Cycle chic...

[chalkyc2]

...Or not, as the case maybe!

Back to work in office has meant dusting off my trusty Brompton for the 10 min cycle to the station and 15 min ride the other side to the office. Central London so definitely need a helmet. I'm arriving at work looking like I've been dragged through a hedge!

I don't have room in my bag (thanks giant new WFH laptop) to carry clothes or shoes. I need a decent coat that I can cycle in. Helmet hair is an issue but I'm not sure much can be done about that! I'd also like to be seen in the dark and not simultaneously look like a construction worker - but also keep dry!

So - any recommendations for general cycling friendly clothes (stretchy black trousers?) that are also good office wear (design office so pretty relaxed), a decent coat that also is stylish and works as a non cycle coat, and helmet hair pick ups?!?

Watching with interest! I've started cycling to work three times a week, 30-minutes one way.

Following for inspo - I ride a Brompton in London.

Don’t wear a helmet or ride in the rain though. I wear one of the thinsulate jackets from Esprit (but they are everywhere) and in the evenings I have a packable hi vis vest. I always wear trousers anyway but the looser modern styles mean I need a bicycle clip on my right leg. As it gets colder I might leave a warmer coat in the office just for lunchtimes.

I find shoes can be an issue as some of mine don’t have much grip but that’s more a summer problem. I also steer clear of laces as they can get tangled in the wheel.

I've been wearing skirts/dresses with thick
Black tights but my bike is a step-through. I have a high-vis vest. Haven't needed a coat yet but will do!

Yesterday I wore M&S Mia stretchy ankle skimmer trousers and biker boots and got away with a normal jacket as was sunny but I can't see that lasting. I am wondering if I should get one of those Brompton bags that clip on the front - that might help me carry stuff at least!

Have a look at Georgia in Dublin for discreet reflective waterproof coats

Rapha do a lovely commuter waterproof which I’m lusting after, but I can’t justify the expense right now. It’s lovely though.

There is a (albeit pricey) alternative if helmet hair is an issue - a sort of airbag helmet that only sits around your neck, but expands into a full head protection in case of a fall:

hovding.com/

I do the same as you (cycle/ train/ cycle) - I strongly recommend uniqlo's smart comfort trousers. They are very stretchy so comfortable to cycle in, but look like very smart office trousers. They also wash brilliantly!

You might also consider some 'rainlegs' which are waterproof covers which keep the top of your thighs dry as this is the main bit that gets wet when cycling.

Helmet hair - a good spritz of dry shampoo when you arrive helps.

Jacket - I go full neon but keep a spare coat in the office.

I'd be more looking for visibility re a coat. Or, at least a very high visibility tabard style thing in the winter nights. I use a Proviz one - they light up like nobody's business under car headlights - www.provizsports.com/en-gb/reflect360-multi-purpose-vest.html#151=57?fo_c=1091&fo_k=b1410af12d74a9364a9a7d2e641e443e&fo_s=gplauk&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp4e-yrL58wIVEuh3Ch1KuAqQEAQYASABEgJcOvD_BwE

This might be an alternative to the Brompton bag? They do matching panniers as well….

www.accessorize.com/uk/leopard-cross-body-bike-bag-1901032300.html

I was thinking of getting this for Winter cycling but it might miss the mark somewhat for “stylish”….

www.ettore.co.uk/products/ettore-ladies-cycling-jacket-night-glow

Another Brompton owner though I'm doing an hour commute either way on it (to be fair, it's an electric one)

I wear a silk scarf under my helmet. Admittedly it's there to keep the wind from my ears as I suffer terrible earache if they get cold, but it has the added advantage of keeping my hair smoother than it would be otherwise.

I cycle every day to work, except in very wet weather. In winter I wear a thin thermal vest, with cashmere jersey over the top. This is covered in very cold weather by a Uniqlo down jacket. Always wear a high vis gilet. All layers are light and can be removed at traffic lights if you get too hot! I do wear a helmet, but have longish hair so not a problem with helmet hair.

Black or navy trousers with a little stretch. Thin M and S Autograph with cashmere socks and black trainers. Change shoes at work. I keep a smart jacket and hair brush at work to deal with meetings and iffy bike hair do.

Tracey Neuls is well known for doing a range of shoes/boots for cycling. They do get recommended by cycle magazines so it's not a fashion thing despite them actually being normal shoes. I have the George boots and the Geek shoes and they're super-comfy, and look great on and off a bike.

traceyneuls.com/collections/womens-cycle

You could get this fab waterproof cape from Rains? It's specifically designed for cyclists.

www.uk.rains.com/collections/jackets-women/products/cape-female?variant=39389565878355

Leave work shoes at work?
I cycle 7 miles and wear a cycle jacket( hi vis) and thinnish waterproof trousers over my normal trousers or just over tights if Im wearing a skirt.Trainers
Ear warmer thingy over my ears which keeps my ears warm and hair tidy.
Get to work whip off jacket,ear warmers and waterproof trousers , job done.

I've seen a lot of these cape/poncho things but I can't see how they would work with a backpack? Another reason for the Brompton bag!

I might need to get to the stage where I leave some clothes at work - problem is I'm only in 2/3 days a week atm and remember pre covid how everything always seemed to be in the wrong place!

Another option which once worked for me was to wear cycling leggings and a short skirt (with tights in pocket/bag). Rolled skirt up to waist (under cycling jacket) then strip off the leggings/on the tights and unroll skirt at office loos. Sounds daft, but worked for me.

I often think if I go into business, it would be for good commuter cycling clothes for women!

I got some lovely stuff for this from Ligne 8, but I don't think they're in business anymore. Both Rapha and Levi used to do commuter jeans for women but now they only have them for men, which makes me mad.

Vulpine, fortunately, still have great trousers for women, I have the rain ones in black and navy. They were expensive but worth it. Like you, I'm only in two or three days a week, so I just cycle them and an older pair of commuter jeans that I have.

I have a Proviz jacket that looks greyish in daylight and which you can probably see from outer space at night. I love it. But they also do a backpack cover if you're worried about what you look like going into the office (I am not, I leave my outdoor stuff in a locker).

Oh and I have DZR H20 trainers, which are fab, but again not sure if you can get them now - maybe on eBay?

And I have dry shampoo and and old pair of straighteners in my cupboard ...

@arootintootingoodtime Yes please set this business up. The other thing that makes me mad is that any stylish women's cycling gear that I do find generally seems to be tiny - so the curvy sizes 16 women do what? Not cycle?!?

I used to cycle in properly and then it was kind of easier - just completely get changed. It's trying to cycle in normal clothes that is hard but I'm determined that for the short cycles I do it should be possible!

Yes, that's exactly it. I used to cycle the 10 miles each way and showered and changed. Since we moved house I have an electric bike to cut down commuting time and I really don't want to get changed. And I'm a 14 and can barely shoehorn myself into some brands biggest size

Living - and cycling - in a Scandinavian capital, I just wear my normal, everyday clothes when I ride my bike.
In winter this is usually a dress and heels with a showerproof Mac. Neither helmet nor "Høvding", but that's just a personal choice.

Do any of you get really hot when cycling? That’s my main problem, I have to get changed as I’m always slightly sweaty even when cold.

I’m also a bit scared about frost/ice this year as haven’t cycled consistently in the winter for a while.