CUTE commuter gear???

[IvonaDestroi]

I have searched the internet high and low....

and aside from the adorable betty bike repair kits, I have found NOTHING in terms of a cute, stylish, low/mid priced bike gear company for girls!

And all I wanted was a cute fitted rain suit to match my vintage 3 speed... but NO!

If you wanna look like a girl you apparently have to wear cycling jerseys and spandex and have hundreds of dollars... otherwise, it's 80's leftovers or that awesome rolling trash bag look!!!

Does anyone know of a company that might do cute, stylish, gear for a young, female, day to day commuter? Pink? Leopard Print? Maybe some cute roll up pants that you can button or a jacket that doesn't ride above your butt crack?

Sorry... I'm starting to vent here....

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[shootingstar]

Gurrrlll/woman who are you?? :p You sound hysterically in need of a long bike ride. :D

Seriously introduce yourself. You did already about your cat under a different topic. :rolleyes:

Let this site inspire you on many faces of commuting styles:
http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/

Ever heard of capris as part of the pant solution?

[IvonaDestroi]

Hey...

Sorry! I'm Ivona. I'm a fashion design student in SF graduating next month... I'm just irritated because it's something that I would just EXPECT to be out there... all I wanted was a freakin' fitted blue or pink or NON yellow/clear/80's addidas rainsuit so I don't get drenched all the time! For all the time I spend sewing I sort of just expect things like this to already exist...

Well I guess I now have a new inspiration...

I don't have a car, just a crappy old vintage bike (that I love anyway) but it pretty much IS my car. I'm too poor to afford anything better at the moment, I mean I'm lucky if I make rent every month. That's why I don't have a fancy bike like all of you!

Both my roomates are avid cyclists and I've learned tons from both of them, I'm really getting into learning to fix things up and restore them, though I don't have as much time to devote to it as I'd like to with school and all. They mock my classic step through frames and upright handlebars... But I think they're beautiful. They're Classic. Not that I'd be opposed to getting something nicer if I could afford it...

My typical clothing style normally includes things like pegged skinny jeans, so commuting clothing isn't so much of an issue as it would be a convenience... you know, a little loop for my U lock or the button on the side instead of the front, a butt crack covering lenth or just something cute that makes it feminine and bike related without being so serious... I mean I ride the damn thing everywhere. At the moment affordable fitted female rain gear that doesn't look like hell would be nice...

[lph]

Hey...

Sorry! I'm Ivona. I'm a fashion design student in SF graduating next month... I'm just irritated because it's something that I would just EXPECT to be out there... all I wanted was a freakin' fitted blue or pink or NON yellow/clear/80's addidas rainsuit so I don't get drenched all the time! For all the time I spend sewing I sort of just expect things like this to already exist...

We-ell - do you ever have your future occupation mapped out for you! :D

I mean it! Send this to some of the big cycling clothing manufacturers and see if anybody bites. I think TE (i.e. here, click on the chicky at the top of the page) has the best range of cycling clothing for women - if you can't find it here, it might not exist. Or send a note to Susan Otcenas (site admin), she'll know.

[tulip]

You can wear whatever you want! If you want bike-specific comfort, wear cycling shorts under your regular clothes. Bike commuters wear a whole range of clothes, not just cycling gear. We also ride a whole range of bikes.

And not everyone here rides super expensive bikes. Some of us do, some of us don't, and a whole lot of us have more than one bike--I had a beautiful 1950s JC Higgins 3-speed that I was planning to restore. Man, I miss that bike!

Your bike sounds lovely. The roomies obviously don't know much about bikes (new poseurs, perhaps?), or they would appreciate your classic one!

[uforgot]

Tulip - MY first bike was a JC Higgins. From the 60s. I sort of look at craigslist hoping to find one like it once in a while.

And you can look as girly (http://www.momentumplanet.com/blog/walker/cyclists-get-pumped-high-heels-riding) as you want as you commute.

[tulip]

Yeah, I was in Paris last year and there were people riding bikes everywhere. Of course, they all looked FABULOUS!

[jobob]

Momentum Magazine might be of interest to you as well. You can view it online here:

http://issuu.com/momentumplanet/docs/issue-30?mode=embed&documentId=090209233010-d96c0ef7aca5445e934a37dff59006c9&layout=grey

Coincidentally, the latest issue has an article about the creators of the Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog. :cool:

[fidlfreek]

Um, ladies, I think she is just getting wet and wants to not get wet + not have to wear men's rain gear...not just looking fabulous.

Ivona - check p 20 of the link above in jobob's post. Its a white poncho/cape (?) with a hood adorned w/ "quilted" cream lambswool and it looks like it has little twinkly lights...
WOW

[jobob]

Um, I think this is what she's asking ...



Does anyone know of a company that might do cute, stylish, gear for a young, female, day to day commuter? Pink? Leopard Print? Maybe some cute roll up pants that you can button or a jacket that doesn't ride above your butt crack?

[sundial]

I hear the hum of a sewing machine. :) Looks like our Ivona might design just the thing for those commutes.

[gnat23]

I use this for inspiration and links! http://ridingpretty.blogspot.com/

-- gnat!

[IvonaDestroi]

You can wear whatever you want! If you want bike-specific comfort, wear cycling shorts under your regular clothes. Bike commuters wear a whole range of clothes, not just cycling gear. We also ride a whole range of bikes.

...

The roomies obviously don't know much about bikes (new poseurs, perhaps?), or they would appreciate your classic one!


I pretty much do wear whatever I want... have been for the past couple years... and it works but that's not the problem... My clothes work but it would just be nice to have something that's really geared towards day to day life riding around everywhere you go. Esspecially in the rain!!! Have you SEEN those god awful biking rain pants???? You might as well wrap trash bags around your legs!

Sometimes I wish I had a car, but really in the end I'm glad that I don't have one. You know how Timbuk2 makes handy messanger bags made for biking around? Same concept, but clothes wise. and AFFORDABLE would be nice. RAIN PROOF would also be nice.

In terms of my roomates, they're just poking fun. One works at a bike shop and the other is one of those creepy spandex wearers... I mock their fixed gears and ridiculously expensive mountain bikes just the same. Can't mock that carbon frame though...

They have taught me everything from changing out gears to building and tuning and trueing, they're awesome, so I don't think they mean any harm by it. Tons of bike tools and free lessons? They totally rule!!!:D

[Cataboo]

You don't have to get dedicated bike rain pants. You pretty much just want waterproof pants, something breathable. Fullzip helps if you want to wear your regular pants underneath.

you can maybe look at the marmot precip rain jackets & pants - I know the jackets come in a lot of fun colors, the pants might not. mountain hardwear has their cohesion line, which I know the rain jackets have a lot of nice colors.


Something else to consider - depending on what sort of rain you're riding in, you could just get a pair of softshell pants - they're not fully waterproof, but are waterresistant and most water will just roll off them. I'm not recommending them for a full on downpour, but if it's just drizzling or a soft rain, they're fine.

[IvonaDestroi]

Momentum Magazine might be of interest to you as well. You can view it online here:

http://issuu.com/momentumplanet/docs/issue-30?mode=embed&documentId=090209233010-d96c0ef7aca5445e934a37dff59006c9&layout=grey

Coincidentally, the latest issue has an article about the creators of the Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog. :cool:

Wow that's a great mag! Do you know where I can find it? ;)

[Eden]

Mosty a creepy spandex wearer here... but if you don't want to wear spandex you don't have to. Rain pants though... I'd just forget them and go with something that is rain resistant, or better yet, just quick to dry, but also cute. Rain pants usually just make you as wet as the rain, from the inside out...

I've seen people make pretty snazzy looking riding pants by altering nice wool dress pants from the thrift shop into capri length, sometime even knicker style (drawstring or other type of closure to keep pants out of drive trains) Of course if your 3 speed has a chain guard, it doesn't even matter. You can get stuff like this at a few places directed towards those who want to look like hipsters, but have cash - it's usually $$$$...

[IvonaDestroi]

you can maybe look at the marmot precip rain jackets & pants - I know the jackets come in a lot of fun colors, the pants might not. mountain hardwear has their cohesion line, which I know the rain jackets have a lot of nice colors.
.


Well that's a lot better... even though it's not cycling specific it's cuter and it would definately do the job... too bad I can't afford it! Probably the closest thing I've found so far though:rolleyes:

[Cataboo]

It's a bit more expensive because it's breathable rain gear - it shouldn't give you the clamminess or wetness inside that Eden was talking about.

You can check backcountryoutlet.com or reioutlet.com to see if you see the precip cheaper - REI has their house brand of rain jackets, which are less expensive especially if they're on sale.

You can watch steepandcheap.com, because ocassionally the marmot precip comes up on there for about $40.

[VeloVT]

Back in the fall (I *think*) Terry had a pair of Gore capri rain pants. They were actually pretty cute, but expensive.

I'm afraid to say, spandex is actually not a bad choice in the rain. It doesn't get heavy like natural fibers, or make you sweat like raingear can if it's not cold out. It dries reasonably fast too (although if I were commuting in heavy rain I'd probably pack a change of clothes no matter what I was wearing).

I have bunches of Shebeest skorts that I commute in when it's warm. Personally I think they're pretty cute, but tastes vary :eek:.

Edit: you should be careful about non-cycling specific rain pants -- the lower legs will be baggier and you will have to do something to keep them from getting caught in the chain.

[Cataboo]

Another thing to think about for rain gear in the summer - pitzips.

[jobob]

I use this for inspiration and links! http://ridingpretty.blogspot.com/

-- gnat!

Thanks for the link! :cool:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

and aside from the adorable betty bike repair kits, I have found NOTHING in terms of a cute, stylish, low/mid priced bike gear company for girls!
And all I wanted was a cute fitted rain suit to match my vintage 3 speed... but NO!

A water proof fitted rain suit would be horribly sweaty and stifling, I'd think. I have an expensive nicely fitted gortex lightweight biking rain jacket...and I feel like I'm suffocating when I ride in it. If I wear it just walking around in the rain I'm fine, but when pedaling it gets too suffocating. rain-proof fabrics tend not to breathe, so that's why they tend to be made into looser fitting items.
A lot of rain commuters wear ponchos because they can still breathe and can wear their work clothes underneath- no changing clothes once you get to work. Loose lightweight rain pants are good because you can slip them on over your regular work pants and arrive for work totally dry and ready to work.


If you wanna look like a girl you apparently have to wear cycling jerseys and spandex and have hundreds of dollars... otherwise, it's 80's leftovers or that awesome rolling trash bag look!!!
Does anyone know of a company that might do cute, stylish, gear for a young, female, day to day commuter? Pink? Leopard Print? Maybe some cute roll up pants that you can button or a jacket that doesn't ride above your butt crack?
Sounds like you could just wear regular rollup/button cargo pants and regular 'cute' jacket for that.

You don't say what kind or how long your daily work commute is. The big question is: do you need to wear actual 'biking gear' for your commute? (aside from helmet and gloves for safety of course)
Do you intend to have 'cute bike commuting clothes' for your commute and then change into work clothes once you arrive at work?...or do you want to just ride in your work clothes (whatever that might be) and cover them somehow against the rain? It would be helpful if we knew this.

[VeloVT]

Oh, here's what I was thinking of. Shorts, not capris... and they're actually not particularly cute, not sure why I remembered them being cute... and quite expensive... but I thought you might find the idea interesting anyway.

http://www.terrybicycles.com/gore/detail.html?item_no=2655

[Eden]

I second that - for me, even the most expensive breathable fabrics turn into a steam sauna for me in all but the coldest weather. I prefer to either wear things that are warm/wet and quick drying or to carry a change of clothes....

I have a couple of pairs of microfiber exercise capris - of course capri length on me... more like high waters... one has a nice draw string at the bottom, perfect for riding around if I don't want to get into biking duds. My only wish is that they were a little more structured in the butt - little baggier back there than I really prefer.

[GLC1968]

I second that - for me, even the most expensive breathable fabrics turn into a steam sauna for me in all but the coldest weather. I prefer to either wear things that are warm/wet and quick drying or carrying a change of clothes....

Yep.

The reason is pure physics. Something designed to 'breathe' can only breathe if it is not actively also trying to repel water. You can't do both at the same time. Goretex (and other brands) are great for when it's not downpouring, but once it is...you are gonna get wet (one way or another!).

That's why pit-zips are so helpful!

[Eden]

Yep.

The reason is pure physics. Something designed to 'breathe' can only breathe if it is not actively also trying to repel water. You can't do both at the same time. Goretex (and other brands) are great for when it's not downpouring, but once it is...you are gonna get wet (one way or another!).

That's why pit-zips are so helpful!

but hmmmmm - whatcha gonna put on pants...... crotch zips :eek:

[GLC1968]

but hmmmmm - whatcha gonna put on pants...... crotch zips :eek:

Isn't that just a fly? :p


I personally like my amfib tights for cold rain. They keep me dry enough to stay warm but they don't get clammy. I would really like to try wool, I just can't afford it at the moment. Rain pants definitely suck - tried them once and it was so gross! I think they'd be ok for very short commutes though...if it's chilly enough to avoid sweating.

[IvonaDestroi]

A lot of rain commuters wear ponchos because they can still breathe and can wear their work clothes underneath- no changing clothes once you get to work. Loose lightweight rain pants are good because you can slip them on over your regular work pants and arrive for work totally dry and ready to work.


Sounds like you could just wear regular rollup/button cargo pants and regular 'cute' jacket for that.

You don't say what kind or how long your daily work commute is. The big question is: do you need to wear actual 'biking gear' for your commute? (aside from helmet and gloves for safety of course)
Do you intend to have 'cute bike commuting clothes' for your commute and then change into work clothes once you arrive at work?...or do you want to just ride in your work clothes (whatever that might be) and cover them somehow against the rain? It would be helpful if we knew this.

ok... um I'm just gonna repeat one of my earlier quotes here:
_____
i pretty much do wear whatever I want... have been for the past couple years... and it works but that's not the problem... My clothes work but it would just be nice to have something that's really geared towards day to day life riding around everywhere you go.

Sometimes I wish I had a car, but really in the end I'm glad that I don't have one. You know how Timbuk2 makes handy messanger bags made for biking around? Same concept, but clothes wise. and AFFORDABLE would be nice.

_____

In terms of my commute, I ride my bike everywhere I go in combination with taking the BART subway which allows bikes. I take it to do groceries, go to school, work when I'm working, shop, go to friends houses and parties and shows, pretty much anytime I leave the house I'm on my bike. Which is all the time. So what I'm looking for is something wearable everywhere you go whilst still being bike related... not so much for neccessity, but more for comfort and convenience, and maybe a little girly bike pride.

I mean obviously you can wear normal clothes but I was just looking for something just a little bit more geared towards city life on a bike. The smallest details are so handy sometimes, like button/pocket placement or an extra lock loop here or a roll up button there.

As for the rain gear, thanks for the tip! You're right, it is baggy and not breathable... I didn't realize that even the more expensive clothing had that problem too. I love Eden's idea of altering wool dress pants. I might try making something using that kind of fabric... maybe spray 'em down with that water repellant spray for good measure...hmmmm.....

[Cataboo]

Mostly what I've been using for rain is: patagonia spraymaster jacket & pants if it's a torrential downpour (but I'm usually more likely just not to bike!) or arc'teryx alpha lt in gore pro shell.

The arc'teryx squamish is always in my pack in case of a rain shower - it's light, it unzips to my navel, which is more than enough breathability. Also works great for kayaking as a lightweight keep the sun off layer.

For a softshell:
Mammut ultimate hoody - hoody, water resistant, and 2 way pitzips - you can basically unzip the side of the jacket up to your elbows.

pants - rei mistral and I can't remember the name of the arc'teryx lightweight softshells I have.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

i pretty much do wear whatever I want... have been for the past couple years... and it works but that's not the problem... My clothes work but it would just be nice to have something that's really geared towards day to day life riding around everywhere you go.

In terms of my commute, I ride my bike everywhere I go in combination with taking the BART subway which allows bikes. I take it to do groceries, go to school, work when I'm working, shop, go to friends houses and parties and shows, pretty much anytime I leave the house I'm on my bike. Which is all the time. So what I'm looking for is something wearable everywhere you go whilst still being bike related... not so much for neccessity, but more for comfort and convenience, and maybe a little girly bike pride.

I mean obviously you can wear normal clothes but I was just looking for something just a little bit more geared towards city life on a bike. The smallest details are so handy sometimes, like button/pocket placement or an extra lock loop here or a roll up button there.

Ok, I 'm trying to understand...what you mean is that you are not commuting to work and changing into work clothes, then changing into biking clothes to ride home from work...right?
What you do mean is cute clothes that you can wear while riding your bike everywhere, and that would be comfortable to ride in but still cute and acceptable off the bike, right?
That allows a different type of answer, since we are not really talking about only commuting to work and back now.

To me what works for everyday on/off bike activities is wearing capri leggings or tights (with a lightweight chamois pad if I'm riding longer than 10 miles), with a cute short skirt and then any kind of tops I need for the weather. I tend to like thin merino wool tops- they breathe yet keep me warm and don't get sweaty or stinky. i don't ride in heavy rain if I can avoid it. Wool works well in drizzle however, as it dries quickly and doesn't get cold when wet. You can often find great bargains in quality wool items at the Salvation Army or Goodwill...just read the labels.

As examples (and keep in mind that I'm 54, not as young as you by a long shot), here is a Terry Spinnaker capri with light chamois pad (intended for spin classes, which I don't do) with a Sheila Moon skirt and bolero over a SmartWool base layer top:
example 1 (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6727&d=1218243278)
And here is a warmer outfit of short skirt with warm winter biking tights and a merino wool zip top over wool base layer:
example 2 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3215930836_2978022706.jpg)
So, for me if I want to look 'cute' i just wear a short skirt over whatever black biking shorts/capris/leggings I want, and I wear whatever tops I want with that. I do often wear screaming yellow vest however, or some bright color in traffic.
It's just my own thing.
In general, if you don't like the look of Lycra biking gear, you should just avoid it! Some people find it uncomfortable to ride on jean seams, however.

One problem is that most of the cheap biking gear is often not the most stylish. Sometimes we can make a stylish outfit just by combining non-stylish things in a cool way though. Try striped knee socks, or a kooky thrift store striped wool vest, for instance...instant stylin' outfit. But you probably know that anyway. ;)

Don't forget your helmet...they don't sell used brains in thrift stores. ;)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

but hmmmmm - whatcha gonna put on pants...... crotch zips :eek:


Isn't that just a fly? :p

Chaps. :D

[shootingstar]

I mean obviously you can wear normal clothes but I was just looking for something just a little bit more geared towards city life on a bike. The smallest details are so handy sometimes, like button/pocket placement or an extra lock loop here or a roll up button there.

As for the rain gear, thanks for the tip! You're right, it is baggy and not breathable... I didn't realize that even the more expensive clothing had that problem too. I love Eden's idea of altering wool dress pants. I might try making something using that kind of fabric... maybe spray 'em down with that water repellant spray for good measure...hmmmm.....

Still think the area of more citified, fashionable, weather-practical clothing without changing them at workplace, would be a great fashion design niche for you! As you can from our remarks, there's still lots more room for someone to manufacture a fabric one day is waterproof AND breathable.

I would agree that every detail on clothing when cycling can make a difference...that's why I don't like wearing jeans while cycling, it's the frickin' French seams. I'm the person that prefers to have my butt crack/back covered and not have it get cool if top is too short.

The only "cute" thing I wear is ..a lycra skort..which isn't the cheapest as you may know. Everything else is typical cycling wear.

As an aside, love to see some of the non-cycling fashion wear that you may design for your assignments... I used to sew a great deal before cycling. Have a mother who used sometimes to draft classic pants, tops for us ...without using a pattern. I also have a cousin who took a course on pattern drafting.

[uforgot]

Personally, I'm looking forward to the Ivona Urban cycling wear, as featured by Momentum in say...3 years?

[Eden]

Chaps. :D
rain legs....http://www.rainlegs.se/images/inactie.jpg

[administrator]

Sheila Moon is one of the leading designers for fashionable urban cycling clothes.
TE's selection of her wares can be found here:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/sheila-moon/product/c0-b100074.html

and her website is here:
http://www.sheilamoon.com/
it looks like her catalog is deactivated right now, but she has a number of innovative and fun designs.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Personally, I'm looking forward to the Ivona Urban cycling wear, as featured by Momentum in say...3 years?

With Ivona's user name, I think she would be a big hit designing for the roller derby women. :D

[Eden]

Sheila Moon is one of the leading designers for fashionable urban cycling clothes.
TE's selection of her wares can be found here:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/sheila-moon/product/c0-b100074.html

and her website is here:
http://www.sheilamoon.com/
it looks like her catalog is deactivated right now, but she has a number of innovative and fun designs.

Love the look of the wool commuter pants *except* for the black butt patch.... I get the idea of providing a seam free patch of tougher material, but it looks like you sat in something to make it not match....

[Zen]

but hmmmmm - whatcha gonna put on pants...... crotch zips :eek:


http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/UnionSuit-1.jpg

[Eden]

that would certainly provide some ventilation....

[madscot13]

I'm sure no one behind you would appreciate it.

for people who wear dress pants while biking, how do those pants hold up?

For light rain, i was thinking of waxing an old pair of jeans by rubbing a candle or a white crayon all over them. Although DWR wash stuff/ spray would probably be more effective.

[uforgot]

With Ivona's user name, I think she would be a big hit designing for the roller derby women. :D

You know I've mentioned Roller Derby a time or two in class and they look at me like they've never heard of it. Who couldn't remember cheering for the Bay Area Bombers (was that it?) every Saturday morning?!?!?!

[tulip]

You know I've mentioned Roller Derby a time or two in class and they look at me like they've never heard of it. Who couldn't remember cheering for the Bay Area Bombers (was that it?) every Saturday morning?!?!?!

Roller derby is alive and kicking here, and in other cities, too. I've never tried it, as I get enough bumps and bruises just making my way through the day (I'm a bit clumsy).

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yes, roller derby is indeed making a comeback. I was doing a lot of roller rink skating over the past year or two, and they actually started a new roller derby team in my area...but I am way too old to be doing so much body bashing and falling. there are actually women in their 40's who do it though. :p I think it's great....and those women have great style and confidence.

[Zen]

I'm sure no one behind you would appreciate it.


You never know :p

[madscot13]

the lab tech at my old school was a roller derbiest (derbier?). you would not know that this sweet woman had the inner workings of a jaguar on the inside.

[pinkychique]

When I'm riding 4 miles or less, I'll usually just wear regular clothes, if it's cold, a cycling jacket that has pitzips, and those reflective velcro straps to keep my pants from getting in the chain.

I have a pair of jeans that have a very noticible "saddle mark" on them where they are wearing out :rolleyes: (only my cyclist bf noticed so far)

I've often thought it'd be cute to wear a short skirt with leggings underneath, either that go to the knees or to the calves to ride on a regular day, too.

[IvonaDestroi]

When I'm riding 4 miles or less, I'll usually just wear regular clothes, if it's cold, a cycling jacket that has pitzips, and those reflective velcro straps to keep my pants from getting in the chain.

I have a pair of jeans that have a very noticible "saddle mark" on them where they are wearing out :rolleyes: (only my cyclist bf noticed so far)

I've often thought it'd be cute to wear a short skirt with leggings underneath, either that go to the knees or to the calves to ride on a regular day, too.

Yea I've found capris under short dresses with tights work out pretty well, and all you have to do is take the pants off when you get there. It works if they're fitted and they match... opaque leggings work too, but I've always felt a little too exposed that way when the dress/skirt rides up...

[Geonz]

Pants wear out in odd places... depending on how long the commute is. SOmetimes I layer and change; other times I wear dressier pants... other times I just tutor in my sweats :) Where they chafe on the saddle on the inner thigh...

Can't address cute. I antithesize fashion ;D

[WindingRoad]

Isis has some rain wear that is very nice. I have a rain suit from them and it's great. Usually have pretty good colors too. Might try that.;)