touring specific clothing
#1
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Thread Starter
touring specific clothing
guess this is aimed at the men folk. curious as to what clothing gear you find most comfortable to ware when on tour.
my self i ware the bib shorts and cycling jersey but to be honest i would much rather ware casual cloths but cycling specific if theres such a thing
has anyone got a link as to where i could see this type of clothing .
jerseys
pants
shorts not baggies slim fitting.
my self i ware the bib shorts and cycling jersey but to be honest i would much rather ware casual cloths but cycling specific if theres such a thing
has anyone got a link as to where i could see this type of clothing .
jerseys
pants
shorts not baggies slim fitting.
#2
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on my last weekender i was not wearing a cycling jersey, just a wool t-shirt and cycling shorts, and at camp I found myself wanting pockets to put stuff as i set about getting camp ready. I usually wear a cycling jersey but don't like keeping valuables there during the days' ride - too likely to misplace or otherwise loose something, but for chapstick, gu packets, and then around camp, a cycling jersey can't be beat.
I also like loose fitting shirts with a zipper front pocket for touring as well. I wear a cycling vest on tour most times on the road, but its high viz and i like to drop it once in camp to go low profile.
I've never found the right casual cycling short for comfort for all day in the saddle, but i'm sure others have good experiences. I bring pullover loose fitting shorts for apres velo.
I also like loose fitting shirts with a zipper front pocket for touring as well. I wear a cycling vest on tour most times on the road, but its high viz and i like to drop it once in camp to go low profile.
I've never found the right casual cycling short for comfort for all day in the saddle, but i'm sure others have good experiences. I bring pullover loose fitting shorts for apres velo.
Last edited by Bekologist; 10-08-11 at 04:59 AM.
#3
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I'm a woman, but these are my cycletouring clothes:
Cycling-specific:
Cycling shorts
Leg warmers
Plain short-sleeved jersey
Helmet
Gloves
Cycling shoes
Cycling vest
Cycling jacket
Not Cycling-Specific:
Plain wicking T-shirt
Plain long-sleeved merino wool top
Black fleece jacket
Convertable pants
Baseball shorts
I especially like the plain wicking T-shirts because I can wear them while cycling and still hop onto a train or go into a cafe and look relatively normal.
When I know my day is going to be a mix of activities, rather than cycling all day, I like to wear the convertable pants or basketball shorts over my cycling shorts, so again, I look relatively normal.
I get these things from places like:
Anaconda
Decathlon
MEC
Sierra Trading Post
You should have a Decathlon somewhere close to your area. It's French, but I know there are some in the UK too.
Cycling-specific:
Cycling shorts
Leg warmers
Plain short-sleeved jersey
Helmet
Gloves
Cycling shoes
Cycling vest
Cycling jacket
Not Cycling-Specific:
Plain wicking T-shirt
Plain long-sleeved merino wool top
Black fleece jacket
Convertable pants
Baseball shorts
I especially like the plain wicking T-shirts because I can wear them while cycling and still hop onto a train or go into a cafe and look relatively normal.
When I know my day is going to be a mix of activities, rather than cycling all day, I like to wear the convertable pants or basketball shorts over my cycling shorts, so again, I look relatively normal.
I get these things from places like:
Anaconda
Decathlon
MEC
Sierra Trading Post
You should have a Decathlon somewhere close to your area. It's French, but I know there are some in the UK too.
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#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
thanks folks ,yeah i do feel like i'm sticking out with a sore thumb when i need to go shopping wearing my bib shorts.i recently bough a great pair of mountain bike shorts but there a bit on the baggie side for me ,i'm just to small for baggies lol.
anyway folks keep it coming there's always someone out there with the perfect set up .
anyway folks keep it coming there's always someone out there with the perfect set up .
#5
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For short rides <40 miles I typically wear street clothes. For longer rides or day after day I will wear semi baggy MTB type padded shorts. Shirts are usually whatever is comfortable for the season, but usually something along the line of the Columbia PFG with the vented back and long sleeves that can be rolled up. Wool is the go to in colder weather.
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#6
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I often cycle in extreme heat and, as I have so far found nothing "cycling-specific" that suits me, I'm starting to think outside the box on this. I've observed that here in the Latin world the old timers never venture out on a hot day without a panama hat, lightweight trousers and a guayabera shirt.
Much to the chagrin of my esposa, who considers this type of raiment suitable only for viejitos like the gentleman pictured below, I see a white, linen guayabera in my future! Love those big pockets (suitable for a Cohiba or two) and the loose fit!
Much to the chagrin of my esposa, who considers this type of raiment suitable only for viejitos like the gentleman pictured below, I see a white, linen guayabera in my future! Love those big pockets (suitable for a Cohiba or two) and the loose fit!
Last edited by Ekdog; 10-08-11 at 06:55 AM.
#7
Senior Member
I prefer street shorts with lots of pockets. I picked up a pair of gel inner shorts at REI an they work well under anything. the comfort of the gel padding combined with the utility of street shorts is the perfect combination for me.
#8
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I cut a pair of thin wool slacks into shorts and they are nice for all kinds of activities. Some trousers are made of really fine wool that isn't itchy so use those kind, I can usually get 'em at the thrift store for less than 10$ a pair usually... I usually get charcoal grey slacks for cycling, very versatile colourl. I also take out all the pockets and sew them shut. Wear them with a cycling shirt or any other non-cotton shirt. I've thought about sewing a chamois into them but haven't really had a need to do that. Easy to wear cycling shorts underneath too since the pockets are gone. If you pack long wool socks they are good in the cool weather too.
tl;dr google "DIY cycling knickers"
tl;dr google "DIY cycling knickers"
#9
Senior Member
Me, too. As a result, I keep a pair of "normal" shorts packed on the top of my load. When I stop, it only takes a half-minute to pull them out and slip them on over my bibs. Mine have a relatively wide leg, so I don't have to remove my shoes to pull them on. Best of both worlds, in my opinion...
#10
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https://www.groundeffect.co.nz/products/
This is my source of cycling clothing that can double as streetwear.
This is my source of cycling clothing that can double as streetwear.
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On my N Euro tour I wore merino T shirt with a cycling jersey or long sleeved jersey on top.
Cycling shorts sometimes with polyester gym shorts on top for pockets, reduce wear on the lycra and for a better look in town.
I sometimes do the lycra cycling thing, somtimes not
Cycling shorts sometimes with polyester gym shorts on top for pockets, reduce wear on the lycra and for a better look in town.
I sometimes do the lycra cycling thing, somtimes not
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Just picked up two more wicking T-shirts, and two more polypro long-sleeved tops, from Anaconda. All of those could be worn both on and off the bicycle.
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I cut a pair of thin wool slacks into shorts and they are nice for all kinds of activities. Some trousers are made of really fine wool that isn't itchy so use those kind, I can usually get 'em at the thrift store for less than 10$ a pair usually... I usually get charcoal grey slacks for cycling, very versatile colourl. I also take out all the pockets and sew them shut. Wear them with a cycling shirt or any other non-cotton shirt. I've thought about sewing a chamois into them but haven't really had a need to do that. Easy to wear cycling shorts underneath too since the pockets are gone. If you pack long wool socks they are good in the cool weather too.
tl;dr google "DIY cycling knickers"
tl;dr google "DIY cycling knickers"
Speaking of pockets, I like ultra light, quick-dry nylon cargo shorts. They're cool, comfortable, easy to keep clean, and can also serve as street clothes, hiking shorts or swimwear. Wear with padded liner shorts if you have a tender bum. Unpadded downhill MTB shorts are practical, too, if a bit big and baggy.
#15
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Riv-Bike folks are into normal looking riding clothes.
Consider Baggy MTB shorts for the pockets, and some padded liner shorts
or just the lycra stuff , to wear under them, get several to wash clean and dry in sequence.
cooler weather put on something longer under the Baggys
and then of course with rain over-trousers , you just omit the outer shorts,
and wear the other stuff under that. bike shorts and long underwear.
Consider Baggy MTB shorts for the pockets, and some padded liner shorts
or just the lycra stuff , to wear under them, get several to wash clean and dry in sequence.
cooler weather put on something longer under the Baggys
and then of course with rain over-trousers , you just omit the outer shorts,
and wear the other stuff under that. bike shorts and long underwear.
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Ain't really nothing magical or mysterious or expensive about clothing for a bicycle tour. In warm weather, padded lycra shorts and a synthetic t work great. I throw on a pair of swim trunks for their pockets and to 'fit in' a bit better with the non-cycling public. Winter, thermal layers and windbreakers as needed.
Raingear is a challenge. If you go for 'breathable' you'll be cool and damp from rain water. If for truly waterproof, you'll be hot and damp from sweat. Pick one.
Raingear is a challenge. If you go for 'breathable' you'll be cool and damp from rain water. If for truly waterproof, you'll be hot and damp from sweat. Pick one.
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I use baggy MTB shorts or regular shorts with liners, wicking T shirts from REI, and I carry a waist pack and put everything in one place instead of trying to remember which pocket has what.
#19
Senior Member
Rapha 3/4 knickers are great for touring. https://www.rapha.cc/3or4-shorts
Hard waring material, a bit of padding and lots of pockets. They are expensive and look a bit "hipster" in the ads, but they are the best think I've found for riding in a range of weather that is also respectable in a restaurant. Smartwool or sportwool jersey on top.
Hard waring material, a bit of padding and lots of pockets. They are expensive and look a bit "hipster" in the ads, but they are the best think I've found for riding in a range of weather that is also respectable in a restaurant. Smartwool or sportwool jersey on top.
#20
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I like groundeffect stuff too. There Tardis bike bag is excellent!
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When it's warmer, I favor searsucker shirts. They're SUPPOSED to look wrinkled, they're cool, and mine all have buttoned pockets. My favorites are made by Patagonia, and they've all been purchased at a nearby Patagonia outlet's annual sale, when the prices descend to reasonable heights. Shorts: More than 40 miles, Andiamos (Thin, padded, cycling shorts designed to be worn under other shorts, and whatever loose, comfortable shorts I have at hand. I find mountain bike shorts to be a bit hot, but the andiamos breathe well and work fine with whatever outer shorts suit you. As it gets colder, I switch to a merino long-sleeve jersey, a bit on the large size, and if it's really cold, real bike shorts with a looser pair of tights (I think they're called "Cafe Pants."
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Bib shorts and cycling jerseys if I'm not done riding for the day. I don't care that somebody else thinks I'm nuts because I rode a bike here, why should I care what they think of my clothes?
After I'm done, though, I'll get out of those and clean up as well and quickly as possible. Then into a t-shirt (some sort of poly), and baggy shorts or convertible nylon pant. But it's still for my own comfort and convenience.
After I'm done, though, I'll get out of those and clean up as well and quickly as possible. Then into a t-shirt (some sort of poly), and baggy shorts or convertible nylon pant. But it's still for my own comfort and convenience.
#23
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Rapha 3/4 knickers are great for touring. https://www.rapha.cc/3or4-shorts
Hard waring material, a bit of padding and lots of pockets. They are expensive and look a bit "hipster" in the ads, but they are the best think I've found for riding in a range of weather that is also respectable in a restaurant. Smartwool or sportwool jersey on top.
Hard waring material, a bit of padding and lots of pockets. They are expensive and look a bit "hipster" in the ads, but they are the best think I've found for riding in a range of weather that is also respectable in a restaurant. Smartwool or sportwool jersey on top.
I use Rapha's touring shorts over a pair of old Performance Ultra bike shorts and a merino wool t-shirt. This combo works well on and off the bike as I use regular sneakers and flat pedals. When I get to camp I switch the bike shorts for regular undies. The Rapha shorts aren't baggy and they're perfect to use as regular shorts and even swim trunks.
#24
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Thread Starter
Bib shorts and cycling jerseys if I'm not done riding for the day. I don't care that somebody else thinks I'm nuts because I rode a bike here, why should I care what they think of my clothes?
After I'm done, though, I'll get out of those and clean up as well and quickly as possible. Then into a t-shirt (some sort of poly), and baggy shorts or convertible nylon pant. But it's still for my own comfort and convenience.
After I'm done, though, I'll get out of those and clean up as well and quickly as possible. Then into a t-shirt (some sort of poly), and baggy shorts or convertible nylon pant. But it's still for my own comfort and convenience.
yeah yeah i know loose the weight get skinny again believe me i've tried that route but not easy when your in your 50's ,anyway folks keep it coming thanks so far.
#25
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Bib and jersey for anything over 10 miles, and I keep a small pair of mesh shorts in an easily accessible pocket for walking around.
Some people are fine wearing whatever for 100 miles plus. But, I hate loose clothes flapping in the wind, restrictive shorts, and am so used to wearing bike shorts/bib that not wear feels super weird. I kinda feel like a tool at times, especially rolling up to some hipster/hippie doods in jean cut offs and a cotten tees, but whateves, my boys feels comfy in lycra/spandex.
Some people are fine wearing whatever for 100 miles plus. But, I hate loose clothes flapping in the wind, restrictive shorts, and am so used to wearing bike shorts/bib that not wear feels super weird. I kinda feel like a tool at times, especially rolling up to some hipster/hippie doods in jean cut offs and a cotten tees, but whateves, my boys feels comfy in lycra/spandex.