Comments on: Cycling Fashion

By: EllenZ

EllenZ — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:57:12 +0000

I’ve tried wearing normal clothing when I commute but I get too sweaty. Coolmax/spandex is much more comfortable and dries very quickly so I can put on dry clothes when I head home. Also the shammy in bike shorts is anti-microbial. I feel a lot better putting that back on later in the day vs the old sweaty cotton shorts.

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:53:26 +0000

I’ve been bike commuting to work for about 30 years, and now ride 8 miles one way from an urban area into a suburban area. I choose clothes that will be comfortable and visible. I live in an area where motorists don’t always notice or respect cyclists, and I often have to ride at dusk, before sunrise or after sunset. One of my major goals with my clothing is to help me be seen and to stay alive. The second, is to manage heat, cold and moisture. The other day my morning commute was 38 and ride home was 75 degrees, so I need layers that can adjust for temperature. I find smart wool to be the best wicking , comfortable and non-odor producing fabric, and can start out with 2 layers under a windbreaker in the morning, maybe one short sleeve layer in the evening. I have sometimes used spandex, bright colors (for safety) but am so glad so see people pushing for real clothes for cycling as it ought to be part of everyday life. So glad for the renaissance in cycling after many years feeling like fighting a losing battle.

By: Martin

Martin — Mon, 23 May 2011 15:49:54 +0000

I ride 10 miles each way and dress with “technical ” garments that minimize trapping moisture. Outlier, Swrve and Sheila Moon’s make really nice, stylish urban clothing, just to name those I am familiar with. (all USA made) Then, I can stop anywhere I want, and be casual about my mode of transportation. I dont have to look like a rocket dragster. There is also a Danish designer who created urban helmets…yakkay.
I like the awareness you raise about sending messages to drivers: you dont need to whole kit to start riding to work.
As miles pile-up, one gets to search and use the right gear to make it more enjoyable, and be less weather driven. I make a point of riding whatever the weather. I find the greatest joy of riding During those nasty weather conditions, while still being very comfortable. Like during winter, I wear Lake boots spd, the best money spent ever ! I got to the point where I dont care about the poor condition of my car’s clutch, and prefer to spend the money on nice technical riding gear. Oh, last word : For visibility, I use a safety vest that I can remove when I get to my destination. Riding with it gets the drivers respect and attention. I live in rural TN…Trust me, you need one !

By: Daniel

Daniel — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 06:22:55 +0000

If I lived in the right urban environment, I might go for some of those fashions just to have fun and get attention from other silly persons!

I totally understand Joey’s approach. I’m also a fairly serious cyclist, and wear my Spandex and road colors every training ride, for the reasons Joey mentions–comfort, visibility and presence. I’m also a fan of VERY light pants and pullover that pack into my saddle bag to cover up my road colors when I’m off my bike.

However, when I’m on a commute to work or just a trip into town, I change out of my clipless shoes and leave my spandex shorts and colored jersey at home. I do feel a little bit more vulnerable on the streets, but I have found, off my bike, I get a better reception in stores and among the general public if I’m wearing shorts, shirts, and shoes that look normal. The clipless pedals just are not safe when pedestrians and cars are pulling out in front of you suddenly. In town, you have to put your foot down at any given moment.

For Dan: I’m not a fan of the pedals with SPD on one side and platforms on the other. But I’m a road cyclist, and I think LOOK are safer and better in every way for being on the road. I use LOOK as platform pedals with normal tennis shoes, by filling in with old cleats for the ride.

By: Joey Larz

Joey Larz — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:49:57 +0000

As a sort of recovering racer from about 20 yrs ago, and having a 3 leg, circle commute of 36 miles, the geek suit is my only option. I sometimes add on another 14 miles at the end to conquer 50 (is that so wrong)? I use my commute as a training ride, so I go very fast at times. I shower after the second leg (at the office) but if I’m out on my bike on a ride that may turn social near the end – let’s say grabbing a pint somewhere – I bring some light overclothing.

Over the last 30 years or so I’ve ridden just shy of 125,000 miles, and I’ve noticed a thing or two about riding in traffic. When you’re geeked out as I am and ride with confidence and authority, drivers tend to take you more seriously. Also, cycling specific clothes tend to have higher visibility, and that’s a good thing. GClarke and Patrick are right in their appeal for more reflective lines.

Then again, I shave my legs, too, so what do I know?

By: Dan D

Dan D — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:41:15 +0000

I run the gamut. I bought the full kit (loose jersey, not tight, and plain block color, no logos) for a century ride and training up for it. Since I have it, I wear it whenever it’s clean. I’ve also got some MTB shorts for places where extremely casual is okay. If none of the above is clean, I’ll ride in sweats and t-shirt. I won’t ride in work clothes because at 10 miles one way, I’ll wear them out to quickly (cycling eats though the crotch of dress slacks) and I will sweat enough to be visible on the shirts.
When I’m just running short rides around town, I wear jeans or jeans shorts and a t-shirt or polo shirt. That way I don’t have to change when I go places, something I can do easily at work, but not so much at the local movie theatre.
I haven’t made the switch to clipless yet, but when I do, they will be platform so I can still hop on with street shoes for those shorter rides.

The point of cycling gear is not that its necessary, but that it makes it easier/simpler/cleaner to ride the way I want to ride. It’s a personal choice to use it because it makes my life easier. If you don’t want to use it, don’t, if you do, feel free.

By: T. STRONG

T. STRONG — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:12:32 +0000

I wear reg. athletic shorts and a wicking shirt. I switched to platforms because, I didn’t want to worry about extra shoes. I am able to dry out & wash up before work. I will do the lycra on club rides or anything 50+ miles. 16 miles round trip for my commute.

By: John

John — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:16:24 +0000

I prefer spandex because they’re more comfortable. When I get to work I can change my clothes and not be so sweaty. I don’t think what you wear is a big deal.

I find the comment by Rivendell about “cyclists who are otherwise normal” a bit funny. Dressing up is fun! But if you don’t like to dress up, then wear what you like!

By: Jack

Jack — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:37:30 +0000

I am another baggy bike shorts (spandex and chamois hidden inside) and a cheap wicking shirts. We do have a gym where I have a small locker for toiletries at work where I can shower and change and then ride about 1/4 mile to my building.

I ride a 10+ year old Rock Hopper with no suspension. I have a seat post mounted rack. I bungee my backpack style laptop bag to that. I am working out a better system for rain, but so far things stay dry.

By: Maggie

Maggie — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:03:37 +0000

My commute’s quite long (around 1 hour), but still, I’m not the type to go for full lycra/spandex. I normally wear a tee and a pair of sweatpants/leggings. I’m lucky to have shower facilities at work. Plus, I wear a uniform for work – and not one that would be comfortable to cycle in.