Touring - touring specific clothing

guess this is aimed at the men folk. curious as to what clothing gear you find most comfortable to ware when on tour.
my self i ware the bib shorts and cycling jersey but to be honest i would much rather ware casual cloths but cycling specific if theres such a thing ;)
has anyone got a link as to where i could see this type of clothing .
jerseys
pants
shorts not baggies slim fitting.:thumb:

on my last weekender i was not wearing a cycling jersey, just a wool t-shirt and cycling shorts, and at camp I found myself wanting pockets to put stuff as i set about getting camp ready. I usually wear a cycling jersey but don't like keeping valuables there during the days' ride - too likely to misplace or otherwise loose something, but for chapstick, gu packets, and then around camp, a cycling jersey can't be beat.

I also like loose fitting shirts with a zipper front pocket for touring as well. I wear a cycling vest on tour most times on the road, but its high viz and i like to drop it once in camp to go low profile.

I've never found the right casual cycling short for comfort for all day in the saddle, but i'm sure others have good experiences. I bring pullover loose fitting shorts for apres velo.

I'm a woman, but these are my cycletouring clothes:

Cycling-specific:
Cycling shorts
Leg warmers
Plain short-sleeved jersey
Helmet
Gloves
Cycling shoes
Cycling vest
Cycling jacket

Not Cycling-Specific:
Plain wicking T-shirt
Plain long-sleeved merino wool top
Black fleece jacket
Convertable pants
Baseball shorts

I especially like the plain wicking T-shirts because I can wear them while cycling and still hop onto a train or go into a cafe and look relatively normal.

When I know my day is going to be a mix of activities, rather than cycling all day, I like to wear the convertable pants or basketball shorts over my cycling shorts, so again, I look relatively normal.

I get these things from places like:

Anaconda
Decathlon
MEC
Sierra Trading Post

You should have a Decathlon somewhere close to your area. It's French, but I know there are some in the UK too.

thanks folks ,yeah i do feel like i'm sticking out with a sore thumb when i need to go shopping wearing my bib shorts.i recently bough a great pair of mountain bike shorts but there a bit on the baggie side for me ,i'm just to small for baggies lol.
anyway folks keep it coming there's always someone out there with the perfect set up .

For short rides <40 miles I typically wear street clothes. For longer rides or day after day I will wear semi baggy MTB type padded shorts. Shirts are usually whatever is comfortable for the season, but usually something along the line of the Columbia PFG with the vented back and long sleeves that can be rolled up. Wool is the go to in colder weather.

Aaron :)

I often cycle in extreme heat and, as I have so far found nothing "cycling-specific" that suits me, I'm starting to think outside the box on this. I've observed that here in the Latin world the old timers never venture out on a hot day without a panama hat, lightweight trousers and a guayabera shirt.

Much to the chagrin of my esposa, who considers this type of raiment suitable only for viejitos like the gentleman pictured below, I see a white, linen guayabera in my future! Love those big pockets (suitable for a Cohiba or two) and the loose fit!

http://www.wbez.org/sites/default/files/archives/blogs//fidelguaya-197x300.jpg

I prefer street shorts with lots of pockets. I picked up a pair of gel inner shorts at REI an they work well under anything. the comfort of the gel padding combined with the utility of street shorts is the perfect combination for me.

I cut a pair of thin wool slacks into shorts and they are nice for all kinds of activities. Some trousers are made of really fine wool that isn't itchy so use those kind, I can usually get 'em at the thrift store for less than 10$ a pair usually... I usually get charcoal grey slacks for cycling, very versatile colourl. I also take out all the pockets and sew them shut. Wear them with a cycling shirt or any other non-cotton shirt. I've thought about sewing a chamois into them but haven't really had a need to do that. Easy to wear cycling shorts underneath too since the pockets are gone. If you pack long wool socks they are good in the cool weather too.

tl;dr google "DIY cycling knickers"

thanks folks ,yeah i do feel like i'm sticking out with a sore thumb when i need to go shopping wearing my bib shorts.

Me, too. As a result, I keep a pair of "normal" shorts packed on the top of my load. When I stop, it only takes a half-minute to pull them out and slip them on over my bibs. Mine have a relatively wide leg, so I don't have to remove my shoes to pull them on. Best of both worlds, in my opinion...

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/products/

This is my source of cycling clothing that can double as streetwear.

On my N Euro tour I wore merino T shirt with a cycling jersey or long sleeved jersey on top.
Cycling shorts sometimes with polyester gym shorts on top for pockets, reduce wear on the lycra and for a better look in town.
I sometimes do the lycra cycling thing, somtimes not

Just picked up two more wicking T-shirts, and two more polypro long-sleeved tops, from Anaconda. All of those could be worn both on and off the bicycle.

I cut a pair of thin wool slacks into shorts and they are nice for all kinds of activities. Some trousers are made of really fine wool that isn't itchy so use those kind, I can usually get 'em at the thrift store for less than 10$ a pair usually... I usually get charcoal grey slacks for cycling, very versatile colourl. I also take out all the pockets and sew them shut. Wear them with a cycling shirt or any other non-cotton shirt. I've thought about sewing a chamois into them but haven't really had a need to do that. Easy to wear cycling shorts underneath too since the pockets are gone. If you pack long wool socks they are good in the cool weather too.

tl;dr google "DIY cycling knickers"
Why would you do this? Pockets are one of the nicest things about non-cycling pants.
Speaking of pockets, I like ultra light, quick-dry nylon cargo shorts. They're cool, comfortable, easy to keep clean, and can also serve as street clothes, hiking shorts or swimwear. Wear with padded liner shorts if you have a tender bum. Unpadded downhill MTB shorts are practical, too, if a bit big and baggy.

Tweed goes with barcons and Brooks saddles the best. :)

Riv-Bike folks are into normal looking riding clothes.

Consider Baggy MTB shorts for the pockets, and some padded liner shorts
or just the lycra stuff , to wear under them, get several to wash clean and dry in sequence.

cooler weather put on something longer under the Baggys

and then of course with rain over-trousers , you just omit the outer shorts,
and wear the other stuff under that. bike shorts and long underwear.

Ain't really nothing magical or mysterious or expensive about clothing for a bicycle tour. In warm weather, padded lycra shorts and a synthetic t work great. I throw on a pair of swim trunks for their pockets and to 'fit in' a bit better with the non-cycling public. Winter, thermal layers and windbreakers as needed.

Raingear is a challenge. If you go for 'breathable' you'll be cool and damp from rain water. If for truly waterproof, you'll be hot and damp from sweat. Pick one.

Why would you do this? Pockets are one of the nicest things about non-cycling pants.

I've never liked having stuff in my pockets and especially not when I'm riding... and they just get in the way if they never used.

I use baggy MTB shorts or regular shorts with liners, wicking T shirts from REI, and I carry a waist pack and put everything in one place instead of trying to remember which pocket has what.

Rapha 3/4 knickers are great for touring. http://www.rapha.cc/3or4-shorts

Hard waring material, a bit of padding and lots of pockets. They are expensive and look a bit "hipster" in the ads, but they are the best think I've found for riding in a range of weather that is also respectable in a restaurant. Smartwool or sportwool jersey on top.

I like groundeffect stuff too. There Tardis bike bag is excellent!

When it's warmer, I favor searsucker shirts. They're SUPPOSED to look wrinkled, they're cool, and mine all have buttoned pockets. My favorites are made by Patagonia, and they've all been purchased at a nearby Patagonia outlet's annual sale, when the prices descend to reasonable heights. Shorts: More than 40 miles, Andiamos (Thin, padded, cycling shorts designed to be worn under other shorts, and whatever loose, comfortable shorts I have at hand. I find mountain bike shorts to be a bit hot, but the andiamos breathe well and work fine with whatever outer shorts suit you. As it gets colder, I switch to a merino long-sleeve jersey, a bit on the large size, and if it's really cold, real bike shorts with a looser pair of tights (I think they're called "Cafe Pants."

Bib shorts and cycling jerseys if I'm not done riding for the day. I don't care that somebody else thinks I'm nuts because I rode a bike here, why should I care what they think of my clothes?

After I'm done, though, I'll get out of those and clean up as well and quickly as possible. Then into a t-shirt (some sort of poly), and baggy shorts or convertible nylon pant. But it's still for my own comfort and convenience.

Rapha 3/4 knickers are great for touring. http://www.rapha.cc/3or4-shorts

Hard waring material, a bit of padding and lots of pockets. They are expensive and look a bit "hipster" in the ads, but they are the best think I've found for riding in a range of weather that is also respectable in a restaurant. Smartwool or sportwool jersey on top.

+1
I use Rapha's touring shorts over a pair of old Performance Ultra bike shorts and a merino wool t-shirt. This combo works well on and off the bike as I use regular sneakers and flat pedals. When I get to camp I switch the bike shorts for regular undies. The Rapha shorts aren't baggy and they're perfect to use as regular shorts and even swim trunks.

Bib shorts and cycling jerseys if I'm not done riding for the day. I don't care that somebody else thinks I'm nuts because I rode a bike here, why should I care what they think of my clothes?

After I'm done, though, I'll get out of those and clean up as well and quickly as possible. Then into a t-shirt (some sort of poly), and baggy shorts or convertible nylon pant. But it's still for my own comfort and convenience.
this is my exact set up as well , but going through town's /city's i would rather be dressed in casual like cloths .these days I'm afraid I'm a bit on the stocky side of life lol. i used to be a ten stone whippet but not any more. and cloths are not really designed for the stocky cyclist.
yeah yeah i know loose the weight get skinny again believe me i've tried that route but not easy when your in your 50's ,anyway folks keep it coming thanks so far.

Bib and jersey for anything over 10 miles, and I keep a small pair of mesh shorts in an easily accessible pocket for walking around.

Some people are fine wearing whatever for 100 miles plus. But, I hate loose clothes flapping in the wind, restrictive shorts, and am so used to wearing bike shorts/bib that not wear feels super weird. I kinda feel like a tool at times, especially rolling up to some hipster/hippie doods in jean cut offs and a cotten tees, but whateves, my boys feels comfy in lycra/spandex.

My husband brought only one pair of mountain bike shorts but 2 liners on our TransAm. Endura Humvee Lite shorts, they're light grey and very lightweight, comfortable, lots of pockets, look so much like normal shorts that he wore them golfing the other day. He also has a heavier light Army green pair of Humvees but they're much heavier so he left them home and just brought their snap-in liner to use with the grey ones. If it's a cold day, just wear the liners under pants. You could wear the liners alone but he hates that look and rarely did. Even tho they're light colored, they held up extremely well and never needed a handwash between laundry days.

Unable to post a pic using my ipad but here's links to pix of the Humvees:

http://bicyclelife.topicwise.com/doc/page/pic/?pic_id=1042316

http://bicyclelife.topicwise.com/doc/page/pic/?pic_id=1035348

Suzanne
Yuma, AZ

thanks suzanne just been looking at all those great pics on your thread .
yeah those shorts look great but your good looking husband is much taller and slimmer than i. lol.

He's ~ 5'9", 170# and those are size Large.

I have found a regular golf or tennis shirt as comfortable as any bike "kit." Look at Rivendell's pants and shorts. I just tried them this year and really,really like them. Look at these pants (http://simplecycle-marc.blogspot.com/2011/07/pants-of-interest-for-cyclo-touring.html?showComment=1316941947340#c4172029312721353320)put out by the Boy Scouts, they are really comfortable and incredibly versitile outdoorwear.

Marc

MARC thanks for that these look good have you a link by any chance thanks.

Cotton shirts in the summer,wool in the winter,Dickies type work pants and leather Vans skate shoes.Pants and shirts from places like Goodwill for a couple bucks.

Have to wear regular pants,what would I do with my money,keys and wallet?

MARC thanks for that these look good have you a link by any chance thanks.

Look at scout shop.org under venturing uniforms.

Marc

Have to wear regular pants,what would I do with my money,keys and wallet?
That was probably a rhetorical question, but I'll answer any way...

Keys? Why would you need keys on tour? I usually leave all keys home, but if I took them they could just as well be packed away somewhere because I won't be needing them on tour.

Wallet, I don't take that either. The only wallet type stuff I usually take is a drivers license, a credit card, a debit card, a health insurance card, and some cash. They go in my little camera bag along with my phone. I used to carry them in a little heavy duty zip lock in a jersey pocket but switched to the camera bag.

thanks Marc much appreciated.

I've never looked good in spandex. Even for races, I put on a pair of loose shorts over my padded cycling shorts (liners). I found a brand/style of pants and shorts that has worked very well for me: REI's Adventures. I wear the pants now as a virtual uniform. (I don't like having to think about what to wear in the morning, so I'll buy six pair of the same pants just to avoid having to make a decision.) Both the pants and shorts have a gusseted crotch and provide plenty of movement. With padded liners, I haven't had any hot spots from the seams. They have well-concealed cargo pockets that zip closed. The rear pockets also zip closed. They are quick-drying nylon. And they have normal belt loops. (I dislike those shorts with the little built-in belts.)

Here is a link to the pants:
http://www.rei.com/product/784060/rei-adventures-pants-mens-32-inseam

They also have shorts and convertible pants.

I often cycle in extreme heat and, as I have so far found nothing "cycling-specific" that suits me, I'm starting to think outside the box on this. I've observed that here in the Latin world the old timers never venture out on a hot day without a panama hat, lightweight trousers and a guayabera shirt.

Much to the chagrin of my esposa, who considers this type of raiment suitable only for viejitos like the gentleman pictured below, I see a white, linen guayabera in my future! Love those big pockets (suitable for a Cohiba or two) and the loose fit!


you know, I suspect that in really hot stuff, a shirt like this would work well for the sun.

you do realize however that there is a risk that you will be overcome by the desire to embark into 5, 6, 7 or 8 hour diatribes on a podium, while the minions infront of you dont dare leave or risk being put in jail....oh wait, maybe the shirt wont cause that....but you never know

cuidate maje

I know I'm in the minority, but I ride in cheap cotton t-shirts with the arms cut off...

Yellow ones make me feel like a TdF leader! :D

222957

looking good there imi but im not the same shape as you i probable was at one time lol ah memories. love the guitar set up but a lot of extra weight .i bought a lovely yamaha ll16 last year but sorry to say its gathering dust these days.

Endura Humvee shorts nice and stylish but great to cycle in with all the pockets you could want and a pop in liner with padding.

cragg hoppers shirts and a Tilley hat.

i actually bought a great pair of touring specific shorts from a company in the uk Corrine Dennis very good quality cloths, i seen on her website a great pair of touring trousers that looked ideal but unfortunately she doesn't have my size , i emailed her to find out if she can make me a custom pair, well no harm in asking.
my problem i'm small and about 2 stone overweight other than that i'm a very handsome man lol.

T-shirt and Shorts with Skate shoes =D... Just wear anything you like

Cotton shirts in the summer

You must not sweat. The last time I wore a cotton shirt, it was drenched in sweat after the first hour of riding and took forever to dry out. A miserable experience for sure...

indeedee

Correct,I had all of my sweat glands surgically removed.......except the ones in my ears......I'm now like an elephant......I just flap my ears to cool off.

Correct,I had all of my sweat glands surgically removed.......except the ones in my ears......I'm now like an elephant......I just flap my ears to cool off.

brilliant post you made me laugh.

and he pants too a lot, quite a sight apparently, but quite posh looking in his impeccable shirts (not to mention, not smelling like the Thames as the rest of us do)

edit, how much do the ears reduce your aero?

;-)

wool.

Inexpensive nylon-type shirt that wicks moisture, similar gym shorts, and ExOfficio boxer briefs. Fast drying, loose fitting, easy to maintain.

looking good there imi but im not the same shape as you i probable was at one time lol ah memories. love the guitar set up but a lot of extra weight .i bought a lovely yamaha ll16 last year but sorry to say its gathering dust these days.

Cheers anto! Yeah, the guitar and hardcase weigh in at just under 6 kg. I just reckon it gives me stronger legs :D
I've been testing carrying a 3/4 size guitar, they pop into a pannier on one side, but without a hardcase, if the bike falls over it's new guitar time.
Another version is strapping an unprotected guitar flat on top of the rack with the head pointing backwards.

Those Yamahas are sweet looking guitars :)

edit: oops, sorry, bit off topic there.

imi why not a trailer .