This guide provides a comprehensive guide on how to stay comfortable on your bike commute. It discusses the importance of wearing comfortable outdoor or athletic clothing, such as breathable and moisture-wicking, for both casual and competitive cycling. The guide also highlights the importance of reflective wear or reflective clothing.
For casual riding, closed-toe, flexible sneakers with a good grip are recommended. For longer rides or competitive cycling, investing in cycling shoes that clip onto the pedals is recommended. Casual clothing is suitable for short rides to the store or along local bike paths, but longer and more frequent rides may cause saddle discomfort.
The guide also mentions the importance of having a cycling jersey with 2 or 3 pockets at the back for essentials like wallet, smartphone, food, and wind vest. Comfortable and versatile apparel can serve well on casual rides.
The guide concludes by suggesting that road biking begins with the basics: a helmet, jersey, shorts, and cycling shoes that clip into the pedals. Bike ride outfits don’t need to be overly expensive, and any combination of moisture-wicking t-shirts, bike pants/shorts, and jogging shorts can be used as base layers. Lightweight sneakers with supportive soles and moisture-wicking socks are also recommended. Eye protection is also encouraged, and cheap poly-cotton cargo pants or shorts can be worn for longer rides.
📹 What To Wear For Cycling? Cycling Kit Vs Casual Clothes
You don’t need lycra or special kit to go for a bike ride. In fact you don’t need to look like a cyclist at all, and the best cycling …
What to wear when cycling casually?
For casual outings, wear a T-shirt, leggings, sneakers, and sunglasses. Layer a sweatshirt or bike basket for colder days. A backpack is essential for extra storage. Stay hydrated with a Stanley tumbler and quencher carry-all. Countryside getaways can be achieved with neutral-colored pieces, but choose materials that aren’t wrinkle-prone. Countryside outfits can be paired with a Stanley tumbler and a matching quencher carry-all. Style Meets Story shares recommendations that we love.
Can I wear normal clothes to cycling?
Long, flowy garments, particularly jeans, can be uncomfortable on bikes in rainy weather. Tight, non-stretch items, such as skinny jeans, also restrict movement. For those who value cycling time in the morning and evening but want to wear normal clothes, polo shirts are a great option. They are light, airy, dry quickly, and universally accepted. Polo shirts are available in various styles, from cheap to chic, and are suitable for both morning and evening wear.
Does casual biking count as exercise?
Cycling is a beneficial form of exercise that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. It is a low-impact activity that can help to prevent a number of serious health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, certain types of cancer, depression, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis. It is simple to integrate into one’s daily routine, thereby offering an excellent method of exercising at home, at work, or in public spaces.
Will cycling give me a nice bum?
Cycling can help develop stronger muscles in the buttock area, but it won’t necessarily make your butt bigger. Instead, it can provide cardiovascular and muscle-building benefits. However, cycling works your legs and glutes, especially when climbing, but it doesn’t stretch enough or provide enough resistance to build big muscles. Cardiovascular activity like cycling will burn fat around your glutes better than making your butt bigger. Regular cycling with hard speed and resistance can lead to more buckling power and health benefits, including reduced hip, knee, and ankle pain.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio and cycling weekly. However, there are myths about when cycling can make your butt bigger. High-intensity training, such as interval cycling, is often considered the most effective form of burning fat and speeding up the body’s metabolism. However, the difference you will see will be fat loss rather than muscle gain.
Muscles are built when enough stress is placed on them, such as when lifting weights. Cycling doesn’t put enough load on your glutes, which can cause muscle hypertrophy or growth. Overly much cardio can hinder muscle gain by slowing down recovery and burning the calories needed to build muscle. Mountain biking, where your legs need access to their power to propel you up the hill, doesn’t last long enough to build big and bulky glutes. While climbing will strengthen your legs and butt, the strength isn’t always commensurate.
Can I ride a bike in jeans?
Cycling in jeans is a fun and easy activity that can be enjoyed by adults. As a child, riding bikes around the neighborhood required a bike with coaster brakes, a backwards hat, jeans, and a T-shirt. No layers of lycra or carbon parts were needed, as the freedom of two wheels and a trusty pair of jeans were enough to enjoy a cruise. As adults, we can still enjoy the thrill of cycling in jeans, even if we don’t have the same level of comfort and safety.
Is biking in jeans uncomfortable?
To cycling in jeans, opt for jeans with stretch, avoid wide and flared jeans, and opt for tapered and skinny jeans. Choose gusset jeans for added stretch and a comfortable rise, as they can be replaced if ripped. Opt for moisture-wicking fibers like COOLMAX™ for a more breathable fit and less frequent washing.
By getting used to biking in jeans, you can bike almost anywhere, even during bad weather, faster than the bus or driving during rush hour. Parking is also a breeze, and cycling opens up most of your wardrobe to cycling, making it more versatile.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest denim trends and special deals. Once you get used to biking in jeans, you can enjoy the benefits of cycling, such as faster transportation, parking, and a more versatile wardrobe.
Do you wear bra when cycling?
Wearing a sports bra when riding a bicycle is not necessary but recommended based on the size of the chest. For smaller breasts, a tight-fitting base layer top can provide compression and comfort. Sports bras offer more support than base layers and can help prevent nipple chafing, absorb sweat, and regulate body temperature. While it may take some getting used to, it is beneficial in the long run for its breast support and other advantages.
What is a casual cyclist?
This summary describes two levels of bike riding: casual and recreational. Casual riders enjoy leisurely rides, primarily on bike paths, and typically have an average weekly mileage of 25 miles, with an average elevation of 1000 feet. They can ride 1000 miles in a day and can reach a speed of 10-14 mph. Recreational riders, on the other hand, are fit and enjoy participating in bike charity events and weekends. They are not competitive but appreciate challenges and can handle a few hours on the bike. They can ride 2000 miles in a day and have an average speed of 12-17 mph.
Does cycling shape your legs?
Cycling can build leg muscle by targeting hamstrings, glutes, quads, and calves, as the legs are responsible for most of the work. Strength training in the gym can help build leg muscle, while indoor cycling classes can be intense with resistance and standing exercises. The type of cycling you do can also affect the definition of your leg muscles. Sprinting on a bike can build bigger muscles, while endurance cycling is likely to build leaner muscle.
Both indoor and outdoor cycling are effective ways to burn calories, as maintaining a good speed on a bike requires a lot of energy, whether it’s rotating a heavier flywheel, turning up resistance, or riding up hills or rocky terrain.
How to look cool on a bicycle?
To look good on a club run, follow these rules: don’t wear a cap under your helmet, leg warmers go over socks and under shorts, baselayers shouldn’t stick out under jersey sleeves, and bib shorts should be black and not too short.
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Cyclists can be an odd-looking group, with their lycra, bright colors, and funny-looking helmets making them a target for jibes. However, for those who are part of the cycling community, these unique characteristics can make them a desirable item. The lycra, whether classic or fluorescent, reflects who they are or admire in the cycling world.
📹 Spindatt’s Perfect Casual Bicycle Riding Attire Achieved
Some proper good Marino Wool shirts from Kitsbow and casual looking SPD shoes makes all the difference. Kitsbow Gear …
Leg warmers can also be used as an alternative when off-the-shelf long leg bibs are way too long if you are of short stature (i.e the top bit fits well, but the legs are way too long). Most of the big brand name bibs seem to assume their customer base are just long and lean 😎🚴🏻♂️ Come on you big name european brands, us short arses have money to spend too 🤣
I”m a huge fan of riding “casual”. I can’t stand wearing cotton shirts in the summer, and I’ve found that almost any “polyester-ish” type of shirt works fine for me. As far as shorts go I mostly wear any of the bargain shorts from places like CostCo. My summer bike shoe are my SPD sandals. I almost never “kit up” unless I’m riding in a team type event and we all need to have the same thing on. Enjoy your articles! Keep them coming.
800 million articles on youtube and finally someone handles this subject and does a very good job of it. I’m an Urban cyclist (Detroit). I ride a flat bar, go anywhere bike. Everywhere is fair game, alley’s, industrial parks, empty lots, fields, parks, bike paths, streets, roads, avenues, boulevards and even little used sidewalks. I’ve been dressing casually for the last 30 years on my rides so I can blend in when I stop at coffee shops, retail, restaurants, city parks etc. Those ONEILL shorts you showed briefly are what I’ve been wearing the past few years. Yes, they are very thin but I wear my padded shorts underneath and find this the perfect casual biking shorts. I’m amazed at how durable they are for being as thin as they are. They just don’t ever show any signs of wear in the saddle area. Mt biking in this short might be a different matter, I don’t know for sure because I no longer mt bike, but wearing the ONEILL shorts might show wear if worn mt biking with the dirt and grit grinding the fabric in the saddle area. But as an urban/suburban short, these are great, and cheap. I paid around $25 from Costco in store a while back, then in June of 2024 I ordered two more pairs from the Costco website, so the shorts are still available. I also wear Hang Ten also from Costco around $25, they perform just like the ONEILL shorts. For shirts I mostly wear collared long and short sleeves (depending on the weather) 100% cotton three button shirts. I also have my share of wool shirts and wool performs really well except on those really hot summer days.
i just wear whatever t shirt and cut offs also lol most wear cut offs since i live between berkeley and davis in california so it tends to be on the warmer side ( though it has been getting colder in the cold seasons the last few years). i do fine with the cut offs. sometimes i wear full jeans, i keep a few of both so i dont only hae cut offs haha, though i live on my bike. whenever cut offs might not be welcome or if its colder than normal and i dont want my legs to freezez. i keep a good mix of both styles since i dont ever have any problems. outside of the last few weeks i blew of the crouch on 2 pairs of cut offs but thats my own fault since i keep forgetting to change my seat and since i ride fixed not coasting after i pedal with the plastic sticking out at the tip of the seat messed them up but i put a seat by my bike a few hours ago to remind myself before i go out to change it so it isnt a ongoing thing just sucks that the seat is messed up now since it was one of or my most comfy. vans did make spd ‘s but not sk8 hi’s that im aware.
What’s so bad about street shoes, toe clips and straps? The pedal cage is a nice wide platform to push down on, so shoe flex is pretty much irrelevant. Rider can unload the pedals on the upstroke without losing contact, push forward, and pedal in “circles,” just like clipless. He can pull out instinctively without challenging balance. He can loosen the straps for quick pull outs, or tighten the straps for high powered 100 rpm sprints. For long rides in the countryside, he can use a gossamer, stiff cycling shoe with a slotted cleat that fits the 3 bolt Look drillings and the rear pedal cage. There’s no cleat to gunk up and not work. Rider can scrape the slot clean with a house key, on the fly. Toe clips and straps offer some significant options SPD can’t satisfy. Dig sweat wicking shirts but on short rides to the grocery store or Starbucks, loose fitting cotton t-shirts over lycra bib shorts work fine and are modest. I carry luggage in a backpack. The LL Bean t-shirts have a breast pocket for mask, keys, grocery lists, and are long enough to obscure the crotch. The helmet, gloves, and smoked lenses advertise me as a guy who uses a bike to get around and dresses appropriately. For a business interview, I’ve taken along a pair of street shorts to wear when I get there. Some loose fitting, dressy short sleeve shirt don’t stick to the bib straps and wick moisture away about as good as cycling jerseys. Different strokes for different folks!
I’ve reached the zen like state where my cycling clothes are the exact same as my regular clothes: Cotton BDU shorts, 2XL cotton T from Gildan (4.99 wholesale!) and Vans Eras. Of course my cycling clothes are separate instances because they get greasy dirty and bloody, but exact same models of everything, lol!
This vid couldn’t have come at a better time… Just last night I was looking at casual riding clothes… Humid tropics where I’m from, getting casual quick dry stuff ain’t easy… Ended up with shorten cheap denims and cut-out sleeves cheap polyester t-shirts… proper riding kits r way 2 expensive & geeky…
Mountain bikers typically wear the kit you can go anywhere in, except when covered in mud. But I am a roadie now. I own lots of road specific kit but even it is low key Rapha clothing, but I’m 100% with you. I get embarrassed to wear tights off the bike anywhere. I’ve been buying Rapha casual wear and wearing my bibs underneath so I still get the padding for my ass. I don’t use a helmet anymore either because I sweat like a faucet and that gets so annoying I can’t see where I’m going. A cap is like wearing a roof on my head because the sweat drips off the bill and not into my eyes. Don’t think I’m ready to just cut my pants and let them fray like yours, I still have some class, 🤣. But the road racer persona and looking like I’m a Pro ready to drop anybody who tries to cross my path is over. I don’t need to fit in with the elitist mentality of most roadies anymore. I watch a lot of your articles and I think you’re cool.
I totally get where you are coming from. Love the performance of cycling kit I struggle to know what to wear when riding bikes with the wife. She wears normal clothes and only wants to ride 29 miles max including a pub or restaurant on route. Wearing lycra looks ridiculous especially when not getting hot enough to sweat lol. I wear normal vans and use my work bike that has dual sided pedals. Flat/spd. Endura hummvee mtb shorts and cotton t shirt. Interesting subject. I am sure there is a market for this type of clothing. Dare I say gravel chic. Lol.
I don’t like hats on my head, so I don’ t wear a helmet. When I cycle to work, I wear a cheap breathable athletic shirt in a bright color from Big 5. I would then change into a work provided shirt after cooling down. What does it matter what you wear to a pub dinner. Your cycling kit didn’t have the usual racer ads on it, and looked okay to me. I guess living in almost anything goes Southern California has spoiled me. I also wear old T-shirts with the crew neck and sleeves cut off as summer cycling/yard work/lounging shirts. So, your cycle clothes look pretty spiffy to me! I wear whatever shorts I happen to put on that day.
I wear thin 100% poly polo shirts from Hanes with Russel gym shorts generally made out of poly double-knit. The look is a lot preppy but acceptable in most places. As for shoes, I have an extremely wide foot; size 9 5E….soooo, there ain’t no bike cleat available. My foot system is MKS XL toe clips and Asics running shoes (cause I can get them in a XXWide).
Glad you discovered merino T-shirt’s – I love mine. I’ve been wearing some of the tech T-shirts from mountain warehouse as well. Have you tried any of the tech collared shirts that are on the market? Those are definitely coffee shop and restaurant appropriate. I’ve been wearing the Costco tech shorts the last two summers and love them. Inexpensive, comfortable, quick dry and good looking.
I’ve learned into the gravel attire a bit- elevenpine makes some convertible shorts that I love, and which pair really well with a solid color jersey, sized up so it’s not quite skin-tight. Can be seen in public, but still have jersey pockets. It’s cool that some people can ride in jeans, but I’ve tried it enough to know that it doesn’t work for me. Yikes. Only for when I’m BMXing.
rode my Allez Sprint to the mechanic this morning to check on my moms car, along with a few other quick stops. wore khaki shorts and a tee shirt. Not a single returned wave from any other roadies (although it was mostly fancy old dudes out at the time) despite me cruising along at 35+ kph, lol. Funny how ya post this vid immediately after!