Cycling Commuters - what do you wear?

[RockinD]

Title says it all really. Got my bike, now need to sort out the rest of it.

I really don't want to have to take a change of clothes to work, so what should I wear for my 3 mile cycle commute?

No formal dress code at work, but I am expected to look reasonably smart and the boss prefers no jeans.

Does anyone else do this? How do you make it work?

Thanks in advance.

I tend to wear a-line style skirts or trousers and a cardi/top/blouse. It does mean I have a bit of work uniform, but I'm not that fussed about looking too cool in the office (it's not a very exciting place!) I keep a smart jacket on the back of my office door for days when I need to look a bit more with it. I also cycle in flat black shoes which will do for not looking too scruffy on arrival, but keep all my proper work shoes at work.

Unless it's really hot, I tend to cycle in my work clothes and use it as an excuse not to go hell for leather and work up a massive sweat!

I'd also get a bag that you can fix to your bike so you're not getting hot from carrying a rucksack. I have a briefcase style one I fix to the rear rack, but there's loads of choice so get whatever works for you.

I also think that a decent set of waterproofs is key. That way, even if it's pouring down you can look presentable as soon as they're off. Waterproof trousers are really useful - when it's raining I always look out of the window and think it's not too bad, but you do get very wet legs before long! If you get cycling specific ones they have quite a narrow ankle cuff which stops your trouser legs flapping about. I also look like a complete nerd and put the hood up on my waterproof coat under my cycle helmet. I dread to think what you think I look like IRL ...

Oh dear, I've gone on a bit and made it sound like you need to buy loads of stuff, but I really think that if you get it set up right it works really well and you can cycle in whatever weather.

Trouser clips. You will look a bit like a grandad, but it's preferable to chain ring prints.

Otherwise, as above.

I have a rain poncho find it works better than a waterproof jacket.

I wear a lot of jersey dresses and pencil skirts - nice and stretchy for cycling in - with plain tops and jackets - can easily stuff a spare top into a bag if I have a long cycle to a meeting so if I get unexpectedly hot and sweaty I can change.

I cycle in heels without any problem, so don't usually bother with spare shoes, but will occasionally in winter if it's wet.

Panniers will save you carrying a bag which will make your back sweaty.

And as tate says, decent waterproofs do make winter an awful lot easier. I didn't have any last winter and a couple of times had to take a full change of clothes with me and find the ladies very quickly after arriving anywhere!

Thanks ladies. I think the bottom line is I need to be better organised!

There is no way I can carry everything I tried to take in this morning.