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Commuting by bike - what clothes to wear??

  • 03-09-2009 11:00am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 254 ✭✭


    This is a question for the ladies out there who, like myself, commute daily to work by bike! I work in an office (no uniform, we can wear what we like) and cycle to work most days.

    I'm just curious how you organize yourselves clothes-wise. I used to wear my work clothes on the bike but found the trousers were getting destroyed (naturally). Now I carry the trousers I am going to wear that day on the back of the bike and wear an old pair of below-the-knee combats for my bike journey. However, depending on the shoes I had intended to wear that day this mix of clothes can appear quite odd. And what girl likes to look odd on her way to work!!

    It's easy for the boys out there. They can leave a pile of shirts in the office, one or two smart pair of shoes and one or two suit jackets and trousers and they're away. For those ladies like me who don't wear a suit to work and like to vary their clothes a lot it's not so simple.

    Or is it?

    Any comments appreciated, and no slagging me for my pettiness in wishing to look nice while cycling my bike to work!!


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,218 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    This may give you some ideas.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 135 ✭✭smilingeyerish


    get a basket! i just bring all the clothes and shoes that i will be wearing that day in a basket on the front of my bike (cost 20 euro at most) and i wear short tracksuit bottoms and a tshirt and runners while cycling, then i have a shower and change when i get to work.easy peasy!

    i always prepare my clothes the night before though and sometimes this can be challenging because sometimes i wish i had brought something different as my mood has changed from the night before!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,400 ✭✭✭Caroline_ie


    In fairness, if you don"t have a dress code in work, I don't see why it wouldn't be as 'easy' as it is for boys. I am not particularly ' girly' in how I dress at all, I wear SPD shoes in work all day ( that allow me to walk ). I have a 2.5km commute only though. When i need to dress smart ( that happens once in a while ), I just roll my office trousers on the bike and don't wear my helmet so my hair is till ok when I get there ... ( vain, I know ) and I don't sprint so I don't sweat. I have a small make up bag in my commuting bag and I don't look rougher than ususal when i get there :)

    ... but yes I guess I am not very fashion driven ( except on my road bike )... so I can't really relate.

    And when i just commute to go shopping or in town etc I wear my helmet and always carry an emergency cap with me in case of bad helmet hair day.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 149 ✭✭DJsail


    Lumen wrote: »
    This may give you some ideas.

    Cheers Lumen after weeks of trrying to convince myself i didn't look like a gobsh*te while commuting in full lycra garb you've successfully proven that Irish+bike=complete tool when compared to stylish Danes+bike=cycling chic

    As for the op, doesn't matter what you wear in the curent monsoon as your going to look wet and miserable on most mornings:(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,901 ✭✭✭lukester


    DJsail wrote: »
    Cheers Lumen after weeks of trrying to convince myself i didn't look like a gobsh*te while commuting in full lycra garb you've successfully proven that Irish+bike=complete tool when compared to stylish Danes+bike=cycling chic

    It's possible to be Irish and not to look like a complete tool on the bike.

    Sadly, Irish utility cycling has been afflicted by an extreme case of road-safety Fredism, and this, combined with GAA fashion sensibilities has been responsible for many unforgiveable style offenses.

    We need a nationwide makeover programme, with lots of camp, well-dressed volunteers.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 218 ✭✭austinbyrne21


    Does everyone here that commutes have showering facilties in work? I literally live about 800-900m away from the office but it's all up-hill (quite steep) on the way to work. Probably doesn't warrant a shower afterwards but what's the best way to not look flustered at the end?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,218 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    lukester wrote: »
    We need a nationwide makeover programme, with lots of camp, well-dressed volunteers.

    Me! Me! Me!

    oh, well dressed. Never mind.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,852 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    Does everyone here that commutes have showering facilties in work? I literally live about 800-900m away from the office but it's all up-hill (quite steep) on the way to work. Probably doesn't warrant a shower afterwards but what's the best way to not look flustered at the end?
    I've never had access to a shower at work. Keep your speed travelling to work appropriate (don't get in a lather), and towel any sweat off you when you get there. You can use the t-shirt you wore during the commute as a towel, and put on a fresh one you brought with you. This may not work for very long commutes, but it's good for a fit person travelling under 20km, I think.


    This has some advice too.

    http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/commute/solution.htm
    Too Dirty, Too Smelly, or No Place to Change

    When people work out, their bodies get hot, and this creates more odor. Those who are not used to cycling long distances will get hotter than those who ride regularly. Most of this odor will disappear simply by cooling off. Some of it is captured by the clothing. A simple solution is a shower after getting to work, but most work places don't provide a shower or a place to change. Here are some solutions for when they don't, which can work separately or together:

    First, always take a shower before leaving the house using an anti-bacterial soap. Second, avoid cotton clothing, which hold odors. Third, if you have a private office, carry clothing to your office, and arrive early and change. Fourth, if you can't change, when you arrive, use a damp paper towel to remove sweat and help you cool down. Fifth, arrive early and stay away from other people until your temperature has dropped.

    I worked in a computer lab, and I would often sit next to students to help them. Doing so created no problem due to following the above procedures.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,831 ✭✭✭ROK ON


    Does everyone here that commutes have showering facilties in work? I literally live about 800-900m away from the office but it's all up-hill (quite steep) on the way to work. Probably doesn't warrant a shower afterwards but what's the best way to not look flustered at the end?

    If you live 800m away, you should probably just walk rather than cycle IMHO.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,831 ✭✭✭ROK ON


    http://www.rapha.cc/timothy-everest-and-rapha-threepiece-cycling-suit

    Some day, I will justify this to myself.
    It is actually a pretty nice material in a suit.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,852 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    ROK ON wrote: »
    http://www.rapha.cc/timothy-everest-and-rapha-threepiece-cycling-suit

    Some day, I will justify this to myself.
    It is actually a pretty nice material in a suit.
    Rather dandyish! Quite nice.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,604 ✭✭✭petethedrummer


    Does everyone here that commutes have showering facilties in work? I literally live about 800-900m away from the office but it's all up-hill (quite steep) on the way to work. Probably doesn't warrant a shower afterwards but what's the best way to not look flustered at the end?

    Go an sit in the toilet for 5 or 10 mins.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 135 ✭✭Glitterangel76


    I'd be the same as smilingeyerish but I use a backpac and I leave shoes/make-up in my desk drawer (heels and flats) :), downside is instead of a nice bag, I've a backpac and i've to know what shoes/makeup i need for the weekend on fridays :(

    Most of my commuting gear is dri-fit so i'm normally ok, we do have showers here but if I'm not drenched from the monsoon weather, I use just baby wipes, which also removes the city grime from my face. I have found that Burt's Bees facial serum is great in the winter as it helps prevent/repair dry patches caused by the elements/air conditioning.

    As for meetings with people outside of the company/going out direct from work, if I've straightened my hair I have to take the bus and luas :(
    (curly hair when worn straight doesn't agree with any moisture let alone helmets, so cycling is a unfortunate no on those occasions.)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 254 ✭✭An Bhanríon


    OP here. Thanks for all your comments and thoughts.

    I know, it all comes down to organization, but unfortunately I have never been organized with my wardrobe.

    Must try harder....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 697 ✭✭✭biomed32


    i have about a 5k commute to work and when i start college i will be cycling 40k or so to college, for work i keep my work clothes im a backpack, and bring some deodrant, there is a shower area in college, i have a locker there and i keep a spare set of clothes in there all the time for changing, it doesnt require all that much organisation:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,901 ✭✭✭lukester


    Anyone else have shower rooms at work where someone leaves their stinky shorts (chamois side out I might add) and shoes lying around during the day?

    I spied some GAA style clothing and triathlete gear in the same area, which may explain it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,072 ✭✭✭SeekUp


    I keep a small hand towel, deodorant, comb, and a refresher-type spray in a desk drawer. Usually my clothes will be alright; it helps that I wear a sports bra that is made of that fabric that doesn't leave sweat on my body and then I bring a regular bra to change into.

    I also keep shoes (heels and flats) in a desk drawer.

    I try to get to work a few minutes early to get myself together, and am usually good to go.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,676 ✭✭✭Gavin


    lukester wrote: »
    Anyone else have shower rooms at work where someone leaves their stinky shorts (chamois side out I might add) and shoes lying around during the day?

    I spied some GAA style clothing and triathlete gear in the same area, which may explain it.

    Of course ! How else is it going to dry by evening time ?


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