Recently there was a study done somewhere that linked cold weather bicycle commuting with the color of neon green.

The study found that most cyclists exposed to cold weather or harsh winter conditions while traveling either to or from work on a bicycle developed a certain inability in decision making.  This "inability in decision making syndrome" has not become a well documented phenomena and has become more popularly known as " IDMS ".  This  syndrome has been found to have effects both physiological and psychological. Of the subjects studied it was found that after a full winter of commuting, all commuters had fully developed IDMS. Although certain decision making skills of these cyclists studied were not impaired such as , the ability to navigate safely and quickly through traffic, the ability to perceive speed, space and time, the ability to climb well , sprint well, know the right move and basically know when to "go" etc. it was found  the subjects had developed a  preference and tendency towards the color of neon green. One reason why IDMS is so elusive and and difficult to diagnose, is because the initial signs of it are quite misleading. Generally all riders studied after a full winter of commuting were found to be physiologically and psychologically different. They were stronger, faster, had better handling skills, and an improved ability in tactical decision making. This is exactly the point at which IDMS is at its peak.

What may start of with something as simple and harmless as some "neon green handlebar tape"  and some Mile Davis can often lead a rider to something far more serious. With IDMS neon green becomes a "gateway color" to things far more serious as shown in the picture included. On brighter note such taste and inability in decision making  is never tolerated in the lower "slower" parts of the peloton . The slower rider is quickly ostracized from the group and for his own good. However in the upper "faster" parts of the peloton  it is often gone unnoticed and or even encouraged. Unfortunately for other riders there is  no amount of chartreuse that can reel a "faster" rider, on a bike covered every inch in green with full blown IDMS back into the safety of the peloton .

In light of all of this there are new studies that show contradicting information disproving the very existence of IDMS, linking the very findings closely to other riders who want to control and maintain certain aesthetics in the peloton. Or it just may be that some riders have a hard time with the idea of another rider screaming off the front of the group  probably all hopped up on green tea, green eggs and ham, blasting Miles Davis on the ipod, on a bike covered every inch in neon green.

In this sport winning may seem like everything, but at what cost?

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