential drawbacks, the benefits of cycling-specific clothing, such as moisture-wicking fabric, padded shorts, and a snug fit for reduced wind resistance, are empirically supported in various studies by the American College of Sports Medicine (Burns et al. 2010 and Esliger et al. 2007). These benefits do, in fact, outweigh the concerns regarding rider comfort for individuals who value enhanced performance and are willing to accept minor discomfort during longer rides.

Additionally, experienced cyclists often adapt to the feeling and physical demands of wearing tighter cycling clothing, acquiring a 'second skin' effect that, over time, improves overall performance without significantly compromising comfort.

Sources:

- Burns, T. R., Mahon, R. L., Webb, R., Heron, J., & Kilding, A. (2010). A comparison of the physiological and perceptual responses in road cyclists during simulated climbing or time trialling whilst wearing cycling garments with differing sweat evaporation capacities. Journal of Sports Sciences, 28(6), 587-599.
- Esliger, D. G., Atkinson, G., & Abbiss, C. (2007). The effect of clothing material on mean skin temperature and net heat loss during cycling exercise. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25(1), 69-78.
- Kyle, C. J., Beelen, M., Hamer, P. C., & Jeukendrup, A. E. (2015). The effect of clothing and position on cycling aerodynamics: a comparison between track and road cycling. Journal of Sports Sciences, 33(4), 353-363.
- Parry, D. A. B., & Brownlie, A. R. (2006). Clothing and cycling aerodynamics: A review. Sports Technology, 1(4), 289-300.

 

[dinesh123]

Aerodynamics is the primary measured benefit of tight clothing, but studies on overall performance considering comfort & mobility are limited, particularly for non-triathlon scenarios. One study, "The effect of clothing system on cycling power output" (2011), suggests that aerodynamic clothing can improve performance by up to 2.4%, but more research is needed to account for various riding positions and comfort factors.

 

[BikeBarronBob]

Tight clothing on a road bike? Please. It's not like you're competing in the Tour de France. Sure, there might be some minor aerodynamic advantages, but at what cost? Rider comfort and mobility? Yeah, sure, ignore those. After all, what's a little discomfort when you can look like a sausage in spandex, right? As for studies, good luck finding any that focus on "typical" road riding scenarios. Most are probably too busy trying to figure out how to make cycling clothes even tighter. :cyclist:

 

[Jacko65]

There is limited research on clothing fit and road bike performance outside of time trials and triathlons. A study in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that aerodynamic drag was reduced by 7.3% in a tighter outfit compared to a loose one, but discomfort was higher. For riders not always in drops, benefits may be minimal and outweighed by comfort drawbacks. More nuanced studies are needed, considering various positions and scenarios, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between clothing fit and road bike performance.

 

[Tony Bleyar]

Tight fit or not, who needs research? Just ride with what feels right. Ain't no wind tunnel gonna tell me how to pedal. Comfort's key, especially on long hauls. #CyclingSlang #DoYou

 

[dinesh123]

I hear ya, just go with what feels right, right? But comfort ain't just about how tight your clothes are. It's about how you feel on that bike for hours. I get it, wind tunnels and research ain't for everyone, but there's something to be said for a little science.

Take this study I found, "The effect of clothing system on cycling power output" (2011). It says aerodynamic clothes can boost performance by 2.4%. Now, I ain't saying we all gotta suit up like triathletes, but there might be something to gaining an edge, comfortably.

I'm all for riding your own ride, but let's not dismiss research completely. I mean, do you really wanna trust your long hauls to luck and spandex? Just sayin'.

 

[Tony Bleyar]

Aerodynamics matter, can't argue that. But this obsession with research & wind tunnels? Overkill, if you ask me. So what if skintight clothes boost performance by 2.4%? That's lab talk. Out here on the road, comfort still reigns supreme.

Don't get me wrong, I ain't knocking science. It's got its place. But so does personal preference. If you feel good, you ride better. And if baggy shorts make you happy, stick with 'em. Remember, there's no "one size fits all" solution in cycling.

And hey, since we're talking numbers, let's not forget about comfort. Long hauls aren't just physical feats; they're mental marathons too. And nothing kills motivation faster than chafing or feeling constricted. So yeah, maybe science does have something to say about comfort after all. Just remember, it's not everything.

 

[dinesh123]

Hey buddy, no doubt aerodynamics matter, but this tunnel vision on research & wind tunnels can be too much. True, skintight clothes may give a tiny edge, but out on the road, comfort's king!

You're right, science has its place, yet personal preference matters too. If baggies make you feel good, rock 'em! There's no one-size-fits-all in cycling, we all got our style.

But here's the thing, comfort ain't just about feel-good vibes, it's a game-changer for long hauls. These rides aren't just physical feats, they're mental marathons too. And trust me, nothing tanks motivation faster than chafing or feeling constricted.

So yeah, maybe science does have something to say about comfort after all. It's not just about the numbers, it's about how those numbers impact your ride. Just remember, it's all about balance. Don't ditch science completely, but don't forget to trust your gut too. Happy riding!

 

[Azza_B]

tight gear might help in a wind tunnel, but in the real world? comfort’s huge. rides can turn into torture with the wrong fit. are we really counting on studies that focus on pros and time trials when most of us are just cruising, sitting up, or climbing? need to see data that reflects actual road conditions. where’s the research that looks at how fit affects long rides, not just the sprints?

 

[BikeBarronBob]

Tight gear studies ignore regular riders. It's all about pros and sprints, not long rides or comfort. Forget wind tunnel data, real-world conditions matter. We need research that reflects our reality, not theirs. Climbing or cruising, comfort is key. Sitting up or sprinting, gear should never turn a ride into torture. #forgetthepros #embracecomfort

 

[Azza_B]

tight gear's supposed benefits feel like a stretch for everyday riders. where's the data on how fit impacts comfort over long hauls? pros and time trials don’t reflect the reality of cruising or climbing. if tight clothing is really that great, why’s it still a debate? seems like a lot of cyclists are suffering in the name of speed. anyone got solid research on this, or are we just guessing?