Does anyone commute in a suit?
 

I've seen a few older gentelmen riding Schwinn single speeds or 3 speeds in suits with or without ties. Does anyone here commute in a suit? If so, isn't it uncomfortable with the sweat, etc.?

http://www.twowheelgear.com/

They sell a pannier that holds a suit :)

Maybe the older ones in the suits have alzheimers and are just forgetting what their doing :P

I don't commute in a suit, but I think there's at least one guy from this area who commutes in a suit. I actually saw three people in ties on the way to work today. But this morning was fairly cool with very low humidity. I sweat very easily, but I think I could handle 2-3 miles in a suit even on the hottest days.

I rarely ride a bike when not in a suit. In the summer, I roll the suit jacket for a cooler ride. Look at it this way -- riding at 12 mph is the same effort as walking, but with a cool breeze. If I had to go through the hassle of changing clothing before and after each ride, I probably would never ride.

Paul

I sweat in a suit just walking sometimes, so riding in a suit would make me sweat even more. Thank heavens for the casual work environment.

When my commute was about one mile, I commuted in slacks, shirt, and tie. I treated the bike as a form of "accelerated walking" and rode real slow to avoid sweating. Even though it was in the suburbs, it will still faster than driving, as the four lane road narrowed to a short two lane bridge, which created a traffic jam at the starting and quitting times.

That strikes me as a nice way to wear out a suit. I, too, have seen older fellas do it, though. Good for them if their suits hold up. :)

European commuter bikes are designed for this. They have an upright riding position and smooth saddles that are not too wide. Avoid gel seats -- the cloth cover is abrasive and will wear out the seat of your pants quickly.

Bikes are designed with the assumption that they will be ridden with appropriate clothing.
Commuter bike: suit (or dress/skirt)
Road bike: tights / shorts

Paul

It would be cool to have a complete lycra business suit.

I always see those Mormon missionaries in suits and ties on bikes.

I've got a pretty easy commute: 4 flat miles in a fairly bike-friendly town. During session I'll often ride to work in dress pants, button-down shirt, and tie. I keep a blazer and a full suit hanging in my office. I see a few other guys wearing shirts and ties and occasionally a woman in a skirt and heels.

I usually commute on a road bike and the one time I wore my suit coat, I had a hard time reaching the brakes because the cut of the suit was just too binding. I suppose if I had a Euro-style commuter this wouldn't be a problem, but I like my road bike too much. I can throw a pair of shorts and a jersey in my bag so I can take a hard detour on the way home.

This guy's always commuting in his suit...

I keep three suit jackets and two pairs of dress shoes (black and brown) at work and ride in slacks, shirt and tie (and bike shoes). My commute is only 2.8 miles, so I take my regular fixie and manage not to get too sweaty. On really hot days, I carefully fold by dress shirt in one of those little suitcase organizer bags, bring a clean undershirt, and ride in dress slacks and any old t-shirt. It works out OK.

I just don't know if this is a mental image I want.

what looks dorkier?
a) riding a bike in a suit.
b) wearing your tights to a business meeting.