Towel recommendations
04-24-17, 06:57 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Aus
Posts: 636
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Towel recommendations
Hi folks,
I'm looking for recommendations on a good towel choice to get dry from a quick shower before work when riding in. I'm finding a proper bath towel, even a small one is a bit too bulky to commute with and unfortunately I can't leave it behind at work due to lack of facilities.
I have seen the thinner and lighter microfiber towels available. Do they actually work to get you dry?
Or can anyone lead me in the right direction for a better alternative please.
I'm looking for recommendations on a good towel choice to get dry from a quick shower before work when riding in. I'm finding a proper bath towel, even a small one is a bit too bulky to commute with and unfortunately I can't leave it behind at work due to lack of facilities.
I have seen the thinner and lighter microfiber towels available. Do they actually work to get you dry?
Or can anyone lead me in the right direction for a better alternative please.
04-24-17, 07:10 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,716
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5787 Post(s)
Liked 2,580 Times
in
1,430 Posts
Packtowl makes microfiber towels expressly for back packers and the like. They are lighter and work well, but you'll still have to figure out how to dry them between uses.
What I don't get, is that there's access for showers, but no place to leave stuff. But that's your lookout.
What I don't get, is that there's access for showers, but no place to leave stuff. But that's your lookout.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
04-24-17, 07:43 PM
#3
Senior Member
I use a hand towel for drying after a shower. Plenty absorbant and doesn't take up much space. I have five of them and wash them on the weekend. For touring, I use a microfiber towel, and don't like it as much, but it does take up even less space and weighs less.
04-24-17, 08:26 PM
#4
Full Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: California
Posts: 343
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
I use a microfiber towel in my gym bag. They are not as good as a regular terry towel, but they will get you dry. You can't rub yourself with them as they don't slide well, you have to pat yourself down.
04-25-17, 12:03 AM
#5
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,105 Times
in
1,369 Posts
I'd probably use baby wipes if this were a problem for me, but I'm a pretty slow rider so it's not.
"Here, suck this," said Roosta, offering Zaphod his towel.
Zaphod stared at him as if he expected a cuckoo to leap out of his forehead on a small spring.
"It's soaked in nutrients," explained Roosta.
"What are you, a messy eater or something?" said Zaphod.
"The yellow stripes are high in protein, the green ones have vitamin B and C complexes, the little pink flowers contain wheatgerm extract."
Zaphod took it and looked at it in amazement.
"What are the brown stains?" he asked.
"Bar-B-Q sauce," said Roosta. "For when I get sick of wheatgerm."
Zaphod sniffed it doubtfully. Even more doubtfully, he sucked a corner. He spat it out again.
"Ugh," he stated.
"Yes," said Roosta, "when I've had to suck that end I usually have to suck the other end a bit too."
"Why," asked Zaphod suspiciously, "what's in that?"
"Anti-depressants," said Roosta.
"I've gone right off this towel, you know," said Zaphod, handing it back.
Zaphod stared at him as if he expected a cuckoo to leap out of his forehead on a small spring.
"It's soaked in nutrients," explained Roosta.
"What are you, a messy eater or something?" said Zaphod.
"The yellow stripes are high in protein, the green ones have vitamin B and C complexes, the little pink flowers contain wheatgerm extract."
Zaphod took it and looked at it in amazement.
"What are the brown stains?" he asked.
"Bar-B-Q sauce," said Roosta. "For when I get sick of wheatgerm."
Zaphod sniffed it doubtfully. Even more doubtfully, he sucked a corner. He spat it out again.
"Ugh," he stated.
"Yes," said Roosta, "when I've had to suck that end I usually have to suck the other end a bit too."
"Why," asked Zaphod suspiciously, "what's in that?"
"Anti-depressants," said Roosta.
"I've gone right off this towel, you know," said Zaphod, handing it back.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
04-25-17, 04:46 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Posts: 1,257
Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 286 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times
in
65 Posts
Swimmer's towel,
otherwise known as a synthetic car chamois. I use one for touring and canoe trips.
04-25-17, 05:46 AM
#7
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
Packtowel or MultiTowel, both available from REI.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
04-25-17, 08:01 AM
#8
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
04-25-17, 09:12 AM
#9
Keepin it Wheel
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,245
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,432 Times
in
2,539 Posts
I remember a guy at work once who who showered and always dried off with paper towels from the hand dispenser. He'd get a whole pile of them ready before his shower.
I've also heard that you can drip/air-dry surprisingly quickly. For instance if (at home) you hand-squeegee yourself, and then use a rag to wipe down your whole shower (a) you'll prevent hard-water buildup, and (b) by the time you're done you're pretty close to dry. Obviously it's not worth the effort to clean your work's shower for them...
04-25-17, 09:48 AM
#11
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
The REI towel my kids have I think the Multitowel, is kind of a synthetic chamois. You can get dry with it, wring it out and it's already 95% dry, it'll air dry quickly after that.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
04-25-17, 12:45 PM
#12
Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NYC
Posts: 40
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Microfiber towels always smell gross pretty quick because they are synthetic.
A 100% cotton Turkish towel, or peshtemal, is lightweight, dries fast, is full-size and nice against the skin to wipe yourself down. Bonus? They are about $5-15 on Amazon and are also great for traveling particularly island vacations.
A 100% cotton Turkish towel, or peshtemal, is lightweight, dries fast, is full-size and nice against the skin to wipe yourself down. Bonus? They are about $5-15 on Amazon and are also great for traveling particularly island vacations.
04-26-17, 11:25 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 206
Bikes: Jamis Aurora, Rivendell Sam Hillborne, Surly ECR, Serotta CSI
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I've tried many. You'd be hard pressed to find a better towel than this:
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-X202.../dp/B0009IQZH0
Far far better than any 'camp' specific towel I've owned.
I disagree with CPF Carrot. I don't wear synthetic base layers because of the stink factor, but I won't hesitate to use a synthetic towel - it's totally different. My wet synthetic towel smells no worse than the cotton washcloth I use in the shower. They both ride home with me in a plastic bag.
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-X202.../dp/B0009IQZH0
Far far better than any 'camp' specific towel I've owned.
I disagree with CPF Carrot. I don't wear synthetic base layers because of the stink factor, but I won't hesitate to use a synthetic towel - it's totally different. My wet synthetic towel smells no worse than the cotton washcloth I use in the shower. They both ride home with me in a plastic bag.
04-26-17, 12:17 PM
#14
Keepin it Wheel
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,245
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,432 Times
in
2,539 Posts
Does anybody have recommendations for this? I've considered after my daily dry giving the towel a thorough rinse&wring in the sink, it should dry completely by the next morning.
04-26-17, 12:39 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 206
Bikes: Jamis Aurora, Rivendell Sam Hillborne, Surly ECR, Serotta CSI
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Oh, you guys are using the same one multiple days?
Both my wet wash cloth and towel go in the hamper when I get home and I throw fresh ones in my bag for the next day. Perhaps that's why I haven't experienced any smells.
Both my wet wash cloth and towel go in the hamper when I get home and I throw fresh ones in my bag for the next day. Perhaps that's why I haven't experienced any smells.
04-26-17, 01:23 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Posts: 1,257
Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 286 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times
in
65 Posts
I don't understand the microfiber fans. In my experience, micro fiber doesn't absorb water, but instead just rubs it around. I think a synthetic chamois makes much more sense.
__________________
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
04-26-17, 02:03 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 206
Bikes: Jamis Aurora, Rivendell Sam Hillborne, Surly ECR, Serotta CSI
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The towel I use now (linked above) is super absorbent. It's nappy as opposed to smooth.
After I dry off, I place it on the floor and stand on it while I get dressed. Then I use it to dry in-between my toes before put socks/shoes on. It's awesome. That was a major complaint about towels I was using before - semi-wet toes in my shoes day in and day out tended to cause problems with athletes foot.
Last edited by Marc40a; 04-26-17 at 02:14 PM.
04-26-17, 02:22 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Posts: 1,257
Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 286 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times
in
65 Posts
That was my main complaint with camp towels. They acted more like squeegees than towels.
The towel I use now (linked above) is super absorbent. It's nappy as opposed to smooth.
After I dry off, I place it on the floor and stand on it while I get dressed. Then I use it to dry in-between my toes before put socks/shoes on. It's awesome. That was a major complaint about towels I was using before - semi-wet toes in my shoes day in and day out tended to cause problems with athletes foot.
The towel I use now (linked above) is super absorbent. It's nappy as opposed to smooth.
After I dry off, I place it on the floor and stand on it while I get dressed. Then I use it to dry in-between my toes before put socks/shoes on. It's awesome. That was a major complaint about towels I was using before - semi-wet toes in my shoes day in and day out tended to cause problems with athletes foot.
__________________
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
04-27-17, 12:20 PM
#19
Let's Ride!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Triad, NC USA
Posts: 2,569
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 327 Post(s)
Liked 37 Times
in
24 Posts
Hi folks,
I'm looking for recommendations on a good towel choice to get dry from a quick shower before work when riding in. I'm finding a proper bath towel, even a small one is a bit too bulky to commute with and unfortunately I can't leave it behind at work due to lack of facilities.
I have seen the thinner and lighter microfiber towels available. Do they actually work to get you dry?
Or can anyone lead me in the right direction for a better alternative please.
I'm looking for recommendations on a good towel choice to get dry from a quick shower before work when riding in. I'm finding a proper bath towel, even a small one is a bit too bulky to commute with and unfortunately I can't leave it behind at work due to lack of facilities.
I have seen the thinner and lighter microfiber towels available. Do they actually work to get you dry?
Or can anyone lead me in the right direction for a better alternative please.
plus one for Packtowel ( have another brand as well but packtowel dries better) might be the bamboo
They take a little extra drying off with the washcloth but they work well and are much much smaller for packing in the pannier if need be.
04-28-17, 12:48 PM
#20
Heck on Wheels
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: USA Midwest
Posts: 1,055
Bikes: In Signature
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 206 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I have a couple of Aquis long hair towels my ex bought from Bed Bath and Beyond. They're microfiber, but feel like cotton. As someone mentioned, they don't slide along your skin, so you pat dry. They are amazingly absorbent, but dry quickly. I hang mine off the back of my chair for about an hour and it's dry enough to pack for the ride home and wash before next use. I've taken it camping and had no problems using it for a week, as long as you let it fully dry after use.
__________________
"I had a great ride this morning, except for that part about winding up at work."
Bikes so far: 2011 Felt Z85, 80's Raleigh Sovereign (USA), 91 Bianchi Peregrine, 91 Austro-Daimler Pathfinder, 90's Trek 730 Multitrack, STOLEN: 80 Schwinn Voyageur (Japan)
"I had a great ride this morning, except for that part about winding up at work."
Bikes so far: 2011 Felt Z85, 80's Raleigh Sovereign (USA), 91 Bianchi Peregrine, 91 Austro-Daimler Pathfinder, 90's Trek 730 Multitrack, STOLEN: 80 Schwinn Voyageur (Japan)
04-28-17, 04:19 PM
#21
Senior Member
Microfiber towels work fine if you wash them without using fabric softener.
05-05-17, 08:05 AM
#23
Senior Member
Huh? I accidentally dropped a microfiber towel in the shower and it soaked up water so fast I almost couldn't use it to dry myself. What kind of towel are you using? Plus, why are you quoting a previous poster without attribution?
Last edited by alan s; 05-05-17 at 08:08 AM.
05-05-17, 08:09 AM
#24
master of bottom licks
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Lou-evil, Canned-Yucky USA
Posts: 2,210
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 111 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
There are good quality and poor quality microfiber towels, you just have to get a good one. I have one that I've been using when touring/camping/traveling for the last 5 years or so and it works great and air-dries quickly too.
05-05-17, 12:44 PM
#25
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
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 2,470 Times
in
1,435 Posts
You can make that work. Keep rubbing until the layer of water is thin enough to evaporate quickly. It's a different approach than using something that is intended to absorb all the water. Once you know to do it differently, it should be easy.
__________________
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.