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Cycle a lot, but bored of jeans...

20 replies

fluffles · 26/10/2009 10:24

Can anybody offer me any inspiration. I cycle around town a lot to get places but not for miles and miles, just ten mins at a time so i don't do the full lycra look or get sweaty... don't want to do a full clothes change - i just cycle in what i'm wearing but i'm bored bored bored of wearing jeans.

i want to wear knee-length boots.. but i've never cycled in a skirt and i'm not really sure about trying... maybe with leggings it might be ok?? i don't know... or maybe i could pull some yoga pants on under my skirt for riding??

anybody got any good ideas for looking stylish while cycling around town (not in jeans)??

OP posts:
Amandoh · 26/10/2009 13:09

Are you worried about being able to cycle in a skirt or flashing your knickers?

If it's the latter then a pair of wool tights would save your modesty. Or would they catch and tear on a bike? If so then it sounds like leggings are the way to go.

fluffles · 26/10/2009 13:33

lol - worried about both flashing and the technicalities... worried that i might end up unable to actually get my leg over the bike without hiking the skirt up round my waist

and also a bit worried about what happens at traffic lights when i have to stop and stand over the bike... and not sure if something with a bit of room is better (a-line for e.g.) or something shorter and tighter (cord casual straight skirt for e.g.).

just generally worried i guess.

OP posts:
overmydeadbody · 26/10/2009 14:27

fluffles I cycle everywhere, all the time, it is how I get around, and I can honestly say what I am wearing is not even a consideration lol

I just make sure I am not wearing my best winter coat or anything, but trousers, leggins, shorts, skirts, anything goes (I have not treid maxi dresses and skirts tohugh and neither do I intend to, yuk). Boots are good for cycling in actually, especially with leggings and a short skirt.

I don't think I flash people, but in the summer if I have no leggings or tights on I would probably not wear a short flowey skirt, but short tight ones are ok as they can't blow up in wind.

It's easy to stop at lights etc in skirts, honest.

You just need to get on your bike and try, without worrying or being self-conscious!

overmydeadbody · 26/10/2009 14:28

And sometimes I hoik my skirt up a bit to mount my bike, don't think anyone notices tbh.

overmydeadbody · 26/10/2009 14:29

or I might cycle somewhere standing up on the pedals if the skirt is a bit too short to sit down in.

stakethroughtheheartofgold · 26/10/2009 14:37

lol do you remain standing at your destination in that case omdb?

fluffles · 26/10/2009 16:08

ooohhh... maybe i just need to be a bit braver and experiment a bit

i'll start with v. thick tights first and a stretchy jersey skirt and see how it goes...

OP posts:
overmydeadbody · 26/10/2009 16:50

lol heartofgold

AngelinaJolly · 26/10/2009 19:28

Hi I too cycle everywhere, but I have a Kangaroo so I don't have to put a foot down at traffic lights. I'm sick of my old jeans so have been wearing leggings and denim skirt, or thick tights and knee length A-line skirt. I do need a slightly A-line skirt to accomodate saddle (one is Boden- always more "generous"! another is an old one I cut to shorten it (best with leggings)). I also have a jersey A-line skirt. I've also been wearing stretchy skinny jeans with dresses or tunics over the top too.

Now my challenge is to find a nice coat/ jacket thing that is wicking, breathable, washable, and stretches over the shoulders when I'm leaning forward to get up the hills, and that is NOT A FLEECE!

Or am I asking for the moon on a stick?

MenWhoStareAtMe · 26/10/2009 19:30

i just cycle in whatever clothes i am wearing. i have a good chain guard and am a recent convert to a 'lady bike' so no hurling my legs up in the air.

snickersnack · 26/10/2009 19:38

I've just cycled back from work (30 mins from central London) in knee length boots, fishnets and skirt. Had a smart top and cardigan in the office, changed that to long sleeve t shirt and fleece plus hi vis vest for coming home. All fine, no embarrassing moments and I was faster than some men in Lycra.

Am pondering the jacket conundrum too - ideally would like a solution that is smart enough to wear as a coat but also that is warm and waterproof. Would pay good money for one as my cagoule, though practical, is far from stylish.

hambo · 26/10/2009 19:39

jeggings!!

BikeRunSki · 26/10/2009 19:52

Have a look here - technical cycling kit for girls, but miles and miles away from black lycra.

Minx Girl

pregnantpeppa · 26/10/2009 20:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

momijigari · 26/10/2009 20:26

I cycle in short cord skirt, with tights, but sometimes my rain cape covers everything.

Today I had on dark brown Mol boots, purple leggings and brown v neck jumper dress when I cycled to school, very comfortable.

I was tempted by the smart shorts look, but never got round to getting any.

AngelinaJolly · 26/10/2009 20:49

BikeSkiRun- that's heading in the right direction! Thanks.

fluffles · 26/10/2009 21:07

this is gorgeous www.minx-girl.com/productdetails.cfm?cfid=5688321&cftoken=66803669&prodID=BIOWJKT&mode=productlist&c urPage=1 but VERY expensive!!!

right, tomorrow i'm going to try knee-high boots and leggings and a shortish cord skirt... cross your fingers for me!

OP posts:
fluffles · 26/10/2009 21:08

smart shorts would be great but despite the cycling i don't have the legs for them

OP posts:
momijigari · 26/10/2009 23:17

I like the minx stuff and ikwym about legs not being great for shorts, I think my legs and thighs are quite sturdy after cycling pulling two kids in a trailer over the last 2 years - although they wouldn't be so bad if they were a few inches longer.

Amaris · 27/10/2009 07:12

Same as everyone else really, I cycle in skirts/dresses, not too tight as uncomfortable to sit down, not too long as get caught in brake. Sometimes feel I'm showing a bit too much leg, but never knickers, but so what! I don't think anyone's looking and if they are that's their problem! I have a bike with a cross bar too and fine to, er, get my leg over.

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