Does anyone commute in a suit?
#1
Thread Starter
SERENITY NOW!!!

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From: In the 212
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
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.?
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#2
https://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
They sell a pannier that holds a suit

Maybe the older ones in the suits have alzheimers and are just forgetting what their doing
#3
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From: Washington, DC
Bikes: 2002 Specialized Sirrus A1, 2000 Raleigh R500
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.
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Washington, DC
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
Paul
#5
Thread Starter
SERENITY NOW!!!

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From: In the 212
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
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.
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HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR

We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
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#6
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.
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Washington, DC
Originally Posted by oboeguy
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. 

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
#11
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From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
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.
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.
#13
Rebel Thousandaire
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Hartford, CT
Bikes: Public D8, Yuba Mundo (cargo), Novara Buzz (1-speed, soon to be 2-speed w/ a kickback hub), Xootr 1-speed folder
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.
#14
it's my road too, dangit
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: nebraska
Bikes: early 90's marin, 1969 schwinn collegiate, waterford, bridgestone rb1
Originally Posted by chinitonorte
It would be cool to have a complete lycra business suit.





