The L-word: Lycra

Lycra (also known as Spandex) is THE attire of choice for cyclists. Odd thing is it has also become a term of derision among non-cyclists , basically to the point where it now a justification in itself for all sorts of poor behavior with no further explanation required (using the term Lycra Loon seems evidence enough)

It makes me think non-cyclists as thinking cyclists are only wearing lycra as they are suffering delusions of grandeur ("must think he's Cadel Evans"). Otherwise it is hard to see why a fabric angries up the blood so much.

Well here's the lowdown on why cyclists choose to wear lycra - it's chafe. Simple as that. A t-shirt and baggy pair of cotton shorts and your trusty undies might be fine for a couple of laps of the park with the kids or 10 km along the river on a Sunday, but on a solid 80 km ride (which is a pretty standard hitout for a club cyclist) that once comfy attire becomes a chafe inducing torture chamber.  We'd love for lycra to bestow us with Cadel Evans like endurance or a sprint like Mark Cavendish, but it simply doesn't. And that is not the reason we are riding on the roads - we do that as we belong there. Under the law.

Why is Lycra such a good fabric for avoiding chafe? Well it is both form fitting (which ensures full coverage of ones' bits) and breathable (which keeps you cool). It also wicks moisture, so sweat isn't trapped against the skin but rather can evaporate quickly (again helping you stay cool). The form fitting nature of Lycra also minimises the number of required seams (which is again, a traditional chafing sorepoint) and most Lycra cycling pants also come with some rather handy padding sewn into the butt area.

The trusty undies and cotton shorts don't seem nearly as comfortable after 80 k's. Drenched in sweat, the seams will feel like barbed wire, you'll be stupidly hot and there is zero padding on offer.

When I took up the bike in 2011, I did so with an aversion to Lycra, and had zero intention to wear it. 3 months later I was wearing it head to toe. It's _that_ good that avoiding it is sheer stupidity.

And no, cyclists don't think it's an overly flattering fabric. It's a damn sight more flattering though than an epic case of chafe, and given you are probably surrounded by 15 people in the same attire, it minimises any embarrasment.