anybody commute in their work clothes?
#1
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From: Chicago
Bikes: Wally World Huffy Cranbrook Cruiser (with siily wicker front basket)
anybody commute in their work clothes?
So does anybody commute in their work clothes?
today i rode to work in a suit, i did have to pace down as not to sweat. in hindsight i think i should have taken the suit jacket off but didn't want to wrinkle it.
regular days i ride to work in dress pants/slacks a dress shirt and dress shoes and pace myself according to the weather so i don't sweat.
I know once summer gets here i will need to do the change of clothes thing, but i like keeping it simple. i am hoping by the time the humidity goes full swing my body will adjust and i might be able to not have to change. we will see.
so anyone else commute in work clothes?
today i rode to work in a suit, i did have to pace down as not to sweat. in hindsight i think i should have taken the suit jacket off but didn't want to wrinkle it.
regular days i ride to work in dress pants/slacks a dress shirt and dress shoes and pace myself according to the weather so i don't sweat.
I know once summer gets here i will need to do the change of clothes thing, but i like keeping it simple. i am hoping by the time the humidity goes full swing my body will adjust and i might be able to not have to change. we will see.
so anyone else commute in work clothes?
#4
Je pose, donc je suis.
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Back. Here.
You didn't say how long your commute is, which probably makes a difference for most people.
Anyway, I commute 3 miles one way. Depending on the weather I'll wear my work clothes (cool and dry), rain clothes (rainy -- duh) or shorts and t-shirt (warm and dry).
Anyway, I commute 3 miles one way. Depending on the weather I'll wear my work clothes (cool and dry), rain clothes (rainy -- duh) or shorts and t-shirt (warm and dry).
#5
Fat Guy Rolling
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Louisville Kentucky
Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, 80s Raleigh Record single-speed, Surly Big Dummy
I live 3.5 miles from work. If I'm going directly to work and the weather is dry, I'll often wear work clothes (business casual).
When I lived 16.5 miles from work, I never wore my work clothes on the bike.
When I lived 16.5 miles from work, I never wore my work clothes on the bike.
#7
Thread Starter
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From: Chicago
Bikes: Wally World Huffy Cranbrook Cruiser (with siily wicker front basket)
sorry my commute is a click or two over 4 miles, i think anything 6 or more i would rethink the theory.
When i pick my kid up from daycare/school afternoon commute adds 3 1/2 more miles. but i am going home so sweat and smell isnt a issue then (well wife may think otherwise)
#10
This bike is cat approved
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Lincoln, NE
Bikes: To many to list...
I do most of the time. In the summer I wear a pair of casual shorts and have a pair of pants at work I change into if I need to be up to that dress code. My commute is about 4 miles so its not to hard to ride slow enough not to get really sweaty. I typically wear polos or in the winter sweaters so no suits just dress pants. If I had to wear a suit I probably wouldn't ride in that.
#11
Mostly Harmless
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Arlington, VA
Bikes: Custom commuter made from Civia Prospect frame, Raleigh Sports (1971), custom road bike from a steel 2003 Fuji Marseille frame, 29er SS MTB built up from a Vassago Jabberwocky frame, Surly Long Haul Trucker (customzed for fully loaded touring)
Yes, but I don't wear a suit, and can even wear sandals when it is hot. Dress shirts are like my favorite cycling shirts, though for not-too-hot weather. I even do long rides/tour with them. Your body will probably adjust some. Take it easy if it is hot, and it isn't much different than walking. In fact, the breeze you create can makes me have less sweat on me (and my clothes) than with walking on hot days.
#12
It depends on:
1. distance
2. climate
3. work dress code
4. preferred riding style.
When I first started commuting it was only once a week or less. It was 8 miles and I wore regular clothes (including a tie) but I would pick and choose the days. I wouldn't ride if it was raining or very warm. I also didn't carry anything. I'd grab lunch at the restaurant downstairs.
Several years later when I started riding almost everyday, my commute was short, - only a couple of miles. Again I wore regular clothes.
When my commute got longer and I turned it into more of a workout was when I started showering and changing once I got to work.
#14
I am a caffine girl
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Bay Area
Bikes: 2012 Stumpjumper FSR Comp...2010 Scott CR1 CF...2007 Novara FS Float2.0...2009 Specialized Hardrock Disc...2009 Schwinn Le Tour GSr
I do not. I prefer durable pants that has extra reinforce material around the seat area and ripstop material so that my Chainring will not tear them up. My top consist of layer depending on the weather.
#15
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From: Simcoe County, Ontario
Bikes: Steve Bauer Sirocco "Steve", Kawasaki Sumo 4.0 Fatbike "Black Betty", Retrospec Amok-16 "Rocinante/Veronica"
I used to commute in the pants I would work in back when my commute was 9km. Now it's 28km and I don't because I like to go fast and that means sweating.
I've never worn the same shirt while working that I bike-commuted in, I just sweat too much for that when riding at any fun speed.
I've never worn the same shirt while working that I bike-commuted in, I just sweat too much for that when riding at any fun speed.
#17
Not safe for work


Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bikes: KHS Town and Country 100 & Jamis Durango Femme 1.0
I work from home most days and like working in my pjs. Pjs aren't particularly durable so I change into MTN bike shorts and a jersey or tshirt.
#18
Member
Joined: May 2011
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From: Ottawa, ON
As some said, it depends on many factors. For me, it is all about how much you push yourself and how much you sweat. As a rule of thumb, I believe that only you can judge if after a commute ride you still smell 'fresh'. It is all about the repsect of other in your workplace. If you can control your natural odor, that is great and go for it!
This thread reminds me of the one with the ass sweat topic. lol
This thread reminds me of the one with the ass sweat topic. lol
Last edited by mttx; 05-24-11 at 11:18 AM.
#19
Another MN Bike Commuter
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Perham, Minnesota
Bikes: 2015 Trek Crockett / 2013 Trek Domane / 2014 Framed MN1.0
I bring a change of clothes with me to work and ride in bike shorts, jersey, and depending on the weather a bike coat and leg warmers. I normally try to keep several sets of clothes at my office and wear them a few days, alternating to make it less obvious. I sit at a laptop all day so they don't get too dirty.
#21
Thread Starter
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From: Chicago
Bikes: Wally World Huffy Cranbrook Cruiser (with siily wicker front basket)
I bring a change of clothes with me to work and ride in bike shorts, jersey, and depending on the weather a bike coat and leg warmers. I normally try to keep several sets of clothes at my office and wear them a few days, alternating to make it less obvious. I sit at a laptop all day so they don't get too dirty.
today its sunny and 59degrees, still in my work clothes i took a 2 mile ride at lunch to a great BBQ place. so today i learned not to eat so heavy and ride. man the ride back was rough
#22
For me, it is all about how much you push yourself and how much you sweat. As a rule of thumb, I believe that only you can judge if after a commute ride you still smell 'fresh'. It is all about the repsect of other in your workplace. If you can control your natural odor, that is great and go for it!
)
#23
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From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
I did today. 3.7 miles, cool and low humidity. I keep a blazer and dress shoes in my office. But I brought a jersey and bibs in my bag for the ride home; it will be much warmer and I'll take a much longer route home. Best of both worlds, really.
#24
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From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
Nope.
I guess I might consider it if my commute was less than a few miles, but would likely choose to walk.
I guess I might consider it if my commute was less than a few miles, but would likely choose to walk.



