NEW Bike Clothing

SHORT VERSION (longer explanations follow)

Most "bike clothing" is bullshit. Maybe you like your lycra tops and padded bottoms, but for daily use and rides of up to three or even four or five hours, it's not necessary. That doesn't mean every pair of trousers you own and your blue blazer are good for riding, but T-shirts and button-down or pullover shirts are fine, and lightweight somewhat athletic bottoms (including loose ones) are, too. Experiment and see what works. For cold or wet weather, something other than cotton. Dress like you might for a hike in the same weather. Shoes are even more flexible. More detail below, but this is how it all shapes up.

• All You Need is Wool - All you need is wool (plus a little seersucker, sucker) If the charming, gnome-like folks who live on the edge of black holes in outer space came here today and studied hikers, climbers...

• Do you need a crotch pad, even? - That’s not the same as asking, “Do you want to be comfortable down there?” Padding helps when you have sores you’re trying to cushion, and when your saddle is uncomfortable...

• Don't Overthink Your Underwear - I haven’t changed my underwear to go on a ride in ten years, and I’ve never, even once, been three-quarters of the way through a ride and thought, why did I have to wear this?

• Socks - Get a sock that fits your foot in the shoe and suits the weather. We sell wool socks, super good ones, but they're made as everyday socks. Be suspicious of high-tech socks with eight different zones with different looks and thicknesses, and so on.

• Special Clothes for Riding? - Special clothes for riding? Special clothing just to ride a bike? Are you sure? (This is kind of a long rant.) If you have any doubts that you can ride in normal clothing...

• The Shoes Ruse - The Shoes Ruse (this is written for non-racers, and for riders who don't ride race-like). For recreational riders, tourists, commuters, general fitness riders...