NY Times article on commuters dressing for work
#2
Banned
This is kind of funny as I was in Copenhagen yesterday (for one day only, sadly) and it was nice to unchain by bike at the station and cycle over to the uni and to a friend's place. I'd say the bulk of people were still in their work clothes ... as was I
Glad to see that people in NYC don't end up spandex warriors though.
Glad to see that people in NYC don't end up spandex warriors though.
#3
Keep calm, Cycle on
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: New England
Posts: 844
Bikes: Pinarello F8, Bianchi ∞, Colnago SS, Niner MTB
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 117 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Those guys who arrive to work as sweating soggy messes need to slow down. After all, I'm going to rest at a stoplight sooner or later anyway. I'd feel disgusted if I had to breath in other people's stench from an air conditioner in a small office. I hope they wear deodorant because nothing is worse than a bicycle commuter who reeks of BO. It helps that I keep a change of clothes in my backpack/office that I can change into.
My 5-7 mile morning commute I don't mind cruising at 15mph in the morning, it still wakes me up and I feel refreshed all day. I can save my workout for my trip home. My shower will be ready after my ride : )
My 5-7 mile morning commute I don't mind cruising at 15mph in the morning, it still wakes me up and I feel refreshed all day. I can save my workout for my trip home. My shower will be ready after my ride : )
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Toronto, CANADA
Posts: 6,202
Bikes: ...a few.
Mentioned: 47 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2010 Post(s)
Liked 408 Times
in
234 Posts
Sweat is an issue only a few months out of the year where I live, and only in the morning, and only on the few days when the humidity and temperature is high. Of course, leaving home before the sun rises helps. But even when it is warmer you can mitigate the perspiration by not pushing too hard. A bike that is more upright helps, not just with more surface area for cooling, but being upright somehow is conducive to a more relaxed effort.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,893
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1062 Post(s)
Liked 665 Times
in
421 Posts
This is kind of funny as I was in Copenhagen yesterday (for one day only, sadly) and it was nice to unchain by bike at the station and cycle over to the uni and to a friend's place. I'd say the bulk of people were still in their work clothes ... as was I
Glad to see that people in NYC don't end up spandex warriors though.
Glad to see that people in NYC don't end up spandex warriors though.
I also think that the fear of spandex is way overblown. Wear what you like.
#6
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,463 Times
in
1,433 Posts
I like riding fast. I use my commute as a daily workout. One does not need to do this, but I just like it. I used to ride in regular clothes, but now I wear cycling clothes. At work, I like to say I'm changing from my Superman costume to my Clark Kent costume.
This winter, I'm not sure what I'll do. I'll see as time and weather progress.
This winter, I'm not sure what I'll do. I'll see as time and weather progress.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#7
Banned
I agree with wearing what you like.
I just don't want to see your junk.
#9
Senior Member
Alex Lightman's description of how his coworkers understand his sweatiness is one factor why many people don't cycle to work. Otoh, he provides inspiration for others to do the same.
Materials is important. Doesn't wool wick as well as prevent odors? Polyester stinks. When I used to work, I had several changes of shirts there. I was lucky. My employer had three showers.
Materials is important. Doesn't wool wick as well as prevent odors? Polyester stinks. When I used to work, I had several changes of shirts there. I was lucky. My employer had three showers.
#10
Senior Member
Wet but not raining.. not a bad temp overall. Typically I don't meet anyone in the hallways when I get to work. But since they've started flu shots on the floor underneath us I run into groups of nurses. Apparently it's quite a shock to them to see a bicycle.. my eyes are up here ladies!
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 55
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#12
Banned
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
Your question made me wonder, maybe for the first time, why on earth Fahrenheit normalized his scale at 32° for freezing. It turns out that he just used the earlier Roemer scale, which was based on an alcohol thermometer, and multiplied everything by four, later adjusted by a couple of degrees for a more accurate mixture of ice water. So, basically arbitrary and almost random.
We like it better though. Zero is terribly cold and 100 is uncomfortably hot, it works pretty well for that, more of a metric scale than Centigrade from that perspective.
#14
Banned
A difference of 10° F is nine fifths the difference in Centigrade, as you already know 5.6°C
Your question made me wonder, maybe for the first time, why on earth Fahrenheit normalized his scale at 32° for freezing. It turns out that he just used the earlier Roemer scale, which was based on an alcohol thermometer, and multiplied everything by four, later adjusted by a couple of degrees for a more accurate mixture of ice water. So, basically arbitrary and almost random.
We like it better though. Zero is terribly cold and 100 is uncomfortably hot, it works pretty well for that, more of a metric scale than Centigrade from that perspective.
Your question made me wonder, maybe for the first time, why on earth Fahrenheit normalized his scale at 32° for freezing. It turns out that he just used the earlier Roemer scale, which was based on an alcohol thermometer, and multiplied everything by four, later adjusted by a couple of degrees for a more accurate mixture of ice water. So, basically arbitrary and almost random.
We like it better though. Zero is terribly cold and 100 is uncomfortably hot, it works pretty well for that, more of a metric scale than Centigrade from that perspective.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,900
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2604 Post(s)
Liked 1,926 Times
in
1,209 Posts
So much kerfuffle over what many bike commuters figured out long ago...
I've felt the same, but I can never quite tell. Is it the mild mannered cyclist popping into the handicap stall and out comes Super Engineer in the morning, or the other way around in the afternoon? I like the sound of "Super Cyclist" better, myself.
I've felt the same, but I can never quite tell. Is it the mild mannered cyclist popping into the handicap stall and out comes Super Engineer in the morning, or the other way around in the afternoon? I like the sound of "Super Cyclist" better, myself.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Toronto, CANADA
Posts: 6,202
Bikes: ...a few.
Mentioned: 47 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2010 Post(s)
Liked 408 Times
in
234 Posts
Which is it?
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,347
Bikes: Felt TK2, Felt Z5
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 20 Times
in
20 Posts
I have tried commuting in both regular clothes and cycling specific clothes. Regular clothing would be great because you look normal and can hop off the bike and go to work without changing. Comfort level however? My commute is just under 8 miles and the temperatures here roll into the 90's in the summer with humidity and below 0 in the winter. I work second shift so often my summer commutes are in full sun and full heat just after the hottest part of the day. Long pants and a cotton shirt? Not a chance. Tried this and showed up to work drenched. Cycling clothes like jerseys and bibs have helped but it is still hot and you still sweat. Nice to change into something work appropriate after cooling down and getting cleaned up in the bathroom.
There is all this talk about upright bikes and regular clothes and you won't sweat after riding to work. I challenge those people to come here in the summer and ride with me for my commute. There is little to no shade and it is just under 8 miles. I tried riding slowly in a more upright position and guess what? I was sweating just as much, and was exposed to the sun and heat for a longer time, making me sweat as much if not more.
People at work know that I ride in more than I drive for the most part, and if they see me in cycling attire they know that I rode in. It isn't a big deal. When I walk in, I hold my helmet over my lower region to prevent people from being uncomfortable. Once you get a routine down, you figure out what works for hygiene and what you need to not stink. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing cycling clothes to ride a bike on. You shouldn't be looked down upon for choosing a healthier method of transportation.
There is all this talk about upright bikes and regular clothes and you won't sweat after riding to work. I challenge those people to come here in the summer and ride with me for my commute. There is little to no shade and it is just under 8 miles. I tried riding slowly in a more upright position and guess what? I was sweating just as much, and was exposed to the sun and heat for a longer time, making me sweat as much if not more.
People at work know that I ride in more than I drive for the most part, and if they see me in cycling attire they know that I rode in. It isn't a big deal. When I walk in, I hold my helmet over my lower region to prevent people from being uncomfortable. Once you get a routine down, you figure out what works for hygiene and what you need to not stink. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing cycling clothes to ride a bike on. You shouldn't be looked down upon for choosing a healthier method of transportation.
#18
GATC
It's never been a question of riding in work clothes for me, weather and road conditions never permit. But I did resist cycling specific stuff until I started doing some longer rides at which point it was easier to stick w/ that than to wear other non-work but mud-OK type clothing. Actually my work also involves mud but the mud-OK work clothing is way too heavy to ride in. I do still avoid cycling jerseys although I have a couple just 'cause I like the pattern if not the function.
#19
GATC
#20
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
I commuted to work by bicycle on Long Island for ten years. I wore cycling specific clothing the entire time. 40 miles minimum round trip. Longer when weather was nice.
I would change into dockers and a polo when I got to work and cycling clothes went into a gym bag or got hung up in a closet for the commute home. I never smelled and no one ever complained about body odor. The only time my cycling clothes smell really bad is when they were worn for a long time after riding.
What anyone thought about what I wore didn't concern me in the slightest although I did arrive late one day and the older ladies made it a point to express their approval of a fit man in cycling shorts walking through the office.
-Tim-
I would change into dockers and a polo when I got to work and cycling clothes went into a gym bag or got hung up in a closet for the commute home. I never smelled and no one ever complained about body odor. The only time my cycling clothes smell really bad is when they were worn for a long time after riding.
What anyone thought about what I wore didn't concern me in the slightest although I did arrive late one day and the older ladies made it a point to express their approval of a fit man in cycling shorts walking through the office.
-Tim-
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,347
Bikes: Felt TK2, Felt Z5
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 20 Times
in
20 Posts
Under 10mph would put me outside for at least an hour in the blazing sun and heat/humidity. Doesn't matter what you are doing or wearing at that point, you will be a drenched mess. 94°F and 89% humidity on a bike for an hour or slightly less? In regular clothes? Cotton underwear? That is just gross.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,900
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2604 Post(s)
Liked 1,926 Times
in
1,209 Posts
Under 10mph would put me outside for at least an hour in the blazing sun and heat/humidity. Doesn't matter what you are doing or wearing at that point, you will be a drenched mess. 94°F and 89% humidity on a bike for an hour or slightly less? In regular clothes? Cotton underwear? That is just gross.
Not to mention you'd be uncomfortably damp for at least a couple hours after getting into air conditioning. Nor that you'd smell worse by 2:00 than that other guy who rode his bike fast into work, wiped down or showered, and changed.
#23
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,463 Times
in
1,433 Posts
I commuted to work by bicycle on Long Island for ten years. I wore cycling specific clothing the entire time. 40 miles minimum round trip. Longer when weather was nice.
I would change into dockers and a polo when I got to work and cycling clothes went into a gym bag or got hung up in a closet for the commute home. I never smelled and no one ever complained about body odor. The only time my cycling clothes smell really bad is when they were worn for a long time after riding.
What anyone thought about what I wore didn't concern me in the slightest although I did arrive late one day and the older ladies made it a point to express their approval of a fit man in cycling shorts walking through the office.
-Tim-
I would change into dockers and a polo when I got to work and cycling clothes went into a gym bag or got hung up in a closet for the commute home. I never smelled and no one ever complained about body odor. The only time my cycling clothes smell really bad is when they were worn for a long time after riding.
What anyone thought about what I wore didn't concern me in the slightest although I did arrive late one day and the older ladies made it a point to express their approval of a fit man in cycling shorts walking through the office.
-Tim-
Some fabrics are better at dissipating and preventing odor than others. Wool is very good. Some synthetics are good, some are mediocre, and some are very bad. I have some synthetic jerseys I can wear only once or twice and some I can wear many times. My wool clothes can go the greatest number of days between washings.
The one thing I am most fastidious about is socks. Feet can stay wet and gather fungus, so I change my socks very frequently. Always synthetic, preferably wool, and never, ever cotton.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#24
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,502
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,463 Times
in
1,433 Posts
I have a high surface-area-to-mass ratio, so I cool down and dry off quickly. I'm also a warm body, so I don't get cold from being damp. Still, it's nicer to change than to sit in wet clothing.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#25
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
People at work know that I ride in more than I drive for the most part, and if they see me in cycling attire they know that I rode in. It isn't a big deal. When I walk in, I hold my helmet over my lower region to prevent people from being uncomfortable. Once you get a routine down, you figure out what works for hygiene and what you need to not stink. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing cycling clothes to ride a bike on. You shouldn't be looked down upon for choosing a healthier method of transportation.
I told my officemates to complain if they smell anything, and there hasn't been a smell yet.
Some fabrics are better at dissipating and preventing odor than others. Wool is very good. Some synthetics are good, some are mediocre, and some are very bad. I have some synthetic jerseys I can wear only once or twice and some I can wear many times.
Some fabrics are better at dissipating and preventing odor than others. Wool is very good. Some synthetics are good, some are mediocre, and some are very bad. I have some synthetic jerseys I can wear only once or twice and some I can wear many times.
These are all really great points from experienced commuters.
After a while we figure out what works, the infantile snickering stops and everyone goes about their work day.
It is literally no big deal.