What to wear cycling?

[GodolphianArabian]

I bought a bike so I could go out with the kids. I really enjoy it and I want to try and go a bit further to get fitter. So I've signed up for a guided women only bike ride 10 miles, steady pace.

I have no idea what to wear. I usually wear jeans because the kids don't let me go very far or for very long and we only ever go when it's dry.

Cyclists all appear to be clad in Lycra tops with shorts and I'm not sure I can carry that look off. What are my alternatives? Is leggings and a t-shirt OK?

Hello! I am a cyclist, and I am not slim, but I happily wear Lycra, larceny because it is practical and comfortable.

Is it a Breeze ride you have signed up for?

For 10 miles, you really want to think about some padded shorts, even if you wear leggings on top of them (and you should go commando underneath). Sports Direct, Decathlon, Halfords and Aldi (a few times a year) all sell budget padded cycling shorts. (Also rub the padding with Bepanthen before hand, then sudocreme on sore bits afterwards). With cycling shorts, yiu di get what you pay for to some extent, but those shops should sort you out initially. You can get padded pants to wear under ordinary clothes, but these are no cheaper, and not as effective.

On your tip half do you have a moisture wicking top from any other sports? If so, that would be good, Bynum a t shirt will be fine.
For shoes, trainers will be fine, but if you have some stiffer walking shoes, they will be best.

Also think about where you will carry things. Cycling jerseys have pockets in the back for waterproofs, inner tube, lock, jellybabies etc? Do you have a small rucksack for these things? A lightweight waterproof?

Presumably you have a helmet? If nothing else, beg, borrow or buy some fingerless cycling gloves. Yiu ca get them for £5-10. They’ll help with grip when you are sweaty, absorb some shake and protect your palms when you fall off.

I've just got back from a 15 mile family bike ride! I'm wearing ordinary leggings, a shortish summer dress and hiking sandals - so, a bit frumpy but in my view less embarrassing than lycra, and perfectly comfortable.

Having said that, if lycra works for you then go ahead and wear it!

I would wear leggings, long top and trainers

I cycle a lot, for leisure rides generally say 15-20 miles or so. In warm weather wear cropped cotton leggings with a longish t-shirt or short summer dress, much like Duck's outfit. Old trainers on my feet, & definitely not gloves in summer time.

I have padded cycling leggings, but find them too hot & sweaty when it's warm, & tbh no more comfortable than the regular sort (but good in damp/cold weather because the fabric is thicker & doesn't hold the wet).

You'll be fine with leggings and t- shirt for 10 miles. It's not too long for your bum - padding is great though if you have it. Think of this ride as your first long one and pay attention to what the others are wearing if you decide to make changes next time. Cycling tops are fab for their handy pockets.

Leggings and a t shirt in sports material (i.e. a running/gym top, not cotton) will be fine to start. I do find padded shorts make a massive difference, so when I cycle to work I wear www.decathlon.co.uk/st-500-mountain-bike-shorts-id_8529621.html and www.decathlon.co.uk/500-slim-gym-t-shirt-teal-id_8551613.html which are a bit less conspicuous for walking through the office. But if you find yourself enjoying it, do think about giving the lycra a go - if it helps you do what you want to more comfortably

I have padded cycling leggings but find that they are no more comfortable than my running leggings for cycling. I need an armchair for a saddle

Thanks everyone!

Yes it's a breeze ride, BikeRunSki. I have a helmet and rucksack sorted. My trainers should be fine too. My saddle is amazing although I appreciate it might not feel that comfy after 10 miles so I will look at padded shorts.

I feel a trip to decathlon coming on. I just don't want to turn up looking too much like I know what I'm doing because truth be told I'm a bit wobbly (in more ways than one) and not the fittest.

@GodolphianArabian, Breeze rides are fabulous. You will be well looked after, all the Breeze ladies I have ever met have been super kind and supportive, you’ll have a blast.

Ha, I could have written the OP! Just getting back on a bike to do some leisure rides and the school run, so short and regular trips mostly. I want to be comfortable but not wear lycra every day! I bought some stretchy Capri pants that looked good online. I cycled 13km today in gym leggings and gym top, so nice and wicking, and I was really comfy, but wish I'd worn a sports bra too. I'd like to cycle in a dress but I'm not sure how to find one loose enough!

Leggings and a T-shirt is fine. Personally I like cycling gloves too. And sunglasses - even if it's not sunny, some light tinted ones are useful as a 'windshield' if there are flies.

Whatever you are comfortable in - ordinary leggings are fine for 10miles, I did 16 miles today in cheap h&m leggings and a t shirt no issue. For distance road rides you need all the gear, but not for 10 miles.

I'd recommend running or gym type leggings to make sure they are high enough and sheer enough so you don't have a see through bum or back. Decathlon do some very reasonable ones. I find these most comfy while being normal type clothes. Has anyone tried cycling in a skirt or dress? I'd like to try but I guess it needs to be quite wide but not long.

bike shorts with removable inner cycling shorts, they look like normal shorts. look at sites like wiggle or start fitness, or you could try tk maxx. There are 3/4 trousers too. Take a lightweight cagoule in case it rains.

You could wear normal leggings for 10 miles gentle cycling but watch out for rubbing seams. Wear proper knickers underneath - ones that cover your bum and not lacy ones.

You don't wear knickers with padded cycling clothes.

Wear sunglasses - to stop bugs and dust getting in your eyes.

It's the thick seams in things like jeans which will cause you trouble. You should be ok in a decent pair of leggings. With cycling shorts you go knickerless, but I assume in leggings you'll be wearing them? If you can, wear longer short style pants, or the crotch seams might chafe you nastily!

(And also don't forget about the effects of sweat in intimate places!)

Finally, don't make the (common) mistake of equating fat saddles with comfort. For your first few rides it won't be an issue, but if you like it and start going longer then that squidgy plumptious saddle will start to hinder more than help.

As for Lycra... well, nobody looks good in it. Nobody. It's for function, not fashion.

My opinion therefore is that I will wear it because it's the right kit for the job. It wicks wear away, protects my genitals and has useful pockets! I also make a point of wearing bright colours so I am easily seen.

Nobody berates swimmers for their costumes; or tennis players for their whites. It's basically other people who like to brainlessly slag off Lycra for no reason other than their own personal nastiness. Pity them.

Leggings and a tunic style dress works well if you are not a skinny thing. I have cycling shorts for under dresses in warm weather

Buzz I don't think anyone here is objecting to Lycra in it's place - for serious cycling. It's just unneccesary to buy a whole new set of clothes for short leisure rides, especially if you're new to cycling & not sure how much you'll be doing in the future.

I do think that it's become a real thing to buy specialist clothing for just about any sport, which is expensive, wasteful for the planet and can put off people who might otherwise join in. To use your analogy, it's a bit like buying an expensive tri-suit to do a few lengths at the pool, or tennis whites for a knock-about game in the park.