Originally Posted by
kangchen
Hi all,
I'm new to this forum and commuting on bike (been 3 months now). A friend suggested I post my question on here.
I ride to and from work and, as of now, am just wearing compression shorts, sports bra, and a cotton or North Face moisture wick shirt. I'm a naturally sweaty person so even though it's just 6 miles, I'm pretty soaked by the time I arrive. I change and shower at the gym and then hang my clothes on a hanger under my desk to air out. I love commuting on my bike but the problem is that by the time the day ends and it's time to go home, my clothes STINK.
It's not that big of a deal but it is slightly uncomfortable (sometimes the clothes are still damp) and it particularly sucks if I have to make a stop b/w work and home (store, appointments, etc.) and I have to be that stinky person. Plus, on particularly bad days, the smell might waft up from under the desk and who knows who in my office thinks I'm gross!
Any suggestions on how to air out clothes? I'm thinking about investing in some bike shorts but not sure about shirts, bras, etc.
Thanks!
1) It's best to come down on the side of situationally appropriate attire. Add a pair of baggies or mtb shorts w/o a liner over top of the compression shorts. When one is on a training or club ride is the time for 'full-kit'. Not when one is commuting to work. Gym or no. And NO cotten. Polypro or light wool is much better as they wick. Cotton just gets wet and clings.
2) Shower/deo/shampoo
before you leave. Really important. Use anti-bacterial spray or medicated talcum powder
before you dress to leave as well. Remove your commuting clothes
before they get wet from sweat. Keep a small collection of personal items...i.e. deo, soap, towel, toothbrush/paste, etc. Give yourself plenty of cooldown time. My daily commute is 33 miles, I'm the sweat king and the route in has been 93-105+ w/60% humidity all summer. Drenched, no matter what. I make sure I've got at least 20 miutes before the start of my workday to cool down. Also, drink plenty of water. I work 2nd shift, so the ride home is always a pleasure.
Hang your cycling clothes on standard hangers and place them somewhere they'll have alot of airflow. And turn them inside out. Most of the wetness collects on the inner part of the clothing, so will dry quicker than if turned the other way...use you judgement on the compression shorts.
You're doing everything possible in terms of 'not cummuting in your work clothes or working in your commutng clothes'. It's just the timimg of when you shower before your commute. That should be the last thing before heading out the door. You'll dry w/much less odor producing bacteria that way.
Btw, welcome and congrats on making the jump to cycle-commuting. We're a crazy lot, but
love bikes and all things Fred.
