xxguitarist

Well, I'm used to road riding for the sake of exercise- meaning I can wear all the spandex I want without getting strange looks. I'm used to the padding of my bike shorts, and no worries about catching my pants in the chain.
Looking for clothing suggestions for looking more normal while running errands, and preferably not just layering regular pants over bike shorts, with the right ankle all strapped up with velcro.
What works for you?

KitN

Since it's getting warm you can try "knickers". You know, the loose-long shorts that don't go past mid-calf.

Any dark pair of jeans that aren't wide legged will do too. So if your pants leg just happens to touch the chain, the oil won't be noticeable.

I cycle in my everyday clothes. From suits to designer jeans to dresses to tight skirts. I also cycle in high heels.

Wear whatever makes you happy and since you're just running errands, no one will care what you're cycling in.

KitN

If you're intent on spending money on special casual bike pants/knickers then have a look at these:



https://www.paragonsports.com/webapp/...&campaign=2570



Or these:

https://www.rei.com/product/785010



Or these:

https://www.rei.com/product/782427

noteon 

I do everyday things in my cycling clothes. In addition to just not caring about the negative things people may think, I plead guilty to enjoying the positive ones.

daven1986

I cycle in t-shirts and shorts for my commute, but I am going to get a jersey and lycra shorts as they are more comfortable - i dont care what people think as long as i am comfy and safe.

lil brown bat

You can always roll up your pant leg. If you think it looks dorky, just think of how much more dorky you look when you get it caught in the chain.

nanter

I roll up my pant leg when it's warm enough. If it's cold, I use a rubber band!

thompsonpost

Either a teddy or a cami. And a pair of 9".

BA Commuter

I wear regular street clothes on my daily commute or running errands. Who the hell cares what other people think! No need for bike clothes for short trips to the store. In fact, they already think adults are wacked for riding a bicycle when they could tune out and drive!

nekohime

From the C&V forum:



I think it looks rather spiffy

rumrunn6

Anybody make their own cutoffs anymore?

stringbreaker

Shoot I have dork bands for my jeans to use when I'm just doing a short ride around town and in the summer regular shorts of any kind with a t-shirt or when needed a windbreaker. I think we get too wrapped up in what to wear when we ride, heck remember when you were a kid? Ya just hopped on the bike and took off no matter what you were wearing and it never made a bit of difference. I will say when I ride my bike to work I wear those padded undies that you can get from Performance or REI. Just enough padding and I can wear them all day and don't feel like I'm wearing a diaper.

xxguitarist

The integrated padding in some of those from REI looks nice. Anyone know how comfy it is for a day of walking around? Maybe I just need to get used to my saddle in regular pants & boxers. I did some checking and those old metal pant clips are actually still available, as well as lots of velcro ones.
Guess we'll see if the idea of knickers gets a from the girl.

crhilton

Bike shorts? For rides under an hour?

1. Regular clothes. You might avoid misplaced stitches, I'm usually able to make sure they're out of the way since I don't like tight pants.
2. A proper fitting saddle, preferably leather.
3. Roll right pant leg up. Stuff into sock.
4. Ignore any minor discomfort. Fixing it will be more work than ignoring it. The more work you have to do to cycle the less you'll cycle. Emphasis on "minor."

Metricoclock

i cut the ankles short on an old pair of jeans and call it good

uke

I've put about 900 miles on my bikes since August. All of them have been either with shorts or jeans, without exception.

nashcommguy

I've got an old pair of Sugoi cycling pants that have a zipper/velcro combo on both ankles. Zippered rear pocket. I wear them w/padded lycra shorts and touring shoes for errands. The cleats don't click. The pants are pretty non-descript and don't look 'bikey' or 'freddy'. Just normal. When weather improves I've got several pairs of short/liner/wpad combos to choose from.

BTW, I agree w/nekohime's post...dude DOES look rather spiffy.

bragi

I do the dorky Velcro-around-the-ankle thing, which matches my fenders, panniers, and stubborn adherence to traffic laws. I don't care. Neither does anyone else, including the roadies totally enveloped in Lycra.

Grim

Winter is cargo pants with a reflective velcro band around my pants legs. Harbor Freight hi Vis construction worker vests

Summer is cargo shorts with quick dry "golf" shirts.

the key to being comfy on the seat is the seat. My Commuter has a Brooks Champion flyer. 10-20 miles in regular clothes is no big deal. Never had a hot spot.

Cyclist0383

+1

I use overpants in the winter and either roll up a pant cuff or tuck it into my sock during the warmer and drier months.

rumrunn6

Happy bottoms? I'm now a fan of bike shorts and underwear. Also been trying "Body Glide". Going for a full week this week. Wish me luck. Frigid this morning.

manicmike

yeah, my spring riding shorts consist of going to the thrift shop and buying some work pant (dickies or that style), then cutting off to knicker length. i dont wear a padded liner unless it's a really long ride. they are thin enough that they don't chafe. if you want to get fancy you can hem them up(i don't).

gamecat

Descente makes a pair of MTB shorts called "Leibnitz."



I like them on their own account, but they are also great for this reason: have removable snap in liners that the shorts sort of "float over." The only pictures I can find suck.



The liners resemble regular bike shorts but fit better under street clothing. I find them to be more comfortable and less obtrusive than actual cycling briefs or bike shorts. They're made of some kind of technical mesh material. My only complaint was the stitching of the front seam was a little weak and needed to go to the cleaners for reenforcement. I think that might have had to do with wearing the liner under heavier material than intended--like the fly in pair of cord jeans. But $5 worth of handiwork on the closure of the stitching right under the waistband put that problem to rest, and now they work great.

tsl

+1

Although around here, it seems to be tights season that brings the most remarks from the women at the grocery store.

My favorite remains a little old lady, 80 if she was a day, behind me in line says, "Nice butt. I haven't seen one like that in years." The cashier cracked up. I said, "Thank you. You're kinda cute too."

noteon 

You go, granny!