As a female commuter with a very short commute, my main priority is pants that taper at the ankle to keep them away from my chain (no chain guard). I also carry a laptop backpack with a chest clip. The chest clip allows me to wear moderately v- or scoop-necked shirts that look perfectly respectable when upright, but would otherwise gape when leaning forward to my handlebars. In cooler weather, a 3-quarter length coat with a 2-way zipper provides leg movement and doesn't look like "cyclist" attire.
I just use cheap elasticated reflective armbands with velcro to keep my pants, jeans or whatever away from the bike. A rear bike rack for your backpack instead of wearing it or panniers always. For wet weather a bike poncho can solve your coat issues.
@@tconnolly9820except the bands wrinkle the bottom of ladies slacks, things in the back and sides are at risk of theft or off balancing lighter weight females, and a poncho isn’t warm just waterproof. Thanks for your input but it is male based, she is using female based ideas. We have different requirements.
I'd love to see a whole video on wearing feminine clothing on a bike. I like to wear longer skirts and I've yet to find a skirt clip or other solution that works all the time. There're also considerations with certain neckline styles, considerations for long hair if you're wearing a helmet, and more.
I agree. A soap cloth wash and change clothes are quicker than having to completely do hair. There is no way for hair style to survive the helmet, braid only, and that tucked into the shirt. It takes 10-20 mins to fix hair after arrival, to a professional setting.
Great video. Over the years I've been slowly adding to my collection of clothing that works well on the bike but doesn't look "athletic." One thing you didn't mention, but that I always have on my mind is how well the fabric will hide getting wet. (Some fabrics make it obvious if the clothing is a bit wet, but some technical fabrics hide it well.) This can matter if I get splashed when the streets are wet or when I sweat during the commute, especially during warm summer months.
I keep Henderson my bike all year around for this very reason. There is a long of construction year round, here in Vancouver, and bike lanes/streets can be hosed down in the summer. Fenders prevent stains on your legs and back.
Good example, anyone remember Structure? Some of the best clothing of the time. Gap and Banana Republic used to make fantastic clothing. I have wool sweaters from them that look as good as new and they're 30+ years old.
Cool video. Really liked your stylist, very fun interaction. This is a really nice way to remove a barrier of cycling. Hop on your bike in clothes for the day and not have to perform costume changes.
I love this! Even though I am not in Canada I love it when people talk about commuter clothing options. I ride my bike to the office at least once a week and as a lady it can get a little interesting. I live in dresses and skirts so finding a breathable fabric that doesn't look sporty is a challenge. I do need to get on the mud guard train.
This was fun! My favourite piece was the merino sweater - elegant, European vibes. That washable, stretchy, wrinkle-free suit was amazing tho - no idea that kind of clothing even existed :)
Hey it's Lori ! I had my doubts about bike fashions, but those were legit some good office or socialising outfits, looking sharp Tom, hope you got to keep some of those! Yes, it seems marginal but being comfortable and ready for the office is as important to bike commuting as the hardware. Good video!
One thing not covered is the relationship to saddle. 1. Is saddle comfortable enough without padding in your clothes? 2. Are there lightweight padded undershorts that can be worn all day? Or brief enough to fit under your slacks whether you change out of them at your destination or not? 3. Are fashionable slacks sturdy enough in the seat to hold up? Thanks. Also, need a sequel for the ladies. Thanks again. 😊
I supervise kids on the playground for most of my job, so it's been interesting to figure out how to layer for bike commuting and standing around outside. My pants also must allow me to sit criss cross applesauce in easily, so I can play floor games with the kids. Wool is great for winter and linen is great for summer. Both breathable and sweat wicking!
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Great idea Tom! I got lots of ideas! So, are you going to get. Lori to do a show for the female options? She's a down to earth person and those who are female presenting may want a few tips!
I've always thought Tom is very well put together! Love you always involving experts and people with other opinions. One weird tip if you have periods: heavy day period pants can make really good alternative to slightly padded cycling shorts that you can wear under your clothes witgout it being noticable
this may be a bit of a generational style thing, but one alternative to stretchy fabrics is getting different cuts in your pants/jackets. you only need super stretchy fabric if you want skinny jeans. I have multiple pants I like to bike around town in that are 95-100% cotton(not super stretchy) but they are relaxed/straight cut, so I can comfortably bike in them. or features like crotch gussets can make an otherwise fairly stiff pair of pants work for biking
Thank you Tom for addressing a bike community that often gets over looked. I only commute by bicycle and like to wear icebreaker clothes. I find the icebreaker merino wool and styles fit my purposes quite well. I'm very reluctant to buy clothes online. Are there other outlets for the brands you mentioned, or do bike retailers also carry them? stuffing myself into Lycra to bike into town only to have to completely change again really discourages a lot of people.
I think there’s something that needs to be said about places like Portland Oregon where I live where it’s constantly raining since I haven’t heard about the water resistance of any of these products, I’ve found that the most difficult is pants since I’ve tried my hardest but the cheapest presentable looking rainproof pants I could find are still over $100 and aren’t even really made for biking. If I got a weeks worth of them that would be about $700 worth of clothes. What I currently have is a set of waterproof overalls I got for $60 that are easy to put on and take off quickly, and I just wear my clothes underneath them. It would be interesting if you would be able to find some rainproof pants that can be used in both at the destination and the journey without breaking the bank.
Depending on how windy the storm is or how fast you ride, you could consider a bike poncho like Tom detailed in another video. If you're near/ in a country where Decathlon operates, they have some great rain bike ponchos for 30-45€. Then you can wear whatever pants you want! The shoes however, well you'll just have to get blundstones to prove you're from Portland;)
One nice thing about the thigh phone pocket is that it stays dry longer than just about anywhere else. I've ridden in heavy rain and had a dry phone in that pocket while the front of the leg is soaked. I would also say that jean style pockets are way better than slash style pocket you see on slacks. It's much easier to trust that the contents of your pockets will still be there when you're done if they're the jean style.
I wear ems pants, stretch athletic shirts and various shirts over them, and layer up under them for cold. Thrift stores used to be pretty good for shirts and jackets. Spend the money on bike shoes and bike gear bags/panniers
Thanks Tom. I especially enjoy biking in town and I must say that your videos have greatly improved my riding experience. The Duer pants are fantastic (no more lycra for town riding). I also use a layer of merino (thick / thin) with cotton tee (and jacket if needed). In addition, I have switched from from clips to flats (no problems) and love the comfort and versatility. From your reviews, I've purchased a few cargo accessories, too, which have worked out really well. Thanks again!
I love your content and especially enjoy it when you are riding the 3 speed (I'm very partial to 3 speeds and ride one myself). I wear jeans and a T-Shirt along with sneakers to ride. Also a jacket and gloves if it's cold. If it's summertime and warm out, I wear shorts and a T-shirt and sandals.
@@Shifter_Cycling I have been a cycling enthusiast for a long time. However, four years ago I hurt my back at work and stopped riding. Your content, along with a few others like Not Just Bikes and Berm Peak, as well as others, helped to reignite my passion and drag me out of my apathy and start riding again last May. You also helped me to ride in the winter, including riding in snow and riding in sub-freezing temperatures for the first time ever in my life. Thank you for all the practical material you provide as well ascthe inspiration to get on the bike and ride! I've dropped 30 lbs, lowered my blood pressure, lowered my cholesterol and lowered my resting heart rate by almost 15 BPM just by getting on my bike almost every day.
So interesting. Here in the UK. 5C today, I tend to wear too many layers or one puffa jacket and then over heat. I must get away from wearing jeans everywhere too. Thank you for bringing this topic and those ideas to us. Love your channel. Be well and be safe.
Fabulous video (again). In Australia it's summer, UV can be 10-15 during riding times. So I'm wearing the Levis 516 stretch jeans (67% cotton the rest stretch - only in certain colours) and the Anetik ultraguide hooded (it's long at back so doesn't show butt crack, sleeves have holes in cuffs so you can cover backs of the hands, and hood can go under helmet - saves back of neck burn). Stylish, umm no, functional - yes. All male styled clothes, as yet to find functional UV safe riding clothes for tall women.
This is exactly the content I wanted! I would love if we had the clean bike paths of the Netherlands but you need a bit of technical wear in North America with the faster speeds/more in traffic riding.
I’ve been stalking this channel for a while, while trying to muster up the courage to start commuting on a bicycle. Now I really don’t have any excuses.
i have the same duer pants, they aren't much of a fashion hit, but they are very functional for hours of bike riding and that one zipper pocket is super handy. pretty happy with my swrve cordura denim--have a similar gusset and flexibility situation as the duer pants. ministry of supply is very pricey! but you can buy their stuff second hand or on their resale site for a bit off--their dress shirts are also nice for cycling. ornot is a great bike specific brand, too and i'm excited to try out some kit and ace stuff.
I am definitely going to try some of these brands, I would also like to shout out clothes I found from Ketl Mountain Apparel in the states....an activewear company owned by a bike shop owner/former pro MTB racer. I no longer own jeans after these.
Not a fan of the stylist semi-mocking his original outfit when the subject of the video was fashion you can ride in and not what clothes a grown man should throw away. Also her style was in a puffy glass house while she threw those stones.
Great video! Very interesting clothes. Somewhat dark clothing for safety though. The GQ moments cracked me up. And the look on your stylist’s face: “Oh my”. Really elevated your look.
I am female Dutchie and I have never thought that hard about what I am wearing when on a bike. My bike does have the chain guard (though that's standard). Just sort adopt to the situation and I might ride a bit slower. That people do so much effort in riding their bikes and their outfits 😅
I lost my wallet while biking because of those shallow pockets. Thankfully, an honest person returned it to me that same day. Ever since I place my wallet in my handlebar bag when on my bike.
even the music is appropriate in this video, I totally agree we can make always little switches but at the end of the day normalising it is key when bike commuting. it is the interactions of bike demeanour, mind set, special bike clothing it is the extra plus. I prefer natural fabrics, like wool or cotton. good content.
While appearance is important, what I'd really like to have seen is more information on the materials these pieces are made of. If I'm on a 1 hour commute I don't want my office clothes getting sweaty, it needs to be breathable and wicking. Also, a review after these have been used for an extended period of time would be appreciated. A trip around the block is one thing but riding to and from the office 5 days a week is quite another. Nevertheless, an interesting introduction into more stylish cycle-wear. Thanks Lori & Tom!
This is great! I do have to wear casual looking pants as part of the uniform of the courier company I work with, and was struggling to find clothing like this. These brands all seem Canada or North America specific though. I ended up looking more towards hiking gear rather than anything cycling specific. The brand Nomad (might be Europe specific) for a simple pants, Jack Wolfskin for some pants with more wind and rain protection. Small tip for if you need a little more support for your bottom, wearing some lycra bibs with a chamois under the more casual looking pants is an option too. I've started doing this for comfort, but especially bibs with shoulder straps solve the bum cleavage problem as well.
So, just two days ago I found an advantage of the cycling jersey over dressing in normal clothes for cycling. I was just riding to my destination, not for sport, along some nice quiet back streets, and since I didn't need much stuff I carried things in my pockets, rather than bringing a backpack. It was wet, and going around a corner my wheel slipped out from under me. I crashed, landing directly on my hip, with my phone in the hip pocket. The crash wasn't caused by bad infrastructure or interaction with cars, it could have happened anywhere in the world. The phone was utterly destroyed, unusable. Had the phone been in a _back pocket_ that cycling jerseys have, it would have been fine. Because you're very rarely going to land on your back, compared to your side. It's definitely something I'm going to be thinking about any time I ride in the future, and I might be more likely to go for the jersey in situations I previously wouldn't have.
Costco has these capris... Not tight fitting (not yoga looking), but not loose, but still a bit of stretch and useable pockets. I do all of my cycling in them. City, gravel and MTB. They are cheap and I don't care that I'm not in sporty kit. Bonus, they protect my knees from sunburn!
I've typically use my everyday clothes, but I also have a lot of travel specific business clothing (wrinkle free, breathable business casual wear) that I wear sometime when ride to a city council meeting. Bluffworks makes some great (but pricey) stuff including suits that a machine washable and comfortable enough for a bike ride.
The biggest obstacle my wife cites for commuting to work is that she shows up to work sweaty in her work clothes. I tell her that I show up sweaty and I don't care, but I've come to understand that my perspective is a typically male one, and tbh I have no idea how to argue her out of worrying about showing up to work with a bit of sweat that'll dry up in 1/2 hour.
Having watched your video I now think I need to rethink my cycling wardrobe for sure but I feel there is so much more to cover here on this topic. I cycle all year round, in hot sun and freezing temperatures, in snow and rain, through puddles of water and sloshy snow with salt. And I sweat a lot. I mix some cycling specific bits like flat pedal shoes, short bibs and high vis jacket with ordinary pair of trousers, but I shower and change at work. Would be nice to have some examples of riding clothes from underwear to jackets for four season riders.
Great video! Well designed clothing can be a major boost to the overall practicality of urban cycling. It was especially good to see pants options - has me thinking I may finally be able to move on from my Levi's commuter jeans! 🙂 Although it wasn't clear if the 'DUER et al' options would perform as well in damp weather as the Levi's. I picked up a thin-lined, soft-shell, Helly Hansen jacket 2 years ago that I've found to be an excellent 3 season jacket. With layering it's warm enough for west coast winters, and although it's not advertised as fully waterproof it can keep me comfortably 'dryish' for an hour of light rain, particularly with a wicking layer underneath. I really wanted to escape the GoreTex jacket look. Shoes weren't part of the video, but that's where GoreTex shines IMO. I've been wearing only leather, GoreTex lined, shoes for a long time now. They're an absolute essential in my mind. It's not so much about keeping your feet dry - although they do - but more about the shoes themselves staying dry. It can take hours to dry out wet shoes, and leather shoes can often be ruined if they get really soaked. My personal favourite has been Eco. They're expensive, but they've shown themselves to be totally waterproof and they last for years.
I saw using closepins on the bottom of pants on Servant of the People’s opening credits, but I have found that binder clips work better, closepins were coming apart after my 14 mile one way commute
Wool is the answer. I wear pure wool trousers and even if they get wet, they dry in 20 minutes. Denim is awful in the rain. Those other brands look interesting. My tweed jacket is also the best thing ever, or a wool sweater which is great in the rain.
Huh, never knew suits existed for cycling. Thank you Lori and Tom for suggesting new and interesting options. I usually shop at MEC or Patagonia for their environmental policies and labour practices even though I pay a little more.
This is such a great show of support. Thank you so much! It really helps keep this channel going. And yes, any efforts to get beyond fast fashion are wise, imho.
I always wear normal clothes, even when exercising. Normal meaning the exact same clothes you've been wearing at the beginning of the video (nice jacket, btw.). The only problem I have is the wear and tear of my trousers just where I'm sitting on the saddle. No one else seems to have this problem or have any solution for this, other than me buying a new set of Levi's every 4 months or so....
It's interesting that you started off saying " choosing your Levi's over your Rapha" as a choice for cycling clothing for transportation and not sport. 20 years ago Rapha was one of the first companies to produce smart/casual clothing for city cycling with functional features for on the bike as well as looking good off. I am a daily bike commuter in Vancouver, home of Duer and Kit and Ace, and wear either Rapha, Levi's commuter or Duer clothing. Having no raised seam pressing against your taint while riding is very nice. Similarly, the raised waistband at the back and stretch in the materials are great and don't scream "cyclist". Ditto, choosing merino long T-shirts, both long and short sleeved are practical and long lasting. These are not essentials but, if like me, your bike is your "car" for transport and sport it's great to be comfortable and stylish with clothes that will last and look good on and off the bike.
For puertorrican climate I commute on shorts and t-shirt, with my office clothe in a back pack. I leave shoes at the office. Here can be sunny or rainy in the same day.
One minor caveat -- if you wear pants with a thigh pocket to the airport TSA will pat you down every time. The scanners don't expect to see extra bulk there.
I’ve always enjoyed just riding in my work clothes. On an e-bike, it works perfectly because I don’t need to stress as much about overheating. When I take my regular bike, though, I’ve noticed myself overheating. I might check out some more breathable fabrics.
Ironically, this is exactly why I've had a few people tell me they prefer the regular bike in the winter -- on an ebike, they don't generate enough internal heat to stay warm.
the problem I have with pants in Cycling is that it doesn't matter if it was made for commuter cycling or fast fashion, they wear out in the same place in the same way every time. I've had two pairs of Duers that started getting holes in the crotch within five months, among other more pricey "long-lasting" pants. If they're still gonna wear out as fast as fast fashion, I may as well go for fast fashion.
Hi Tom (and Lori), great episode, would there be a tropical weather edition? I live on a tropical island right around the equator and the heat and humidity is pretty high. Would love a follow up, thanks!
No matter what you do the clothing should allow you to move freely and fit properly. You don't have to wear cycling specific clothing, wear what ever fits you and does the job.
A windproof jacket/coat is the most important thing for me. It can be a regular jacket but it has to have a high neckline, tapered sleeves and zipper instead of buttons.
Sleeves are especially important. Most jackets have the problem, that they aren' t long enough to stay where they belong when you stretch your arms forward to ride a bike.
Keep in mind this is only really for summer, warmer autumn, spring. Not for Norwegian winter. Deep snow, wind, big puddles, ice. If not plowed it's unstable and a work out, and shoes with gaiters and proper waterproof kit is needed. But people still commute. But for most this won't be an issue. Nobody would wear such shoes for riding in such conditions. But I would not ride without proper protection in such conditions as there's a higher risk for crashing, and studded tyres is a must, but tricky snow and you might need to walk. But usually it's plowed well. More unsuitable clothing would be fine. Sometimes there is just so much snow fall you have to plow a lot.
Ministry of Supply is great, though I admit I've never thought to wear their stuff on a bike. Luckily, I am able to change at the office. But I'd also highly recommend their Apollo polo shirts.
I wear a lot of knee-length to mid-calf skirts/dresses and I’ve found a few hacks to help prevent accidental exposures while riding. 🙂 Also, a chain guard is essential.
The chain guard advice is great. If you don't mind sharing your hacks, I'm sure there are some other skirt-wearing viewers out there who would benefit from the advice.
Marino wool sweater is reasonable. but you sohuld use something to cover the neck, as it's usual to get cold there, I get colder there,I wear Swix Race X base layer(Swix is a skiing brand, few years ago they bought HardRocx bikes the Norwegian bike brand so now they are a cyclign brand too.), it's warm and has lasted for several years, and works well, I have the model that covers the neck. But I still wear a buff to keep the neck warm. The fit is excellent and stretchy.
Could you make a video about hair? It seems silly, but especially for women, bike helmet hair is a deal-breaker. I would love to have something to share with friends (and to boost my own commuter confidence).
Seriously, since switching to bike-only one of the only things I consistently don't like is that I'm always wearing a hat to cover up my helmet hair 😅 Maybe if it were longer I could braid it or put it in a ponytail but I'm a short-hair-forever girl. Wondering if my new life on a bike means no one will ever see my hair again (no great loss to the human race but)
I have long hair and find not only do I get helmet hair on top, the wind tends to tangle the rest. I keep a comb in my bike bag for when I get to my destination.
tweed 3 piece suite with knickerbockers. My stylish choice for winter cycling. pull up the shirt collar to keep the wind off, the waistcoat is warm on the front and breathes well in the back. My flat cap has hidden pull down ear flaps.
IMO, this is where the dutch "omafiets" comes into play, the chain guard an "side flaps" you might see are there for a very specific reason, you wont get dirty and it doesnt snag. as you said Tom, wear what you've got, most dutchies do the same and just dress for the destination, what you do want to keep in mind if you can, layers that you can open up or layers that you can take off if it gets warmer or colder. some also take off certain things if its very warm out, and you just take a jacket or a sweater with you when you go outside. for example, you leave during the summer, shorts and t shirt, but you know you will go back in the dark (it'll get colder) so you bring a bag or just the sweater (i usually bring a jacket because the rain is basically always lurking around the corner when you least expect it).
Hi Tom, this is something I have been thinking about lately. My main issue has been finding a pair of shoes that look smart in the office but can also take the bike commute. I am close enough to work that bringing a change of shoes for such a short commute like an unnecessary burden.
I guess I’m not fashion literate since Tom looked the same to me before and after the makeover. Lol. However, thanks for the brand names to check out, I could use some stretchy, durable fabrics that don’t look too sporty. Cheers!
There's a company called Betabrand, that used to make all kinds of functional clothing, including some bike pants that were incredible. Now they only make women's office wear. Less functional, and annoying since I'm a dude :(
@@brewer6441just like any other animal product we have bred the animal to overproduce whichever commodity we wish to extract. to the point that it is painful for sheep to exist without human intervention. yes, animal rescues and sanctuaries sheer their sheep, but they also arent breeding more into existence for profit. and they also arent performing routine "mulesing" like all sheep farmers do.
In my country, the best thing to wear while cycling is as little as possible. It's 32 degrees every day and the humidity is 80%. We generally have only 1 layer on from the start, you can't take anything off.
Perhaps not stylish enough (or rather "outdoorsy"), but consider the Fjällräven / Specialized collab where they have tried making normal-looking (YMMV) hardwearing cycling friendly clothing.
This was great and I think this needs to be addressed more often than it is. All though, I rather you touch base on the materials used to make these clothes. I'm in the states and we don't have this store. Knowing the materials would help me find similar attire near me. I'm sure most of it was merino and polyester...
I really love my Ornot Mission pants and shorts -- it's very rare for me to find pants that fit just right for large thighs and a smaller waist, and the fact that they're durable and look good certainly doesn't hurt
on a side note, i think any clothes could work for a bike, and if you dont want to sweat while you ride, you can ride slow obviously if you got the time, think in advance how much time take you to get to your destiny
Two important things you didn't mention; cost and crotch seams. All those looks were great on you! I hope you bought them so we can see them in your videos going forward.
For wool sweaters, don't forget your local thrift shops; this is the time of year they have them out. As a woman I prefer men's sweaters, as they're longer in the arms and body so I can really move in them.
5:57I'm not sure about a phone pocket there, won't the phone bounce all over? the best spot is above thigh, the phone is more protected against impacts and also does not bounce all over or pull the trousers or shorts down. Usually this is where the thigh vents are on cycling trousers.
I wish we had this brand in that UK. I find uni clo and Patagonia do stuff i can wear and look a little smart. I’ve always walked a ton for work so i often used to wear shorts in the summer and change before client meetings!
When I do a long weekend ride I’ll use my road bike and wear appropriate gear cleats, Lycra & a cycle jersey. Going to the shops Friends relatives etc. hybrid bike and ‘normal but comfortable clothes. Horses for courses.
This is good stuff as encourages another look at bicycle transportation in every day life. The work and recreation riding I do favors outdoor clothing like hiking wear for years, with gusseted jeans and tech fabrics, and Western US mountain towns were I can get away with it. Even the cowboys wear Patagonia. The logo's on pants are a non-starter though.
Some brands offer pants legs that can be rolled up and snapped in place to keep them out of the chain Duluth trading is one I wear dresses, however heels are dangerous IMO
