Style reportWhat will be cool in 2023, and what won't work at all?

Kristian Bauer

 · 05.03.2023

Kathrin Leibig's socks have to match the rest of her outfit
Photo: Christian Kaufmann
Socks must be short and legs shaved - or not? For years, there were clear rules of style and play for cyclists and their road bike style guide. But what was frowned upon yesterday is getting Insta-likes today. So: what's cool in 2023 and what's not? TOUR asked around the Munich road bike scene.

Road bike style guide: Kathrin Leibig

49 years old, doctor, ATSV Kirchseeon

Kathrin LeibigPhoto: Christian KaufmannKathrin Leibig

"I've been riding a road bike since 2005 and cycle between 3,000 and 4,000 kilometres a year. I started cycling so that I could take part in triathlons - and I'm still doing that today, this year for the first time over the middle distance."

  • This is what my socks have to look like: They must match the rest of your outfit.
  • This is what my jersey has to look like: I don't understand why people wear a professional jersey. I like pretty jerseys - even with flowers.
  • Sleeveless jersey? I didn't - I don't want sunburn.
  • Gloves? I often forget!
  • Shaved legs? I also take my husband with me when he hasn't shaved them.
  • Tan lines? No problem with swimming and running.
  • Cyclist greeting? Mandatory! I find it impossible if you don't say hello - or at least show a nice smile.
  • Social media? No. I only did Insta once because of a competition.
  • Dust cap on the valve? Yes, I've never paid attention to that.
  • Pump on the frame? Sometimes with Velcro tape - otherwise in the jersey pocket.
  • Disc brakes? Yes, I've had it for a few years now.
  • Cool on the bike: I don't care what it looks like. The important thing is that you enjoy cycling. It doesn't matter whether you're an old man on a steel bike or a chic woman wearing an aluminium jersey.
  • Uncool on the bike: Reckless behaviour is annoying, but otherwise everyone is allowed to wear and do what they want. Professional jerseys aren't that cool, and I wouldn't wear white socks.
  • Gravel bike? I often ride on gravel paths in the east of Munich, and a gravel bike is ideal for that.
  • E-road bike? Mega uncool. That's not possible!

Road bike style guide: Florian Wallner

41 years old, carpenter, Masters amateur cyclist, RSG Olympiapark

Florian WallnerPhoto: Christian KaufmannFlorian Wallner

"I've been riding road bikes for 23 years, joined the club early on and started racing there. I've only had a short break from racing in recent years. I prefer to ride road races, but now also cross races."

  • This is what my socks have to look like: Now higher, but no compression socks!
  • This is what my jersey has to look like: Shouldn't be too colourful. I usually ride club jerseys.
  • Sleeveless jersey? No-Go!
  • Gloves? Only in races - there it is a safety factor.
  • Shaved legs? Yes, even during my break from racing I continued to shave them.
  • Tan lines? I stand by my tan lines. It shows that I've travelled a lot.
  • Cyclist greeting? Basically yes, but on some routes it's too much, so I don't always say hello.
  • Social media? Strava (only for subscribers) and Instagram (private and club page).
  • Dust cap on the valve? No-Go!
  • Pump on the frame? I have it in my jersey pocket.
  • Disc brakes? In the meantime, yes, but I also have a bike with rim brakes.
  • Cool on the bike: Decent seating position. Not too colourful.
  • Uncool on the bike: Classification jerseys of the tours or world championship jerseys are a no-go!
  • Gravel bike? I ride my crosser - forest tracks and gravel are nothing new to me.
  • E-road bike? I hope that I don't need one. For me, a bike is first and foremost a piece of sports equipment. E-bikes are okay for shopping.

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Road bike style guide: Lara Veith

30 years old, Business Development Manager

Lara VeithPhoto: Christian KaufmannLara Veith
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"I've only been cycling for three years. It's just a hobby, but it's already got out of hand: I've ridden 10,000 kilometres this year. I didn't do any races or cycle marathons, but I did cycle the route of the Tour de France Femmes with five girls."

  • This is what my socks have to look like: Preferably white and long.
  • This is what my jersey has to look like: I like natural colours. I don't like too many patterns and I wouldn't wear a professional jersey.
  • Sleeveless jersey? No!
  • Gloves? I don't need it.
  • Shaved legs? Everyone can do as they please.
  • Tan lines? I accept them and cherish them with pride.
  • Cyclist greeting? I always say hello and think it's part of the job.
  • Social media? I've always taken photos anyway and I enjoy sharing them on Insta.
  • Dust cap on the valve? Mostly on it. But I've already unscrewed it.
  • Pump on the frame? No, in the jersey pocket.
  • Disc brakes? Yes, on all four wheels.
  • Cool on the bike: Aero bike and aero jersey, super simple in black - looks sporty.
  • Uncool on the bike: With others, nothing bothers me. Live and let live!
  • Gravel bike? Yes, I can ride away from the traffic on other routes, and it's good in winter.
  • E-road bike? If you want it, you can have it.

Road bike style guide: Zibi Otrebska

37 years old, vehicle designer, racing bikes Munich

Zibi OtrebskaPhoto: Christian KaufmannZibi Otrebska

"I've been riding a road bike for five years - after 20 years of mountain biking. I now cycle 6,000 kilometres a year on a road bike. There is a wide range of road bike clothing on offer, but I have a lot of ideas that I can't find on the market. That's why I founded a small label for road bike clothing ('Zwei Birnen') with my wife. We also designed the new jersey for the 'Rennradln München' network."

  • This is what my socks have to look like: Long aero socks.
  • This is what my jersey has to look like: Elegant design, perfect fit, no creases. Aero material, comfortable to wear.
  • Sleeveless jersey? Not possible.
  • Gloves? Mostly without.
  • Shaved legs? Obligatory. That brings 17 watts!
  • Tan lines? The clearer, the better.
  • Cyclist greeting? Mandatory.
  • Social media? Strava is a "must have".
  • Dust cap on the valve? Unnecessary weight.
  • Pump on the frame? Does not match the aero racer.
  • Disc brakes? Yes, I come from the MTB world and like the brakes, but I miss my Magura on my road bike.
  • Cool on the bike: Our racing bike scene in Munich is a really special community.
  • Uncool on the bike: I often see people whose bikes are not maintained; especially dangerous for beginners if the brakes don't work.
  • Gravel bike? I find a lightweight XC 29er MTB much more practical.
  • E-road bike? If it's not a race cheat, then fine. There are situations in which it is helpful: with health problems or with a child in the trailer.

Road bike style guide: Martin Janousek

45 years old, Portfolio Manager, Altherrenradtreff München (AHRT)

Martin JanousekPhoto: Christian KaufmannMartin Janousek

"I've been riding road bikes for 30 years - around 8,000 kilometres a year. I've been part of the AHRT for around ten years. We don't want to be a club with fixed structures, but rather have fun with friends. Our motto: 'Everyone has kilometres, pressure the least and style only the old-timers'."

  • This is what my socks have to look like: White, with a bit of ornamentation and just about UCI-compliant.
  • This is what my jersey has to look like: See AHRT jersey. Definitely not a professional jersey.
  • Sleeveless jersey? No-go. Only Mario Cipollini is allowed to wear that.
  • Gloves? If you have a tendency to fall.
  • Shaved legs? A must, and not just up to the edge of the trousers.
  • Tan lines? Can hardly be avoided.
  • Cyclist greeting? Depends on the style.
  • Social media? Let's leave it to the professionals.
  • Dust cap on the valve? Possibly on a folding bike. With chrome.
  • Pump on the frame? Long version, but only for the L'Eroica on the retro racer.
  • Disc brakes? Helpful for downhill MTBs.
  • Cool on the bike AHRT! Coordinated look, bike and rider fit.
  • Uncool on the bike: We are "open minded".
  • Gravel bike? Didn't that used to be called Cross?
  • E-road bike? I don't understand the question. E what? Ernesto Colnago?

Road bike style guide: Johnny Pölt

30 years, two-wheeler mechanic, Bici Bavarese

Johnny PöltPhoto: Christian KaufmannJohnny Pölt

"I've been riding road bikes for ten years, 3000 to 6000 kilometres a year. I work at a shop that started with vintage bikes. That's why I like old bikes. But I also have a carbon racer."

  • This is what my socks have to look like: Should match the outfit. No-go: trainers or compression socks.
  • This is what my jersey has to look like: Anything you like is allowed.
  • Sleeveless jersey? No. Evokes associations with school sports and vests.
  • Gloves? Mostly superfluous.
  • Shaved legs? The arguments in favour of shaving hardly make sense to any amateur athlete. But hairless legs add a few style watts!
  • Tan lines? Yes, they make you envious!
  • Cyclist greeting? A brief nod or a small gesture is enough. Only riders without helmets do not have to be greeted.
  • Social media? If you are enthusiastic about your ride or your bike, let the people around you know!
  • Dust cap on the valve? It's not necessary.
  • Pump on the frame? Better in the jersey pocket, where it rattles less.
  • Disc brakes? The better technology. But rim brakes are still great on the racer.
  • Cool on the bike: Good sitting position, relaxed facial expression. Smile welcome.
  • Uncool on the bike: Training doggedness.
  • Gravel bike? Of course! Forest and gravel paths without cars are great fun.
  • E-road bike? Nobody is interested.

Kristian Bauer was born in Munich and loves endurance sports - especially in the mountains. He is a fan of the Tour de France and favours solid racing bike technology. He conducts interviews for TOUR, reports on amateur cycling events and writes articles about the cycling industry and trends in road cycling.

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