A Cyclist's Guide to NOT Dressing Like a Cyclist  

I bike 10 - 30 miles a day, 600 per month, and many times I'm in flip flops. They work well with my Walmart bike. Never won a race but I've never entered a race. Happy biking everyone 🙂

gonna be honest, a lot of times I just ride in what I'm wearing. Regular street clothes, gym shorts, sweatpants. I'm just happy to be on a bike!

I briefly considered going full cycling kit, but if I start wearing spandex, there’s nothing to stop me from wearing a cape. And if I’m wearing a cape, I’ll probably give myself a superhero monicker and maybe a mask to go with my helmet. Next thing you know, I’m staying out all hours of the night fighting crime and I’m already working more than 40 hours a week as it is. That’s why I wear cargo shorts and a T-shirt.

I like you. I'm a runner that managed to injure myself for the first time ever right when the pandemic hit. My injury isn't aggravated by cycling so I bought my first bike (a Jamis gravel bike) in March. The amount of elitism in the cycling community has been startling. It somehow surpasses the elitism I've experienced over the years in the running community. I wear some cycling gear but recycle a lot of my running gear because it works really well. The smugness from other cyclists has been awkward to say the least. Screw em, it works.

Wear what helps you to ride. It’s a bike. It’s play. Be playful.

I rode about ten miles on Sunday following a grandma in church clothes on a high end road bike on gravel. She was awesome singing church songs blasting up hills past people.

God I'm so glad I found you. Cycling is quickly becoming an elitist exercise. I personally build my own bikes, road tyres and a small mtn bike frame with SR suntour forks ect ect. It's a bit mish mashed and road cyclist give me funny looks when they see my bike as they zoom past lycra'd up to the max. Not that I'm hating on them I think it's great they pursue excellence within the sport but I also find cyclists like myself arent taken as seriously as them. I cycle all the time to work and for fun as much as I can on the roads and I feel the same freedom and need for speed those super competitive road cyclists feel but I feel they dont think of us as being in the same caliber. Anyway enough ranting. What I was gonna say is, cleats arent my style personally. I have some merrel barefoot trail running shoes and some wellgo pedals with spikes for grip and have a similar effect with much more freedom as the spikes align with the gaps in the grip on my shoes, wonderful combo.

Could we have Laura do a companion video? Would love to get more ideas from a woman

I did a 360-mile self-supported off-road tour last year with /gasp/ - no padded bike shorts or chamois. Didn't miss it at all. I find loose, airy clothing to be much more comfortable and breathable than tight lycra, always have.

Love how the flat vs clip less debate never brings up good old toe clips and straps, I swear by them! great for everything! Fixed gear, touring, and your feet don't get bounced off the pedals when you find yourself riding down chunky black single track on your gravel bike wearing your favorite pair of Chuck Taylor's.

I rode thousands of miles as a kid and a younger adult. I never once said, I wish I had spandex on. Not then not now, I do just fine without the costume!

I'm a huge fan of dressing in everyday clothes. Lightweight layers are great in summer (I sunburn) and wool has been great in winter for breathability. Recently there seem to be a lot of options for lightweight, technical wool products that also look like normal clothes, which is awesome and can be used for hiking/camping, etc. I love the idea of not needing a separate wardrobe for every activity.

I dress like I'm homeless. I've found it to be the free ticket to camp on the beach for free & people give me free food all the time. Hahahaha

When you said “these pockets are pretty generous” I thought you were going to take out a bunch of money lol

I have one rule: tight at the neck. I've once had a wasp get caught there and then blown underneath my shirt, and 25 years later, this is still an experience I don't want to repeat.

I’ve been fly fishing for 20 years but have been off of bikes nearly as long. Recently started looking to buy another bike (to access areas to fish) and have been lurking on your videos for months. Two worlds collided with your recommendations for fly fishing shirts. That deserves a like and subscribe. Keep up the great content!

I am an older heavier cat looking at getting in to cycling and would have to cringe every time I thought about myself in typical kit Lycra. Thank you for this vid ! ! !

Great overview of clothing for the adventure cycling segment. A female perspective would be a great add. Thanks for keeping the sharing of information so accessible and practical!

I've been a cyclist since '71, and a Randonneur from '85 to '15. I have to say as time goes on I wear more street clothing, and shoes, flat handlebars and rat-trap pedals. Now that I do mainly gravel, that is even more true. Shimano or Keen sandals are great if you want SPD, but good stiff sandals are fine. Andiamo undies work under ordinary shorts if you are going a long way.

If you have not worn a fly fishing shirt, give it a try. My skin is damaged from years in the outdoors. I always cover my arms. In the evening I roll the sleeves up during the day the sleeves are down to protect my skin . The vents are amazing at keeping the skin cool as the air passes through and out the back. I have 100% cotton as wells as fast drying poly . I have bright colors for visibility and one that I could wear with a sport coat. I prefer a solid color on the road to give a big block of color. Patterned shirts especially plaids become camouflage and hard to see.

Ive found my kind of channel. Great content brother.

#GravelCasual is the future!

I tend to wear chamois, relatively slim mtb shorts and tee shirt on most city rides. I still wear lycra on longer rides just because the jersey pockets are so convenient.

When I was active in my bike club years ago everybody was 100% Lycra. Now that I'm older and just a recreational rider I gave that up. chamois liner, cargo bike shorts and a Vapor long-sleeved UPF shirt 1 size larger. Phone, wipes and snacks in the cargo pockets. Tools in a water bottle on the outside of the downtube. And now I only wear long-fingered gloves for all rides. I found that the sweat and oils from my fingers were corroding my aluminum shifters. Oh, and a Halo sweatband! Best kit ever! Thanks! Stay safe!

Personally I'm usually riding in full cycling kit. First, because I don't care if I look like a cyclist or not, and second, because I find it comfortable. Specifically, I tend to be annoyed by anything that flutters in the wind when I ride, something even proper cycling kit tends to do. Regarding shoes I mostly ride clipped in, I have one bike with combination pedals so I can ride in normal shoes, or what I prefer: barefoot. So for flats I actually have a requirement which is the opposite of yours: they should be comfortable when riding barefoot. No sharp edges or pins, and nothing that can pinch my skin. Perfect for going to the beach!

My favorite shorts are the Patagonia Terrebone. Not too long, not too short. Not too baggy. I also like the drawstring waistband and zippered rear pocket. I wear them over bib shorts on longer rides. I also use them for running and paddling. For tops I'm a big fan of Kitsbow. It's expensive but the fit and details are perfect and I like supporting a US company.

Classic PLP topic. Love it. I’ve been using casual sneaker style beginner spd shoes from shimano for a long time now. My weird foot deformities work best with spd, but I don’t need any shoe stiffness, again cuz I’ve got weird flipper type feet. For shirts and shorts, I just use ‘outdoorsy’ fabric/almost normal looking clothes from REI, Patagonia etc. so I look like a cliff-bar-eating adventurer/dinosaur park employee but the fabrics all breath. My main issue is just having a place to stow my light weight jackety type layers during mixed temp rides. Need some kind of additional small bag mounted somewhere to stow a jacket. Keep it floopy floppy.

Cool video thanks, now I don’t feel bad about what to wear I just order a gravel bike witch I’m picking up tomorrow, so now I have an idea what to do Thanks for the video.

Just found your channel and its definitely my favorite cycling page. I'm a casual road cyclist. Ride a rebuild 87 Schwinn super sport with down tube shifters and it's amazing. I ride for fun and exercise and definitely don't take it to seriously because it's a bike...it should be fun lol found a lot of people in the community do not share that feeling. Appreciate that content brother

Amen. When I bicycle, I dress in whatever I'm wearing at the time. Even on a bike tour, I pretty much wear whatever I'm wearing. One thing I'd wish you would have mentioned, though, is how to carry extra stuff: bike locks, rain gear, etc. What one wears on a bike changes a lot when you need to haul stuff.

At the budget end here in UK, I use Decathlon stores a lot. Cycling section is good but a lot of what I get is from the Sailing sections as also needs to dry fast and is longer in back for a similar bent body. Great stuff, just subscribed 👍

A guy stops me on the GAP last year to ask about my fairly pimped out bike. Looks me up and down, then chuckles and says, "it's funny cuz you don't look like a hardcore cyclist." Me: "Thank you."

Just did 102km with Keen sandals (with thin stretchy ankle socks) on Kona Wah Wah 2 pedals. No regrets. Nice and cool, easy hike-a-bike. Love flat pedals. Won't go back to clipless.

Im with you, only difference is I do wear clip, this keeps my foot in place as I tend to rotate my foot after a few miles, twisting my knee

I’m definitely the alternative. Lol. Your style is comfortable period. That’s what it is all about. Great freakin channel

this video is definitely not endorsed by Mario Cipollini

I've started to not dress like a lycra warrior, that way people don't think I'm a serious cyclist so they don't try to compete with me when I just want to be left alone... and a bonus is that it hurts the egos of fully kitted up freds even more if you happen to be strong enough to drop them! Overshorts are nice, but I can't get rid of my jerseys. Those three pockets on the back are the best for quick storage without resorting to bags on your bike or a camelbak.

Great advice - I wear some cycling stuff but I've been thinking for a while that it is not going to be much use for touring. Wearing cycling stuff for touring would mean taking a whole extra wardrobe for off the bike exploring but this sort of gear is dual use.

I don't like wearing full roadie lycra on most rides, especially if I'm going to be going into stores/businesses. Pacitmo makes what they call: APEX BIB LINER, they are basically liners bibs with chamois and two pockets in the back. I wear some stretchy hiking shorts, that have an included little cinch belt, which I bought at Costco and workout shirt that is breathable or a even a golf shirt. The bib liner is the most expensive part but the pockets, now hidden under your shirt are a great place to stash something. When I was still working in an office, I bike commuted in this setup because i just found it more comfortable.

I don't have a need to fit in with my local cycling club. When i started getting pinch flats on my road bike, I got mtb shoes & a gravel bike with 50mm tires which I use for both road & off road. Our club founder responded with 23 mm tires. He must have enjoyed the full body massage from the "paved" roads around here. It's not that much slower on the road & alternative routes are always open to me. I do wear chamois on anything over 20 miles. Everything else is from thrift stores. There's a product called power grips which I started using on my recumbent when my foot slipped off & nearly got pinned under the seat. I use them with indoor soccer (football) shoes. they are also on my hybrid for when I need to run errands in town.

Yes! Flat pedals, fun socks, chamois, comfy quick-dry clothes and I’m good! Fly-fishing shirts, genius!!!

Nothing wrong with full cycling kit if that’s what you prefer, nothing wrong with whatever you want to wear. Personally, I always wear bibs under a pair of lightweight shorts, up top usually a moisture wicking t-shirt or plain jersey but I have been wearing button ups lately as well.

Love incognito cycling kit. My go to is Club Ride, I pretty much have a different shirt for each day of the week. They are packed with cycling features like rear back pockets, glasses wipe, reflective hits, and they are quick drying and stretchy. They often go on sale so I snag them when they do. They make excellent shorts as well, with bike commuting features. Paired with a pair or ExOfficio GivenGo boxer briefs or Saxx merino boxer briefs, and riding on a well-loved Brooks saddle, no chamois is needed even for hours on the saddle. Merino wool socks are key as well, especially for the seamless transition from bike to the work day then back to the bike. AMAZING choice on the Lems. Since transitioning to minimalist shoes, I've got several pairs and and can never go back to normal foot coffins. it's's always a challenge finding a minimalist shoe that does not look goofy and also durable enough to not get destroyed by pegged platform pedals. Lems chukkas are GREAT for that, and so is their Boulder boot. In warmer weather, would highly recommend the Merrell Vapor Glove 3 Luna Leather or the Altra Vali, which work great on a platform pedal. The absolute last thing I will mention here that has been a complete GAME CHANGER and really helped foster my love for cycling is my Sena bluetooth helmet. It makes cycling no longer a "me" hobby and allows me to chat with my spouse and riding buddies even we are meters away. Also of course since it's got Bluetooth speakers built in, you can chat on the phone, listen to music and GPS navigation, and it's even got a built-in rear light. Russ if you have not come across Sena helmets yet, would LOVE to get your opinion.

The one quality that I require in cycling footwear is a firm sole to transfer power and energy to the pedals and firm support to the foot so it’s not sliding around especially when I am trail riding, climbing technical terrain or descending on a mountain bike. When I ride flat pedals I wear a low cut hiking or trail running shoe if I am riding casually on a bike path. I wear Keen sandals but I don’t hike or ride with them. My choice in cycling footwear is no a fashion statement it’s based on feel, fit and performance. Also a factor of a lifetime of alpine skiing in hard shell ski boots and clipped into ski bindings and racing bikes and cross country mountain biking.

Thanks for this! I usually wear a kit but have many times found myself in a situation where I wish I didn't stand out so much in public. This video is helpful!

I wear lycra knee length shorts and high viz, loose or tight fitted tops. Also white long sleeved, undervests are good. Cotton and breathable.

I am English and wear Millets walking trousers for commuting. They are slightly stretchy and will repel light rain. They dry quickly after washing too.

I never thought of long sleeve shirts = shade. I'll have to use that advice next time I go out West. As it is I live in humid heat so long sleeve shirts trap moisture and make you more humid, but I'll try long sleeves for my next trip.

My favorite biking shorts are an old pair of basketball shorts, there perfect, I'm all about form and function, and not spending money where I don't need too, love your vids

I used to ride with vigor and speed and wore spandex. Now I don't, but I still like wearing bibs, esp with pockets. I use clips; road and mtb depending, but usually just rock a T or tank top or whatever. It works for me and it's comfy as hell.

This was really great content! I’m actually a ‘full kit/clipless guy, but I really enjoyed this refreshing look at cycling apparel. I may even try it!😳

I buy most of my clothes at Walmart or thrift stores. Bright colors are a must when riding on the roads. I ride thousands of miles a year and I love going by people that think their clothes have to be expensive. Be comfortable when riding and ride, ride, ride. If you are out riding in your expensive cycling outfit and someone blows by you wearing a bright Walmart t-shirt it could be me. Dedication and determination are more important than fancy clothing.

Duer cycling jeans are a true game changer. Look nothing like cycling gear and are the most comfortable pants I was ever able to wear to work.

The only part of my kit that never changes is my shorts. I use Quiksilver Union Amphibians because of how light and breathable they are. They also dry quickly too. Everything else is whatever I happen to be wearing. Eddie Bauer's adventure button downs are super comfy and breathe really well because of the vent across the shoulders. The only part of my "kit" that is selective is pedals and shoes. My MTB I run RaceFace Chesters with Vans and my graveller I run Issi Trail II's with Garneau Gravel II's. If I feel like I need some gloves I have some Tasco's or Flylow's. Haven't quite found a good cooler weather long sleeve other than a hoodie. If I was to change anything I would change my clipless shoes either for the next size up or try out some Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4's.

I mix it up now, cycling kit and clipless pedals for road cycling and flat pedals, skater sneakers and merino shirt and hiking shorts/with bib shorts for gravel. Your previous videos have provided a lot of guidance and I think I have arrived at the optimum gravel/bikepacking/mountainbike attire that's comfortable and makes sense for the different riding styles.

This is the channel I’ve been looking for. I once was in a group where we converge at least once a month for what we call as “chill” rides. It’s just a chance to be with friends where socializing is first and cycling comes second. It went south when the group got bigger and the new ones started being obsessed with longer rides and upgrading to Rapha jerseys, carbon frames and Ultegra groupsets. The group became toxic and needless to say, I left the group for good and just rode mostly on my own. Like what this page espouses, I just like biking but don’t have any interest in competitive rides.

Do 12-20 mi rides (40-90 min) a 3-4x a week. Gave up spandex in the late 80’s when I quit the hair band. Only “bike” thing I do for clothing is avoid shorts with a thick seam in the taint area.

This is how I love to ride. I’ve never had a jersey before so I don’t have a great comparison. When I’m mountain biking I definitely like some simple shorts and a long sleeve shirt. When I’m in town, it’s the same thing. I never thought about the vented fly fishing shirts though! When I used to live in the desert, a light colored long sleeve flannel was amazing. I worked on a ranch for a while and it was the only way to go. I’ve also fully adopted the lighter, UV protective neck gaiters.

I wear whatever i have at the time. Leather boots, allstars, sandals are all great. I prefer very basic shirts and trousers.. typically some cotton chinos. In the winter it doesn't matter anyway, you need a down coat/jacket anyway... And wool socks. Winters in Estonia are rather harsh and only a handful of people ride bikes.. including me. I just ride in my normal clothing. It's all about freedom for me.

As an ex racing roadie normally now am casual in Endura 3/4 shorts and Muddy Fox mtb shoes or their low rider spd version . Having spd's are a must for me as still want too put power down and have fun even though causal. Anything else is whatever's right for the day.................

I’m all road, I don’t like off road, I don’t mud, dirt, and cleaning my bike after ridden off road. I also don’t race, I just want to ride. My typical rides are 20km commute to work and 20km back home, market errands, and occasional long rides with trusted buddies(this is important ant on long rides). It is easier for me just buy anything Lycra off cycling shops that are on sale, we even have bike stuff street market here. But, I like to wear casual clothing on my rides. This video is great. But I’ll stick to my clip less pedals, my shins have enough of those nasty pins.

Exactly the video I’ve been looking for. Just ordered a bike and have found the slightly bizarre world of cyclists a bit off-putting. I haven’t even got the thing yet and people are telling me it’s the wrong bike with the wrong pedals. What happened to fun? I have no interest in the lycra side of being a cyclist. Subscribed!

I do use a cycling Jersey when it’s a workout ride now because I find the back pockets convenient. I’m heavier so I do size on the looser casual side and wear darker colors or patterns so my love handles aren’t as apparent. When I’m in a short casual ride in the summer I go for a lightweight button down if I’m not carrying anything. I’ll have to look into the fly fishing shirts now. For shorts I actually like Targets workout brand hybrid golf shorts which are casual, stretchy, dry quick but also have one zip pocket for ID cards on the thigh. Shoes I wear TSLA barefoot shoes from Amazon with flat pedals. They’re lightweight, cost effective and have a super grippy sole even when wet.

It is not about the outfit, it is about the joy on the tour. I personally like to drive in havaianas even though it was very painful once (pedal arm broke and my big toe graveld a little). I ride for myself not for the others. thx for the flyfisher shirt tip:)

I’ve crossed the Alps in comfy casual. Jeans or Chinos a bit elastic , Ray Bans, Adidas Boost or Giesswein Merino sneakers, down jacket. Never needed shammies. Don’t ask me why🤷🏼‍♀️ The only important thing on long rides is good rain gear.

Thanks for the video it was interesting. Today and yesterday I wore full Lycra kit mainly bc I like the pants and the back pockets; I was on my surly midnight special yesterday and my titanium roady today. The "pro" kit is def a comfortable way to go. Having said that, there are plenty (most) days where I don shorts and a dry-fit running shirt and a fanny pack (the ballers I ride with sometimes would prob do the Edvard Munch Scream). I am not much for spending too much for clothing however I will prob try out some bibs when I feel it. So I agree you just ride in what makes you comfortable and regular clothes are comfortable bc they are convenient and the full cycling kit is comfortable on account of its tight nature and support it gives which is very important too.

100% agree with the fly fishing shirts - a lightweight shirt that allows air to move over your body and block the sun will keep you much cooler than tight, short sleeved Lycra. And wool. I can’t stress how amazing this material is - durable, adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, and resists cycling funk better than anything - especially socks!

My slip-on mesh/canvas 5-10s arrived yesterday, nice and breathable for ridding in the heat, but also with grippy stiff soles.

This is very important to me. I used to ride a lot in probably the most dangerous counties in the most dangerous state: Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa in Fla. it was imperative to look like a non serious rider. I always had a little ‘playmate’ cooler on the rear rack, (with a .45 in it) keys hanging from a left side belt loop and a ball cap. Better to look like you’re on a bike because of a DUI than out there for fun and exercise....

Love this concept! Watching you and reading the Riv blog has started to convert this former (?) roadie

after ~20 years of riding old roadbikes on and off road I got myself a pair of bib shorts, since I can appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing I will not pinch my balls between my thigh and the saddle. Other times I mostly wear swimming shorts or in the winter a pair of plus-fours and long socks. I started using toe clips at 14, moved to spd this year (the difference for me being easier unclipping and less damage to shoes), I just do not feel as safe on a bike if my feet are not fixed to it.

Word. I'm a huge fan of cut-offs with a cycling short underneath paired with a slightly looser fitting jersey--I appreciated hearing about the undershirt with pockets, because easy-access, rear jersey pockets are, for me, the single greatest reason for rocking one. IF you are doing some slightly COMPETITIVE side to cycling (say some beginner's cyclocross), it's fun to go out and have a blast wearing whatever--just as a general shout out that it's all good fun!

When I ride gravel I am going more and more casual. Like having the button down shirt for ventilation. I need to get a fanny pack, handle bar bag, or frame pack to carry some of the things that normally go in the back pocket. I have bibs that I usually wear under an over short. I need to get some of those REI type liner shorts. you mentioned. If I'm doing a road ride, particularly with a group, I'm more roadie style, but that is becoming less and less. I love doing rides in just regular clothes, but I am prone to chaffing so I can't go totally casual.

Function over everything. Way too many people give way too much priority on how they look on the bike. A full “professional kit” usually just works best for riding on the bike. The only reason not to wear it is either cost or because you plan to do something except cycling. For example if you are planning to walk it might make sense to use “normal” shoes without cleats (possible disadvantage: less comfort, less power). If you plan to sit down somewhere and relax it might make sense to wear a normal, roomy T-shirt instead of a snug jersey (possible disadvantage: more drag). Of course physically you can wear basically anything while on a bike. Suit and tie, jeans, skirt, night gown, evening dress … Just don’t expect it to be comfortable or efficient.

I've always ridden a bike in whatever I happen to be wearing that day, which is typically jeans or shorts, a T-shirt, and ordinary sneakers. When wearing jeans I usually tie a shoelace around my right pant leg to keep it out of the chain. I've never worn a helmet around the house or when out and about, so I've never worn one when riding a bike either.

I really like shirts too and specifically cotton. I sweat quite a lot and find nylon stinks on a tour whereas cotton takes longer to acquire a smell.

20 years riding my old mountain bike in just normal sport clothes or even in social clothes when I used to commute by bike a few times. But now I bought my first road bike, so I also bought clipless pedals and shoes and then the socks, and then the Lycra padded shorts and then the jersey 😂 and now the bibs and jacket and gilet and I just fall in love with them all … it just feels awesome riding in that “proper made for” attire.

I actually ride mostly in my hiking clothes, most shirt are UV protected, think, breathable and long arm. Same with pants/shorts, I use the ones where u can convert the pants into shorts. Fast drying and breathable

Hey Russ, you might want to check out the microfiber short-sleeve button-ups by Walmart's in-house brand, "George". You can get them for $9 or $7 when they're on sale and they are really comfortable and breathable. I have even worn them on hikes and have been comfy. Great video!

Amen brother!! I’ve always felt that cycling will never meet its potential until the geek comes out of it. Why looking normal isn’t “real cycling “ is baffling.

I ride mountain bike pedals on my hybrid bike with lowcut hiking boots. Nice and stiff and really connect to the pedals.

Lately been using my Zoic overshorts with regular boxer-briefs with acceptable comfort. For the last 10 years, I've been using L.L.Bean long sleeve "trail tee" shirts. They keep me cool and block the sun. I learned that when living and riding in the tropics.

How great it is to find a more casual cycling channel. Most other channels take it way too seriously man, jump on the bike and enjoy the ride. The hiking shirts a great idea though, hadn't thought of that, especially for the pockets. Got the old gutties on, now time to don the shorts and t-shirt and head out on my old reliable heavy mtb with a grin on my face. Look forward to watching more of your vids...

I like the “one with the bike” feeling I have with clipless. There are certainly some off bike CONS and the Hail Mary unclipping when I’m tipping over but it’s worth it for the firm feeling while all is going well on a ride.

In summer... well Pelago long sleeve merino jersey or Keli merino jersey or Chrome merino T-shirt with hiking or climbing pants that strech and have lots of pockets for my keys, wallet and cell phone. I ride big flat pedals with flat pedal shoes like FiveTen or Merrell barefoot shoes.

I wear cheap long sleeved sun shirts from Amazon all summer in the baking Texas heat. Long sleeves is definitely the way to go. My favorite cycling pants are black Columbia soft shell pants with a stretchy waist. They are cool and light, and while I usually wear them as pants to keep the poison ivy and sun off my legs, you can also roll up the bottoms to make a kind of Capri. This is essentially my full time uniform on and off the bike.

I think I've commented before to this issue, but I've gone around and around about this issue (dedicated cycling jersey vs. a more causal fit and look). Where I live it can be quite windy, especially in the area around where Dirty Kanza is conducted, which is not far from where I live. I enjoy a looser, breezier shirt-like top (they are cooler), but, grinding up that long steep, gravel-strewn, sun-blasted road (in the humid summers we have), the snugger fit makes that a little bit easier on me in the long haul. However, I don't like the feeling I have in public with Lycra. Having said that, when I was only wearing non-traditional apparel when cycling around town (and I'm no longer young looking), I got treated more rudely on the apparent assumption I was a homeless guy. That sucked. Now when I ride, and I wear the Lycra outfits, I get treated in more friendly manner. Weird, but true. You mentioned the Eddie Bauer shorts--I have several pairs, and I really like them a lot. Like you said, they stretch just enough to not be restrictive, but slim enough to not look like a pair of Lycra shorts. As for shirts---the baggier sleeved shirts are cooler, but I still go with a jersey. (In summer, I now wear a cotton T-shirt. That's so that when I sweat, the cotton stays damp, and is cooler than a wicking layer in the colder months.) Sorry for the long ramble! Great video. Thanks for being the voice of the non-racer!

"Showers Pass" has absolutely lovely Stuff for biking! The Merino T-shirts are simply amazing for long rides, because of how they handle sweat, whilie looking like a regular T-shirt ! And the waterproof none-synthetic gloves and socks (which are also anti-sweat foot, so your feet wont turn in a biochemical weapon) saved my mood in unpleasant conditions countless times \o/ The clothes are not cheap, but they will serve their time and make your ride just so much more pleasant because you wear "real" bike-clothes designed for the purpose, while looking like a decent human being ^^ oh, and the Backpack I got from them is the best one i ever owned (and still do) - sometimes spending a wee bit more money IS worth it *nods*

I remember a lone cyclist enter a traffic circle, full lycra black kit road bike down on the bars.. No slow down, no stop, just full on 30 mph on a dull day with full right of way.. I was driving a van. I barely saw him in time to brake.

Wear whatever makes you comfortable. For me, that's board shorts, Huk Fishing shirts, and skate shoes. Or flip-flops if I'm just going around the block.

I don't know how available it is in the US but Vaude is a good brand for people who value social and ecological sustainability in clothing. Patagonia would be another option.

As an older guy, I'm not going to be seen in Lycra EVER and hopefully most guys past 25 will do the same! Even Wally World has fishing shirts! Also Academy etc. Great videos thanks

Wear what you want, Period! After 65 yrs on bikes. I do. Mostly road kits as I have them . Not many match. Different socks, don't care. Its an adventure to me. Every day for 3yrs

i have US size 14 feet, clipless isn't happening! flat pedals just work if i NEED to put my foot down for balance etc i dont need to think and twist and just take foot off like a sensible adult!

I have really come to love wearing Columbia polyester or nylon Omni Dry shirts when riding. And merino wool socks, which may or may not be the "correct" height.

Russ got a haircut! I agree, do it the way you want. I do like and wear cycling jerseys but I use flat pedals on all of my bikes. Grant Peterson was a big influence there.

Wear what you are comfortable in. When I'm on a racing bike I usually wear the lycra and when I'm on my gravel bike I wear MTB shorts and a quick drying athletic shirt. I use chesters on my gravel bike as well as my MTBs and road SPDs on a few of my roadies as well as MTB SPDs on a few other of my roadies. Did a short gravel ride this morning and had a great ride with all my things in my frame bag. Great video as always!

I’ve been known to use Club Ride shirts when I can get them on sale (which is rarely). Decent cycling specific apparel that can “pass”, especially where I live.

Still ride lycra bibs, tight short sleeve Jersey, 3" cuff socks and SPD MTB shoes. It's what I wore racing XC in the 90s... it's till what I wear now. (Road, gravel, mtb) (I Have a year 2000 sea otter classic Jersey I got at that race...and it still fits!) Rocking a 21 year old Jersey in 2021 = veteran status. Also have an ORIGINAL primal wear "alien" Jersey from '98... not the current print alien pattern - mine has the naked chick and dude, with the location data for the Sol system from the pioneer probe plate on the sleeve, and a secret message inside the Jersey pocket (that used to be a primal thing - a little joke or saying printed inside the center Jersey pocket) Current printing dosent have that. It's a bit worn, but I rock that one sometimes too.

Floridian here. Casual dress during the winter, but sleeved or sleeveless kit the rest of the year. I'll take some lightweight shorts and shirt to throw on if I'm going to a "place of business".