I just came across an article in the Washington Post online entitled “High-tech workout gear can improve your performance along with your appearance.”   Although the author, Carolyn Butler, was not specifically writing about bicycle clothing, the article still slowed me down a bit.  ”Really?”  thought I…”you mean all that money I spent did some good besides helping me to stand out like a moving billboard on the PCH?”  But beyond my sigh of relief I also wondered where Ms. Butler has been for the last, oh, say 50 years.  Who would be surprised at the performance benefits of specialty cycling clothing, for example, except someone who has never worn it…and never known anyone who has?

Ms. Butler pointed out that athletic clothing will keep you dryer, help you to feel more comfortable, prevent chafing and skin irritation from your chosen sport, and more.  But is this “news?”  I hardly think so.  I would imagine the next article will be something on the lines of “Scientists discover that automobiles offer definite performance advantage over Conestoga wagons on cross-country travels.”    The phrase “stop the presses!” leaps to mind.  (Oh wait, I think the Internet already stopped the presses.)

However, now that I’ve allowed myself a bit of good-natured sarcasm (no offense, Ms. Butler), I must admit that there was one bit of real information in the article, and here it is:

“…according to research published this year in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise…it appears that any benefits may stem from the fact that these tight pants, shorts and other clothes reduce muscle vibration and provide additional muscle support during a workout.”

Muscle vibration.  Hmmmm, ok that wasn’t obvious.

Anyway, if you’re in doubt that an investment at least in a good pair of bike shorts isn’t worth the dough, please follow that length and plunge into the murky depths of athletic research.  I’m sure you’ll be convinced.