Casual Cycling Clothing
 

I'm wondering if you all know of any websites that's sell casual cycling clothes because i am going to start riding my bike to school & don't want to have to wear spandex! It's a pretty long ride so wearing regular clothes wouldn't be so comfortable!

MTB shorts are baggy, so they don't look like they are painted on. Performance/Nashbar has solid, non-logo jerseys.

You can get mountain bike shorts or just cycling underwear. Another alternative is to wear cycling shorts under something else or just wear the spandex and change when you get to school.

As far as a shirt or top goes, something that wicks away perspiration rather than absorbing it is really all you need. Cotton is not the best choice. Target's "Champion" or C9 brand is an inexpensive option.

I wear levis' 511 commuter jeans and dri fit t-shirts to class.

You don't need special cycling gear. Leisure/hiking gear is fine. I wear cheap poly-cotton cargo pants or shorts. For longer rides I use padded shorts as underwear but mostly, just normal underwear.
Even cotton shirts are fine for everyday use. I hot weather, I ride in synthetic ones and carry a spare to wear.

Depending on your commute, just wear regular clothes. I used to ride 6 miles in jeans (winter) or shorts (summer). I'd usually wear a different shirt for visibility and just change into a dry one when I got to work. I didn't feel the need for cycling style shorts or underwear.

Levis Commuter.. check often and watch for the items to go on sale.

I also wear the target C9 as well as some Nordictrack items I get from Sears

I wouldn't go for levis commuter if i were you i checked all the jeans there and none has more than 2% elastane in it. Articulated knees and 10% of stretching fabric is a bare minimum to not restrict legs motion. Also pants should be tighter near the ankle to prevent getting them stuck in the chainring and should be water resistant at least.

My favorite pants are hiking pants like the sandbagger one from mec

↑↑↑↑ This. I have cycling shorts and gear, but for rides under 2 or 3 hours it's not necessary. Riding in street clothes is equal in comfort for short rides, and a lot more convenient. If you want to ride a century or take a long day on the bike, then the difference in comfort between street clothes and a "kit" is very noticeable. But for commutes and short rides of, say, 3 hours or less I don't think there's much difference. Just my experience. :thumb:

Swrve riding jeans are the tits, and they come a huge range of fits and sizes. Also, on days I commute in "regular" clothes, I wear nylon/synthetic boxer briefs. If you're going to be sweating and moving around a lot, they beat cotton underwear hands down (no chafing, quick drying), without adding the bulk of padded shorts.

I have a nice looking pair of Bellweather baggies that I can pair with a wicking golf polo if I feel the need to ride somewhere and not stand out when off the bike while still being comfortable on the bike.

I have two shirts from aerotech designs I like that work well for office casual. I'm also bringing back the knickers on casual friday, but that hasn't been catching on.


Men's Urban Pedal Pushers Commuter Shirt - Dress Shirt for Commuting 50+ (UPF)

For me distance and time matter but even more important is level of effort. I can ride all day in regular clothes at a relaxed pace providing I'm stopping every now and then. So yeah, I could ride a couple hours no problem.

On the other hand my 6 mile commute can take under 20 minutes if I push it, but if I do I'm much happier in cycling shorts.

Well past school age , Im using track suit trousers .. jersey Knit gives where tightly Woven denim won't ..

they are black so chain Schmuzz is hidden ..

Russell brand, off the rack in the store.

I've worn cycling shorts under cargo shorts several times. It's a good combination if I have to stop in a convenient store for extra nourishment. My commuting will begin in a month or so. I intend to wear the same when the time comes.

rivbike.com sells MUSA long pants and shorts, among other stuff.
I like the MUSA long pants.

But you could just wear regular clothes, and shoes, as others have mentioned.
I wear regular clothes and shoes. Cheapy sweat pant shorts in summer. Regular shorts, too. I change into my work pants and shirt when I get to work.
I like the MUSA pants for winter, as they are good for me down into the 30's and are a good windbreak.
No getting around sweat though, in the summer. No matter what I wear, I feel like a furnace inside my clothes until I cool down.

Years ago (many years) I was an active cycle tourist who rode everywhere, up to 100 miles per day in cut off jeans. Regular clothing was the order of the day for non racers, and wasn't an issue.

OTOH- there's been progress, and many casual cyclists (including me) are used to bike specific clothing, which is fine, though not necessary. The key is good support to keep critical parts from falling to either side of the saddle, and having room to move otherwise.

Jeans are OK, tight jeans a fail. So lycra is fine underneath, whether bike specific, or regular briefs or boxers (lycra dries fast which is a plus) and comfortable street clothes above. After all nobody's going to check your underwear.

They are more elastic than regular jeans, but it's true they are still a bit limiting. That being said, I still find them great to ride in on a daily basis. I'm not sure about erig007, but both the slim and the regular fit don't come close to the chainring. As far as water resistance: I wore my levis commuter jeans as well as the hooded trucker jacket while walking for a mile or two in a storm earlier this year in SF, came home, wiped them off with a towel and both the clothes and, more importantly, I were completely dry. I was impressed.

+1 For any routine riding (anything other than racing or training for a race) I just wear normal street clothes, usually jeans and an oxford. Add a sweater or variety of jackets when it's cold. Helps if your bike is setup for normal riding with a chain guard, fenders, etc.

If you have a faux racing bike then you may need faux racing clothes. :-)