What you wear is your own personal choice, but it can also depend how far you’re riding. I ride in my normal clothes whenever possible, but some people who need to ride further or faster, wear bike shorts and jersey then get showered and changed at work.
Summer clothing in Auckland is pretty easy, just wear shorts (or skirt) and a light shirt (don’t forget the sunscreen). In the shoulder seasons, a light windproof vest or gilet can be handy for cool mornings to keep your core warm.
In winter you can find cycling specific trousers that have a bit of elastane to make pedalling easier.
When it’s really cold, merino layers and a merino beanie will keep you warm if you don’t have a good head of hair. You could also try a scarf or a neck warmer and of course long finger gloves to avoid frosty digits. Short finger gloves with padding can make things more comfortable, improve grip and provide a bit of warmth during the shoulder seasons. Another advantage is they will keep the sun off the back of your hands.
Layering is essential as you’ll soon warm up once you get moving.
Find your style. Commuting clothing doesn’t have to be all hi viz and lycra. Have some fun!
Of course, being Auckland, it will rain sometime. You can wear a normal raincoat but you may find yourself in a steam bath and just as wet on the inside if you ride hard. Bike specific rainwear is usually lightweight and breathable and most have a hood that will fit over your helmet, but behind all the hype, you’ll probably still get sweaty and wet. The best you can hope for is not nearly as wet as if you’d worn no raincoat. Rain pants are a similar story, but get ones with zips in the legs to help you get them on without having to take your shoes off.
Footwear can be problematic with rain and spray from the road rapidly soaking your shoes. Boots or shoe covers are a good option, but even then the rain may seep in. If you’re regularly commuting in winter, a shoe dryer can make all the difference. Much nicer to slip on warm, dry shoes in the morning than cold, damp shoes that never fully dried out and are starting to smell!
Check out the rest of the Commute by Bike series
- A series to help start your bike commuting journey
- Choosing a bike for commuting
- You and bike commuting
- What stuff do you need for bike commuting?
- Route planning for bike commuting
- Safety tips for bike commuting
- Motivation when you start bike commuting
- Pimping your ride for a bike commute
- What clothes do you need for bike commuting?
- Maintaining your bike for commuting
- Watch-outs for bike commuting
- Coping with road rage when you commute by bike
- Going electric or going alternative for your bike commute
- So you’re a bike commuter. What next?
