"Hipster" Cyclist Clothing? (Why I Ride Bikes in Long Sleeve Shirts)
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In this vid, I tackle the controversial topic of "cycling" clothing and why I wear a long sleeve button up shirt.
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I have multiple cycling personalities one of them wears cycling kit, one wears regular clothes and one likes to mix it up depending on the weather and what's clean 😁
But what about cycling shorts do you just wear regular shorts and undies?
Love your personalities! 😊
I was touring the California coast a few years back (pre-hipster days) and I was approached by a nice lady who said that I looked like I was having fun and that it made her want to try it for herself. She said that she would never dress in some funny tights and bright colors. I was dressed in cargo shorts, sneakers, and a light cotton dress shirt. I do wear my cycling clothes when I ride my skinny road bike, but mostly I dress casual. Just ride...
As someone that has never owned a "proper" piece of cycling clothing. I love that you're addressing this topic. I ride steel frames and where wool. Because, well because it just breathes right and rides right. I may look like a hipster to some, but to me its what feels right. Just as it feels right to do a fly by on the spandex wearing, carbon riding jockeys of our day.
I'm all about wearing wool. It breathes better than synthetic, doesn't stink, and keeps you warm in mild/cool weather
Cycling gear used to be wool. My first cycling shorts were wool with a real chamois to prevent chafing and no weird diper pad thing. If wanted padding I just get a padded saddle!
@@kevinattig6689 what's a real chamois? It's wool too? I'm really interested in this idea of ditching the synthetic sweat sponge that chamois are now.
@@juliapoelstra3624 I'm not sure what the real chamois was made of but it was one layer of soft material and no padding. The wool shorts and shirts were great. Today I wear golf shorts with Lycra liner shorts under no chamois or padding and golf polo shirt.
I totally get what you’re saying, wearing shirts like you do is actually so handy when you’re doing long distance bike packing, you don’t need any extra clothes if you want to go and have food, if you’re jumping on a train there’s no looking and feeling uncomfortable.
Only discovered this channel a few months back, but it’s one of my favourites. Keep up the good work.
I never understood why so many cyclist care so much about the look of a bike and the clothing associated. I personally don't like feeling like a man sausage on two wheels and prefer more casual styled performance clothing. I like being able to get off my bike and having clothes better suited for sitting in a restaurant or hiking about without feeling like I need a change of clothing. Many get a performance benefit but I also feel many just want to look like the pros and they think others should want the same.
I care about the 10W...other than that. I don't care about style. If I buy continental GP5000 for 5W I'm not giving 10W back because I have a small package.
I have found that fabric TYPE matters much much more than fabric CUT. Cotton is the fabric of doom for endurance related activity. It is heavy when wet, abrasive when wet, sticky when wet... Basically, the moment cotton even gets the slightest bit damp from sweat, it becomes the bane of all existence. There are a myriad of synthetic fabrics that do everything from block wind to keeping you warm and dry.
Although side note: evaporative cooling only works in relatively dry climates. Humid climates like down here in NW Arkansas it is pretty much nonexistent.
Thanks Russ. I ride a Salsa Fargo and it is written in the contract when you buy one that you must wear non-hipster, non-aero, non cycling kit attire or it refuses to move forward.
I just got a Fargo and it's true, I feel ridiculous in spandex on that bike
Robert McClellan same thing with my Salsa Marrakesh! Took a while to figure it out. Through a wool button up and it moved!
When I raced in local mtb races I always used a polo shirt and cargo shorts and still managed to place and win. It was almost like a victory in itself doing it in cargo shorts and polo shirt against people who looked down on me for not looking like a pro cyclist, (which I am not.)
It's irrelevant in MTB. Watts saved are minimal. On the road and gravel it's significant, racing or not. I just wear shorts over my cycling shorts and a t-shirt when I go MTB, almost always wear a full lycra on the road/gravel. Why bother with all the other bike stuff if you give up 10W to clothing? Makes no sense. Now if you don't care about tires or any of that stuff I'm with you. But anyone that is checking PSI for optimal pressure, should care about 10W
I bought one jersey and one pair of cycling shorts six years ago. Now I wear hiking clothes and have Brooks saddles on every bike I own. Works great for a few thousand miles a year.
Daily commuter here in El Paso, TX and this summer after moving back from Austin, started wearing a long sleeve, loose shirt and white running cap and it 108° feels like 80°! Also, Performance Bike Terry gloves mop up tons of sweat and dry quick.
I changed from Jerseys to Club Ride shirts about 5 years ago and never looked back. Much more comfortable and that should be the only reason. lol... Cycling gear is a huge barrier to new cyclist...I hate to see the "elite" attitude fellow riders have when I show up in a normal looking shirt..
Thanks for the tip on Club Ride! I've been trying to find a new clothing maker, as the only one I like is Twin Six, but they keep turning more and more to racing stuff. Recently I've been riding in a button down closeout from Mountain Hardware that they sold as for ultra-distance runners (e.g. Grand Canyon rim-to-rim style races) which has been great, but lacks any abrasion resistance for MTB (where I spend half my time).
Spot-on! I switched to nylon vented (fishing/hiking) shirts years ago and never looked back. They're perfect for 3 seasons; switch to wool for winter. Read the fine print and look for nylon -- or mostly nylon. Although they look similar, nylon seems to have superior wicking and anti-BO properties over polyester, which is also used in many of these shirts. Nylon also wears better. For example, Columbia Silver Ridge 2.0 shirt (www.columbia.com/mens-silver-ridge-2.0-long-sleeve-shirt-1839311.html?dwvar_1839311_variationColor=449) or REI Sahara shirt (www.rei.com/product/119108/rei-co-op-sahara-solid-long-sleeve-shirt-mens).
I wear golf clothes when I cycle. You have a collared nice-looking shirt that is appropriate for casual meetings but it's also athletic wear that keeps you cool and has wicking technology. Golf shorts are great too because they look like standard casual shorts but again, there wicking and the material is gentle on the skin when riding. You're welcome City bicyclists!
I do not golf. Assuming the clothing is breathable and not 100% cotton?
@@sedricmalonejr I dont golf either... but golf cloths are comfortable (of course it's not cotton, it's what world class athletes were while playing 36 holes of golf in the sun in middle of the summer for 4 hours a day) athletic clothing that look business casual so it great for comfort and you can look good when not on your bike
I do not golf either🤪
Yep got some stretch fabric golf trousers from tk max, one for Tele ski on warm days, and one with elastic cuffs for the bike and running.
they look like black dress trousers or plain black trackies, they even have belt loops, the best thing is the they are really light, and the flexibility without the skin tight look. 🙂
Speaking of keeping cool, about the time I retired I started using a pith helmet instead of a bicycle helmet - a French imperialist style helmet that has a bit of webbing inside. I attached a regular helmet harness to it so it stays on, and also might provide a little protection in a fall. It's not ANSI approved; if there were one that had all those approvals I'd wear it, but there isn't one. The main purpose was for better sun protection than I was getting from sunblock (which still use). But my first post-retirement outings were in 90+ degree temperatures (Fahrenheit) and I was surprised at how much cooler it kept me. The helmet also made a whooshing noise that made it sound as though I was riding in a winter blizzard; I thought about possible ways to mitigate the sound, but then I found I didn't even notice it anymore. I have to replace the helmet every 2-3 years, because the metal rivets just don't stand up to the corrosion from sweat, and the interior webbing doesn't last, either, but that's OK. It's not aerodynamic, but that hardly ever matters for me. Once in a while on a fast downhill or in very windy conditions it's a slight problem, but then I just cinch up the straps tighter.
Other advantages: It's really dorky looking, and other bicyclers will pretend you don't exist when you're around them. Like you, I wear civilian clothes, but this just completes the effect.
Disadvantage: It's too bulky to take along when I travel by air with my folding bicycle. So I still use a regular helmet on some occasions.
Great video Russ. I have several Columbia shirts in varying weights. Check out the Silver Ridge shirt from them. They come in two weights and they're great for riding or fishing. A plus for me is they don't have the huge front pockets of some fishing shirts so they pass as casual shirts as well.
Never thought about what you both wear while riding. But really appreciate the great content you provide.
I have to fully agree. I have always been cycling. There was a small period of time I was suckered into lycra (bad fashion move). It wasn't long before I discovered how restricting wearing lycra was. The only people you impress are other lycra riders and my body shape wasn't going to do that. You can't wear lycra if you are more than 3 metres from your bike. You just look silly. I like to ride to places and eat. Not in lycra. The only part of your presentation I have to disagree with is your reference to "casual cyclists". You see, casual cyclists wear lycra. They only ride on week ends. People who ride for transport and lifestyle are not casual cyclist. It's what we do for lifestyle, so we wear lifestyle clothes. Great videos, keep up the great work.
Some good points, especially about casual cyclists. I wear all sorts when riding and ride for many reasons, however I don't wear lycra to impress anyone, I wear it because it's comfortable and fit for purpose. 😁
Proper cycling kit is such a put off to so many I love what you're doing here.
Hey man! Love the channel. Training to go on my first bike camping trip. Very inspiring.
Nice REI shirt! Your reasoning makes perfect sense. It's curious to me that people are so concerned with what you wear. You be you.
I mainly wear a loose fitting fluorescent jersey. Keeps me cool and visible. I started out using my bike as a vehicle to commute, and get groceries. I've never looked "pro" by any means. I wear whatever is most comfortable. Whether its skin tight, or loose casual stuff. Whatever you are comfortable in mate.
For summertime, but performing cycling shirt I've found are the long sleeve Wrangler "Pearl Snap" western shirts. The cheapest, all polyester ones that are woven as tight as medical gauze. Breathes nearly as well as shirtless. Keeps the sun off. And the pearl snaps make it far easier to button and unbutton the shirt while in the saddle. Especially as you are moving.
People are funny - dig your channel - a lot of cycling Jersey are so ugly it hurts my eyes - your plaid thing looks casual and comfortable - cheers, steve Aka The Talking Fly
Your points about wearing a lightweight long sleeved shirt holds true and I am in agreement. Added advantages are that mosquitoes, black flies, and sand flies etc, have a very difficult time stinging you! Due to looseness, stink of sweat is not as great as a jersey, either. A shirt can be more acceptable in public then a jersey as well. :)
Horray! I ride miles and miles in normal clothes. I too have found shirts in modern fabrics that pack tiny and aresuper comfortable and never need ironing! You are really sensible. Well done.
Honestly, when I first started watching this channel, you were in Portland, and I just assumed it was a PNW grunge thing and never thought about it again.
Same
Returning to biking after a five year hiatus. Ive been camping and backpacking and I already felt like an outsider wearing some of the 'hipster' clothes. Then I found my old bike jersey kit. I think I'll give wearing some of my hiking shirts a shot on my next ride, see if it's comfortable enough for bikepacking. Thanks for being so inclusive!
Wear what you want.
Have Fun !!!
Good Video.
Thank you
Whatever helps put and keep a smile on your face. Judging by your easy smile, it's working for you.
I wear both casual and lycra gear, depending on what I'm doing. Sun smart is a huge factor, either way you go (having had a mole turned melanoma removed and
a small chunk of leg steak from around it cut out, well over 5 years ago) - I want to be able to keep enjoying the physical and mental benefits of cycling.
When I started biking, I didn’t have cycling jerseys but I had shorts and short sleeve shirts and so on. But later in life, I have grown to and I have influenced myself into wearing bibs, bike shorts and bike jerseys. But in the winter, it's a different story because I would layer up with a jacket and a sweater with cycling pants. Each is their own on how you ride as long you ride safely and enjoyed doing it just like do. I do like offroading and long rides. I have gone from New York City to New Jersey on my bike for my first time in my life and I am Happy that I did. Peace!
Great video, right up my alley. Two things to add: Shirts like that which have rear venting are really nice for the summer. They're typically sold as "fishing" shirts. Second is that shirts that are primarily made of Nylon, to me breath better and are tougher against abrasions.
Nothing against dedicated biking gear - works great for me on day-rides. BUT - as someone with a bikepacking/touring focus, my first question these days is "will it work on-bike AND off-bike". Gravel-ish gear is great that way: proper shirts, hoodies, overshorts, non-SPD shoes... One set of kit!
I love quick-drying, loose clothes for exactly the same reasons, Russ. I would add that wool is excellent and typically more resistant to “funk” from sweating. It’s more expensive, but if I don’t have to throw it away because I can’t stand to wear it, it’s worth it. Some synthetics are better than others, too. I have a favorite shirt that can last days on camping trips...
I have some MAMIL kit that started gathering dust this year because I found out I can just ride normal clothes for most of my rides (mind blown!). When I go over 40 miles, I appreciate some well made shorts with a pad. It’s your bum. Whatever you do, treat it well.
I moved from PA to AZ and after the first summer of suffering some heat injury near misses, I learned that riding with a loose white long sleeved fishing shirt with sun reflective properties has kept me considerably cooler. Skin-clinging jerseys and sun sleeves felt horrid and did nothing to keep me cool. A slightly too big shirt buttoned with only a few of the buttons feels like I'm wearing nothing against my skin, all I feel on my skin is a breeze. And the coverage keeps me from dehydrating so quickly, besides allowing my skin to breath and sweat freely without being clogged with sun screen. Occasional soaking with water helps too! Also have tried wearing a white long sleeved linen shirt, but usually the synthetic is my fav. I am surprised to see so many in AZ "sticking" to the conventional jersey.
I know! I don’t know we get so much grief for not wearing jerseys but it is one of the most annoying reoccurring comments.
I too wear long sleeve button up shirts when I cycle to protect me from the sun per my dermatologist's orders. It is interesting that Danes and the Dutch, who arguably ride bikes the most, dress for where they are going and not for the cycling activity. Imagine if we were told we "need" to wear a NASCAR fire-proof suit, gloves, and helmet to drive to work and home! 8^)
After moving to Holland, I was amazed to see businessman in suits riding to work in the morning and couples going out on Friday night with dress shoes and heels. No barrier to cycling there. Just hop on the bike a go. I've now adopted that for short rides back in the US. Just ride any bike with any clothing that works for you.
Personally I tend to wear golf polos on the road. they breath almost as well as a jersey, and look a lot more... normal... off the bike. I can get them for like five bucks at the thrift store too.
When I do offroad, I wear longsleeve stuff a lot, and pants. 'cause my area there's a lot of trails but they aren't groomed or anything. There's tons of branches to scratch you, bugs, etc etc.
If I wear shorts and short sleeves riding the trails around here, its garuntee'd that I'll come back with a lot of scratches, and I usually get at least one bloody cut that would otherwise be a bruise. Tho that doesn't stop me at times
Lately I ride with no shirt at all.
I think it goes back to "wear what you want to wear." If you are comfortable you are going to have fun and ride more. Period. I got for the jersey, but keep mine the understated, no- logo variety. The one thing I'd say thought about evaporative cooling and clothing is that tight fitting clothing is not inherently a poorer performing system. It depends on the conditions and materials and even colors. My jersey's and arm sleeves make me feel cooler when I am moving because the material pulls the sweat off the skin and into the fabric where the wind evaporates it creating a cooling effect. This especially true in humid environments where sweat will simply pool and run off you having less evaporation than soaking into the large surface area of the synthetic material that doesn't want to hold onto the moisture. But, hey, again, its to each there own. Its about riding bikes. Ride on!
long sleeve t-shirt for me. Nice and s-t-r-et-c-h-y, absorbs sweat that cools me down while riding at 15mph, and you can get them in a variety of colors. Now if I could only find the old-style touring shorts with pockets . . . .
I have never worn bicycle-specific clothing. I ride every day, and have done tours on two continents, and I pretty much always just ride in "civilian" clothes. I don't even wear cycling shorts. In the summer I wear cotton. In winter I wear wool. Most days, I wear a flannel shirt or T shirt, khakis or walking shorts, and waterproof walking shoes. It's not very aero, but I'm not racing. I'm comfortable, always dry, and when I get off the bike and walk into a store or pub, I look like a regular person. (When you're touring, looking "normal" is a lot more important that some people might imagine...)
I like regular road kit. But I certainly wouldn't comment on what someone else wants to wear! What you wear makes perfect sense for what you do,
I am going to try wearing a long sleeve shirt. I get really hot in the Florida sunshine in my short-sleeve bike jerseys. I can't believe I have never thought of this simple idea before. Thanks for the great videos. I really enjoy them!!!!
Wear what ya want! Doesn’t matter what others think! I also wear shorts with pockets, because I am the club photographer and I shoot and ride with my Iphone. The shorts provide a pocket for me without getting the phone all wet and sweaty
I even ride in a Barbour wax jacket. Not on multi day tours, but on day trips, commuting,...
Reason number #1 why we dont wear "cyclist gear" - because we feel no need to pretend we're taking part in the Olympic Games. We have not got brainwashed by marketing tricks and brands and embassadors etc. Plus all the other stuff you mentioned ;-)
One big thing you miss here is pockets. If you're riding without big, accessible bike bags, back jersey pockets are the only comfy way to carry phone/wallet/food. It's one of the main reasons I wear jerseys on even slow casual rides. Plus, no amount of ventilation is going to make my sweat evaporate in the Midwestern humidity anyway.
there are lots of way to carry things... without having to put them in your pockets on your bike. tons of small bags out there. plenty comfy.
I do miss pockets, and although not the same, feedbags and toptube bags have been a handy substitute.
I've never got on with putting stuff in my rear pockets - it feels uncomfortable to me. I do often wear loose fitting jerseys, but for the wicking properties of the material (eg merino), rather than the design. I like wearing shirts like Russ's too.
There's a ton of brands that make shirts like what Russ wears with rear pockets and with sweat wicking features. Levis Commuter, Giro, Rapha, CBHB, Civic, Chrome, Mission Workshop, Outlier.. etc.
When you put things on your bike, they can get stolen when it's locked up. Every time you take a stop to get some food, you'd need to take your wallet and cellphone out of your bag. Plus in my opinion, bags don't look good. I'd much rather wear a jersey or for shorter rides a hip pouch is great.
I totally get it. I always wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when hiking and backpacking for the same reasons. I have several cycling jerseys and bibs, but I definitely rock liner shorts and hiking shirts for fun gravel days. I've found rock climbing pants are excellent for cool weather gravel days. Close fitting with lots of stretch
Agreed. I definitely wear whatever matches my mood and weather. Jerseys for cold morning, light weight shirts for when I wanna blend in and feel the breeze
Love your work. Wear whatever you like, you never have to justify yourself to others.
I’m with you. My wife and I have been riding gravel and touring for over ten years since we discovered the dirt roads in Vermont and the carriage trails in Acadia on an extended summer trip. As a commuter and I would say adventure rider the spandex cycling kit has always been problematic. I wear real similar kit to what you spoke to for the same reasons, sun protection, cooling and comfort and practicality. In traditional cycling kit that’s about all you’re geared up to do, cycle. Where as I ride with big platform pedals on my Surly LHT and use Salewa approach shoes so that as we ride we can stop, hike, shop, explore, do what ever and not be stuck in what feels like a clinger plastic bag. Don’t get me started on cycling shoes. If your game is speed then go with that traditional kit but really if you are looking for a different way then wear what gets you doing the things you love doing. Good luck, keep pedaling.
Russ, I like your shirts. I wear hiking shirts when I hike and cycling jerseys when I ride (except when running errands). I might just weare a hiking shirt on my next club ride and see how it goes. People have to stop judging others.
If you want a demonstration of evaporative cooling. Put a sock on your water bottle and dowse it in water.
Twice in the last week I've gone on rides wearing a checked (plaid) shirt and I'm definitely blaming Russ's influence! ;-) I did two short-ish rides with my wife (60-70 km), cafe stops were a possibility, picnic stops were a certainty, and on one of the rides we were riding to a Henry Moore exhibition, so I thought I'd forego my usual choice of a retro team jersey (I think I've bought about 9 in recent months) and try an actual shirt instead. It all worked out fine. I still wore bib shorts though. And clippy shoes. So a bit of a mixed look. Actually, it was slightly hipster-looking, but I'm 50, and if you can't be a hipster at 40 then you probably can't be one at 50.
Wear what you like. Ride what you like (I'm currently rocking a flat bar with clip on aero-bars, and it works for me, so hey!).
I wear a mix of baggie mtb shorts/ board shorts or joggers with Pearl Izumu liners under and on top either a button up like you mentioned or a Fox motocross jersey.
I have a mountain of cycling shirts I have bought and hated wearing and now I know why. I wish you had shared your wisdom much earlier in my life.
Rode cotton t shirts for years including a 4500 mile over the summer trip with cut off shorts. I now wear jerseys and I MUCH prefer them as they evaporate the sweat and the pockets are very useful. They also cover my back and I have no problem exposing my arms to the sun, probably because I have very hairy arms. Jerseys are not that expensive without team logos or graphics and they last a long time. I do agree cycling clothing tends to irritate a certain segment of the population and it always makes you stand out. I am considering buying less form fitting cycling clothing to blend in better. To be honest I don't look good at all in tight clothing anyway.
That’s what I wear for the most part. I’ve only worn a jersey 3 times in 10 years during a ride and those were during a MS ride. And I really didn’t feel comfortable in them, but they were MS jerseys for that event and I thought they looked neat. I don’t really have the best body to be showing off in a tight shirt. The rest of the time I’m wearing an old Novara button up long sleeve that has reflected thread stitched in, or just a T-shirt. It even has pockets built in the back, but I don’t use them as I usually have a backpack with me with my stuff. It just gets too hot and muggy in south Texas for me to ride with a long sleeve. I always wear mtn bike shorts because I like having pockets. I don’t look out of place if I need to go into a store while riding around. I also just use flat pedals and an old pair of light trail runner shoes. I’ve never really got into the full cycling clothing thing. Perhaps if I got into racing, I would try those things though. Riding to me is just commuting or stress relief. I’ve never been called a hippie (and probably never will).
Just ride. Wear what’s comfortable. Like the attitude of this channel
I like to cycle in a shirt and at 50 definitely not a hipster, just like to be comfortable. 👌
Sorry to say, Russ, but at this point, I think all the hipsters are like 40. 8 )
My favorite shorts for touring are J&G touring shorts (unfortunately looks like they are slowly going out of business). They are black baggy shorts with hand pockets and a minimal fleece pad, worn with thin synthetic boxer shorts underneath, both comfy and cool.
I don't really get the mountain bike shorts thing for touring, where you basically have on a pair of lycra bike shorts and another pair of shorts over them, just too damn bulky and hot.
You can get loose fitting touring style bike shirts at REI. Not too conspicuous and you still get the pocket in the back. But, like you, I prefer a loose fitting long sleeve shirt. I feel less gooey and fried at the end of the day. My most recent choice was a gray, synthetic, long sleeve athletic style jersey. Nice and cool and didn't show dirt on a long bikepacking tour. Recently purchased a red, long sleeve Smart Wool merino jersey, been trying that out and happy so far. Merino is great under a rain jacket in crappy changing weather. Neither of these shirts have collars, but I just throw on a bandana around my neck for sun protection, an additional style statement, especially in the West.
I ride in both types, jerseys & sometimes performance sleeveless T's...but my shorts are always cycling specific with the chamois pad. I also no longer clip in, I instead wear Five tens with flat pedals on all of my bikes. It's what works for me.
I don’t wear cycling kit, but I kinda think the one advantage they have is the back pockets - they just look so damn convenient!
YES!
That's it, I absolutely love those damn pockets, they're extremely useful!
On the other hand it makes me look extremely ridiculous once I'm off the bike...
I wear a polo shirt and cut off jeans myself. What I find comical is that the people least likely to say hello, smile or acknowledge you when you cross or pass them cycling are the ones wearing technical cycle clothing. But the true sin of sins for the "real cyclist" is the fact I wear Birkenstock sandals or fleece-lined crocs with platform pedals. I can't tell you how often I've been lectured about that.
This is in Italy btw, where how you dress for an activity is taken very seriously indeed.
Grant Peterson's take on this was really influential on me. And like you, I find that a loose shirt that flaps in the breeze gives a lot more evaporative cooling
Yeah. Use to own several of their seersuckers when they sold them back in the day.
@@PathLessPedaledTV nice! I use Eddie Bauer seersuckers because they have tall sizes that aren't big-n-tall (I'm 6'5")
You hit the nail on the head. Cycling today seems to be all about aero, weight, speed and time. Doesn't anyone just ride anymore? All I want to do is go for a ride. As for clothing, I wear padded mountain bike shorts on my road bike. For shirts, I get dry wicking shirts from Wal-Mart. They keep me dry and cool. Can't beat them for less than $10 each. The pack very small too. I'm going to check into the REI shirt you use. I use arm covers during the summer, a hiking shirt might be better for me. Keep up the great work.
I’m with your crew broski. I’m a sandals, t-shirt kinda dude. Awesome channel.
Can’t stand padded nappy bike shorts, I used to wear one, then I found I wore it less and less, you get tougher, and find a good saddle, then you can do 1000km tours, in a pair of normal shorts.
Merino T shirts, look normals? And Perform well, I’ve seen friends wearing cotton dress or business shirts, get them from your local thrift or opshop in Australia, will hopefully be riding next summer and try this out, I think it will work well, do not like synthetic materials next to the skin on my upper body.
I’m a long sleeve cyclist and I’ll go one step further and say the day I gave up clips was the happiest cycling day of my life...
Great info.. helps the budget.. Thrift Stores.. love the idea.. I am getting tired of putting sunscreen on.. I might do a similar story.. I am starting a series on “BikePacking on a Budget” love your content..
The farmers secret is revealed. My grandfather was a farmer all his life and he always wore long sleeve shirts, including in 100+ degree weather. Simply because his sweat kept him cooler while being protected from the sun.
I wear my long sleeved, button up, hiking shirts for around town and out on the gravel on my bikes. It is a mix of Columbia, REI and off brand Peoples Factory 13. I have two Lycra jerseys I bought years ago from the REi bargain bin but I can't wear them. I am very sun-sensitive, upper body and head, so I almost always covered up. And I like a size up snow board pant for winter riding in Wyoming and not tights. The only thing tight is much chamois shorts under it all. DISCLAIMER: I could not wear tight tee shirts in the oil field, West Texas to North Dakota when I was much younger; open breezy shirt and looser bibs or industrial jeans.
Great points. I would say let the "racer only" crowd have DK if they want to be snooty. It seems like that isn't the intent of the organizers, but it seems to be out of their hands at this point. I wanted to try the DK100 last year, but the lottery prevented me from that even. To me there are many other great rides to do without the hassle and expense.
i ride with a band tshirt thats not baggy or too tight, a pair of athletic long shorts, and calf high chucks.
i like being able to mostly blend in as a none cyclist yet not be hampered by my normal strret cloths. the tees and shoes are street so if i just pack pants i can easily change if needed.
My bike clothing mantra is 'loosey goosey rules the roosty.' I don't even wear undies, which leads to occasional public indecency when my kaftan gets caught in the chain. Still, mustn't blub.
Yeah, I was never a fan of typical "cycling wear". I dont find them comfortable and not very practical for me. I usually just wear normal shorts, maybe with cycling underwear if I do longer trips. I often wear a long sleeve, because I get sunburn very fast.
I’ve been touring in Europe since early June. I don’t wear “cycling” clothes at all. I spend close to half the day riding, the rest of the day is off the bike. I felt I needed to make a choice between the hard core bike rider look and just blending in. When touring and are compelled to keep the weight down, you have to make choices. If you make a practical choice, its not difficult to get clothing thats really rider functional but does not scream “I’m the guy on the bike’.
Normally when I go to take my bicycle for a ride I basically wear whatever I am currently wearing unless its raining or winter than I add a coat or rain coat.
Oh and my helmet and safety vest.
When I get to wherever I am going I lock helmet and vest to bicycle and go about my day. BTW I am not a racer I am a person who likes to ride my bicycle to do tbings.
Just finding this video - even if it is 4 years old - still relevant. Do what the hell you like. Bike riding is for fun. I am now 51 years old and have more fun and actually "play" more than I did years ago when I was wearing a "kit." Go cotton, go wool, and keep the petroleum products off of your body. Life isn't a race - don't dress like it is. Have the time of your life, people!
I too wear long sleeve quick-dry shirts while cycling for the same reasons. The other great thing is they are just as good off the bike too.
Given that I haven't worn any bike-specific clothing for commuting for about 7 years, no, I'm not surprised to see you guys in long-sleeve shirts. In fact, I wear a dressier version of it due to the dress code at my office. Yes, long-sleeve shirts year-round, even in summer. They work better for me for all of the reasons that you described. I do have a couple of bike jerseys now as I've started getting into charity rides and, for some of them, a jersey is part of rider swag. I use those jerseys on charity rides and that's it.
Even as a former bike racer I know there is a difference between what clothing works best for cycling in Missoula, and what works best in LA or the Tour de France. But, I would really miss the rear pockets. :)
I agree with Anne Smith (previous comment).
You be you!
I ride in merino t-shirt. They dry fast and don't retain body odor and they are light as well. They are quite expensive but they're worth the price :)
Merino wool sweaters when its below 60° and then layer. Im talking the JoS merino wool traveler type sweater. Business casual or casual on a ride. Summertime, has got to be basketball shorts! Longer rides when the sweat isn't trapped on the bum and cheaper than MTB stuff!
Its so funny what people get hung up on, my cycling clothing just depends on what kind of cycling I am doing, usually t-shirt and shorts with bibs underneath on my mountain bike, shorts and a flannel on my touring bike and traditional bike gear on my road bike. Hipster! lol.
Glad I watched this video, I'll try a shirt like that next time I ride. It's so true what you say about how getting hit directly by the sun just makes you feel like you're getting roasted and drying out.
Believe it or not I never really noticed this. Personally I'd love to wear something like this more often but unfortunately I tend to sweat a lot with normal clothing and dry fit clothing is the only way for me to actually stay dry. On or off the bike.
I can't understand how people could be that concerned with what you're wearing while cycling... But I do agree with everything you said. I wear those shirts when bikepacking and they are awesome!
Coming into bikepacking from a commuting and cyclocross background, I actually find the whole hiking shirt thing (and the corresponding choice of normal bibs, MTB shorts or something else) to be the intimidating factor - especially when I see trip photos from my local bikepacking focused shop in Melbourne, and everyone is in a plaid shirt of some form!
It’s just a shirt. You’ll do fine.
I'm in a very similar boat... I usually just wear the sub $10 walmart synthetic quick drying t-shirts and a pair of comfortable shorts (usually from one rack over lol. I did just get some cycling shorts, but they just go under whatever comfortable shorts i'm wearing.
Apart of me really enjoys not looking the part, in the traditional sense (no Lycra, bib, etc) but the more I collect cycling specific attire, the more I get it. Sometimes it’s just plain functional.
Though I’d still rather not look the part :)
Great, I was looking for more ideas for cycling clothing, thanks! I usually wear tee shirts with bike shorts and have only owned 1 jursy. That style of shirt would be great for commuting to work.
Thanks for hint. I tried it yesterday during a 30C ride. Actually I forgot that I have a couple of these types of shirts. I have to agree it was much cooler then a tighter fitting t-shirt (I do not like the super tight cycle shirts with the pockets in the back). Bicycle touring it is not a race so this makes a different fashion statement. BTW I also do not wear clipless biking shoes. Thanks…
Ride in what makes you comfortable. When I ride my "full on" race bike (although I don't personally race I do love to ride in a performance style), it's full lycra kit. When I pull out the mid "80"s Peugeot gravel/touring/commuter it's baggies and t-shirt/flannel. Point being, wear what is bike/ride activity appropriate or whatever makes you happy and don't worry about the others! "Haters gonna hate".....as they say :)
I wear normal clothes when I commute(up to 40-50 miles). If I'm going out for the sole purpose of riding, I bust out the padded shorts and jersey top. Having jersey pockets is nice, but if I had a bar bag, pockets might not be a deal breaker for me.
I personally like the lycra. If fitted well (as a small dude thats always a challenge with normal clothes) I find that bib shorts get in the way so much less. I actually feel that they are BETTER for mountain biking than baggies. I catch my baggies on the nose of my saddle all the time. As far as shirts go, i like a good jersey. The full zip on what would be a technical t-shirt is nice. I also hate it when baggie clothes flap in the wind.
The problem with all of it though, not proper street clothes. As a commuter, it simply doesn’t make sense for me to carry 2 changes of clothes while riding. Therefore i look for well Ath-leisure clothes that are still pretty well fitted. The property kit gets set aside for pleasure rides. If it was more acceptable, I might be in lycra shorts every day.
You’re definitely more welcome in a coffee shop or food deli in civilian attire, as lycra is ghastly to look at.
Bib shorts are very practical clothing nonetheless but easy to cover up with track or sweat pants.
Never tried this but I will now. I have a lot of arm hair so sunscreen is a huge mess for me. I don't know why I didn't think of this! Oh right, because I mindlessly wore "the uniform".
As much as I like the design of some jerseys, I also think there's nothing uglier than a pack of cyclists in jerseys and shorts. Also, it does put a message out, "you can't ride a bike without the uniform".
Logical points all around. As a NYC daily commuter weather can be...fickle. During the summer I wear a cycling jersey and simple Chrome Industries shorts, Winter its jeans and jacket, sweatshirt, etc. Its not a race so I don't see a need to wear a full kit. To each their own.
Wear what you like. Solid advice. Merino is my favorite material ever. Cotton just kills me.