'Non-MAMIL' cycling

[3narf]

I'm going to attempt this morning to use my bike for an errand in reasonably stylish attire.

I've bought some skinny trousers for cheap (from a charity shop) and I'm going to attempt to ride- with verve, gusto and elan- to look at a house we're interested in renting.

I know all this sounds utterly prosaic but it's quite a departure for me, it really is! I've done loads of miles and loads of commuting but always in proper cycling gear...

Hopefully if the trousers don't prove to be too restrictive I shouldn't be much slower than my usual pace but we'll see!

A

 

[Globalti]

Don't forget the clips, or tuck the RH trouser leg into your sock!

 

[hopless500]

If they're proper skinnies, no tucking will be required.

 

[3narf]

No tucking offered or implied!

I'll still be wearing SPDs though; that would be a bridge too far.

 

[MichaelW2]

I did my house hunting by bike. You pick up a much better sense of the locale.

 

[si_c]

I mostly ride in jeans, the trick is to

1) not care that the cuffs are going to get a little dirty, although I'm told that all my jeans are and I quote "a disgusting mess", and
2) get jeans that have added elastane in the fibre mix, this makes them nice comfortable normally, but stretchy enough when riding that they are not restrictive at all.

Of course you can mitigate 1) by wearing trouser clips as @Globalti said. I find that half the time I'm wearing shoes with SPDs on, just in case I need to run somewhere quickly on the bike, I can just hop on and go without changing shoes etc etc.

Utility cycling. It's the future.

 

[KneesUp]

I find that half the time I'm wearing shoes with SPDs on, just in case I need to run somewhere quickly on the bike, I can just hop on and go without changing shoes etc etc.

I achieve the same thing by using normal pedals and normal shoes

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I achieve the same thing by using normal pedals and normal shoes

This in spades.

 

[3narf]

I did say reasonably stylish.



You can't expect miracles at my age!

 

[MontyVeda]

the only 'gear' I wear is a pair of padded undies if I'm planning on doing more than 30 miles.... other than that, I ride in what I'd wear normally.

 

[Tin Pot]

GAAAAH! MY EYES!!!

Only kidding.

 

[raleighnut]

You'll be growing a beard next.

 

[3narf]

BTW I'm not growing a beard; I'm just fighting off a bad cold and my face is far too sore to shave...

*************************************************************************

Now I can see why 'stretch' material is so important to proper cycling trousers! I didn't expect the restricted movement to take so much out of me. I found I was rocking side to side slightly, as if my seat is too high (it isn't).

Other than that they're fine! It'd be nice to have some Rapha, Swrve or Vulpine ones, but my Burton ones cost me £6 from a charity shop. Once more I spin the wheel of smugness!

 

[Mugshot]

Pick up a lamp shade while you're out

 

[Tin Pot]

You need wooden pedals and corks in th bar end to "complete the look".