Commuting Clobber

[EasyPeez]

Well, post Christmas I have myself 2x short-sleeved base layers, 2x long sleeved, 2x cycling leggings, a soft-shell, a rain jacket, 2x buffs and a helmet. In short, I look a right berk almost every time I leave the house now, but I am much comfier on my ride so a hearty thanks to you all. The base layers and buffs in particular have made a real difference, well happy with those. I was thinking cos I'm not a smelly chap at all that I might get at least half a week out of each base layer to save on the washing cycle, but there's no chance, they don't half ming after a session in the saddle don't they?!
Thanks again for all the advice

 

[vickster]

How long are you cycling for? I'd certainly wash shorts after every ride

 

[Pale Rider]

How long are you cycling for? I'd certainly wash shorts after every ride

Agreed.

I only have cheap padded shorts, but I wear them for as short a time as possible and always wash them after use.

It would be nice to know if expensive shorts would be any less sweaty and smelly, but I'm not curious enough to lash out on a pair.

 

[DCLane]

@EasyPeez - welcome to the cycle commuters club

Washing kit after a day's use helps keep

 

[chrisuren]

The most important piece of advice I can offer anyone commuting is to never wear boxer shorts/pants under your cycling shorts. I made this mistake, once.

 

[steveindenmark]

Here is my tuppence worth.

I have an 18km commute each way at 5 am in the morning and it can get pretty chilly in Denmark.

I wear a pair of thin cycling socks and a thick Pair of Marino wool socks over the top. I then have a pair of ladies 130 denier tights under my Dhb long bib set. If it is below -5 I will wear leg warmers.

On top I have arm warmers a long Aldi ski vest, a long sleeve fleece jersey and an Endura waterproof top.

I usually have a Polar Buff round my neck and one as a hat.

If it is wet or really cold I wear waterproof trousers.

On my hands I have a pair of padded Thinsulate gloves and military overmitts from E Bay. The overmitts are probably the best bit of gear I have ever bought.

On my feet, I have a pair of cheap cycling shoes with neoprene shoe covers.

Within 10 minutes I am toasty warm even it it is freezing and lashing down.

I do sweat and I am damp, but warm when I get to work. I hang my gear up and it is dry when I am ready to go home. I have a shower at work.

When I get home my ski top and tights go in the shower with me and they are dry by morning.

It sounds like a bit of a faffing, but after a couple of weeks it's a simple routine. You need to leave home earlier to get changed a work. But it is worth it.

 

[Pale Rider]

It sounds like a bit of faffing

It sounds like a lot of faffing, but I admire your determination to cycle commute in all weathers.

 

[mjr]

Happily it's not that bad here mostof the year. For trips of up to ten miles, I wear ordinary trousers,, ordinary socks, whatever shirt/jacket/jumper and try to pick the appropriate weight of coat for the temperature/rain. My only concessions to cycling are a preference for uncleated cycling shoes (but I can ride in office shoes if I need to be smarter and I'm not carrying big bags), a hat, and goggles if cold/windy. I ride roadster, tourer or folder depending on destinationgfor the day, so I can more comfortably wear plain clothes than if I rode a racer.

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

The most important piece of advice I can offer anyone commuting is to never wear boxer shorts/pants under your cycling shorts. I made this mistake, once.

You'll get issues if you wear loose fitting ones and the bottom of the leg rides right up. Snug fitting, thigh hugging, mid thigh length, no issues at all IME.

 

[EasyPeez]

Thanks @DCLane

How long are you cycling for? I'd certainly wash shorts after every ride

I haven't worn shorts so far. Maybe when the weather warms up again. So far since ditching the jeans it's been £7 Aldi leggings all the way and I can get away with washing them one a week. I don't sweat much on my bottom half and they never smell, just pick up some mud.
It was the base layer t-shirts I was referring to - previously with cotton tees I'd arrive at work drenched in sweat but pretty odour-free. Now with the base layers most of the sweat wicks away from my body so I arrive pretty dry but the base layer stinks! Def a fresh one required each day.

Anyway, this is starting to feel like a lot of information to be sharing with you all so early in our relationship!

 

[vickster]

I meant padded shorts / undies, but fine if not wearing these (padded ones rather than any undies, I assume you change those every day as a matter of course )

 

[mythste]

I meant padded shorts / undies, but fine if not wearing these (padded ones rather than any undies, I assume you change those every day as a matter of course )

Change them?

Well, us blokes change the orientation most days, Frontways, backways, inside-out front and back. Mate of mine swears he's found a fifth way but I'm as yet to find it.

 

[HorTs]

My clobber for winter commuting is here