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?!?

Sweaty Betty have a nice range of cycling clothes, including some fairly plain jerseys and so on which don’t scream sportswear if you want to keep them on when you get to work:

www.sweatybetty.com/activity/cycling

If I was commuting I’d be tempted to go for Assos or Rapha for jackets etc, some stylish and simple options:

www.rapha.cc/gb/en/riding-conditions/winter-essentials/category/cold-weather-riding

And use something like Acai outdoor trousers for cycling in - they’re smart enough to keep them on in a casual office:

acaioutdoorwear.com/collections/outdoor-legwear

There's definitely a gap in the market for city cycling wear for "normal" women. Having said that, my commute is 8 miles in the North West, and as a menopausal woman I'm either being rained on, or sweating my tits off. I just ride in kit, but I'm lucky to have decent changing facilities in my office. I'm now working from home 4 days a week and although I get a lot more work done, I'm really missing my cycle commutes.

When I commuted by bike, I cycled in cycling gear. Now I just ride to meetings and generally wear black jeans or trousers or a dress of some kind. I have a jacket like this which I wear to ride in too. Or a black rapha one which looks ok.

Wondering if I need a reflective camo superdry jacket?!? Might be a bit too warm...

Actually do quite like this parka. I've never heard of Lindex though...

https://www.zara.com/fr/en/share/oversized-cape-with-hood-p03046074.html?utmcampaign=productShare&utmmmedium=mobilesharinggiOS&utmsource=reddsocialmovil&v1=108971782

Also in the NW ie it rains a lot and I spend an hour a day cycling so Altura hi-viz jacket and shorts for me. At work I have a change of shoes, trousers, a smart jacket, cashmere jumper. I carry a clean shirt and dry socks. I also wear a cycling cap under my helmet so my hair is always dry.

I want to start cycling to work just so I can get some of that Georgia in Dublin kit!

I've got stuff for the dc from Lindex and it's been good. Was recommended to me by a Swedish friend.

Velo Vixen have women’s cycling clothing in a wide size range. They sell padded pants/knickers you can wear under normal clothes as well as jackets etc.