What to Wear

[blackrat]

Hi,
I am about to start commuting over an 11 mile each way journey in all weathers. At work I have to wear smart clothes and have a neat appearance e.g. ironed shirt ect. Currently I have a cycle helmet and some summer weight gear from my non-powered bicycle and I have never commuted before.

Some of you will have gone through this stage and bought clothing that didn't work out and spent lots of money making mistakes until you found what worked for you.

My questions are: Should I be looking for clothing to go over my work wear and how practical is it to ride an electric bike and still appear smart (as the adverts would have you believe)?

Or should I be looking at specific bike clothing and change when I get to work?

In each case I would be grateful for any suggestions of clothing combinations that you think work well, literally from head to foot for all weathers and to cover all the seasons.

A big question I know, but I'll bet there would be a lot of interest from other people like me.

Cheers,
Blackrat

 

[trickletreat]

Over the distances you will be travelling now and in the future, I would change at work. Water, wind gets in and sweat tries to get out. You won't look smart.

Have a look at Aldi/Lidl for well priced cycle kit. People usually give the 'heads up' when the offers are due.

I have been commuting for 2 1/2 years now with electric bike/trikes and child trailers, all weathers and every day.

For the summer...lycra shorts or gorewear shorts. Plain tresspass T-shirt, which wicks. Fingerless gloves.

Spring/Autumn, colder days...add either light weight fleece or light weight windproof/ waterproof.

Winter...merino wool top and longjons, long cycling trousers, above fleece and waterproof. Two pairs of thin socks, ski gloves, thin balaclava and fleece hat.

Always wear eye protection, especially on trike!

 

[Mussels]

Definately change at work if you have the facitlities. Keep your work clothes in a waterpoof bag or they will get trashed, Ortleib rolltop standard (I have Agu x-rain panniers) as I've tried others and they were rubbish.
Decathlon have a range of clothing called BTwin which is budget and popular, you're probably looking at a couple of hundred quid for the clothing.

For socks I recommend Sealskins waterproof ones, warmer than any others I've tried.

 

[blackrat]

Mussels and Treackletreat,
Thanks for the advice. Changing at work wont be too much of a problem.
I must admit I didn't expect budget recommendations, I assumed everyone would be telling me to spend more to get good quality as it would be better (not always the case)
Is the budget stuff as good as the expensive? I suppose if it wears out quickly or gets damaged its not such a blow to replace.

Blackrat

 

[trickletreat]

Mussels and Treackletreat,
Thanks for the advice. Changing at work wont be too much of a problem.
I must admit I didn't expect budget recommendations, I assumed everyone would be telling me to spend more to get good quality as it would be better (not always the case)
Is the budget stuff as good as the expensive? I suppose if it wears out quickly or gets damaged its not such a blow to replace.

Blackrat

The budget stuff is actually very good quality and wears well. I have merino ski layers at 3-4 times the price point that are NO better. Must be the quantity/loss leader that influences the price point. I know that the clothing is always sort after on the cycle forums, especially among those who commute and cover the miles all year round.

So far the only clothing item of mine that has failed was a branded cycle hi vis jacket. I put that down to the contact area on the recumbent seat.

Nigel

 

[Mussels]

I find the budget stuff isn't always as good but many items are. I started out with all budget stuff and just upgraded the few items that weren't good enough.
Budget things that didn't work for me:
Panniers (get thick roll top ones if you value the contents)
Helmet
Socks (get sealskins brand waterproof ones for bad weather)
Overshoes for really bad weather (get neoprene)
Cycling shorts (I prefer baggies)
Pumps

Budget things that do work for me.
Hard shell
Soft shell
Cycling shoes
Gloves (plus permium over gloves for very cold weather)
Safety glasses
bibs
jerseys
summer socks

I can't remember what else at the moment, fit is a problem with the cheap stuff but can also be a proble with premium.

 

[Patrick]

One waterproof pannier worth looking into is the BikeBin

http://www.bikebins.com/

It's a hard plastic box that fits to the side of the luggage rack. It's a really convenient waterproof luggage area which is great for getting a loosely folded shirt to work uncreased, it’s a bit like having a big glovebox on your bike. The irregular shape does limit what it can carry so you may need a fabric pannier of some sort as well.