hella

So the only cycling type clothing that I own is a pair of bib shorts, some gloves, and some Shimano shoes. I usually just rock the rolled up pair of pants and a t-shirt over the bibs and then add layers as necessary. However, most pairs of pants (e.g. Dickies, Levis, whatever) have some form of seam right up the middle that becomes increasingly uncomfortable on longer rides. Also, t-shirts work great, but most of the "outerwear" (or however you classify your hoodies and thrift-store track zip-ups) I own isn't very breathable and stuff. While cycling-specific gear might address these issues, most of it is covered with stupid logos or is just downright ugly.

Any suggestions on bike clothing that is functional without being too techy or loud? Just in case you were wondering: Yes, I have to looked into fabrics synthesized from pies and stash pockets.

Moochers_Dad

I just got two pairs of padded baggies. I bought them a little too small so the benefit of not flapping around in the wind is still 90% there. I got them because I like to ride on the Chicago lakefront and I like to make stops on the way and during long rides. I have never felt comfortable in the midwest standing around in lycra bike shorts like I did while living in Aspen and Santa Barbara.

The padded baggy shorts are great! I really wanted some clothing between my regular street clothing and a full cycling costume. I can stop for coffee and not feel out of place.

Personally, I am trying to get out of the mentality of marketing departments that spend millions making me think that wearing a cotton is going to kill me after five miles of riding; and riding an aluminum frame will snap my spine like a twig. If i ride for 10 miles in a cycling outfit or if I ride 10 miles running errands in street clothes; I feel the same afterwards.

absntr

From way back in July 04, some decent suggestions in this thread (with my recommendations):

https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/56976-lycra-hatred.html

redfooj

performance bike always has sales on their own riding gear that look nice and are logo-less

Shiznaz

Pretty much all the Sugoi stuff is nice and low key with no obnoxious logos. Canadian made too!

Jaminsky

The only problem with not having certified bike-specific lycra shorts is that you have to find another way to show off your natural bulge, which could be equally as time consuming.

mr_tom

Endura 3/4 shorts are great. And they have a removable padded inner. And they're cheap. Also: Altura make lots of low-key (blacks and greys and blues) cycle gear that's aimed at commuters, and is appropriate wear for being off a bike. It's cheap, low-key and not covered in logos.

isotopesope

i have some assos clothing products that work incredibly well and i think are tasteful in design.

superdex

Have you checked out the mtb-biased clothing companies? Zoic , Nema, etc? Their stuff is noticably non-lycra looking while still being sport-specific...

chimpo

Not sure if this one will be considered too loud for you but I can vouch for its breathability and warmth as an outer layer in 40-50 degree weather rides.

https://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi...tColorsTB=9868

Camel

Nylon runner/jogger pants over bike shorts work well for me to cut the windchill. Long thermals underneath in the winter. You can usually find both cheap (10-20$). A velcro ankle band on the drive side is handy.

I've used this setup commuting and touring (geared) for a few years, as well as fixed commuting this week.

I pick up wool "hiking" socks as the seasonal sales come around.

Most of my cycling specific stuff (jerseys/padded shorts/bibs) I pick up off e-bay (new), for decent prices. Have to keep an eye on shipping charges though.

hubs

Campmor (they are at campmor.com) has great close out deals on hiking, camping, even some biking stuff. It's all different fabrics so you can get some breathable Ts or whatever.

fixedfiend

what about biking briefs? is there such a thing? hiking clothes over padded briefs.

chimblysweep

all i can say is, if i tear one more pair of jeans along the saddle-line, i'm going to get quite angry. my two favorite pairs (incl. one that i embroidered a cool bike onto the pocket of!) both tore in the exact same place-- where the inner thigh hits the saddle. arrgh.

gilby

Under the Weather, Nema, and Hypnotic Designs all make products that are both techie & street-smart. I dig 'em.

OrangeJTM46

Does anyone have baggies that aren't super baggy? I probably have a 26-28 waist and it seems like everything is too big, long and baggy. Oh, and just a shell, no liner, so I can wear shorts underneath.

cavit8

Yep, see the bottom of the page https://www.velotique.com/undies.htm

I go to the local goodwill and find cargo's that fit my waist, then crop them slightly below the knee so leg length doesn't matter (my biggest problem buying used pants). I've found some kick-ass chlorophylls that work really well. As a regular pant, they're not too baggy so they're fine. As they're outdoors gear, they're loose enought that they're not too tight when riding.

hella

I dig that Pearl Izumi jacket. I'll try and see if I can locate one around here and try it on. The Pearl Izumi outerwear stuff looks pretty functional and somewhat attractive. Good lookin' out. I'm also intrigued by rock climbing clothing like 3/4 length bouldering pants and stuff. However, I still can't find a jersey that isn't completely ugly.

absntr

Prana makes a stellar 3/4 manpri/knicker called the Mantis. Skitbra has a pait and they're nice. I think Dolface has two. I'm picking those up soon.

Patagonia (bless their hearts) also make a 3/4 knicker for climbing.

I'm all about the manpris.

*new*guy

No doubt. I was about to mention Prana. Really nice stuff.

Judah

Wish I could afford some Hanksters: https://www.hypnoticdesigns.com/knicker.html

hella

I wish I could afford those Under the Weather pants but it just wasn't meant to be. I saw those Pranas last night and there are also some nice ones from Sickle.

richardmasoner

I'll second that suggestion for Prana. They're my favorite riding-around pants. Very light-weight, almost "normal" looking, tapered at the bottom so they don't flop around. The photo is me wearing the long pant version.

RFM

dolface

now i have 3 pairs

check out climbing clothing manufacturers; prana and sickle have already been mentioned, ropegun and mountain hardware are two others.

gilby

Just curious, do these climbing 3/4 length pants have a reinforced rear end?