Touring - cycling clothing for tour

Well, I've got everything I need for my tour, just about. I just need to pick up some shorts and jerseys. There are so many options, i was just curious what kind of clothing all of you ride in.

i was also looking at the clothes that said they were made for mountain biking. they look a little more loose fitting, and like they might fit in better when i'm not riding my bike and just walking around. does anyone have any thoughts on those sorts of clothing?

I like plain stuff myself. I got some Castelli jerseys at Mountain Equipment Co-op in Canada and they are plain navy and they weigh next to nothing. I am really pleased with them.

Where are you touring?

I like plain stuff myself. I got some Castelli jerseys at Mountain Equipment Co-op in Canada and they are plain navy and they weigh next to nothing. I am really pleased with them.

Where are you touring?

europe, for as long as my bank account will last me.

What fun! And, it will be warm then! :) You will want stuff that breathes well, washes up in the sink and dries quickly.

Depending on where you live, there may be a good selection around. I just washed my Castelli jersey and it dried in no time flat, so I would recommend it for your trip. I would take a set of arm warmers for cool mornings. Maybe a (long-sleeved) merino wool sweater for the evenings and cool days?

It's only just warmed up here, so I haven't quite gotten out of winter-warmth mode myself.

Where are you starting your tour?

What fun! And, it will be warm then! :) You will want stuff that breathes well, washes up in the sink and dries quickly.

Depending on where you live, there may be a good selection around. I just washed my Castelli jersey and it dried in no time flat, so I would recommend it for your trip. I would take a set of arm warmers for cool mornings. Maybe a (long-sleeved) merino wool sweater for the evenings and cool days?

It's only just warmed up here, so I haven't quite gotten out of winter-warmth mode myself.

Where are you starting your tour?

i'm in minnesota, right near the third largest REI in the country. it seems like they've got a lot of stuff. also there are a few very nice bike shops around.

I'm starting my tour in aberdeen, scotland. i got a 1-way ticket and plan on getting a 1-way back when i figure out where and when my tour's going to end :D

For me, the plainer the better. For warm weather, I go with a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and cotton quarter socks. I usually wear mountain [baggy] shorts, but lately have been wearing plain old cargo shorts without much problem. Have fun.

Just a side note about your trip: When you land an go through immigration they will require an address. At least put the address of the first place you plan to spend the night. It'll cut down on hassle. Also, tourist visas (the stamp on your passport) are generally good for six months. So only admit to planning on something less than that. Lastly, make no mention of going until you're broke. Officials like to know you won't become their problem with no way home. Waving a platinum grade credit card usually solves that question. Just my experience.

If you're touring, the main thing is to stay comfortable and clean on the bike. Bring at least 2 pairs of shorts and whatever shirts you like, and keep 'em clean. I currently prefer bib shorts and plain wicking shirts like these, (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20499&estore_ID=115) you look a little less bikey when walking around. You can skimp on the shirts but don't cheap out on the shorts.

My understanding is that mountain bikers tend to spend lots of time out of the saddle, so I'd think mountain shorts are unlikely to feel good after 25-30 miles in the saddle.

If you want to cover up the spandex whilst wandering around and/or going into respectable places, I recommend you get a couple of pairs of Thai "fisherman's pants." (http://www.bolinat.com/product_max.asp?id=487) They look decent, one size fits all, they roll up small, and they're very easy to pull on without removing your shoes. Of course it's beach-wear, but only young Brits and Germans who've been to Thailand will know that. :D

Forget about MTB shorts. Get some lightweight nylon shorts (running, soccer, swimtrunk with mesh removed) and wear them over plain cycling shorts. It's just as comfortable and you can use them over many cycling shorts or on their own. I wear bike shorts only when cycling but keep a pair of black nylon shorts in a mesh pocket. For the top, I wear synthtic t-shirts. I'll probably add wool t-shirts because synthetic stinks.

Just a side note about your trip: When you land an go through immigration they will require an address. At least put the address of the first place you plan to spend the night. It'll cut down on hassle. Also, tourist visas (the stamp on your passport) are generally good for six months. So only admit to planning on something less than that. Lastly, make no mention of going until you're broke. Officials like to know you won't become their problem with no way home. Waving a platinum grade credit card usually solves that question. Just my experience.

in all my travels to europe, i've never had to give an address for where i'll be while there... thanks for the tip. and i expect my money to run out right around 6 months, so that's perfect.

If you are in Europe and are over the age of 25 - you really should consider some convertible pants. Most Europeans consider wearing of shorts by adults - especially in restaurants and DEFINITELY in cathedrals - to be tasteless. There are plenty of lightweight convertibles - plus they can double as rain pants. Also - consider one long jersey. If you get too much sun, it can be the difference between sunstroke and continuing your tour.

in all my travels to europe, i've never had to give an address for where i'll be while there... thanks for the tip. and i expect my money to run out right around 6 months, so that's perfect.

It's part of the U.K. landing card. Thereafter all the inns had a government card asking for your next destination. I kept a photocopy of my passport for the innkeepers to use for their registration so I wouldn't need to give mine up for any length of time. Also, in the hinterlands of Europe it seemed the ATM's reliably ran out of money by noon on Fridays and weren't replenished until Mondays. This applied in Inverness, Scotland last fall. :eek:

I'd definately go with wool clothing vs. synthetics and I'd perhaps skip the jersey look for some plain wool t-shirts just so you don't look odd for going out at night, that sort of thing. Wool will stink less and hold up much better. Synthetics only value is they dry faster when wet.