Dressing (Etc.) For Work And Weather
I love the two pictures at the top of this post, because they capture Chicago cyclists (in this case my daughter and myself) dealing with the vagaries of weather with ingenuity, good spirit and low-cost solutions. It’s not that I advocate cycling with a large umbrella, or donning a plastic shopping bag, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, and I think these photos convey the attitude of CAN-DO, rather than NO WAY.
In addition to getting wet on the way to work, many new commuters worry about overheating and getting sweaty on the way to work. While riding your bike can be a cardio workout, your commute to work doesn’t have to be. Think about it this way: you could run to work, or you could walk. Riding your bike to work at a brisk but comfortable pace, without getting excessively out of breath, will not cause you to sweat any more than a vigorous walk. You are not likely to need more than some compact personal care items to quickly refresh yourself on arrival (see this post). If you’re really worried, just pack an extra shirt to change into in the bathroom.
Clothing
Depending on the length of your commute, and your personal preferences, you may not need any special clothes to ride in. If you prefer stretchy, padded biking shorts, invest in a well-fitting pair, and plan to change quickly when you arrive.
For shorter commutes and jobs with a more relaxed dress code, simply ride in your work clothes. There are many modern styles of pants for men and women with built-in stretchiness, that transition easily from outdoor to business-casual use.
If your job has a more stringent dress code, or you must change for other reasons, carry your spare clothes in a waterproof bag, or keep a set at work if space permits.
Raingear
Selecting the right outerwear is made more difficult by the fact that the best stuff carries a hefty price tag, with jackets commanding prices of a few hundred dollars, and bottoms not much less. Therefore, before you make your selection, it pays to carefully consider the reality of your commute, and whether a waterproof garment is really essential for what you plan to do. Then, proceed in one of two ways:
If you plan to bike regardless of precipitation, invest in the best bike-specific waterproof breathable outer layer you can afford, but be prepared to accept some shortcomings from whatever the marketing literature tells you. A good waterproof breathable rain suit will keep you from getting soaked through, but on wet days you should still have provisions for a dry change of clothes and shoes at your destination.
Anyone who has ever ridden extensively in wet conditions will tell you that the theory of waterproof breathable fabrics sounds better than the practice, and I have yet to encounter a waterproof breathable jacket that works perfectly, especially after repeated use and exposure to road grime and salt. However, it is also true that the only thing that will keep water out more effectively is a full PVC or rubber suit, and that is the last thing you’d want to wrap yourself in as you’re chugging along on your commute. And anything in between is not likely to guarantee any degree of dry.
If you plan to bike primarily in dry weather, carry a less expensive emergency waterproof layer for occasions when you may be surprised by weather change.
Other gear
Fenders. Even if you generally avoid the rain, you may be riding over wet pavement or through puddles. We recommend a full-coverage front & rear fender set to keep your bike and your person protected from excessive splash and dirt accumulation in inclement weather. Fenders can be fitted on most bikes.
Waterproof luggage. You’re probably carrying a computer or tablet, some paperwork or books, and maybe spare clothing that you don’t want to get wet. Waterproof bike bags will keep their contents dependably dry. Many bike-specific bags are either water-resistant, or include waterproof covers.
Even if as a bike commuter you plan to avoid really crappy weather days, sometimes getting caught in a storm will be unavoidable. And for those who rely on their bike every day, a few quality pieces will turn a potentially miserable commute into a bearable one.