3.5km Commute

[Mallory]

Finally had it confirmed that my workplace is relocating in June and therefore i will be riding to work
The downside is that it is only 3.5km

With the ever changeable british weather i'm in 2 minds as to which clothes to wear. My cycle facilities at work will be ZERO, so a quick change into work clothes in the gents is my only option.

For such a small commute would you lycra up, wear cycle commuting trousers/shorts or just wear work clothes with a pair of waterproof trousers on standby??

 

[ianrauk]

There is an upside to the downside.
My normal commute is to short so I add extra miles to it every day. I also don't have any facilities, but babywipes are a cyclists friend.

But at that really short distance I would just wear normal clothing with over trousers.

 

[Mallory]

No upside in my area!!! Surrounded by A5,A1,A41 staples corner and north circular :-0

 

[ianrauk]

No upside in my area!!! Surrounded by A5,A1,A41 staples corner and north circular :-0

blimey... lovely.. but there's always ways you can extend the commute.

 

[Bromptonaut]

I do a similar distance between Euston and Lincoln's Inn every day. I ride in work clothes with a good raincoat but no waterproof trousers.

Rain that's more than a bit of drizzle during my 15min each way commute is probably no more than 5-10 days a year. Rohan slacks dry pretty quickly, even if a I arrive at Euston drenched they're dry after an hour on the train.

Keep a change of clothes at work for the odd occasion I arrive wet.

Wet shoes/socks are the biggest problem.

 

[BentMikey]

3.5km commute, and I bet you get changed into all the special kit!!!

 

[wheres_my_beard]

3.5km commute, and I bet you get changed into all the special kit!!!

With embrocation, chamois cream, a bottle of energy mix drink and a power bar in your jersey pocket too. Like a boss. Hooah.

 

[jonny jeez]

at that distance you'll be better off riding in your suit. I regularly ride further than that to and from meetings on the good old Boris bikes without any bother, no sweat, no helmet hair. When I arrive no-one would have a clue that I rode there.

take it slow (riding really slow is a pleasure in its own) don't compete, just poodle along and it'll be just as enjoyable without the need for showers or lycra.

Good luck

 

[marzjennings]

Cycle slow (don't sweat), wear work clothes. No need for any cycle gear.

 

[CopperCyclist]

For that small a commute, I'd probably wear work clothes and take it easy.

Then I'd change into usual cycling gear for the way home and add many more miles, and use the shower at home!

 

[Deleted member 1258]

My commute is six and a half miles each way, thirteen mile round trip, I wear work clothes with a cycle jacket on top, with the distance your going to do its not worth the time putting the cycle gear on.

 

[Mallory]

Thanks all.

I'm going to compromise and just slip a pair of loose cycling shorts on. Will only take a second and may encourage me to divert on the way home.

 

[Kies]

at that distance you'll be better off riding in your suit. I regularly ride further than that to and from meetings on the good old Boris bikes without any bother, no sweat, no helmet hair. When I arrive no-one would have a clue that I rode there.

take it slow (riding really slow is a pleasure in its own) don't compete, just poodle along and it'll be just as enjoyable without the need for showers or lycra.

Good luck

If i cycle 20 miles at a pootle ... I can arrive almost sweat free. 3.5km equals a couple of miles .... I wouldn't even bother with cycle specific trousers.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I commute three miles and have tried all kinds of clothing combinations. I've settled with non-padded cycling leggings and a cycle top. I leave smart shoes and trousers at work and take in a clean work-branded polo shirt each day. I find that with such a short ride even when the weather is terrible I don't have to suffer it for long!

 

[BlackPanther]

take it slow (riding really slow is a pleasure in its own) don't compete,

I'm sorry, I don't understand ;-)