When Your Bicycle Becomes Your Vehicle: Part III

by | Nov 7, 2020 | Featured | 116 comments

GrüneStrasse Bike to Work Attire

5 Steps to Embrace the Bicycle Lifestyle

Step 5:  Bicycle Attire

(Fairfax County, VA) Growing up in Wisconsin, I was always kind of amused by people from the south who said, “Wisconsin!  Damn it’s cold up there.”  But I never really thought of Wisconsin as cold because we always dressed for the weather.  In our case it was insulated boots, layers, down parkas, a Packers knit cap, and great gloves.  To dress for the cold, we (our parents) had to invest in the correct gear to keep us protected; because we had the right gear for the elements, we did not mind the weather.

At GrüneStrasse, we assert that having the right gear for the job increases your likelihood of doing it, and doing it well.  Just like winter weather in Wisconsin, having the right gear for task is essential—without it you will find that maintaining a bicycle lifestyle is difficult and limited in duration.  A lifestyle choice requires lifestyle tools.

Please see our other Installments in this Series

Step 5:  Proper Cycling Attire Can Boost Your Riding Frequency

GrüneStrasse Bike to Work Attire

As autumn sets in and frost and even snow become part of the commuter calculus, it is an excellent time to delve into cycling attire.  Most activities have specialized attire and cycling is no exception.  

 One of the great things about cycling is that you actually do not need a lot of specialized equipment.  If your bike is functional and safe, you can easily ride without lycra, special shoes, gloves, or skin-tight jerseys. And you certainly do not need to kit up for a short ride to the grocery store or to pick up kids from school.  So why bother with all that gear?  

Comfort.  Jeans and T-shirt are great for local trips in good weather. When the weather turns nasty, wet, cold, and dark, you are going to want gear that keeps you warm, safe, and illuminated. Below are my reasons why bicycle attire enhances comfort while biking:

  • Cycling Gear is cut to fit properly when riding a bicycle 
  • Cycling gear is designed to enhance movement and eliminate / reduce chafing
  • Cycling gear is designed to handle perspiration and wick-away excess moisture
  • Cycling gear has padding in crucial areas.  Notably in the seat and hands/wrists
  • Cycling gear maximizes your energy and improves efficiency.  The most obvious difference between cycling gear and regular clothing is that cycling kit is aerodynamic and sleek, helping you cut the wind and ride more efficiently.  Cycling shoes have stiff soles, so most of your leg push is translated into the crank, not keeping your foot on the pedal.
NOT GrüneStrasse Bike to Work Attire

Types of Cycling Clothing

Cycling Shorts

The definitive item of bicycle attire, cycling shorts are made from stretchy Nylon/Lycra with a pad inside to cushion your butt. There are two variants, waist shorts and bib shorts. Bib shorts are the more comfortable of the two options, though they do make trips to the bathroom a challenge.  On a personal note, I wear bibs and LOVE them; I also threaten my children to meet their friends at the front door in bibs if they ever get too far out of line.

Bike to Work Cycle Shorts
Bike to Work Bib
Bike to Work MTB shorts

Note that road shorts tend to be made from lycra, are sheer, and very aerodynamic.  There is a separate class of cycle shorts aimed at mountain bikers that are loose, baggy, and comes with pockets, but still deliver comfort on the bike.  

Cycling shorts range from about $30 up to over $200. You should be able to find a decent and dependable set of bike shorts for $50 – $70.

Shellbacker Jersey

Cycling Jerseys

The bike shirt is usually made from wicking synthetic materials or a blend incorporating Merino wool.  A typical jersey usually has a high neck to protect you from the sun, a zip at the front — the length varies — and pockets at the back to carry your stuff. The most common jerseys have either short or long sleeves.

Fabrics range from ultra-light breathable mesh, to thick windproof and water-resistant fabrics. For most of your riding you will want a medium-weight short-sleeve jersey that serves you well in summer and acts as a base layer in winter.    

Jerseys also range from $15 to $200 depending on the brand, design, and fabric.  You should be able to find a good base jersey for around $35.

Biking Gloves

Bike gloves have a lightly padded leather palm, a breathable fabric back and a Velcro strip to hold it in place around your wrist. There are myriad alternatives, though, with gel padding in the palm, stretchy backs so there is no need for a Velcro tab, perspiration wipes on the thumb and lots of other features.  

I actually own three sets of bike gloves.  I have a summer model which has fabric over the first knuckle; a cool-weather glove that has fully enclosed fingers; and a cold-weather mitten that I wear over the summer gloves in the coldest weather.  Gloves range in price from $10 to $100.  You can find a good pair of winter-weight cycling gloves for about $30.

Bike to Work Gloves, Short
Bike to Work Gloves, Long
Bike to Work Mittens

Bicycle Tights

 When the temperature drops you will want to cover more of your body. Cycling tights extend the coverage to your ankles and are usually made of a thicker material to keep you warm. Like cycling shorts, they are available with and without bibs, and they are also available with and without a pad. You wear unpadded tights over Lycra shorts so you can get more than one use from them in between washes.

Tights are a must-have for riding in northern climates.  I just would not bike in cold weather without tights. I have two pairs of winter tights—one is a complete set with padding included and the other is designed to cover my biking shorts.  Expect a good pair of tights to cost around $70.  If you plan to bike year-round, tights are a must-have.

Bike to Work Tights
Bike to Work Tights

Cycling Jackets

Like tights, jackets are essential items for year-round riding.  There are three main types of jackets:  thermal jackets that keep you warm; waterproof “hardshells;” and “softshells” that are both insulating and highly water-resistant.

The all-weather, all-purpose jacket is the Holy Grail of cycling.  Many products claim to keep you warm and dry and allow breathability for perspiration.  I am sorry—that jacket just does not exist.  I have all three:  thermals for the cold, dry rides; hardshells for the rain (add layers if you think you will be cold); and softshells for the early days of autumn.  If I had to pick one, I would pick a waterproof hardshell first because I can deal with cold, but I cannot deal with wet.  A good waterproof jacket will cost around $90. 

Bike to Work Jackets
Shellback Backpack by GrüneStrasse

Want to Bike to Work But No Place for Your Professional Attire?

Is your Bike to Work day confined to Casual Fridays?  Do you have two wardrobes—the Bike to Work wardrobe at the office and the rest at home? 

GrüneStrasse Backpack Co.  produces the Shellback Bike to Work backpack.  This hand-crafted backpack stores the entirety of your one-day work requirements to include:  crease-free professional attire (suit); laptop; shoes; toiletries; bike repair kit; accessories, and dozens of other bike-friendly features that Simplify, Organize, and Protect.

ORDER HERE
Bike to Work socks

Cycling Socks

Socks for cycling are made from thin, sweat-wicking fabrics, usually with a thicker layer on the sole for padding. In the winter, many riders switch to Merino wool as it retains some insulating properties even when wet.  

Cycling Shoes

Stiff soles are the main feature of cycling shoes, usually with attachment points for cleats that clip into special pedals. Road bike shoes have a cleat that screws into of the sole and are a bit awkward to walk in. Shoes with recessed cleats, originally developed for mountain biking, are easier to walk in which makes them great for commuting, touring, and more casual riding.

Bike to Work Road Bike Shoes
Bike to Work MTB shoe

My take is that shoes and pedals should be the last item you buy.  If you are new to cycling, the shoes, cleats, and special pedals are a bit pricey and no one wants to be the noob in cycling kit that falls over at the stop sign.  My recommendation is to start with the other essential cycling attire and graduate to pedals when you are ready.  How will you know you are ready? 

  • When you are tired of just cruising to the office and want to open it up and set some PRs 
  • When you’ve realized that 16.6% of your energy is being wasted on regular pedals and not put into each crank
  • When cyclists of lesser ability are passing you on the trail

Bike shoes are the difference between a “biker” and a “cyclist.”  Bike shoes are not for everyone and many folks do not want or need the hassle of another pair of shoes.  On a personal note, I resisted bike shoes for years due to the expense and for the (totally unreasonable) fear that people would judge me as a bike poser.  I finally committed to clipless pedals and could not believe the increased speed and power compared to tennis shoes on standard pedals.  Yes, I fell a couple of times.  But I was never going back to standard pedals.  

Series Conclusion

Shellbackers, I hope my steps on turning your bicycle into your vehicle has been helpful and convinces one or more to keep biking throughout the winter.  It can be done!  There is a reason that we market backpacks to fearless Bike to Work Commuters!  Biking in the winter is hard!  Remember that the bicycle lifestyle requires lifestyle equipment.  What equipment do you need to be fully committed to the bike lifestyle?  

Bike to Work and Alternative Transportation Movement

Shellback6 is GrüneStrasse’s regular blog contribution to the Bike to Work and Alternative Transportation Movement. Comments, suggestions, and dissenting points of view welcome!

116 Comments

  1. film
    film on November 21, 2020 at 10:07 pm

    I truly enjoy looking at on this web site, it contains excellent articles. Rosabelle Brigham Ivar

    Reply
    • Shellback6
      Shellback6 on November 22, 2020 at 6:58 pm

      Rosabelle, thank you! Really appreciate the warm comments. Have a great Holiday Season! Dress well!

      Reply
    • Shellback6
      Shellback6 on December 7, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      Hi Cassidy, thank you for the comment. Bike safely, dress smart!

      Reply
    • Shellback6
      Shellback6 on December 7, 2020 at 4:36 pm

      Thanks you for your comment! Helping to get new riders on the road is our goal!

      Reply
  4. pinkie rehnborg
    pinkie rehnborg on December 11, 2020 at 2:51 am

    You made some nice points there. I looked on the internet for the subject matter and found most individuals will agree with your site.

    Reply
  5. betsy abrams
    betsy abrams on December 11, 2020 at 2:53 am

    Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

    Reply
    • Shellback6
      Shellback6 on December 11, 2020 at 1:07 pm

      Great, Betsy. Consider passing on to your friends considering a bike lifestyle!

      Reply
  6. filmi full izle
    filmi full izle on January 14, 2021 at 4:05 am

    Hi there, well put together web-site you possess presently. Addia Zach Lon

    Reply
  7. free porn
    free porn on January 25, 2021 at 3:15 pm

    Hi there, its good post about media print, we all know media is a fantastic source of data. Nelia Bruis Rodl

    Reply
  8. yetiskin
    yetiskin on February 2, 2021 at 3:33 pm

    You ought to take part in a contest for one of the finest blogs on the web. I will highly recommend this site! Benoite Corbet Ashlie

    Reply
  14. takipçi satın al
    takipçi satın al on April 26, 2021 at 9:39 am

    you’re truly a good webmaster. The site loading speed is incredible.
    It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick. In addition, The
    contents are masterwork. you’ve performed a excellent
    process on this matter!

    Reply
  15. takipçi satın al
    takipçi satın al on April 28, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written!

    Reply
  16. instagram takipçi satın al
    instagram takipçi satın al on May 7, 2021 at 4:13 am

    I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the structure on your blog.
    Is that this a paid topic or did you modify it yourself?
    Either way keep up the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to
    see a nice blog like this one today..

    Reply
  17. takipçi satın al
    takipçi satın al on May 7, 2021 at 7:45 am

    Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every
    day. It will always be interesting to read content from other
    writers and use a little something from their websites.

    Reply
  18. instagram takipçi satın al
    instagram takipçi satın al on May 13, 2021 at 9:48 am

    If you are going for most excellent contents like me, just visit
    this site everyday as it provides quality contents, thanks

    Reply
  19. takipçi satın al
    takipçi satın al on May 18, 2021 at 5:14 am

    Amazing issues here. I am very glad to look your post.
    Thank you a lot and I’m looking ahead to contact you.
    Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

    Reply
  21. pdf indir
    pdf indir on May 30, 2021 at 5:42 am

    Thank you for this beautiful article. Waiting for the more …

    Reply
  22. Youtube Mp3
    Youtube Mp3 on June 1, 2021 at 4:36 am

    Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
    I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
    It will always be helpful to read content from other authors and practice something from their

    Reply
  24. pdf indir
    pdf indir on July 20, 2021 at 11:50 pm

    The article is really excellent. Every time I read it, I get information again.
    The best article I’ve read in a long time….

    Reply
  28. Pdf İndir
    Pdf İndir on August 3, 2021 at 7:08 am

    My relatives every time say that I am wasting my time here at net, however I
    know I am getting know-how all the time by reading thes
    good articles.

    Reply
  30. ps4 games what
    ps4 games what on August 23, 2021 at 11:56 pm

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts about where. Regards

    Reply
  31. Sağlık Haberleri
    Sağlık Haberleri on September 18, 2021 at 6:36 am

    My relatives every time say that I am wasting my time here at net, however I
    know I am getting know-how all the time by reading thes
    good articles.

    Reply
  32. Ünlü Biyografileri
    Ünlü Biyografileri on September 19, 2021 at 4:56 am

    My relatives every time say that I am wasting my time here at net, however I
    know I am getting know-how all the time by reading thes
    good articles.

    Reply
  33. Hollie
    Hollie on September 28, 2021 at 7:01 am

    Very energetic article, I loved that bit.
    Will there be a part 2?

    Reply
  34. Nulled Base
    Nulled Base on September 28, 2021 at 6:19 pm

    My relatives every time say that I am wasting my time here at net, however I
    know I am getting know-how all the time by reading thes
    good articles.

    Reply
  35. Efrain
    Efrain on October 4, 2021 at 8:33 pm

    I have discovered excellent posts right here. I
    love the way you write. Wonderful!

    Reply
  37. freestanding tubs
    freestanding tubs on December 24, 2021 at 6:38 am

    hi!,I love your writing very so much! percentage we keep up a correspondence
    extra approximately your post on AOL? I require a specialist on this space
    to unravel my problem. May be that’s you! Looking ahead to look
    you.

    Reply
  38. Ar-answer.com
    Ar-answer.com on December 28, 2021 at 3:50 pm

    Quality articles is the key to interest
    the viewers to visit the website, that’s what this site is providing.

    Reply
  42. JaneWadaycefcf
    JaneWadaycefcf on December 30, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    XEvil – the best captcha solver tool with unlimited number of solutions, without thread number limits and highest precision!
    XEvil 5.0 support more than 12.000 types of image-captcha, included ReCaptcha, Google captcha, Yandex captcha, Microsoft captcha, Steam captcha, SolveMedia, ReCaptcha-2 and (YES!!!) ReCaptcha-3 too.

    1.) Flexibly: you can adjust logic for unstandard captchas
    2.) Easy: just start XEvil, press 1 button – and it’s will automatically accept captchas from your application or script
    3.) Fast: 0,01 seconds for simple captchas, about 20..40 seconds for ReCaptcha-2, and about 5…8 seconds for ReCaptcha-3

    You can use XEvil with any SEO/SMM software, any parser of password-checker, any analytics application, or any custom script:
    XEvil support most of well-known anti-captcha services API: 2Captcha.com, RuCaptcha, AntiGate.com (Anti-Captcha), DeathByCaptcha, etc.

    Interested? Just search in Google “XEvil” for more info
    You read this – then it works! ;)))

    P.S. New XEvil 6.0 will solve hCaptcha, FunCaptcha and ReCaptcha Enterprize

    Reply
  51. visit
    visit on January 11, 2022 at 5:15 am

    This really answered my drawback, thanks!

    Reply
  52. Maryglaps
    Maryglaps on January 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm

    [url=https://ordercialistabwithnorx.monster/]tadalafil cialis[/url]

    Reply
  54. tow behind aerator
    tow behind aerator on January 16, 2022 at 10:47 am

    Agri-Fab 45-054four Drum Spike Aerator is good for aerating and packing
    the soil. This machine features a 40 in. lawn spike aerator that
    gives up to 2.5 in. of aeration depth. In addition, it contains adding up to one hundred lb.
    to the burden tray.

    bushnell night vision binoculars
    get wifi password from iphone
    stand alone milk frother
    vue brewing system
    bunn coffee maker office
    automatic vs semi automatic espresso machine
    flowering bonsai tree types
    bunn tea brewer manual
    coffee grinder and maker
    best night vision camera 2015

    Here is my web page: tow behind aerator

    Reply
  56. Domain
    Domain on January 17, 2022 at 12:57 am

    My partner and I stumbled over here by a different web page and thought I might
    check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you.
    Look forward to finding out about your web page again.

    Reply
  73. nauka jazdy
    nauka jazdy on February 1, 2022 at 12:05 am

    Thank you for every other informative blog. The place else may I get that kind of information written in such an ideal
    approach? I have a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and
    I have been on the glance out for such information.

    Reply
  78. Jamessquah
    Jamessquah on February 3, 2022 at 3:50 pm

    Best way to win money on roulette Casino Bonus ohne Einzahlung – Online Casino Echtgeld Ereğli free real money online casino no deposit
    How to play blackjack with two people have a free online casino games no download required
    Jungle wild 2 slot machine free online This free casino games to win real money
    Wizard of oz slot games online free to this free casino slot machine games to download
    How to play slots for real money online get redirected here usa online no deposit casino bonus codes
    How to play the slot machine and win read gaminator 777 slots free casino slot machines

    Reply
  84. Bogdanjvr
    Bogdanjvr on February 16, 2022 at 7:31 pm

    Здравствуйте товарищи!
    Предлагаем Вашему вниманию изделия из стекла для дома и офиса.Наша организация ООО «СТЕКЛОЭЛИТ» работает 10 лет на рынке этой продукции в Беларуси.Офис сегодня – это не пыльная комната в панельном здании, а лицо компании, его визитная карточка. Во многом это определяет интерьер, но также огромное значение имеют дверные конструкции и стеклянные перегородки в офисе. Появившись в качестве перегородок достаточно давно, стеклянные стены использовались чаще всего просто в качестве разделителя помещения, и только недавно они вошли в список интерьерных изюминок. В своих конструкциях мы используем стекло от лучшего мирового производителя листового стекла AGC GLASS EUROPE.
    Более подробная информация размещена https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vmrY5GSwVaOZLTTZYDu9eRJGb7VqrLSr/view?usp=sharing
    От всей души Вам всех благ!

    Reply
  85. Lionel
    Lionel on March 11, 2022 at 3:39 am

    Appreciating the persistence you put into your blog and in depth information you offer. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed material. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

    Reply
  86. ufabet
    ufabet on March 13, 2022 at 7:05 pm

    I am really thankful to the owner of this site who has shared this impressive paragraph at
    at this time.

    Reply
  87. bandar judi online
    bandar judi online on March 14, 2022 at 4:15 am

    Incredible points. Sound arguments. Keep up the great work.

    Reply
  88. bizzone
    bizzone on March 14, 2022 at 4:56 am

    This text is invaluable. How can I find out more?

    Reply
  89. 축구 토토
    축구 토토 on March 14, 2022 at 5:07 am

    I was able to find good information from your blog posts.

    Reply
  93. musicindepotpark.com
    musicindepotpark.com on March 23, 2022 at 7:56 pm

    Remarkable things here. I’m very satisfied to peer your article.

    Thank you so much and I am having a look ahead to touch you.

    Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

    Reply
  94. Sherrill
    Sherrill on March 24, 2022 at 5:20 am

    As the admin of this web page is working, no uncertainty very rapidly it will be well-known,
    due to its feature contents.

    Reply
  95. paddy's day
    paddy's day on March 24, 2022 at 7:17 am

    I’ve been surfing online more than three hours today,
    yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content
    as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

    Check out my web page; paddy’s day

    Reply
  97. pay vps with bitcoin
    pay vps with bitcoin on March 24, 2022 at 7:58 pm

    Access to various payment gateways was one of the greatest issues we observed from multiple countries.

    Instead of limiting our customers, we offer different payment options, so they don’t have to worry about having a
    specific payment type on hand. In certain places of the world, traditional payment gateways
    may restrict customers. You can use Bitcoin payments to solve this problem.
    Many businesses worldwide are starting to accept Bitcoin as a payment method like they do credit cards.
    Bitcoin is known as “the secure money of the Internet.” To handle bitcoin payments, bitcoin payment services function as a mediator between the sender of the money and the recipient.
    We offer support for receiving bitcoin payments. So don’t worry.

    Due to lower transaction costs than a conventional credit card payment, bitcoin payments are more cost-effective than standard credit card transactions.

    So it is advisable to use Bitcoin payments instead of the traditional ways, but we are not trying to force you
    into anything; you are free to choose whatever payment method you want.

    Reply
  99. vegas 7 download free
    vegas 7 download free on March 31, 2022 at 9:08 pm

    This article will help the internet visitors for building up new
    webpage or even a weblog from start to end.

    Reply
  100. longchamp
    longchamp on April 1, 2022 at 12:39 am

    WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..extra wait .. ?

    Reply
  101. herbest
    herbest on April 1, 2022 at 1:33 pm

    ElvinMag herbst appliance #gennick[XYZ,4,8 #gennick[XYZ,4,8

    Reply
  102. bape hoodie
    bape hoodie on April 1, 2022 at 3:38 pm

    After study a number of of the blog posts on your web site now, and I really like your approach of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and can be checking again soon. Pls check out my website as nicely and let me know what you think.

    Reply
  103. Alternative State Quarantine
    Alternative State Quarantine on April 1, 2022 at 6:46 pm

    Hmm it seems like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess
    I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say,
    I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger
    but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips for rookie blog writers?

    I’d really appreciate it.

    Reply
  104. slot online deposit pulsa
    slot online deposit pulsa on April 2, 2022 at 2:00 am

    Hi friends, its enormous article regarding tutoringand entirely defined, keep
    it up all the time.

    Reply
  109. Bangkok AQ
    Bangkok AQ on April 2, 2022 at 7:11 pm

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on aq hotel.
    Regards

    Reply
  110. ساونیپ
    ساونیپ on April 2, 2022 at 7:38 pm

    We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your website offered us with valuable info
    to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole
    community will be thankful to you.

    Reply
  111. Search Engine Optimization
    Search Engine Optimization on April 3, 2022 at 9:17 am

    whoah this weblog is great i love reading your articles.
    Keep up the great work! You already know, many persons are hunting around for this info, you can help
    them greatly.

    Also visit my web site – Search Engine Optimization

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published.