Avid Urban Cyclist Clothing 41

AmsterdamCyclist

Photo by Marc van Woudenberg / Amsterdamize

Cycle clothing and gear is a topic I seldom cover here on The Urban Country, for there is no shortage of bicycle blogs out there already reviewing the latest bicycle clothing and gear.

But with the winter fast approaching for me here in Toronto, Canada I thought it would be appropriate to share some advice and suggestions for readers to help find the right clothing and gear for urban bicycling in the winter season.

Being an “avid” urban cyclist means shopping for the right cycle clothing and gear. Careful consideration is required to find cycle clothing that fits your body type and ensures that you will be comfortable while pedaling your bike around the city.

There is no shortage of cycle clothing stores both online and in person. It is imperative to find a cycle clothing store that suits your style.

Following are some clothing suggestions to help prepare for the approaching winter season for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere.

For cycling coats, you might want to consider a store called Banana Republic. Here are a couple jacket ideas for both him and her:

Screenshots courtesy of banarepublic.com

Or perhaps you would like something a bit more casual. Abercrombie & Fitch provides superb quality jackets for more casual cycling occasions:

Screenshots courtesy of abercrombie.ca

If you’re in the market for urban cycling pants, a store called Zara provides trousers for almost any urban cycling occasion:

Screenshots courtesy of zara.com

You won’t want to leave home without a pair of gloves and a scarf, either. A little clothing chain called GAP can help you find a scarf and gloves that will protect you from the elements:

Screenshots courtesy of gap.com

The point here is that cycling clothing need not be bought only from cycling or sporting stores.

When we go shopping for clothes, we don’t walk in and ask the salesperson if the have “winter walking jackets” or “winter driving jackets”. We walk in the store and ask simply for “winter jackets”. We wear our winter jackets whether we are walking, driving or bicycling.

Instead of thinking of bicycles as merely sport and recreational devices that require special gear, we need to start viewing bicycles as a functional tool that doesn’t require any cycle-specific clothing or gear.

Cycle-specific gear certainly has its place – especially for sport and racing, but urban bicycling can be done comfortably in your regular clothes; especially if you choose a bike designed to properly withstand the elements.

If you dress for the destination instead of the journey, you will discover the freedom and convenience of a bicycle to a level that you wouldn’t otherwise if you required a shower and a change room at your destination to get out of your cycle-specific gear.

James D. Schwartz is a Transportation Pragmatist and the Editor of The Urban Country. You can contact James at james.schwartz@theurbancountry.com or follow him on Twitter.

Disclaimer: I strongly recommend you shop at locally owned clothing stores when possible rather than the multi-national corporations I have highlighted above.

Related Articles:

Bicycling in the Winter (Nov 2010)
Simple tips To Make Bicycling in Rain Enjoyable (Apr 2011)
Dutch Cycle Chic – Toronto Style (Dec 2010)
Anatomy of a Dutch Bicycle (Jan 2011)

http://www.greenidea.eu Green_Idea_Factory

HA ha, I got your joke about 3 seconds into the examples. Nice point about sartorialocal.
http://www.greenidea.eu/ Green_Idea_Factory

HA ha, I got your joke about 3 seconds into the examples. Nice point about sartorialocal.
D Web

Yea you can wear just about anything when you ride as long as your using saddlebags and not backpacks. Im curious as to what race sweats the most during physical activity??? I used to mountain bike with a Portuguese friend who would be soaked after every ride and i’m of Scandinavian decent and i barely sweat.
- Tkeen
  
  Another reason not to wear backpacks when you cycle, along with the weight making you more top-heavy, therefore unstable, and being hard on your spine over the long haul. Why should your bones take extra weight when the bike frame can?
D Web

Yea you can wear just about anything when you ride as long as your using saddlebags and not backpacks. Im curious as to what race sweats the most during physical activity??? I used to mountain bike with a Portuguese friend who would be soaked after every ride and i’m of Scandinavian decent and i barely sweat.
Tkeen

Another reason not to wear backpacks when you cycle, along with the weight making you more top-heavy, therefore unstable, and being hard on your spine over the long haul. Why should your bones take extra weight when the bike frame can?
Montrealize

Ahem. If I may, you forgot to mention Reitmans cycling jeans (elastic waist and anyone?) and of course, American Apparel cycling leggings!
Montrealize

Ahem. If I may, you forgot to mention Reitmans cycling jeans (elastic waist and anyone?) and of course, American Apparel cycling leggings!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Sean-Carter/608405140 Sean Carter

I’m a big fan of Marks Work Warehouse – or “Marks” as they have rebranded too lately. Their selection of casual clothing and outerwear is perfect for everyday cycling gear. A few of my favorites are fleece lined jeans/chinos, water repellant hoodies, and good looking jackets that are wind/waterproof. Plus their selection of scarves, hats, and gloves/mitts is solid with affordable prices.

Worth a look IMO.
- http://www.theurbancountry.com James Schwartz
  
  Yes, I have definitely been to Marks. I’ve bought gloves, scarves, a toque and earmuffs at Marks. Good selection.. I think it’s only Canadian though, so international readers probably haven’t heard of it…
  
  A friend of mine’s father is the head of merchandising/marketing/store design at Marks – he lives out in Calgary, so I assume they are based out in your neck of the woods.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Sean-Carter/608405140 Sean Carter

I’m a big fan of Marks Work Warehouse – or “Marks” as they have rebranded too lately. Their selection of casual clothing and outerwear is perfect for everyday cycling gear. A few of my favorites are fleece lined jeans/chinos, water repellant hoodies, and good looking jackets that are wind/waterproof. Plus their selection of scarves, hats, and gloves/mitts is solid with affordable prices.

Worth a look IMO.
http://www.theurbancountry.com/ James Schwartz

Yes, I have definitely been to Marks. I’ve bought gloves, scarves, a toque and earmuffs at Marks. Good selection.. I think it’s only Canadian though, so international readers probably haven’t heard of it…

A friend of mine’s father is the head of merchandising/marketing/store design at Marks – he lives out in Calgary, so I assume they are based out in your neck of the woods.
http://www.tyrebaydirect.com Wheel Balancing Weights

This is a fashionable way of biking through the city.Still looking fab on the road.
http://www.tyrebaydirect.com/ Wheel Balancing Weights

This is a fashionable way of biking through the city.Still looking fab on the road.
riyoko urban bikewear

I agree that not all clothing should or has to be cycling specific. However, as an avid cyclist, in T.O, Nagasaki and now Calgary (1998?- present). I do think that there is a place for clothing solutions and hybrid clothing. I’m a fashion designer and actually, make urban cycling/ travel clothing for women and I cycle everyday – all year round in Canadian summer, spring fall and winter.

When I’m cycling, I hate sweating – which, of course, can’t fully be helped. I also hate being uncomfortable in clothing not made to cycle in ( i.e low waists, tight backs, non-windproof, waterproof and/ or breathable) So, although the above clothing from Banana Republic, Zara and A & F may be stylish it is not always functional. It doesn’t always breathe or move well and this causes sweat, smell and discomfort. So why not choose pieces that are stylish and truly cycle friendly in these regards? Women want function, comfort and style. Two out of three is a really good score when choosing clothing for cycling – but why can’t we have it all? Which you can if you choose functional solution pieces that fit into your everyday wardrobe, such as tights, camisoles, wick away mid layers, outerwear that has room to move and is water & wind resistant. They exist – I make them (riyoko urban bike wear, Calgary, AB Canada) as do other stateside homegrown designers such as SWRVE, out of L.A, CA and Bespoke out of SF, CA, Outlier in NY, NY, Knice Clothing also out of L.A, and PoCampo in Chicago, IL…Check us out before spending money on pieces that serve part of your purpose ( style) but not always all (function & comfort).

Finally, yes, price is always a factor, especially in this economy, but that is another reason to support the homegrowns – if you price compare, the pricing is usually competitive, and even if it is a few dollars more, you are paying for quality, durability, fit, style, comfort and long term wear — all of this in comparison for the short term wear, not always as well made, yet currently stylish pieces at the similar prices from companies that are not local in many ways…support your local economy and invest in the pieces that fit your lifestyle on a bike. <3 Thanks for the great article! bike love — Kristi from riyoko
riyoko urban bikewear

I agree that not all clothing should or has to be cycling specific. However, as an avid cyclist, in T.O, Nagasaki and now Calgary (1998?- present). I do think that there is a place for clothing solutions and hybrid clothing. I’m a fashion designer and actually, make urban cycling/ travel clothing for women and I cycle everyday – all year round in Canadian summer, spring fall and winter.

When I’m cycling, I hate sweating – which, of course, can’t fully be helped. I also hate being uncomfortable in clothing not made to cycle in ( i.e low waists, tight backs, non-windproof, waterproof and/ or breathable) So, although the above clothing from Banana Republic, Zara and A & F may be stylish it is not always functional. It doesn’t always breathe or move well and this causes sweat, smell and discomfort. So why not choose pieces that are stylish and truly cycle friendly in these regards? Women want function, comfort and style. Two out of three is a really good score when choosing clothing for cycling – but why can’t we have it all? Which you can if you choose functional solution pieces that fit into your everyday wardrobe, such as tights, camisoles, wick away mid layers, outerwear that has room to move and is water & wind resistant. They exist – I make them (riyoko urban bike wear, Calgary, AB Canada) as do other stateside homegrown designers such as SWRVE, out of L.A, CA and Bespoke out of SF, CA, Outlier in NY, NY, Knice Clothing also out of L.A, and PoCampo in Chicago, IL…Check us out before spending money on pieces that serve part of your purpose ( style) but not always all (function & comfort).

Finally, yes, price is always a factor, especially in this economy, but that is another reason to support the homegrowns – if you price compare, the pricing is usually competitive, and even if it is a few dollars more, you are paying for quality, durability, fit, style, comfort and long term wear — all of this in comparison for the short term wear, not always as well made, yet currently stylish pieces at the similar prices from companies that are not local in many ways…support your local economy and invest in the pieces that fit your lifestyle on a bike. <3 Thanks for the great article! bike love — Kristi from riyoko
http://psystenance.com/ Michael D

The one concession I am making this winter to “cycling gear” is glasses to keep out wind, snow, and sun. In a sense the better comparison is to running, as it is the same upright position and comparable speed.
Alexgoms

Canada’s online urban clothing store, Jeans, Tees, Shirts, Sneakers, Jackets from 10 Deep, Crooks and Castles,LRG, Supra, Nike and more!
Alexgoms

Canada’s online urban clothing store, Jeans, Tees, Shirts, Sneakers, Jackets from 10 Deep, Crooks and Castles,LRG, Supra, Nike and more!
Alexgoms

Canada’s online urban clothing store, Jeans, Tees, Shirts, Sneakers, Jackets from 10 Deep, Crooks and Castles,LRG, Supra, Nike and more!Canada’s online urban clothing store, Jeans, Tees, Shirts, Sneakers, Jackets from 10 Deep, Crooks and Castles,LRG, Supra, Nike and more!
Alexgoms

Canada’s online urban clothing store, Jeans, Tees, Shirts, Sneakers, Jackets from 10 Deep, Crooks and Castles,LRG, Supra, Nike and more!Canada’s online urban clothing store, Jeans, Tees, Shirts, Sneakers, Jackets from 10 Deep, Crooks and Castles,LRG, Supra, Nike and more!
Alexgoms

Canada’s online urban clothing store, Jeans, Tees, Shirts, Sneakers, Jackets from 10 Deep, Crooks and Castles,LRG, Supra, Nike and more!
urban wear clothing
Alexgoms

Canada’s online urban clothing store, Jeans, Tees, Shirts, Sneakers, Jackets from 10 Deep, Crooks and Castles,LRG, Supra, Nike and more!
urban wear clothing
http://www.aircondirect.com.au/category/1/ducted-aircontioning-units/ Grewin

Pictures are all awesome. Well taken. It’s giving me an idea on what to do for my next photo shot. Great post indeed! country clothes store
http://www.worldoftrade.com/sell/fashion-clothing-suppliers.htm fashion clothing suppliers

Hey man, was just browsing through the internet looking for some information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Bookmarked this page, will come back for more. You, my friend, ROCK!!!
Anna Ritter

These are clothing items any urban cyclist needs. Thanks for showing clothing manufacturers where we can get great pieces, too.
http://www.cycling-secrets.com/ bike trainer

There are various tools nowadays that being used by many people most especially those who are residing in the urban centers to create an eco friendly exercise along with comfortable get up. So, they opt for a trainer.
http://www.cycling-secrets.com/ bike trainer

There are various tools nowadays that being used by many people most especially those who are residing in the urban centers to create an eco friendly exercise along with comfortable get up. So, they opt for a trainer.
jacob montereal

Wearing that kind of clothing is such an awesome feeling.

mountain bike trails Philippines
http://www.nuvali.ph/bikers-ready-nuvali-dirt-weekend-2011
Stew Mcgregor

It would be rare to mix fashion and sports but a lot of women in the game have more than just the athleticism to boot but the biologic finesse and glam as well.
Stew Mcgregor

It would be rare to mix fashion and sports but a lot of women in the game have more than just the athleticism to boot but the biologic finesse and glam as well.
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