Bicycle commute

Post by **d_harris** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 8:14 am

For those of you who do a two wheel commute I am just planning on starting doing the same.

Where I work in a shirt/tie/trousers combo I am a bit concerned that being on the bike for half an hour is going to crease up / sweatify my work stuff - which I don't want.

So any tips for keeping work gear as fresh as a daisy? Fold it up neatly, put it in a rucksack and get changed at work is my thought process at the moment/

Post by **Orkney** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 8:25 am

Well you can get such clothes that dont need ironing - maybe they would be suitable if your folding them up to get changed.

Experiment with deodorants

Post by **ASL642** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:50 am

I suggested Jon did that a few years ago now and when he arrived at work they did not know which to give him cpr or the last rites! He looked like hed just had a shower!

Post by **Judge** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:02 am

I used to do it regularly, about 10 miles each way. No problem. Had to cover the old head in the winter though

Post by **paulhumphries** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:05 am

I used to use a small / cheap "executive" type briefcase to put my clothes in.
I found a rucksack, or other soft carrier, allowed them to get too crumpled.
What others I worked with did was take in a weeks worth of clothes into work on a Monday in the car and then cycled the rest of the week "unhindered".
BTW Soft panniers are cheap and far better for carrying things than a rucksac.

Paul Humphries

Post by **Axolotl** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 11:46 am

Depends on where you work.

I remember most of the mad cyclists where I have worked over the years used to leave the suit / shirt etc., at work overnight, and cycle in in their cycling gear with just a change of shirt in the pannier every couple of days.

Use the car on days when the suit needed changing.

Forward thinking employers also used to provide showers, although I suspect they were originally for the squash players, rather than the cyclists

.

Post by **d_harris** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:22 pm

My lot don't provide showers which is a pain. Not really able to leave much stuff at work but its a very good idea. I'd have to stash it in a draw.

I know panniers would be better but I am too skint to buy any at the moment.

Post by **Peetee** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 2:23 pm

If you get some dedicated cycling gear (don't worry I'm not talking skin tight lycra

) that is breathable and you have a reasonable level of fitness you shouldn't get to work a sweaty mess. also give yourself 5 mins after arrival to cool down before you go inside; it's usually the change in temperature that will make you sweat. Any freshening up you need could be achieved with disposable fresh wipes or soap and flannel in the company loos. With the exception of a couple of years somewhere between I've ridden to work for the past 25 years anything between 2 and 17 miles and I don't cause people to pass out when I get there.

Post by **d_harris** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:21 pm

Was wondering how long it would take you to post Pete!