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The main thing that's supposed to be vintage about this photo is the jockstrap itself. It is for sale on eBay for U$119.95 and described as a "vintage 1-inch waistband swimmer model Bike in size Large." No year was given, leaving me wondering just how "vintage" it actually is.
If it comes WITH the model, the $119.95 price tag would be a bargain. But it's not vintage. I have tons of those. The design I believe, is based on the actual 'original' jock designed by the Bike Company at the turn of the 20th Century in Boston.
ReplyDeleteSadly, the model is not included.
DeleteI remember when a jock cost $1.98 and was used to protect your penis and testicles while participating in sports. Now they're a $25 "fashion statement." Too bad.
ReplyDeleteThey are still practical despite all that.
DeleteThis model is a swimmer/track type, which came into use closer to 50 years ago. And this particular waist band design is only about 20 years old. Athletic supporters are still worn by many athletes as support, and not for fashion. Science still shows that the best support still comes from a true athletic supporter. There are "street" or "fashion" jock straps, but these are usually not for true support.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the price, that's crazy and misleading, although what "vintage" is is relative. I have a dozen or so of these that I will be putting on the eBay soon for a tenth of that price.
Sometimes they bring more money if they haven't been washed. Of course, that depends on whom you are pitching them to.
DeleteBike introduced its "swimmer/jogger" strap in the early 1960s with a ¾" waist band, reinforced at the bottom with heavy stitching. As with other Bike innovations, it caught on with other manufacturers before it cornered the market. It might have been a quality control issue following Bike's outsourcing manufacture to China that caused a redesign about ten years before they in fact went out of business, widening the waist band to the inch as above and adopting a new logo waist band, which was also lined with brush cotton. If you think $120 is a ridiculous price, vintage British Litesome supporters now go for up to £200.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Bike had gone out of business.
DeleteI've always been a swimmer jock fan, rather than the thicker waistband type.
ReplyDeleteSB Dan
To each his own.
DeleteWhen the Bike Corp stopped manufacturing jockstraps a few years ago, a whole niche market aimed at gay men developed like wildfire, and prices for "existing stock" skyrocketed. Other brands soon came into being to fill the vacuum for the old Bike-style supporters, at very reasonable prices (such as GYM, Omtex an old rival, and JC Athletic at jockstrapcentral.com). Meanwhile, Bike returned to the market a couple of years ago with their classic style, but even more strongly marketed toward gay men, with additional styles that can be called "fashion." The new marketing strategy seems to be working. The Bike website is the only place I've seen them available for purchase, and their prices now rival the big name brands such as Cellblock 13, Barcode, etc -- nearing the $30 range for one.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I never liked Bike jocks -- too odd-fitting, not comfortable, not flattering. I always felt that Bike jocks tried to neuter the guys who wore them, or at least make guys look "unsexed" (to use a Shakespearean term). The idea of spending $200 for one, just because it's old, makes no sense to me. I'm old, and my value hasn't gone up. LOL.
So Bike is back. I wonder if it's really them or if someone just bought the rights to the name?
DeleteWhoever he is, he fills the pouch of his jockstrap well.:)
ReplyDeleteYes, he does!
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