Apparel Question Beginner

Cycling in jeans sucks. For a short commute, though, there's no need to get all kitted out. Just wear whatever is comfortable. If you feel the need for a chamois pad, try wearing inexpensive cycling shorts instead of underwear.

oldbobcat said:

Cycling in jeans sucks. For a short commute, though, there's no need to get all kitted out. Just wear whatever is comfortable. If you feel the need for a chamois pad, try wearing inexpensive cycling shorts instead of underwear.

Thanks for the reply. You're right I do want mostly a comfortable trip. When you say inexpensive cycling shorts do you have any in mind? Also, I'm looking for multi-functional shoes too. So that as soon as I park my bike to campus I can walk around comfortably. Something light. And also that doesn't look like road bike shoes.

This is an either-or situation.

If you want to wear on the bike what you wear during the day then do that. It will not be comfortable for riding but you won't have to take a change.

If you want to be comfortable on the bike, wear some proper riding gear (nicks and jersey) and change at the end of the ride. There is no riding gear (even plain colloured stuff) which doesn't look out of place in a non-riding situation. At this distance you will spend about as much time changing clothes as you would riding. Whether this is worth it is up to you.

There is no option giving you the best of both worlds. There are MTB shorts availble, which have a chamois inner and a loose fitting outer but they represent the middle ground between the scnearios above. (ie: they are bad at both). Tracksuits also don't tend to look very sophisticated.

As far as shoes go. You could try getting away with MTB shoes but they are usually compromised for walking around in. I find them uncomfortable after about 10 mins off the bike. They are still too stiff and are designed only for occasional walking/running whilst on MTB rides/races.

On light uni days (1 or 2 hours of lectures) I used to rock up to uni lectures in bibs and jersey (covered in club sponsors logos) with my race bike in tow. I was lucky to have accomodating lecturers and a small class size.

Any sub-$50 short would do for a short commute--the Pearl Izumi Attack short, or the store brands from Performance or (even better) Excel Sports. Nothing fancy, just a spandex jammer with a pad.

For shoes, there's a Bontrager commuter shoe, or you can go with some of the rec-level MTB shoes--Specialized Tahoe or the Shimano MT series. Shop around and you'll get the idea. Just about any MTB shoe-pedal combination will work for you, and your local shops can help you make a selection.

Of course, working in a cycling short all day long is going to feel clammy and create an incubator for all sorts of smelly and infectious microbes.

Just dress for movement and comfort. Carry a pair of presentable sandals or slip-ons in your book bag if you feel the need for cycling shoes.

Personally, I never dress for riding unless I'm going at least 15 miles. Each way. Otherwise, it's too much bother.

Ron Hill tracksters might be your answer - on;y thing is they have no pad, but if you dont want to look like youre lost from last years TDF they will be fine.

You could always cycle in cycling gear and change at college. Leave a pair of jeans at college to change into. Or carry a change of clothing in your bag. Lots of cyclists do this. Don't wear jeans to cycle in though, they're the worse things you can wear. If I was going to cycle in the same clothes I wear for work, I'd wear combat pant. But there's no substitute for proper cycling trousers.

Five Miles? As they say HTFU (harden the F up) for that distance just grab some comfy clothes. I assume you are not TT'ing the commute so why do you want bike wear? +1 on bringing comfy shoes if you want to ride in bike shoes. You're already carrying a back pack so no big deal there.