I rode like a "normal" person today
 

Well, almost. Long story short, for a week or so I'm staying somewhere much closer to where I work than usual. So, I took along to the temporary abode the folder that has a flat side to the clipless pedals and rode to the office this morning in hiking shorts and a cotton (!!!) t-shirt. The only pieces of superhero / OMGLANCEWANNABE equipment (yes, I am being sarcastic) that I preserved were bike-specific gloves, bike-specific shades and of course (?) the helmet. I didn't even change at office -- I zipped on the "legs" to my shorts and put on a long-sleeved shirt I leave at the office was good to go. The lack of bike shorts and wicking clothing was not a big deal for what was maybe a 20 minute ride.

How did it go? you ask. Not bad, but I prefer the full kit and bike shoes. I never want to ride without clipless pedals again. It's the first time I've done that in something like five years and maybe only the fourth or fifth time in 12 years. I was very nervous and uncomfortable, feeling like I had a lot less control of the bike with my feet sliding around on the pedals. Those of you afraid of clipless pedals... you must feel the same way, though for perhaps different reasons. :D

Bad drivers, clueless peds and shaky fellow commuters... they were all still out there. So maybe it was not so different after all. :D

Edit: changed 15 years to 12 years. Not THAT old, yet.

Hehe. I built up a utility cruiser which I often ride in "normal people" clothes. I'll ride to the grocery store in cargo shorts, untucked shirt flapping in the breeze, and Chaco sandals (not SPD). Maybe gloves and helmet, sometimes not.
It's weird at first, but I got used to it quickly. I have the option for SPD on these pedals, and I rode that bike to work today with all my locker re-supply gear in the gigantic Wald basket up front. I was probably the weirdest mish-mash of gear on the MUP: MTB shoes, baggy plaid shorts, lime green commuter jersey, on an upright grocery cruiser. :D

The reminds me that twelve years back I would ride my Look-pedal bike 3 miles to work in regular Teva sandals when the weather was warm. It was more comfortable than the MTB / commuter with clips when my toes were exposed. :D

I run errands in normal clothes except for non padded cycle shorts instead of my usual boxer shorts underneath regular shorts. I've found with boxers it is too easy to squish a grape even during a short gentle ride. Of course tighty whities would probably do the trick as well, but that would be more to buy.

You must have to dress nicer than we do. I can get away with wearing my SPD shoes all day long, no problem.

LOL. I'm more comfortable walking around in my regular shoes (w/ Superfeet insolves, so nice). Since when do cargo pants count as "nice", anyway? :D I could wear flip-flops, shorts and a sleeveless shirt where I work if I wanted to do that. I'd have worn my SPD shoes on the ride today but I couldn't find them when I took the bike with me to my temporary digs. I'll survive a week with regular shoes.

I rode on platforms a few days ago and I kept trying to pull back so my feet kept lifting off the pedals

same here

You should try big Rockport "mandals" on road clipless pedals. It's a challenge. ;)

I've ridden clips, clipless and now platform pedals. I have to admit that I love platform pedals and haven't used my clipless pedals for about a month now. Not having to change my shoes once at my destination is a real pleasure.

Wearing walkable "normal" shoes with cleats is about the same.

At my job, though, all my footwear is already there, so I can pretty much ride wearing whatever I want. So mine isn't a fair comparison.

Another thing I failed to mention was that not having narrow heeled shoes combined with not being clipped in is rough -- I hit the chainstay more times than I care to count.

When I opened this thread I was sure the post was going to be about riding against traffic on the sidewalk.

I've left my cycling shoes on all day before but they're a little too sporty looking for office attire. They're a light grey though and I doubt anyone would really notice. Right now they're sitting under my desk stuffed with newspaper 'cause I rode in during a downpour.

My pedals will work with either clipless or regular shoes but I prefer to have cycling shoes on if I'm going to be riding with any intensity.

Normal clothes.... as opposed to Halloween costumes? :)

We have an office halloween party every year and yes I ride in wearing a costume. Last year I was one of the dudes from KISS. The year before that I was Dracula. Had a tux and everything. Capes suck on a bike.

I ride in normal clothes most times when I take my 14-mo daughter on a spin around the neighborhood.
On my beater mountain bike with a baby seat, riser bars, and platform pedals. Sometimes with a dog on a purple leash tied to the head tube.

The jersey & shorts just aren't necessary. It probably looks ridiculous enough in a t-shirt and cargo shorts. :D