bike style - how to look chic while on two wheels

[babygreenspots]

While avoiding all of the various nylon and reflective vests associated with bicycling.

I tend to think socks are key since they will be on display.

Trousers probably have to be quite tapered if you don't want to fasten on one of those clamps every time.

Regardless of opinions on whether commuting to work on bike is appropriate, what styles do you think look best on bicycling commuters?

 

[acidboy]

Italians makes riding a bicyle in suits an artform. Of course this depends a lot on what bicycle you're using, and if this would work on the streets of Beijing.

 

[Britalian]

Originally Posted by acidicboy

Italians makes riding a bicyle in suits an artform. Of course this depends a lot on what bicycle you're using, and if this would work on the streets of Beijing.

As the man says, look to Italy.

 

[California Dreamer]

It's a nice fantasy, but the gent in the posed photo above would stand no chance in any kind of adverse weather. Where I live, he would also be forced to where a dorky bike helmet which would cramp his style a little.

Seriously, you do not cycle to look good, you do it as a means of transport. It is vital to be properly protected, maximally comfortable and highly visible. The suggestions given above are hazardous to your health. There is a reason for the way cycling gear is designed.

I may be taking this OTT, but a good friend of mine just landed in the ICU after a car ran a red light and plowed through him when he was on his bike. Safety ahead of style, please.

 

[California Dreamer]

We all look equally stylish under ground.

 

[culverwood]

Rapha

 

[Tomasso]

Breaks on a track bike?

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

Breaks on a track bike?

If you ride it off track, it is not bad at all.

 

[SoCal2NYC]

 

[spertia]

^^^Is this supposed to be a good example??

 

[SoCal2NYC]

Chicest tri uniforms that I designed.

 

[DoTheGrownup]

I've been wanting to get some of these

which I learned about in this article

I think they're pretty styling, and I like the idea of wearing wool pants on my bike.

 

[yachtie]

To look cool, you really need one of these:

 

[Artisan Fan]

Wearing a suit on a bike unless commuting to work just looks silly to me.

I always equate cycling to lighter, summer clothes.

 

[Renault78law]

Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC

pic

Triathletes are the poorest example of chic, worse than roadies. When I used to commute to work on a bicycle, I opted for the bike messenger look. I wore Chrome (the brand, not the finish) knickers and changed after getting to work.

The knickers that DoTheGrownup linked look nice too, and were well reviewed on a fixedgear forum.

Whether to exault form over function on a bike ride depends on the distance and environment you plan to ride. My commute was 12 miles each way down Olympic Blvd. On the way home, it was dark. Safety and visibility were most important to me. I wouldn't necessarily say the same if I were riding 4 blocks to a cafe.

Regarding brakes,
A rear brake on a fixedgear bike is totally extraneous. However, a front brake is a different story. Though traditionalists might scoff, they can't dispute that it is a fact that having a front brake will help you stop much sooner than without.