Road gear that doesn't look too much like road gear?

[patmahe]

Hi all,

I've started a new job which is 17 miles away from my house, and I've decided to try and get fit by commuting the odd day on my road bike, I'll start by building up to doing the 17 miles over a week or two and then try a days commuting, then two and so on. The hope is to commute by bike roughly 50% of the time, if I manage more than that great.

Anyway I've been out of the saddle for while, and as a result my physique doesn't quite suit skin tight lycra (for that, read I'm 4 stone overweight) and I need to park the bike near where there will be a lot of people and I'd feel very self concious. So I'm looking for some gear which doesn't reveal all, and even just looks like normal casual clothing, but is still comfy enough to commute in while I drop a bit of weight.

Suggestions please.

[anonymous-user]

go for mtb style clothing, it tends to be looser fit but is still made of quality fabrics whcih do a good job of regulating body heat. they look like regular baggy shorts but the padding in them mmakes them comfy enough and the tops are a similar style.

www.wiggle.co.uk have as good a range as anyone else so i would start there. dont be put off by the cost, you wouldnt use a cricket bat to play golf so having the appropriate kit makes life so much easier...any idiot can be uncomfortable, sweaty or cold on a bike.

brands like endura and altura are good value and the kit is durable.

[Uriel]

http://www.rapha.cc/shop/city-riding

[braddo]

For shirts, have look at running shirts - made of the same breathable material but much more likely to come in plain colours and they don't have the pockets on the back, so they look like normal T-shirts.

When it starts getting cool stick a Helly Hansen (spelling?) base layer underneath the shirt.

[neilski]

Yep. Running T-Shirts made from wicking material are good or my personal favourite, Rab Aeon T-shirts which are incredibly light and much cooler than other synthetic t-shirts I own.