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bike style - how to look chic while on two wheels

SantosLHalper

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I'm a former bicycle commuter - in my experience it's more about comfort and safety than it is about looks. The lack of the infrastructure and (generally speaking) a culture supportive of two-wheeled commuting in the States makes it difficult. Staying visible, dry, cool/warm, and safe were far greater priorities than looking like one of the Italians on the Sartorialist.

That said, the brands that I have had some success with are those like Swobo, who offers wool and cotton jerseys and bottoms. They are usually in colors that are a bit easier to work with, and don't make you look like a tri-athlete. Also, you might think you look like a tool, but wear your helmet. It will save your life.

The knickers in a previous post are actually really awesome - wish they were available when I was riding to work.
 

cbsteven

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Primal Wear makes a jersey designed to look like a tux:
JT3878.jpg


But.. no peak lapel!
 

imageWIS

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I don’t bike for commuting purposes, so when I ride my bike I’m always wearing bike shorts and a jersey. That, and cleats, which aren’t very stylish, but by god do they get the job done!

Also, after going 30+ miles in SoFLA in the summer, one is so sweaty that any nicer clothes would be utterly ruined with B.O. (think Seinfeld’s BMW).

Jon.
 

matadorpoeta

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Originally Posted by acidicboy
bikeguysg5.jpg


trying way too hard.

Originally Posted by kitonbrioni
Only women wearing dresses/skirts on bicycles can look chic.

Thanks to The Sartorialist 6-4-2006
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/...1_archive.html


many of you have likely noticed the trend of young women riding bicycles around in dresses. this has been going on in l.a. for some time now, but i've recently noticed a new trend: women riding bicycles while wearing high heels. i don't know if this was in a movie or how this got started, but the last couple of months i've seen a ton of women doing this.
 

jeansandtshirt

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Fascinating topic. I don't commute on a bike, just use one for excercise, so I'm not really dressing for any kind of style. Although I do like the European sensibilities when it comes to this subject, I see bicycling on the street much the same way I look at motorcycling...safety first. Saying that, I don't wear a helmet on a bicycle, but my speeds aren't really up there and I stay off of most busy roads. If I did have to commute, I would try to be somewhat fashionable. However, I do sweat quite a bit when I ride so I'm not sure what I would do. Any fashionable "wickaway"? =)
 

lightsky

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Originally Posted by matadorpoeta
trying way too hard.



many of you have likely noticed the trend of young women riding bicycles around in dresses. this has been going on in l.a. for some time now, but i've recently noticed a new trend: women riding bicycles while wearing high heels. i don't know if this was in a movie or how this got started, but the last couple of months i've seen a ton of women doing this.



i saw a woman in a bright yellow dress walking a bright yellow bicycle. seems like the bike is the latest female fashion accessory. gotta admit, even walking, there is something very beguiling about a dress and a bike.
 

lightsky

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as for what best to wear on a bike, i think it depends on what kind of bike you're riding. if it's a road bike, then you will look best wearing cycling gear, if not lycra shorts/tights and jersey, then a pair of touring shorts (look like hiking shorts, only a little longer) and a t-shirt or utility shirt. i've seen guys with suits on road bikes and it doesn't work because the suit looks awful when you're hunched over the handlebars.

it's a different story if you're riding a bike with upright bars, as in the picture above of the guy in the suit. then the tables are turned and you would look much better in the suit, and downright silly in spandex.

the mountain bike is a nice middle ground since the sitting posture lies between the two extremes. i can see someone wearing a suit on a mtn bike, and it might even be kind of hip since the mtn bike is still considered pretty cool (though i haven't been into bikes for a few years and may be wrong about this).
 

lightsky

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check out a company called rivendell bicycles. they sell retro cycling gear, incl stuff made out of wool.

anecdote: before lycra was introduced in the early 80's, cyclists wore wool shorts and shirts, even in the middle of summer! i've done it too, and it isn't as uncomfortable as you might think since the fabric is thin and not tightly woven. you might also want to look at pictures of cyclists in the 1950's and 60's to see how you can dress like a cyclist w/o also looking like a moving billboard.
 

grilledcheese

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Originally Posted by lightsky
so they don't get caught between the chainwheel and chain.

This is not a mere incovenience when riding a fixed gear bike--this could potentially mean a broken leg/ankle. I love nice clothes in general, but bike clothes are bike clothes--I'd prefer to wear Rapha and Castelli over other cycling clothing brands. But you won't catch me wearing my Incotexes or Valentinis (or even my better denim) on my bikes--no way. It's simply not practical in any way, not to mention the fact that for many years I've trained myself to ride fast, so I'm certain I'd sweat through my Barbas and Lorenzinis in no time flat. This is a "trend"--and that's what it is--that I just don't get.
 

macuser3of5

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^^What he said. Wearing a suit on a bike is asking for pain; I can't imagine getting anywhere in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, it reeks of poserdom. Check out the cellphone.
crackup[1].gif


Me, I just keep my color palette subdued... Rolled up linen pants or jeans, a white shirt, lightweight jacket, etc. Those pics that culverwood posted are pretty much perfect. I haven't heard of Rapha, I'll check that out.
 

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