Tartan suitable for touring cyclists?

[Really a McQueen]

I had posted this in the Tartan Riders social group, a couple of weeks past, but had not received a response. So I thought I'd post (after some editing) in a forum that would have a bit more traffic, and see what the rabble had to offer.

Bicyclists seem to favor dark colours for our riding shorts, as these do not show chain grease and other road related grime as well as lighter colours. As touring cyclists, we also like to have something practical to put on when not actually riding, which can be pulled on before entering anyplace where our riding shorts would be out of place. Often this takes the form of lightweight travel trousers.

I am considering getting a PV, casual fit, kilt for camp and off-bike wear when touring. This kilt would be in addition to my one existing kilt, a tank in the MacQueen tartan. What say the rabble? Should I stay with the family tartan with its prominent use of the colour red. Or should I consider one of the darker "universal" tartans that are available in PV, such as the Black Watch, or Warrior (from USAK)?

[tpa]

I have just got a very cheap PV in Royal Stewart which is suitable for wearing round the house, but not really to go out in. However I am considering getting one in Black Watch for outside working. As this could include mending bike punctures, cleaning grime off etc. I'd recommend you go for that too especially as bike tyres have a nasty habit of passing on a lot of dirt when brushed past or handled.

I did manage to pick up an Anderson (my tartan) tartan cycling top at a stand at one of the UK Highland Gatherings and hope I can get some more this year.

Hope this helps.

[Mael Coluim]

A long time ago, I entered the kilt world by putting on a Sportkilt after club rides to get out of the hot restrictive cycling shorts to swig a few pints with the group at nearby pub. Now that was real freedom. Flash forward, I love my USAKilts casuals in PV which are easy to wash and with the 'teflon' coating can stand up to abuse. I say get the tartan you desire in a casual from Rocky.

[Andy Ternay]

I'd vote for the Black Watch out of all the common PV tartans. For your purpose, that seems most likely to hide the grit and grime of the road.

[ForresterModern]

Wife and I do a charity ride each July in memory of her first son who died of leukemia 10 years ago this May. I keep threatening to wear my PV Modern Douglas kilt as after ride wear on the first day. Personally I think it would look grand with the event t-shirts and caps but keep getting vetoed. Figure it is probably best not to poke the beast, especially since this is a special event in her heart and mind, so have not worn it yet.

But I think a kilt would be great after ride wear, over your shorts or after your shower and clothes change.

j

[SlackerDrummer]

One of the local bicycle shops in Lexington (KY, USA) sells SportKilts just for that purpose.

[cavscout]

Go for what ever you choose. PV is a great choice for the machine wash option. Don't forget there are also non-tartan kilts. Here's my PK MarPat after the Currahee Duathlon (with race shirt )