Commuting - shorts and t-shirt, or tights?

Why do people where tights, why aren't they comfy enough in just shorts and a t-shirt. People are bagged on this forum for wearing shorts and t-shirt while riding, but just how common is this?

for me it depends. if its cold out, and my leg warmers just arent enough, i'd wear jeans or a windbreak over everything. if its hot, i'll just wear the tights. or if im going some place that doesnt allow me to change, then i just wear pants or shorts over my tights. either way, i'll always have my tights on, the padding makes it a lot more comfortable. sometimes i just put an outer layer over it. for the shirt, i either wear a rashguard, underarmor or my bike jersey. never just a regular t-shirt because i sweat real easliy and it gets really uncomfortable fast

Tights, less wind, faster (actually tested over 3 months), people treat me better on the road (cause I look so weird), and it wicks sweat a lot better.

The down sides, having to put up with comments like, "whoa, you're so aerodynamic you can go into the future" from coworkers.

I have a pair of tights, but I NEVER wear them without something over them!

I look good but I do have some modesty. ;) Please note, I don't mind anyone else wearing lycra w/o another layer, I just feel a tad exposed when I do. I'll probably get used to it one of these days...

boog

Bluejeans, right leg rolled up to just under my kneecap; and whatever shirt I chose to wear that day.

To me it's about transportation, and not so much about making a fashion statement, so I'm incredibly unpicky on what I wear.

whatever I'm wearing that day is what I'm riding in...I usually always have an extra shirt in my bag in case I happen to sweat on that particular ride.

Needless to say though, I always sweat :)

Ray

Depends on the weather. Too cold for shorts in December. In a few months you'll only see me in shorts (bibs or baggies) and a jersey -- and shorts and T-shirt at work. :D

If you are just talking about the difference between bicycle specific clothes and regular clothing, then you have to try it to believe it to know the difference between the two. On my road bike I wear lycra shorts and on the commuter i wear baggy bicycle shorts. Both have the important padding to protect the rear and both have special material to help wick away sweat. Jerseys do the same wicking thing keeping the shirt from getting heavy and sticking to you keeping you cooler and more comfortable than a t-shirt. Jerseys also come in different styles from the loud colorful road style jerseys to simple plain one color ones. You can even buy shirts made out of the same material in the local sporting goods store for $20. You just won't have the rear pockets or longer cut in the back. But you might be more comfortable with the style of those.
Every sport has its uniform. I don't understand why people are so self conscious about bicycle clothing. If you think you are too heavy to wear tight fitting clothing, then get he baggy stuff. If you don't want to look like a walking advertisment, then get the plain looking stuff. But you will be much happier having the correct equipment.

If you are just talking about the difference between bicycle specific clothes and regular clothing, then you have to try it to believe it to know the difference between the two. On my road bike I wear lycra shorts and on the commuter i wear baggy bicycle shorts. Both have the important padding to protect the rear and both have special material to help wick away sweat. Jerseys do the same wicking thing keeping the shirt from getting heavy and sticking to you keeping you cooler and more comfortable than a t-shirt. Jerseys also come in different styles from the loud colorful road style jerseys to simple plain one color ones. You can even buy shirts made out of the same material in the local sporting goods store for $20. You just won't have the rear pockets or longer cut in the back. But you might be more comfortable with the style of those.
Every sport has its uniform. I don't understand why people are so self conscious about bicycle clothing. If you think you are too heavy to wear tight fitting clothing, then get he baggy stuff. If you don't want to look like a walking advertisment, then get the plain looking stuff. But you will be much happier having the correct equipment.


HEAR! HEAR! :beer:

I wear cycling specific clothing while riding. If I don't want it to fit too tightly, I'll get a bigger jersey, but I like having the pockets in the back for carrying "stuff". I also like the front zipper that allows me to unzip the front a bit and catch more air on hot days, letting the sweat wick out of my gorilla-like hair. I was at the Pearl Izumi store today, and their running shirts have pockets on the back just like cycling shirts.
Another factor is the material. After wearing Coolmax socks at work, I'll never go back to anything cotton on my feet. I now associate cotton socks with blisters and sore spots.

it seems that the argument between wearing cycling specific clothing and casual clothing breaks down to those who view bicycling as a sport and those who see it as transportation/recreation/way of life(couldn't think of a better explanation). all that clothing is expensive and not really needed unless you're going after speed and/or fashion.

For me it depends on the miles I am riding. If I'm going to the bar or the market anything will do. My old commute was 35-40 round trip and I always wore bike specific clothing. It's just more comfy.

Yep

Seems like it also depends on how long your commute is, your climate, and how much of a problem sweat is. I only go 5 mi each way, and I'm not a "sweater", so I generally wear the casual slacks I'll continue to wear at work that day. I do have a standard biking shirt, and keep a selection of business casual shirts in my office. In Maine, it's only really hot in the summer, and then I shower at work. In the winter, I just wear my business clothes under a winter coat, boots, gloves, etc, and don't even have to shower afterwards. Not being a recreational cyclist beyond commuting, I've never owned any "cycling clothes", although it sounds like they might have some benefits and maybe I'll try them at some point.

all that clothing is expensive and not really needed...

True...




unless you're going after speed and/or fashion.

You didn't read my post above, did you... :rolleyes:

Those chilly mornings are hell on my knees and tights are the only way to go. Pants just don't cut it for me. If I'm going along at any speed, the whipping of clothing against my skin is very irritating so if I wear something other than cycling clothing, it has to be very snug fitting. If I'm just riding to the corner store, then it doesn't matter what I'm wearing but if I'm commuting or going for a ride then comfort comes first. However, everyone has their own comfort level so wear what works for you and disregard those who disagree with you.

You didn't read my post above, did you... :rolleyes:

its true you can buy cheap active wear, even at target. i guess i was trying to say that cycling specific clothing=yuppie who can afford it.

Depends on the miles and weather, 3 and under street clothes, longer and its cycling specific clothes. Sometimes I compromise and go with baggy mtb shorts and shirts. If its really hot out Id wear the mtb gear and then switch real quick no matter what the distance because I am a sweaty sweaty man.

i guess i was trying to say that cycling specific clothing=yuppie who can afford it.

Yeaa... Considering my salary puts me into the lower-low income class range, I guess I'm a yuppie who can afford cycling clothes too.
Priorities people, priorities. If you don't go too fast or you don't go too far, you have no need for any of this. Otherwise, wear what you wish.

haha, sorry... not the part i meant. ;)

This part...

Both have the important padding to protect the rear and both have special material to help wick away sweat. Jerseys do the same wicking thing keeping the shirt from getting heavy and sticking to you keeping you cooler and more comfortable than a t-shirt.

See, its not about fashion or having money to blow on it. Especially since you have the option or bicycle clothing that looks like regular street clothes. There is a real purpose.
Not saying everyone needs to spend their money on it, just trying to correctly inform the inexperienced.

haha, sorry... not the part i meant. ;)

This part...


See, its not about fashion or having money to blow on it. Especially since you have the option or bicycle clothing that looks like regular street clothes. There is a real purpose.
Not saying everyone needs to spend their money on it, just trying to correctly inform the inexperienced.
i realize the practicality of cycle specific clothing and yeas, they can look like casual clothing. does the average cyclist need super special chamois shorts? probably not. but they make him/her feel more like an authentic cyclist. when i say "yuppie" i mean those people that feel better cause they have all the "right" acoutrements-be it cycling, climbing or whatever. i am so sick of these yuppie roadies who take the winter off so they can drive thier suvs act like they represent cycling. sorry i'm ranting but the class issues implied get me steamed.

It's really about comfort, efficiency, and practicality. Anyone who rides much will benefit greatly from the right clothing.

Under about 20 miles you can wear just about anything. But if you ride every day it makes a difference in comfort. If you throw in a couple of long rides on the weekend you may need the right clothing to keep on going.

Much over 20 miles a proper chamois will make a big difference. After 60 miles you really need a chamois.
If you don't ride much a 60 mile ride in jeans could hurt big time. To do a century you need the right stuff.

I do one 100 plus mile ride a week and about 75 more miles every week. You really don't want to ride a 100 mile ride without bike specific clothing. It will take you a few days to recover from your injuries to your skin where you sit. If you can even go that far without them. The tights flex and do not slide and chafe your knees and other parts like non stretch clothing. You even get more power when you don't have to scrape your jeans over you knees every time you pedal. Some tights have a wind and waterproof front and a breathable back. Small things make a big difference if you go on one long ride, or if you ride every day a lot. It can be the difference between even being possible or not.
The shoes keep your feet feeling OK and increase your power. If you have to carry anything in your pockets, you need a Jersey. Front pockets will chafe and stick into you when you bend over. Etc. etc. etc.

A rider with enough experience knows it has nothing to do with looks. I wear the plainest bike clothes I can find, but I need them. I think they look funny, but I don't care any more. All the right gear just allowed me a comfortable 3 hour ride in the snow in 15 degree temps. Very comfortable.

The bright colors are so that the cars can see you, not fashion. I wear a bright yellow windbreaker on the road all the time. I don't like yellow. I'm used to it now.

That being said some riders don't know any better and just copy what they see, or really do try to have a certain look. But they are copying something that works better than they know.

I repeat, under about 20 miles it does not matter very much. On short rides I don't always wear bike clothing. It depends on what you do. There's a lot more to it, but this post is long enough.

i am so sick of these yuppie roadies who take the winter off so they can drive thier suvs act like they represent cycling. sorry i'm ranting but the class issues implied get me steamed.

I realize what you're saying but you're really lumping everything into one.. lump. Regardless of whether they ride one 200 mile ride every month or ride 25 miles everyday, that doesn't mean they don't need the proper equipment, sure they don't really need all that but there are a lot of things in life that we don't need but have anyway just to "make ourselves feel better."
If I only go climbing once every two years, I still need my figure 8's, slcd's, rope, harness, shoes, granted I could probably free climb the half dome and die trying.
I don't care if they only do it in the summer, do it twice a year, or once a decade, as long as they're out there and not sticking a pump in my spokes, that's cool. I commute year round as long as the ground isn't iced up, went through two hurricanes that managed to make their way up here, water up to my hubs, near 0 degrees, but I'm not gonna put down the people I ride in the pacelines with in the summer just cause they're not out on their bikes right now freezing their asses off.
If I were to break it down, do I really need anything more than a $5 watch if I'm not doing precise timing and my life doesn't depend on it (no)? Do I really need a computer with a gig of ram (yes, i do a lot of solid modeling)? Do I really need an "optical ungodly precise" mouse if I'm not some kind of professional gamer (no)? Do I really need goretex shoes when getting my socks a little bit wet won't kill me (no)?

The bright colors are so that the cars can see you, not fashion. I wear a bright yellow windbreaker on the road all the time. I don't like yellow. I'm used to it now.

I repeat, under about 20 miles it does not matter very much. On short rides I don't always wear bike clothing. It depends on what you do. There's a lot more to it, but this post is long enough.

If I'm pushing hard, I'm usually pouring and chafed in the middle of the summer by the end of my 12 mile each way commute, so I wear cycling shorts anyway.

Speaking of bright colors, this morning I had on my black tights, black shorts, black shoes, black socks, black jacket with a bright yellow center, but then a black jersey over that, black face mask, black helmet. I didn't think that was too bright (pun intended). But it's the day and I'm usually in traffic with my bright yellow bag. Thank god at night I have 30 watts up front and 19 LED's out back.

If I'm pushing hard, I'm usually pouring and chafed in the middle of the summer by the end of my 12 mile each way commute, so I wear cycling shorts anyway.

Speaking of bright colors, this morning I had on my black tights, black shorts, black shoes, black socks, black jacket with a bright yellow center, but then a black jersey over that, black face mask, black helmet. I didn't think that was too bright (pun intended). But it's the day and I'm usually in traffic with my bright yellow bag. Thank god at night I have 30 watts up front and 19 LED's out back.

I hear you about the 12 mile hard rides. That's a very good point. It brings up the fact that there are other benefits that are even less obvious.

I don't know if a novice would really even understand. Now you got me wishing for summer !!!! argh!

Do we get a picture of the Black Knight, with his trusty (Light) steed, ready to do battle with the evil cagers? :) Lightspeed...Light steed ? ....sorry. :o

T-shirts? Tights? Oh -- you are in Australia. :) -6 C here, so not much of either in evidence these days.

I'd say it depends on the type of bike, how hard you ride, and how far you ride. I ride a "sit up and beg" bike on a 11 to 20 mile round trip commute and wear a suit and tie. On my wife's road bike, I'd at least want some padded shorts, especially on longer trips.

Saddle type is a factor in clothing -- a cloth covered gel seat can wear out the seat of your trousers quite quickly. Smooth vinyl or leather is much kinder to both clothing and skin.

The short answer is that people wear what is appropriate -- bike clothing for fast sport rides; a tux for the ball.

Paul

Right now (winter) I'm wearing poly underwear and tights with a windbreaker shell, but it's not bike-specific stuff, just stuff I bought at Target/Wal-mart.

In the summer, I just wear cotton shorts and a t-shirt. I'm only riding a 11-mile commute, and I just do not have any problem with chafing or soreness even on the hottest days. If I were to start touring and trying to do 60 miles a day, I'd probably need to change my tune.

I'll probably buy some bike shorts eventually, but I'm not paying the idiotic price they're asking for it. Next time Nashbar puts some shorts on sale for $20 I'll think about it.

I swear, when I see places selling jerseys for $80 and up, I don't wonder that people think cycling is a rich person's recreation, not a working person's transportation. I can't afford paying those prices. I'd love to give my business to the LBS but I'm not made of money.

If cycling ever became popular enough you'd see a huge drop in prices. But for now, the sad fact is that probably most stores have to charge that much because no matter how cheap they were, they'd never sell very many pair of shorts.

It'd be nice if there was a big enough market, because then the LBS could charge the $30 or so that a jersey should cost and still make money.

</rant>

Right now (winter) I'm wearing poly underwear and tights with a windbreaker shell, but it's not bike-specific stuff, just stuff I bought at Target/Wal-mart.

In the summer, I just wear cotton shorts and a t-shirt. I'm only riding a 11-mile commute, and I just do not have any problem with chafing or soreness even on the hottest days. If I were to start touring and trying to do 60 miles a day, I'd probably need to change my tune.

I'll probably buy some bike shorts eventually, but I'm not paying the idiotic price they're asking for it. Next time Nashbar puts some shorts on sale for $20 I'll think about it.

I swear, when I see places selling jerseys for $80 and up, I don't wonder that people think cycling is a rich person's recreation, not a working person's transportation. I can't afford paying those prices. I'd love to give my business to the LBS but I'm not made of money.

If cycling ever became popular enough you'd see a huge drop in prices. But for now, the sad fact is that probably most stores have to charge that much because no matter how cheap they were, they'd never sell very many pair of shorts.

It'd be nice if there was a big enough market, because then the LBS could charge the $30 or so that a jersey should cost and still make money.

</rant>

I agree, for an 11 mile commute you don't need top of the line shorts, or even any bike shorts. But, the high end shorts are a lot better and much more comfortable. They last longer too. You get what you pay for.

My cycling uniform consists of nothing but Depends adult undergarments. While I thought this was a somewhat eccentric choice, I was pleased to see that it was a choice here, and quite surprised to see how popular it turned out to be.

I was at the Pearl Izumi store today, and their running shirts have pockets on the back just like cycling shirts.
Hey, Dchiefransom, where is the Pearl Izumi store? Thanks!

I can understand if you are Lance Armstrong and a professional road racer and racing in a group in the Tour de France, with sponser etc. Heck, I'm a huge soccer fan, and I wear a Mexican soccer jersey (las Chivas de Guadalajara) even though I don't play soccer, I just dig the shirt. However I wear just khaki shorts, t-shirts and tennis shoes when I ride, and during really cold weather, I wear Thinsulate under a turtleneck, and a "hoodie sweat shirt and sweat pants.I change in the locker room at work and wash up, and change into my work uniform. I just hate the looks of the lycra bicyle out fits. A lot of part time bikers wear all the exspensive gear.

I can understand if you are Lance Armstrong and a professional road racer and racing in a group in the Tour de France, with sponser etc. Heck, I'm a huge soccer fan, and I wear a Mexican soccer jersey (las Chivas de Guadalajara) even though I don't play soccer, I just dig the shirt. However I wear just khaki shorts, t-shirts and tennis shoes when I ride, and during really cold weather, I wear Thinsulate under a turtleneck, and a "hoodie sweat shirt and sweat pants.I change in the locker room at work and wash up, and change into my work uniform. I just hate the looks of the lycra bicyle out fits. A lot of part time bikers wear all the exspensive gear.

While I understand most people here aren't bill gates or linus or some legendary computer programmer or graphics artist or do computational physics, I can't understand why they need anything over 1ghz to do "word processing" or a $2000 computer to play games when a $200 xbox would do just as well... I'm baffled. To each their own I guess.

While I understand most people here aren't bill gates or linus or some legendary computer programmer or graphics artist or do computational physics, I can't understand why they need anything over 1ghz to do "word processing" or a $2000 computer to play games when a $200 xbox would do just as well... I'm baffled. To each their own I guess.
I just wear what ever I am comfortable in a ride. Thats whats important. Riding. Besides, those lycra outfits look like there for "poofters"

I just wear what ever I am comfortable in a ride. Thats whats important. Riding. Besides, those lycra outfits look like there for "poofters"

But lycra is comfortable...

But lycra is comfortable...
If it is comfortable for you, I think that you should wear lycra. Sorry, I tend to rant.

I just wear what ever I am comfortable in a ride. Thats whats important. Riding. Besides, those lycra outfits look like there for "poofters"

How far it a typical ride for you ? If you ride far enough you won't be comfortable in street clothes.

How far it a typical ride for you ? If you ride far enough you won't be comfortable in street clothes.
oh, about 10 mi.or less. But if you read my previous post you notice that I acknowledged the practicality for lycra bike outfits if you ride in races or on 100 mile bike rides. Otherwise youre just a pretentious poofter with money, or a poser.

oh, about 10 mi.or less. But if you read my previous post you notice that I acknowledged the practicality for lycra bike outfits if you ride in races or on 100 mile bike rides. Otherwise youre just a pretentious poofter with money, or a poser.

Sorry I missed that one somehow. Have a good ride next trip.
Watch out for potential pretentious poofter posers, in a peleton. :)

chicharron, what is a "poofter"?

And you did say...

I just wear what ever I am comfortable in a ride. Thats what's important.
So why do you make fun of those that are comfortable in the recommended bicycling attire?

Personally I wouldn't have a problem doing less than 10 miles in street clothes. But 25 miles in anything but cycling shorts and jersey would be down right uncomfortable. Could i do it? Yes. Would i want to? Hell no. But then again, I don't have any self image problems that others seem to have.

Sorry I missed that one somehow. Have a good ride next trip.
Watch out for potential pretentious poofter posers, in a peleton. :)
what is a peleton?

poofter=sissy

chicharron, what is a "poofter"?

And you did say...

So why do you make fun of those that are comfortable in the recommended bicycling attire?

Personally I wouldn't have a problem doing less than 10 miles in street clothes. But 25 miles in anything but cycling shorts and jersey would be down right uncomfortable. Could i do it? Yes. Would i want to? Hell no. But then again, I don't have any self image problems that others seem to have.
"recommended bicycling attire" omygosh, how improper of me, to wear anything other than the recommended attire.

what is a peleton?

It is a large group of riders together in a race. Usually the main, or biggest group. :)

Right now (winter) I'm wearing poly underwear and tights with a windbreaker shell, but it's not bike-specific stuff, just stuff I bought at Target/Wal-mart.

In the summer, I just wear cotton shorts and a t-shirt. I'm only riding a 11-mile commute, and I just do not have any problem with chafing or soreness even on the hottest days. If I were to start touring and trying to do 60 miles a day, I'd probably need to change my tune.

I'll probably buy some bike shorts eventually, but I'm not paying the idiotic price they're asking for it. Next time Nashbar puts some shorts on sale for $20 I'll think about it.

I swear, when I see places selling jerseys for $80 and up, I don't wonder that people think cycling is a rich person's recreation, not a working person's transportation. I can't afford paying those prices. I'd love to give my business to the LBS but I'm not made of money.

If cycling ever became popular enough you'd see a huge drop in prices. But for now, the sad fact is that probably most stores have to charge that much because no matter how cheap they were, they'd never sell very many pair of shorts.

It'd be nice if there was a big enough market, because then the LBS could charge the $30 or so that a jersey should cost and still make money.

</rant>


Keep an eye on the Nashbar and Performance websites, and you can get some of their technical material jerseys for $20 on sale.

It is a large group of riders together in a race. Usually the main, or biggest group. :)
Thanks, and a tip o' the hat. But I guess you won't find me riding in a race or in a group.

Hey, Dchiefransom, where is the Pearl Izumi store? Thanks!

I went to the one at the Gilroy outlet stores. They have another one at the Vacaville outlet stores. Be advised, they can only discount stuff that's "out of season". The 3D Microsensor Bib Shorts I bought were regular price. They have an agreement with retailers not to undercut their prices. The manager did give me a 10% discount, though. It could be cheaper to watch Performance or Nashbar for a sale, then order at the store to save on shipping. Don't forget that Supergo has a store on El Camino Real in Redwood City.
I've worn Performance Multi-L bibs for two years now, and the chamois in those does not compare to the one in the Pearl Izumi shorts.
Their Amphib gloves are a bit long in the fingers for me, and the ladies model only is sized up to large, so I'm still looking around.
As others have pointed out, don't be stuck just with cycling clothing. The Pearl Izumi Amphib gloves are normally $65, and on sale at the outlet store for $49. I found some waterproof winter gloves that look good at the Dulth Trading Company that I might try that cost $39. These are waterproof and insulated. When it gets really cold, although I wear my tights with a chamois, I double up with running tights I got on sale at the sporting goods store for $10 out of season. For body insulation, I wear a regular jersey with arm warmers, or a long sleeve jersey with arm warmers, with my cycling vest under a waterproof jacket, but I found a V-neck sleeveless sweater under the vest, 85% wool, at K-mart for $15 keeps me nice and toasty when it gets into the low 30s.
The important thing to keep in mind while doing things is to keep our eyes open for the little "deals" in life, and always wonder if that item that's half price or 70% off might be what we're looking for when we need to replace something that's worn out. Remember, older cycling clothing was made of wool for a purpose, and anything that contains 85% or more of wool is a natural wicking fabric that also keeps us warmer when wet.

Keep an eye on the Nashbar and Performance websites, and you can get some of their technical material jerseys for $20 on sale.

Yes, that's my plan. I do get irritated sometimes; when I talk to people who are weekend warriors, they put maybe 40 miles a week on their bikes, and they think it's laughable that I dare to ride a bike without SPD pedals, lycra wear, etc. I was talking to one the other day, and when I pointed out that if I walked across the street to the LBS and bought a lycra outfit and SPD pedals and shoes, that alone would cost more than I paid for my bike. And besides, I'm happy enough with toe clips/sneakers and street wear, and I put probably 5 to 10 times more miles a year on my bike than almost all recreational cyclists.

Bottom line, I'm having fun, you're having fun, let's just keep doing it and not worry about what others are doing or what they think of what I'm doing.

I wore "normal" clothes for years. I eventually figured out the benefits of the chamois and tights. And for the last year and a half (plus or minus), I have worn tights and UnderArmour shirts (HeatGear in the summer, TurfGear in Spring/Fall, ColdGear in the winter). I think the wicking properties, as well as the warmth of the ColdGear, are worth it.

But better to ride in shorts and T-shirts than not to ride at all.

Bike gear here. 15 miles each way, gotta dress right or it gets uncomfortable. In summer that's bike shorts and a T or jersey; in winter it's 3/4 bib tights or baggy overtrousers and a good waterproof, hat, scarf, gloves, overshoes... and in spring and autumn it's somewhere between the two.

Bike gear here too ... 11 hilly miles each way. It's more comfortable, I ride for 10 miles next to 70 mph traffic so bright colors to be seen is important to me and it's Austin TX so I am sweating like a pig within the first 2 miles. The jersey zipper is nice to change the airflow ... esp now that its cold and you sweat working uphill and get cold going down. Also at 40+ mph every day on the downhills not having loose clothing flapping around helps. The rear jersey pockets are very user freindly while moving too.

It doesn't have to be expensive, I haven't paid more than $25 for a jersey, I just got 2 Pearl Iszumi ones on closeout at REI for $14.50 each. I also picked up a pair of brand new with tags pro level Biemme bib shorts on ebay for $25. My first shorts were $20 Peformance ones on sale ... they were a lighter weight and had a thick clunky pad. The lightweight stitching was tearing out after the first dozen or so rides. Quality stuff is worth it when you wear it 4-5 days a week ... but you can still find it for a reasonable price.

But whatever you want to wear is fine by me ... I could care less what anyone else has on.