The clothes you wear when riding, whether they're bike-specific or everyday.

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2
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2answers
194 views

How can I avoid thigh chafing despite already wearing cycling shorts?

About one year ago, when I first started cycling, I noticed that during long trips (60km or more) I get skin burns on the inside of my quads. That is when I decided to buy myself a nice pair of ...
4
votes
4answers
293 views

What to look for in Riding Suits?

I have been using a riding jacket but it is a bit hot during summer over long trips. I like the jacket because it is very simple, only one pocket for a key and it protects in accidents (or so I ...
47
votes
16answers
4k views

How to clean up at work after a commute?

I would like to bicycle commute to work, but we don't have showers or any place I can change. How can I clean up and carry clothing? My office is business casual, but I need to look neat and ...
2
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3answers
344 views

How to ride to work without sweating?

I'm looking to commute to work in hot Montreal (but anyone who bikes to work in a city with temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) at some point of the year will be in a similar ...
17
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11answers
4k views

SPD shoes that look like normal shoes

We all know that SPD shoes can be worn off the bike (that is why they were designed), however there are not many SPD shoes that you would want to wear off-bike. There are even fewer (if any) SPD shoes ...
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0answers
51 views

What are some ways of coping with asthma while biking? [closed]

I have suddenly had more trouble with it this year after years of no trouble. I use a balaclava in even slightly chilly weather. I also take it easy when I am feeling congested. I always carry ...
1
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1answer
72 views

Looking for alternate pants with 'snaps' around calf and/or shin area

Right now I have a pair of the prana Zion Stretch pants with these little 'snaps' around the area described in title. This allows you to basically roll up your pant leg(s) (ideal for moving out of the ...
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2answers
90 views

Sun protective clothing interfering with bike mirror

I have had a "third eye" type bike mirror on my helmet for years. However, recently I have learned of some genetic predisposition to certain types of skin cancer which affect the skin on the ...
13
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4answers
1k views

Can I ride faster with a bike jersey?

I normally wear a cotton t-shirt when I ride. If I get a bike jersey, how much difference will the reduced air resistance make at, for example, 20 mph? I realize it's not possible to be precise, but I ...
9
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10answers
1k views

Winter commuting - how to keep warm?

I am interested in what the best ways are to keep your face and feet warm. I saw some shoe covers on amazon, but they all seem to require you to be riding clipless which I do not. I think if I used a ...
1
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3answers
243 views

Bicycle lights- Indicating in the dark

I am a product designer and am currently working on a bicycle lighting project and would really appreciate your valuable feedback. In England, turning left on a bicycle is not really a problem as ...
8
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7answers
467 views

How to prepare oneself for riding in the snow?

I live in western Germany and have started to ride to work almost everyday. It is great at the moment as it is summer (not as dry as I hoped for, but that is another story). So the only thing I have ...
4
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3answers
454 views

Mountain bike rain coat / jacket (packable, not for winter)

I am looking to get a thin rain coat. I have a good one for the depths of winter (it needs water proofing again), but it is way too hot to wear it any other time. (I am a portable radiator.) My hope ...
14
votes
6answers
926 views

What gloves work well for winter riding?

I'm starting to plan ahead for winter riding, and gloves are definitely high on the list. What gloves work well for winter riding? Are cycling-specific gloves the way to go for a flat-bar bike with ...
25
votes
7answers
2k views

Why should I wear bicycle clothes made of spandex?

What's the reason for wearing biking clothes made of Spandex (Lycra)? They sure look pretty strange.
2
votes
6answers
1k views

Ideal pants for bicycle commuting the rain

I commute about 10 miles a day in Portland, OR. Needless to say rain is a big part of many of my rides. My current rain pants leave me almost as sweaty as if I had just ridden without the rain gear. ...
2
votes
4answers
396 views

Is riding shirtless safe?

During the summer, I like to go for rides on trails without a shirt. Is this safe? Also, related: is it rude to other people on the trail not to wear a shirt?
4
votes
1answer
110 views

Canadian Winter Cycling Apparel

I'm planning in braving the harsh Canadian winter for my daily work commutes via bike. I currently have this nylon jacket, I was wondering if this would be adequate protection? Possibly with an ...
2
votes
4answers
405 views

What can I do to keep my knees warm?

It's getting chilly out there and my knees are starting to hurt from my short commute. I tried layered trousers (thick jeans + windstopper on top), but to no avail - my knees still get cold, while my ...
19
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10answers
1k views

What to wear when it's cold?

If I put on heavy clothes it will be very hot inside them after the warm-up. If I wear only a T-shirt I'll freeze. What's the solution? I ride around 20 km in a hilly city, with temperatures between ...
4
votes
6answers
549 views

Clothes during touring?

Are your touring-riding clothes a lot different than, let say, clothes for riding to work? Do you wear better or different clothes for touring? Have you found some good way to wash your clothes during ...
15
votes
8answers
686 views

Techniques for minimising injury when falling or crashing?

I've been riding bikes since I was a child but my partner only started when she was in her 20's. She's had one fall where she lost teeth and is keen to avoid future injuries. I've broken bones twice ...
10
votes
8answers
7k views

How do I clean chain grease off my clothes?

I commute to work, and often wear my khakis on the ride in. As such, my clothes often get chain grease on them. What products or cleaning strategies do you know that work to remove chain grease from ...
3
votes
5answers
387 views

Cycling clothing care products

Given a "standard" cyclist's wardrobe (e.g. paddded shorts, jerseys, moisture-wicking t-shirts and socks--made of blends of lycra, spandex, wool, and other "specialty" fabrics) what special-care ...
7
votes
3answers
462 views

What's special about bicycle socks?

I do understand why I'm wearing cycling pants all the time. I'm totally used to the pockets in my back of my jerseys and jackets. I understand where my gloves and helmet help. And I could continue ...
3
votes
3answers
474 views

Armor and helmet for ultra-safe commuting (womens size)?

I'm about to start daily bike commuting again after a long hiatus and want to go all out on safety. My fear of an accident is extreme enough that I am looking into regularly wearing body armor and a ...
9
votes
4answers
799 views

How do I keep sweat out of my eyes?

Heading into the southern hemisphere spring I'm starting to contemplate another summer of having sweat running into my eyes and down my face. I have a couple of lightweight headbands from Netti (that ...
5
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6answers
1k views

Keeping your feet dry (or do you not even care?)

I've finally gotten to the nirvana-like level of not caring if it's raining / snowing etc when I ride. While this is great from a biking perspective I still end up with wet feet / socks. While this is ...
4
votes
4answers
2k views

Should I feel self-conscious wearing cycling shorts to school?

I cycle to school and intend to wear my new Lycra shorts for my commute as they are much more comfortable. But I want to know if I will look dumb wearing the tight shorts, as my legs are only average ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views

How long should cycling shorts last?

As a follow-up to "What should I look for in a good pair of cycling shorts?," how long should I expect a good pair of cycling shorts (regular or bib) last? I think that an estimate in hours or km ...
5
votes
3answers
390 views

What caused my cycling shorts to get damaged during washing?

On a ride yesterday, I noticed a spot on my shorts where the fabric felt rough. After washing, the problem became much worse, and there are major areas of damage on both the front and back of the ...
18
votes
4answers
987 views

What should I look for in a good pair of cycling shorts?

I don't currently own a pair of cycling shorts. I just wear a pair of running shorts underneath some running leggings. I'm thinking of getting my first pair of cycling shorts, but as there are so many ...
16
votes
11answers
1k views

What's the purpose of cycling gloves?

I haven't cycled for many years already and long ago when I was cycling I didn't pay much attention to equipment. Now I see that many cyclists wear a certain kind of gloves - that only cover the palm ...
1
vote
3answers
677 views

Good Gloves to Prevent Ulnar Numbness

I recently noticed that towards the end of my 6.4 mile ride to and from work, my hand and arms began to numb. A friend recommended I try cycling gloves, so I purchased these from Amazon. They do ...
4
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2answers
173 views

Protecting yourself from briars / brambles / jaggers while mountain biking

Riding in the northeast US, I find myself encountering a lot of overgrown mountain bike trails in the spring. Many of these trails are bordered by briars / brambles / jaggers. I can't totally avoid ...
3
votes
2answers
202 views

Are there any 'anti-fly' masks on the market?

I keep swallowing flies, because I'm mostly cycling along a canal. I'm cycling quite hard, and mild hayfever means that I can't just breathe in through my nose. I've bought a 'buff', but I'm getting ...
6
votes
9answers
1k views

What can bald guys do to prevent helmet sunburns?

In the cooler months I normally wear a skullcap like this, which both keeps me warm and covers my scalp under my helmet. Now that summer is around the corner that skullcap is way too hot. I'd like ...
7
votes
13answers
881 views

Best sources for inexpensive cycling clothing

I've been commuting to work this summer and have realized I need to build up my supply of activewear, but have so far been largely turned off by the price. What are good sources of decent and ...
1
vote
7answers
1k views

What are optimal fabrics for cycling clothing?

The title says it all. However, should I vary the fabric through the year? Should I go with lycra in the summer and wool in the winter? And maybe, should I wear cotton? I do 2 types of riding. ...
4
votes
2answers
506 views

Tights, Shorts, and Padding

I have a pair of the MEC Roubaix tights, and noticed they don't have any padding. Not a big deal for short rides, but... Are you supposed to wear [spandex] shorts (with padding) underneath? I went ...
5
votes
3answers
569 views

Why is there a stitched hole in the back pocket of my new jersey?

I just finished a charity ride and found that the brand new jersey bought for it has a hole in the back center pocket. It is neatly cut, with stitching around it to prevent fraying, so I'm sure it is ...
5
votes
5answers
920 views

What should I use to wash cycling clothes?

I know the labels say to use "delicate" detergent. Well, how exactly do I know if its "delicate?" I used to use Woolite, but then read somewhere that I shouldn't. (Article didn't say why.) So, ...
12
votes
7answers
3k views

How to carry a concealed firearm on a bike?

For those of you that happen to cycle through rough neighborhoods and are able to do concealed carry of firearms... Wondering what you wear to conceal them that works well while cycling. Obviously ...
3
votes
10answers
1k views

what to look for when buying bicycle pants

I want/need some pants for riding my bike to work. It is a 5 mile commute and I want something that is not padded and not baggy. What other things should I look for and what type of pants should I ...
14
votes
10answers
1k views

Should I get a reflective jacket/coat, or more lighting and reflective strips for the bike?

What with daylight savings time ending and it now being pitch black by the time I finish work, I'm not exactly trusting of just a couple small lights on my bike being enough to make me visible to ...
9
votes
2answers
266 views

Ladies and cycling

I just started cycling with a racebike. I still have some questions concerning ladies biking and personal health issues. I do find very little information about ladies and biking. I kind of want to ...
0
votes
4answers
125 views

Some queries on biking

I am interested in biking [and always has been] and I want to start biking lot more for fun. It's been long time since I biked when I was in high school and I lost touch. At this point of time, my ...
1
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2answers
547 views

Are Merino cycling boxers/cycling pants worth the cost?

I can find boxers of various materials such as latex, spandex, nylon, cotton, merino -- now I am totally lost for the reasons to pay about 30 times more for Merino boxers. I am more interested in the ...
15
votes
8answers
491 views

Finding good pants for winter biking

Winter is soon upon us here, and I'm gearing up for the season. I currently have a pair of rain over-pants which I use during the other 3 seasons, but honestly I really dislike them. They're baggy, ...
5
votes
6answers
698 views

Wind- and water-resistent jackets

To answer the comment after this question, what should one know about wind- and water-resistent jackets? For example, what is "Gore-Tex", is it always expensive, and is there anything else like it? ...

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