Cloths for cycling (less sweating?)

[_DK_]

Hi mates,

I have a slightly strange question (maybe). I'm cycling to the uni every day. It takes around 15 minutes but that's enough for me to get sweaty. As you guess it's not a nice feeling afterwards. So how do you cope with that? Are you using some special shirts made of partcular materials and changing the cloths when you arrive at the place? Or are there any other secrets?

Thanks!

 

[Auntie Helen]

I tend to wear 'proper' cycling or running clothing which is largely polyester/lycra and not cotton (which retains water). These cycling tops are very thin so I usually take another with me to change into when I arrive at my destination. This sort of kit also dries very quickly which is useful. Aldi have some running tops in at the moment that will do the trick, also running leggings.

 

[montage]

lycra!


You could get any sports top though I guess, many are a wicker design which is far cooler. So get yourself some sports kit and just change at uni, simple! Remember to pack the spray though Showers available?

 

[fossyant]

Proper kit, then change into civvies....... it's the only way, unless you ride slooooooooowly.....

I borrowed the keys to the shower room on another site last week, upon giving the keys back to the receptionist she said....."Oh I didn't recognise you".... We had a bit of a laugh about it, especially when I came back a couple of hours later to get 'changed' again.....

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Agreed - Always wear a "high wick" fabric, it is so much more comfortable. Check out the Endura product range. Great VFM in my opinion.

 

[Joe24]

When i ride to work, i wear the same as what i would wear if i was going on a long ride. S/sleve jersey, base layer, bib shorts, tighter cycling trousers rolled up if its cold.
My ride to work is only 8-10mins and is just under 3 miles.
Today, i rode 20mins to see a mate and get some bits for the bike im building. I did it in my normal clothes. Took it easy up the short hills and didnt have any problems, i wasnt sweaty.
In the summer i do the same, but i just take it easy so i dont sweat.

 

[just4fun]

im the same as joe24. except not building a bike

 

[Joe24]

im the same as joe24. except not building a bike

You dont want to.
Although, i now dont need anything more for my bike, just need to put it all together and it has cost me £7.19. That was for bar tape aswell, which i could of got free from a mate but decided i wanted something abit nicer to look at.

 

[snorri]

It would be just too much bother for me to get changed into special clothing for a 15 minute cycle journey, put a little less energy into the pedals.

 

[Priscilla Parsley]

change into full kit for 15 minutes? no way! wear your normal clothes and get used to being a bit dishevilled

 

[_DK_]

Ok, thanks for response everyone! I think I'll consider getting that lycra thing.
I'll probably make a compromise. I think I'll be buying a lycra t-shirt (my back and shoulders seem to be sweating the most). So it won't take long to change it (even if random ppl at the uni are going to see me half-naked).

PS And yeah all my shirts are mostly made of cotton, so you guess...

 

[sw3008]

I do about 6 miles each way. I just wear my normal trousers (tucked into socks) & a t-shirt. If it's cold, I'll have another top on.

You can get a bit hot, but it doesn't take long to cool down.

If you're that bothered by sweat, take a towel & a spare top to change into.

 

[jimboalee]

15 minutes to Uni.
Make it 20 minutes from now on.
Wear as least as possible. Ride moderately and breath deeply.

Your body produces 1 cm^3 for unwanted water for every 4.2 kCals it burns. Riding moderatley and breathing deeply lets more of it go out on your breath.
Wearing less lets the wind cool you, forcing the sweat glands to constrict.

Or ( another bit of comic genius ) put an ice block down the back of your shirt. Seriously, between the scapula is the best place to put a cool-block.

 

[Hont]

I think I'll be buying a lycra t-shirt (my back and shoulders seem to be sweating the most).

Get a "base layer" T-shirt. Will wick the sweat away so you won't feel quite as uncomfortable.

Easiest solution, as others have said though, is to go slower.

 

[_DK_]

I wouldn't really like to ride slower. Honestly I'm not very fast (maybe also because I'm still not too good at gear shifting - I prefer higher frequency with less power) and I like the idea of having a small exercise on a daily basis.
I think changing a shirt should be enough.