All depends on how much you sweat, how fast you go, whether you wuss out every time the roads are wet or god forbid, it rains. I favour full lycra and a high vis jacket of some sort most of the year or a bright S/S jersey in hotter summer weather.

As for lights, I use a smart on the front, flashing, and a cateye 5 LED on the rear, also flashing. Combined with my off road 3xcree Helmet light for front lighting on unlit unclassified and B roads (I commute in the country).

As for guards, I prefer to just stick waterproof 3/4 shorts on when it rains, but standard opinion is SKS for full guards. They do a clip-on which will fit a 35mm cross tyre which I might consider buying soon but not really sure I need them.

My commute to work will shortly be along the canal bank for 10-12 miles. I'd just intended to wear jeans, trainers and a jumper/jacket, then get changed at work. I'm only doing it if the weather is forecast nice tho and I'll be catching the train back in the dark (canal's far too scarey). I've got a bike with mudguards and chain guard and a nice soft saddle.
[img] [/img]

oh thats fancy banana. i'll look into your suggestions surfr, especially the lights.

Full mudguards are a joy when using a bike as transport! Get some.

With regards to clothing, you have two options;

Join the ranks of commuter-racer types huffing and puffing along like it's some kind of care - Wear lycra and dayglo aplenty

Take it easy. Ride a nice comfy bike. - Wear what you like.

Full mudguards, no need for cycle specific kit for a shortish distance like that - just make sure you don't overheat. Lights and reflective stuff as much as possible.

Assume ever driver has not seen you.

Good luck

Take it easy. Ride a nice comfy bike. - Wear what you like.

I doubt you'll do 10-12 miles on that for long BANana, will take you ages, no matter how cool you look.

Anything over about 2 miles and I'd wear specific cycle clothing but maybe that's just me. I guess it depends on where you work and what facilities (showers/lockers/drying rooms) you have there.

At least 2 rear lights and 2 front (one main, one little flashy one). Reflective stuff is very useful too. Ironically, the more lit up/urban your route, the more lighting you need in order to stand out from the background lights.

[i]I doubt you'll do 10-12 miles on that for long BANana, will take you ages, no matter how cool you look. [/i]

You're right about it taking ages, it doesn't have a chain on it!

Though I wear cycle clothing (I'll explain my reasoning for this), if you're riding steadily and don't need to wear a suit, then normal clothes is fine.

I'm all in favour of cycling just being another form of transport that doesn't require special gear or helmets or hi viz of swish lights.

[url= http://www.copenhagenize.com/ ]Let's ride like normal people.[/url]

...Now, the reasons I wear cycle specific clothing are: (1) I have showers at work, which I use as I'm a sweaty sod (2) I wear suits at work, and won't ride in them (3) I'm usually late, and so have to ride hard enough to work a sweat up (4) I'm riding 2 nights a week straight after work, and in the summer will be doing three nights.

I've done both and a lot depends on your commute.

I used to use cycle-specific clothes when my commute took in a narrow urban road where I found myself sprinting for lights all the time.

Now I commute on quiet roads with a hill at the end so just wear my work clothes.

Mudguards and front mudflap are a must. I use a Goretex jacket with pitzips on top, and Rainlegs or full-length trousers below. Rainlegs are great for showery days - it doesn't take much to soak work trousers - and you don't cook in them.

Cycle-specific clothes doesn't mean you have to shower - just get changes in the toilet at work. And carry your kit in a Carradice saddlebag so you don't get a sweaty back.

You cant just wear normal clothes in these conditions though, you end up getting to work looking like a homeless person.

Mudguards stop some of the crud getting on you but not all.

What happens when you get caught in the rain, gonna sit in soggy clothes all day at the office?

Maybe cycling specific clothes are not essential, but a change of clothes definitely is, maybe just wear an old tracky & trainers?

lights:

i as do a numberof other in the office use these:

the rear is super bright and at this price worth it for the rear alone:

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/smart-b-spoke-1-2-led-lightset-id41560.html
[img] [/img]

You cant just wear normal clothes in these conditions though, you end up getting to work looking like a homeless person.

Ever been on the rush hour commute in Amsterdam? Amsterdam has pretty much exactly the same weather conditions as most of the UK.

How do they manage, eh?

Well, they ride like normal people, as mentioned in the link above.

It's not a race, it's a mode of transport.

[i]Is it okay to just wear your work clothes [/i]
How do we know how much you stink?
6 miles? wear a jacket when its wet.

Just don't go posting any stories about run-ins with motorists eh?

When I used to commute to a less formal environment (7 miles or so each way), I'd wear a merino top, cycling shorts then work trousers over the top. Jacket if it was cold or rainy. Then carry underwear and shirt in my bag. I either commuted in work shoes or left them at work if I was using a bike with SPDs. Kept a pair of rainlegs in my bag in case it tipped it down. Usual bike had full mudguards though, and if rain was forecast I'd always take that one.

Get in, cool down, off to disabled loo to change, job done. If I was late or needed to see someone straight away at least I looked fairly normal and just got changed a bit later.

Just don't go posting any stories about run-ins with motorists eh?

Fortunately most of it will be on bridleways very low traffic areas.

I normally just wear what I'm going to wear for work (except on occaisional days when I ned a suit and I put it in a pannier and bring it in with me).
In the summer then I'll tend to wear a t-shirt and a pair of shorts which I change out of about 20 minutes after I get in to the office.
However, my office is fairly relaxed so as long as you're not dressed for the beach (if you are then you get asked to go there) wear what you like.

a couple of miles is ok in 'normal clothes' and probably what most Amsterdam cycle commuters do, much further than that and cycle clothing can be a bit more pleasant and practical really - less sweaty,windproof and quick drying.

3.5 mile commute, all but the worst weather:

Same rear light as pic above, plus an extra cheap on on my RHS. Exposure Joystick up front.

Front mudguard - One of those £7 under the fork jobs, cant remember the name.
Rear mudguard - Not essensial, make your bike look rubbish but very useful. Need to get one really.

Full cycle gear, dont want to turn up to work sweaty with wet, muddy, ripped trousers. Its also a lot more comfy to cycle in cycle gear and faster.

Re cycling in jeans, maybe it's a girl thing but I can't do more than a couple of miles, there are some double stitched seams in some sensitive places.

But I accept that boys have differently designed bottoms. And you will need to do something to stop your jeans leg getting caught on the workings (of the bike that is).

I ride to work but it's only 4.5miles/25m so jeans and tees are fine.

Better for pub/shopping/general "looking cool" too 😎

Yes, my commute is only 5 miles so jeans+T is perfectly OK. Was a bit hard work with the bobyak this morning though.

You cant just wear normal clothes in these conditions though, you end up getting to work looking like a homeless person.

[i]Ever been on the rush hour commute in Amsterdam? Amsterdam has pretty much exactly the same weather conditions as most of the UK. [/i]

And exactly not the same terrain as most of the UK. We have these hill things. My short 5 mile commute takes in over 100m of ascent. Show me where I can do that in Amsterdam.

Another view... If you've got showers at work then use the commute to get fitter, nail it on the way in, have a nice shower, put on nice clean fresh clothes, enjoy the feeling.

You are more likely to need a shower if you wear cycling kit. all that synthetic material holds sweat and bugs and stinks

And cotton never smells at all?

Not nearly as badly as the bugs don't live in it.

You are more likely to need a shower if you wear cycling kit. all that synthetic material holds sweat and bugs and stinks

Newer stuff doesn't seem to be affected anywhere near as badly as older synthetics (I have a smelly helly from 15 years ago, body heat really reactivates the odour).

Don't know what you mean about holding sweat though.

Cotton's a disaster, slightest bit of sweat and it's staying damp for ages.

I use cycling kit (lycra) for the ride to work (nice showers when I get there)and take another set of kit for the ride home.

I doubt you'll do 10-12 miles on that for long BANana, will take you ages, no matter how cool you look.

You are more likely to need a shower if you wear cycling kit. all that synthetic material holds sweat and bugs and stinks

What utter rubbish.

TJ in "utter rubbish" shocker 🙄

I commute about the same distance. I wear shirts and ties at work so I get changed when I arrive. Because I get changed I wear cycling stuff to ride in. I have lots of it and unsurprisingly it's the ideal clothing to cycle in. For most of the year it's baggies, with varying amounts on top. Normally just cheap T shirts in Summer as they die quickyl because of the frequent washing.

If you are going to commute year round then you'll need proper kit. Shorts were not suitable when the temperature was -5 in January.

Try it on a weekend. I think you'll be too sweaty to do it in work clothes. Full guards are a must. Leave a set of socks in work as your feet will get wet on occasion. Most basic LED lights will do.
Cnosider a high vis jacket or vest. Consider taking a pump, tube and small multi tool in case something breaks. If you are in work clothes this may be a problem as you'll get dirty. I carry thin nitrile gloves so if I have to do anything my hands don't end up black.

AS above if you don't want to do cycling clothes then anything will do. Just consider what you will do with it at work - jeans and large coats can be difficult to store in a desk.

I have never worn cycle gear.

why start now?

i cycle similar distance and i do wear cycling kit. i have cycled the distance in jeans but i tend to get sweaty and jeans chafe!

essentials:

mudguards,
comfortable bag (rucksack better than courier bag ime)
spare clothes at work - the day i wore only jeans, and a baselayer and used a power cable for a belt will never be forgotton at work!!

i find that a 'commuting outfit' seperate from my other bike kit clothes is helpful as whatever you need will invariably be filthy/ stinking from that night ride where you fell in a puddle and forgot!

I-Pod 🙂 If you're only doing 5 miles, and changing at work, I wouldn't bother with mudguards. Embrace your environment...

Nah mudguards might be old man, but they really do make communting better save getting wet and dirty for mountain biking,

Nothing wrong with getting wet and dirty, bit of water doesn't kill you know 🙂

Yer getting wet and dirty out on your mountain bike is part of the fun, but at the start or end of a working day it just adds to a long day, so best sort your self out, plus drying clothes at work is a pain and putting wet clothes back on to go home is not fun......

It's an arse at the best of times walking into work dripping wet and covered in shite.

Ok if you're having to faff about swapping bits on and off bikes to make the road/off road friendly, but if you've a dedicated commuting bike make it fit for purpose, put mudguards and a rack on it.

Not sure why but the uk really seems to have an aversion to sensible commuting bikes

Perhaps I just like getting wet 🙂 I do love it when you get that stream of water to the face from the front wheel, like a bonus shower... For a short commute you'd never get uncomfortable. Drying clothes is fairly easy over radiators, or very easy if you have a boiler room with hanging rack installed 😉

I *hate* getting wet so i wear a nice Event hooded jacket, Goretex cycling overtrousers, Goretex shoes and Sealskins waterproof gloves. Underneath i wear my work clothes and i only get a bit damp if i end up getting silly and Fred-racing someone so that i sweat too much.
I ride about 4 miles each way everyday, all weather. Absolutely agree that full mud guards are a must. I love cycling to work. It wakes me up in the morning and chills me out in the evening. 🙂

Richpenny, you must be a fair weather commuter! :-), I have got completely soaked just on short runs from waterloo station to work 2.3 miles and at the other end as well on my Brompton. reminds self to get waterproof cover for Brompton bag so front pocket does not fill up with water lol... Will see how it goes on the full 27miles in from Woking to london on my new road bike 🙂 (fitted with mudguards by they way)

i cycled to work every day for 2 years in my work clothes. it was only 4 miles each way though. Just went slowly-ish. If it was raining REALLY heavily i'd put some waterpoof trousers on, but it really doesn't rain as often as you'd think and full mudguards keep most of the muck off.

In london i'm sure you get less sweaty cycling than crammed on a busy bus or tube.

synthetics do hold bacteria that make sweat smell - hence "smelly hellys" and others. This is well know and a fact. Just use your nose.

Here is a link to discussion on it. Its all about the structure of the threads. natural fibres reduce teh growth of bacteria.
http://www.runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=7795&PageNum=&CategoryID=

i did not read everything (I am dying so small letter makes my brain aches) but i got stuck after the 6th people saying I don't wear cycling kit so I'll look normal. That is because all your cycling kit is road kit you plonker. If you use modern petrol base technical t-shirt for riding you will still look normal (patagonia capilene spring to mind). Kona prima pants and most of the dainese stuff looks pretty normal too me too. Same goes for patagonia/TNF/marmott trekking trousers. Very cycling friendly but without the 'look at me I wish I could foucking compete in the fouckier tour of france'. And this is supposed to be a mtb forum, not a jey hey racing wipper one.

So my opinion on this. If you have shower go for cycling kit (whatever you choose to wear) have a shower and a change of clothe. If you can cope with your sweat all day long well do as you wish.

And lets face it I have very much doubt most people in copenhagen will commute more than a couple of Kms...

synthetics do hold bacteria that make sweat smell - hence "smelly hellys" and others. This is well know and a fact. Just use your nose.

Newer, better quality garments, ime, and as written in that article you link to, are much much less susceptible.

For example

Fabrics have evolved in the intervening years and now the better garments use a closed knot yarn that reduces the number of microscopic hiding places for sweaty bacteria. "Basically, you get what you pay for," says Vanderoef, noting that entry level tech garments will use a less highly finished fabric that is more susceptible to odor retention.

Claiming you're more likely to need a shower because you wear synthetic fabrics is just, frankly, hilarious.

[url= http://www.sks-germany.com/sks.php?l=en&a=product&i=6409800121 ]Are these the ones I'll need i think it has the mounts[/url]

If they rattle though there will be trouble!

But the truth Nick Hilarious but the truth. Wear natural fibres you smell lwess than if you waer synthetics.

Of course washing is best.

jeremy that's balls, I smell less in my capilene than I do in my merino, why well simply because merino is poo and get soaked whereas the capilene doesn't.

Plus after a day of riding (4 hours for example) my synthetic clothes smell less than my natural fibre gi after 4 hours of matt...

I'm on a Spesh Globe with an 8 speed internal hub (so it looks single speed) and wear my mountain bike cycling gear with a gortex coat, buff and normal lid, shorts with pad thing, 5-10's etc.

[img] [/img]

My globe has full mudguards and it looks like an old man's bike but its great if it rains because only the tip of my to gets wet as water drips off the bottom of the front mud guard. (Must extend it with a sheet of plastic at some point)

Generally the rain isn't ever that bad. Its the spray that will do your head in, so mudguards are the way to go IMO.

I use my Hope twin LED lights on the front if it is proper dark but in summer just a normal LED. Flashing red LED on the back.

I have spare cloths in work and we have a shower there so I'm well sorted.

Shame I'm a bit of a 3 season rider, spring - summer - autumn. I seemed to have not bothered at all this winter.

I've been cycling to work 4 days a week for the past year or so and in my experience merino wool is far less smelly / smell prone than synthetics (and we're not talking cheap stuff either). A decent baselayer might take a couple more minutes to dry out over a man-made jersey but at least I'm not going to be smelling of wet-dog afterwards (and part of my commute is by train so it's anti-social to be too stinky).

My commute is also relatively long (between 2 and 4 hours on the bike every day) so wearing my work clothes would just not be practical. I've coped with pretty much all weather from the occasionally hot summer to recent subzeros temps with a kit list of a couple of pairs of shoes, t pairs of decent baggy shorts, 1 set of bib tights, 1 set of full-length tights, a gilet, handful of merino baselayers and 5 or 6 cycling jerseys. Layering helps with the cold and to be honest, if you're riding hard in the rain for longer than 20 minutes even the best waterproof is going to get me sweaty or start leaking from sleeves / neck etc.

Lucky enough to have a shower at work too which makes all the difference.

I ride every day rootes 🙂 Maybe it's the Welsh blood in me.

SKS chromoplastic mud guards, I never liked mud guards untill I tried the SKS ones. Still not silent, but not too bad. And stops arse/bag/back getting muddy and covered in dog egg.

Panniers make life easier, just chuck locks and spares in one side, clothes in the other. Avoids getting a sweaty back.

Wear fresh clothes every day, I tried wearing the same t-shirt 2 days in a row, it just smells. Buy up some £10 shell/tracksuits bottoms from socer-world/Decathlon/TKMaxx. Decathlon do synthetic t shirts for about £4 in realy bright colours, great for just about everything, i hardly wear normal t-shirts anymore.

Plenty of lights, I use one blackburn mars (stupidly bright) rear light and 2 more normal catey 170's. Then hook a catey 170 front light onto my shoulder straps. Trick it to make yourself look unusal so drivers will conciossly pay attention to your movements. Reflectors in spokes, pedals, lights on helmet, etc all help.

I (try to) do 3 miles each way on a touring bike.

I ride every day rootes Maybe it's the Welsh blood in me.

good man!

i only missed three days so far this year as the snow was deeper than my brompton wheels (but did go out on my mountain bike night biking to make up!)

winter commuting has its benefits in london as there are less cyclists! though commuter racing tends to be a bit more hardcore as winter commuters also tend to be a bit more hardcore lol

si

re materials - get a mix helly and ground effect do nice synthetic / merino mixes - best of both worlds

What I've neglected to mention is that I'm normally clad in Gore Windstopper softshell tops and troos, the finest material known to man.

What I've neglected to mention is that I'm normally clad in Gore Windstopper softshell tops and troos, the finest material known to man.

yes that would help! 😉 - though gore stuff is expensive, their garments really do work well

Si

I commute nearly every day and wear merino. It looks good enough to work in and doesn't stink like synthetics so I don't have to change. And yes synthetics do stink. The trick is to get the sort of merino gear that isn't biking-or anything else specific. You just look a dork. [url= http://www.chocolatefishmerino.co.uk/taranaki/lightmidlayer.html ]ChocFish[/url] stuff is good for this. Most other stuff either looks like underwear, makes you look like a refugee from the Tour de France, or just looks ratty - I particulary dislike Finisterre - was bought one of their tops for Xmas and it fitted like disease and looked dreary. It went to a charity shop. Depends of course on what sort of job you do, whether it entails having to look smart/presentable cos you've got to meet people, or whether you can hide away. My job's a bit of both so the merino works well.

If its chucking it down I just pull on a pair of waterproof pants and I've got a waterproof poncho/cape thing I picked up in Holland. Both roll up small and tuck away easily. The only things I change when I get to work are my shoes and socks and for this I keep a pair of each at work.

Like thisisnotaspoon says: reflectors everywhere, good quality lights and making sure to keep them clean and check they're working properly. And yes to mudguards.

waterproof pants

incontinence pants? 😆 well probably easier than going for a pee with bibs on 😆