Originally Posted by
Riveting
On the flip side, I've NEVER cycled to work in office clothes. Cycling bib shorts/pants/jerseys are just so comfortable, and some are made of windproof breathable material, that regular non-cycling clothing can't even come close to. And I like to use my commutes as a 45 minute HIIT workout, with lots of sweat involved. On the bike, I'm a cyclist, not an office worker.
I totally get what you're saying.
But there's another point of view (of course).
I've never cycled to work in anything BUT work clothes. Granted, as an IT drone, I'm not expected to wear a suit and tie. Khakis and a blue button-down seem to be the IT drone uniform across the country.
But I'm not using the commute (about 50 minutes for me) as a HIT workout. I'm just getting to work, at a reasonable pace. I don't arrive drenched in sweat, or in need of a shower, even in summer.
In the winter, or in bad weather, I wear a Barbour waxed-cotton jacket, with an insulated vest underneath if needed. Works great, and has an amazing amount of pocket space. I don't have any specialized cycling clothing, and for my commuting style, none is necessary.
My point being, make your ride work for you. You can still commute if you don't have a shower and a place to store work clothes and change clothes at your destination.
So you're "a cyclist, not an office worker" on your way to work. Me, I'm an office worker getting to his job on a bike.
There's room for everyone.