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What makes the bicycles in Amsterdam suitable for riding with jeans on?
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12
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What makes the bicycles in Amsterdam suitable for riding with jeans on?
The Dutch are known to wear regular clothes while cycling rather than cycling specific clothing.
In cycling forums, people often say that jeans are uncomfortable for cycling especially in the rain. When jeans are wet, friction increases which can cause chafing and increase the wear and tear on the jeans and the saddle. The Dutch must have a way of wearing jeans comfortably since regular clothes include jeans. Cycling friendly pants tend to be silkier and thinner so that friction decreases, and more flexible so that there's less pressure on our perineum. Even with a saddle cutout, the seams on jeans can put too much pressure there.
I'm thinking that these are the possible factors:
- Saddle height
- Saddle setback
- Upright posture
- Cadence
- Power
- Coasting percentage
- Saddle shape
- Pants sold in the Netherlands tend to be more cycling friendly such as
jeans with softer seams - The commuting times are too short for the discomfort to develop
Also, can you have a fast or powerful human powered bike that's jeans friendly? Like hybrid, cyclocross, MTB, and road bikes.
Someone who's into fitness and speed, bikes to work, and wouldn't want to carry an extra pair of pants would be interested in getting that answer.
clothes pain
asked 2 days ago
Han-Lin
34428
|
show 5 more comments
up vote
12
down vote
favorite
What makes the bicycles in Amsterdam suitable for riding with jeans on?
The Dutch are known to wear regular clothes while cycling rather than cycling specific clothing.
In cycling forums, people often say that jeans are uncomfortable for cycling especially in the rain. When jeans are wet, friction increases which can cause chafing and increase the wear and tear on the jeans and the saddle. The Dutch must have a way of wearing jeans comfortably since regular clothes include jeans. Cycling friendly pants tend to be silkier and thinner so that friction decreases, and more flexible so that there's less pressure on our perineum. Even with a saddle cutout, the seams on jeans can put too much pressure there.
I'm thinking that these are the possible factors:
- Saddle height
- Saddle setback
- Upright posture
- Cadence
- Power
- Coasting percentage
- Saddle shape
- Pants sold in the Netherlands tend to be more cycling friendly such as
jeans with softer seams - The commuting times are too short for the discomfort to develop
Also, can you have a fast or powerful human powered bike that's jeans friendly? Like hybrid, cyclocross, MTB, and road bikes.
Someone who's into fitness and speed, bikes to work, and wouldn't want to carry an extra pair of pants would be interested in getting that answer.
clothes pain
asked 2 days ago
Han-Lin
34428
7
Can you estimate the speed they are riding in your picture from Holland? That is the key, and it is not compatible with your requirements: "Someone who's into fitness and speed, bikes to work, and wouldn't want to carry an extra pair of pants[.]"
– gschenk
2 days ago
6
Keep in mind that your question seems to cross the biking-for-useful-transportation vs. biking-as-a-sport line, which will get answers targeting either one instead of why you see something that might look unfamiliar.
– John Keates
2 days ago
13
same answer as to why do people walk around in a city in jeans rather than hiking pants, and don't carry poles and a camelbak everywhere.
– njzk2
19 hours ago
8
Have you ever seen a bike unsuitable to ride with jeans on? Because I've never seen one...
– 9ilsdx 9rvj 0lo
16 hours ago
11
This is one of those nice culture-clash questions. I had no idea anyone could find that picture strange. Maybe I need to find a stack exchange to ask the corresponding question: "Why would someone think this is odd?"
– pipe
14 hours ago
|
show 5 more comments
up vote
12
down vote
favorite
up vote
12
down vote
favorite
What makes the bicycles in Amsterdam suitable for riding with jeans on?
The Dutch are known to wear regular clothes while cycling rather than cycling specific clothing.
In cycling forums, people often say that jeans are uncomfortable for cycling especially in the rain. When jeans are wet, friction increases which can cause chafing and increase the wear and tear on the jeans and the saddle. The Dutch must have a way of wearing jeans comfortably since regular clothes include jeans. Cycling friendly pants tend to be silkier and thinner so that friction decreases, and more flexible so that there's less pressure on our perineum. Even with a saddle cutout, the seams on jeans can put too much pressure there.
I'm thinking that these are the possible factors:
- Saddle height
- Saddle setback
- Upright posture
- Cadence
- Power
- Coasting percentage
- Saddle shape
- Pants sold in the Netherlands tend to be more cycling friendly such as
jeans with softer seams - The commuting times are too short for the discomfort to develop
Also, can you have a fast or powerful human powered bike that's jeans friendly? Like hybrid, cyclocross, MTB, and road bikes.
Someone who's into fitness and speed, bikes to work, and wouldn't want to carry an extra pair of pants would be interested in getting that answer.
clothes pain
asked 2 days ago
Han-Lin
34428
What makes the bicycles in Amsterdam suitable for riding with jeans on?
The Dutch are known to wear regular clothes while cycling rather than cycling specific clothing.
In cycling forums, people often say that jeans are uncomfortable for cycling especially in the rain. When jeans are wet, friction increases which can cause chafing and increase the wear and tear on the jeans and the saddle. The Dutch must have a way of wearing jeans comfortably since regular clothes include jeans. Cycling friendly pants tend to be silkier and thinner so that friction decreases, and more flexible so that there's less pressure on our perineum. Even with a saddle cutout, the seams on jeans can put too much pressure there.
I'm thinking that these are the possible factors:
- Saddle height
- Saddle setback
- Upright posture
- Cadence
- Power
- Coasting percentage
- Saddle shape
- Pants sold in the Netherlands tend to be more cycling friendly such as
jeans with softer seams - The commuting times are too short for the discomfort to develop
Also, can you have a fast or powerful human powered bike that's jeans friendly? Like hybrid, cyclocross, MTB, and road bikes.
Someone who's into fitness and speed, bikes to work, and wouldn't want to carry an extra pair of pants would be interested in getting that answer.
clothes pain
clothes pain
asked 2 days ago
Han-Lin
34428
asked 2 days ago
Han-Lin
34428
asked 2 days ago
Han-Lin
34428
asked 2 days ago
Han-Lin
34428
asked 2 days ago
Han-Lin
34428
34428
7
Can you estimate the speed they are riding in your picture from Holland? That is the key, and it is not compatible with your requirements: "Someone who's into fitness and speed, bikes to work, and wouldn't want to carry an extra pair of pants[.]"
– gschenk
2 days ago
6
Keep in mind that your question seems to cross the biking-for-useful-transportation vs. biking-as-a-sport line, which will get answers targeting either one instead of why you see something that might look unfamiliar.
– John Keates
2 days ago
13
same answer as to why do people walk around in a city in jeans rather than hiking pants, and don't carry poles and a camelbak everywhere.
– njzk2
19 hours ago
8
Have you ever seen a bike unsuitable to ride with jeans on? Because I've never seen one...
– 9ilsdx 9rvj 0lo
16 hours ago
11
This is one of those nice culture-clash questions. I had no idea anyone could find that picture strange. Maybe I need to find a stack exchange to ask the corresponding question: "Why would someone think this is odd?"
– pipe
14 hours ago
|
show 5 more comments
7
Can you estimate the speed they are riding in your picture from Holland? That is the key, and it is not compatible with your requirements: "Someone who's into fitness and speed, bikes to work, and wouldn't want to carry an extra pair of pants[.]"
– gschenk
2 days ago
6
Keep in mind that your question seems to cross the biking-for-useful-transportation vs. biking-as-a-sport line, which will get answers targeting either one instead of why you see something that might look unfamiliar.
– John Keates
2 days ago
13
same answer as to why do people walk around in a city in jeans rather than hiking pants, and don't carry poles and a camelbak everywhere.
– njzk2
19 hours ago
8
Have you ever seen a bike unsuitable to ride with jeans on? Because I've never seen one...
– 9ilsdx 9rvj 0lo
16 hours ago
11
This is one of those nice culture-clash questions. I had no idea anyone could find that picture strange. Maybe I need to find a stack exchange to ask the corresponding question: "Why would someone think this is odd?"
– pipe
14 hours ago
7
7
Can you estimate the speed they are riding in your picture from Holland? That is the key, and it is not compatible with your requirements: "Someone who's into fitness and speed, bikes to work, and wouldn't want to carry an extra pair of pants[.]"
– gschenk
2 days ago
Can you estimate the speed they are riding in your picture from Holland? That is the key, and it is not compatible with your requirements: "Someone who's into fitness and speed, bikes to work, and wouldn't want to carry an extra pair of pants[.]"
– gschenk
2 days ago
6
6
Keep in mind that your question seems to cross the biking-for-useful-transportation vs. biking-as-a-sport line, which will get answers targeting either one instead of why you see something that might look unfamiliar.
– John Keates
2 days ago
Keep in mind that your question seems to cross the biking-for-useful-transportation vs. biking-as-a-sport line, which will get answers targeting either one instead of why you see something that might look unfamiliar.
– John Keates
2 days ago
13
13
same answer as to why do people walk around in a city in jeans rather than hiking pants, and don't carry poles and a camelbak everywhere.
– njzk2
19 hours ago
same answer as to why do people walk around in a city in jeans rather than hiking pants, and don't carry poles and a camelbak everywhere.
– njzk2
19 hours ago
8
8
Have you ever seen a bike unsuitable to ride with jeans on? Because I've never seen one...
– 9ilsdx 9rvj 0lo
16 hours ago
Have you ever seen a bike unsuitable to ride with jeans on? Because I've never seen one...
– 9ilsdx 9rvj 0lo
16 hours ago
11
11
This is one of those nice culture-clash questions. I had no idea anyone could find that picture strange. Maybe I need to find a stack exchange to ask the corresponding question: "Why would someone think this is odd?"
– pipe
14 hours ago
This is one of those nice culture-clash questions. I had no idea anyone could find that picture strange. Maybe I need to find a stack exchange to ask the corresponding question: "Why would someone think this is odd?"
– pipe
14 hours ago
|
show 5 more comments
10 Answers
10
active
oldest
votes
up vote
60
down vote
In places where there are lots of bikes, most people who are riding them are making short journeys purely for transport. For a short ride of a few kilometers, it really doesn't matter what you're wearing. Any clothes that are comfortable to wear in general will be comfortable to wear on a bike for fifteen minutes.
People who are riding longer distances, pushing harder and aiming for fitness rather than just getting from A to B will start to consider clothing that's more oriented towards exercising and people who are going even farther and pushing even harder will start to wear cycling-specific clothing.
I see this exact thing when I cycle at home in Oxford. If I cycle directly into town, most of the people I see on bikes are just wearing whatever clothes will be appropriate at their destination. If I take a more circuitous route around the outskirts of town before heading into the centre through an area where not many people live, I see a lot of people wearing "general exercise" clothing. If I head away from town, out into the countryside, most of the cyclists I see are wearing clothing designed specifically for cycling.
answered 2 days ago
David Richerby
9,32523050
5
The same is the case in Cambridge - most people on bikes in the city centre are students going to university or sixth form, so they wear normal clothing. Occasionally you see someone in their gown, billowing out behind!
– Tim
2 days ago
10
@LamarLatrell Read the second sentence of my answer. They're no more or less suitable for riding with jeans than any other bike.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
5
I think the question would have to be reversed. What makes some bikes uncomfortable to ride with jeans in short calm rides. Since bikes that are uncomfortable, like fast road bikes, are exceptional.
– gschenk
yesterday
2
For those outside the UK: David (and @Tim) are probably the two most bike-friendly cities in England. They're also quite flat. The city I live in (Bristol, about 100km from David) is OK for cyclists but less so than Oxford or Cambridge, and much hillier. We get plenty of casually dressed bike commuters here too, in fact I'm in the minority getting changed.
– Chris H
yesterday
4
@DavidRicherby I beg to differ. Either I'm staring at the tarmac, which is unsafe and uninteresting, or I get a soar neck from having my head turned unnaturally.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
|
show 9 more comments
up vote
35
down vote
Local here, have lived in Amsterdam for just over a year and a half, through the cold wet winter. I'm not a Dutchie, but have embraced the fiets lifestyle here.
Let me just say that the jeans you get in Amsterdam are the same as what you would buy anywhere else. I ride in Levis 511 jeans every day and have no problems. People here more or less ride in all sorts of clothing (that includes suits, dresses and high heels). You never really go that fast here in the city and you're always kind of stopping and starting, so regular clothes are fine.
When it rains (which happens a lot) most people either catch public transport or wear rainproof gear over their regular clothes. Some even use storm umbrellas. The philosophy here amongst the Dutchies is that there's no bad weather only bad clothing.
The bikes themselves are set up a bit differently here too:
- Every bike, almost without exception has mud guards or "fenders"
- The chain is almost always sealed inside a chainguard to avoid it getting too dirty, as well as the rider
- The vast majority of bikes are upright riding position, as you don't really tend to go that fast in Amsterdam with the cobblestones and narrow streets
In terms of type of bike, lightweight performance bikes don't last very long here and are not practical. What you mostly see are Omafiets, Papafiets, Mamafiets, Bakfiets and various heavy duty city commuter bikes. Powered bikes are also very popular here and often used to cut down travel times for longer distances.
Bikes here tend to be heavy duty so they don't get smashed up at the bike racks, low maintenance as they usually sit outside all the time and focused on comfort as it's not really an "activity" you plan for with specialised clothing but a primary way to get around, with most journeys not being longer than 20 minutes or so.
Outside of the cities you'll see plenty of lycra clad cyclists on their lightweight performance bikes cycling more for recreation on weekends etc.
answered 2 days ago
Karl
35113
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Yep, this is pretty much what we do in The Netherlands. As a Dutch citizen myself in generally smaller cities we do the same thing. Biking isn't a special occasion, and together with walking just a highly efficient way to get around. For certain destinations or activities you'd still use a car (say, weekly household groceries, moving furniture or most distances above 15Km, or destinations without good public transportation). But most of the time you'll see people using a bike wearing whatever they happen to be wearing.
– John Keates
2 days ago
Are you saying that to cycle fast, we should do vehicular cycling? This writer didn't seem to think that Dutch cycle paths are holding us up. aseasyasridingabike.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/…
– Han-Lin
yesterday
Apart from mud guards / fenders, don't forget the skirt guards! For a time, I thought that those were the same, until I realised not all bicycles have mud guards / fenders.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
Except the skirt guards are somewhat fragile. Especially among teenagers they tend to live short lives.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
22
down vote
Jeans aren't as bad as you think. I think the biggest factors are short journeys, mild climate, and being used to it. With efficient infrastructure this can account for a lot of commuting. Apart from the efficient infrastructure that covers most bike commuting in the UK as well, and most people here don't get changed.
I sometimes don't get the chance to get changed and have to commute in normal jeans for up to about 30 minutes, even an hour in the past (up to about 15km in traffic). In the UK we have a similar climate to the Netherlands. In the dry, and if its not too hot, it's not uncomfortable, on a hybrid or tourer. On the latter I'm not generally going flat out, or using the drops, because of the traffic.
Riding in wet jeans for more than a few minutes does start to rub, and can get cold when you stop. I get too hot for overtrousers, which is a further reason I prefer to get changed, but I also don't like to hang around. Keeping spare clothes in work deals with getting caught unawares. I don't recommend emulating my colleague who used a heat gun to dry her jeans while wearing them, though the one in my lab goes quite cool.
The main difference in bike design is that Dutch bikes have enough of a chain guard that you're not going to catch your jeans in the chain or get them dirty. Ankle straps/clips or simply tucking your trousers into your socks deals with this.
There's probably a form of selection bias going on - people who think and talk about what to wear on the bike are likely to have specialist clothing and choose to wear it. They're also likely to ride far enough that it's worth doing so.
answered 2 days ago
Chris H
21.3k13399
1
I also note that people dont cycle terribly fast in Amsterdam - as far as I have seen.
– vikingsteve
11 hours ago
@vikingsteve I believe that to be true. I'd probably find it quite frustrating
– Chris H
10 hours ago
Most of the bikes appear fairly old too. They are not the sort of well maintained road bikes I am used to seeing in other cities where only "enthusiasts" ride bikes daily.
– vikingsteve
9 hours ago
@vikingsteve that's also true in parts of the UK. In fact in the city where I work I've seen bikes being ridden without functioning brakes, and with chains so rusty it's a wonder they got round. I keep a heap of junk here but it's a little better than that (much better in the case of the brakes)
– Chris H
8 hours ago
1
I would say even student bikes (cheap, n-th hand, high theft risk) they tend to still work reasonably well. Dutch bicycles are certainly much sturdier that you see in most places.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
14
down vote
You are surely aware that there is an industry out there that tries to sell you things you only marginally 'need' - special clothing for any sport is not unaffected by that.
There is certainly a gain by wearing special cloth (and shoes) while biking, but unless you are seriously exercising or training for a competition, the difference is marginal.
Of course, in the respective forums you will find lots of people that are convinced otherwise, and will tell you (and themselves) it makes a world of difference.
Just try yourself with an open mind.
answered yesterday
Aganju
24114
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I disagree. With a road bike and a hard saddle, I find my ass gets sore if I ride for more than a couple of hours without proper padded shorts. I also ride a lot faster in properly fitted cycling clothes. Obviously, none of this is relevant to commuting in town, but cycling shorts make a significant difference on rides that aren't "seriously exercising or training for a competition."
– David Richerby
yesterday
5
I agree. The casual riders in Amsterdam are not driven to go through the extra trouble of buying something specific just to look the part of a cool bike rider, then having to change clothes when they get to their destination.
– Dale
yesterday
10
@DavidRicherby: riding "for more than a couple of hours" is seriously exercising.
– Jack Aidley
13 hours ago
@Dale The first paragraph, to me, seems to be saying that nobody has more than a "marginal need" for sports-specific clothing and I disagree with that. As my answer makes clear, I do agree that pretty much any clothing is fine for a short ride and that most people in Amsterdam are making short rides.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
@JackAidley It's perfectly possible to cycle at a relaxed pace for a few hours without ever really being out of breath. I wouldn't call that serious exercise.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
10
down vote
As someone who biked daily for transportation and recreation for years, I can tell you it doesn't take any miracle to do it in street clothes.
David Richerby already mentioned that most practical bike trips are short. Mine were usually 10-20 minutes. But many times I've gone on recreational rides of 2-4 hours. And I've never owned any special "biking clothes". The most I ever thought about clothing was when my jeans started getting worn out from occasional encounters with the gears!
It probably depends on the person, but many feel perfectly fine in street clothes.
Edit: ratchet freak's answer reminded me that my bike at the time did have a big, soft seat. I don't know how much of a factor that was in feeling my clothing, but I'm sure it made those rides a lot comfier than without it.
answered yesterday
Nick S
2014
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2
Everyone will draw the line (or rather lines) in a slightly different place. E.g. I only got bike-specific kit when I started riding over 100km (say 5 hours) regularly, but found sports clothing (which I already had) more reliably comfortable for many shorter trips (+1)
– Chris H
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
6
down vote
I've never been to Amsterdam, but I do remember reading a comment by someone from there once about what it was like. He said that people there tend to ride at a more leisurely pace, and everyone from all walks of life ride bikes. It's just ordinary people riding around to get to places.
In contrast, in non-cycle-friendly cities, cyclists ride hard to keep up with the traffic, and since there is some danger, it's mostly the more hardcore athletic types who ride.
If you are riding at a moderate pace and the weather is cool enough, then riding in jeans is fine.
answered yesterday
dan-gph
1611
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4
"everyone from all walks of life ride bikes" is an understatement... Even the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, they all ride bicycles when they want to. The King's daughters ride their bikes to school, just like their class mates. I suppose the Security staff rides behind them. Only in Nederland... :-)
– StessenJ
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
I will take the liberty to interpret the question slightly more broadly, on how bicycles are adapted for riding in ordinary clothes. Apart from raingear, I've never changed clothes for cycling in my life (not when I went on a 700 km bike tour either).
Skirt guard / coat guard
You don't really need fenders for cycling with jeans. All fenders do is stop you from getting wet and dirty, so you should want them with any type of clothing. However, people not only ride bicycles with jeans, but also with skirts (starting yearly on rokjesdag). With a skirt, dress, or long (over)coat, a skirt guard/coat guard prevents clothes from ending up in the spokes, which not only damages the clothes but may well lead to accidents.
SkirtCoat guard. Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you are commuting by bicycle and commuting in your normal clothes, as you should, and your normal clothes include anything that may get stuck in the spokes, a skirt guard / coat guard is recommended. As pointed out in the comments, the guard on the bicycle in the photo is unlikely to be intended for protection of long dresses, as a traditional "ladies bicycle" would have a lowered top tube to assist with the same.
answered 13 hours ago
gerrit
1,78021229
2
Fun fact: the low top tube on women's bikes was originally to allow riding in skirt. On a bike like this, a skirt would give some unintended views :)
– ojs
11 hours ago
@ojs ?!? What other possible reason could there be for compromising the structure of the bike by lowering the top tube?
– Martin Bonner
10 hours ago
The lower top tube allows the skirt not to form a parachute-like shape making personal bodyparts public and it also allow the rider to pass the other leg "through" rather than "over" - another good feature for skirt-wearers.
– Crowley
10 hours ago
1
@MartinBonner When I first learned to ride a bicycle, I found the leg movement needed to place one leg on each side of the bicycle (for riding off) rather difficult, and appreciated a step-through frame.
– gerrit
9 hours ago
1
@gerrit this makes so much sense if you are wearing a long coat while riding
– ojs
9 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
3
down vote
One of the more significant differences between a dutch city bike and a performance-focused road bike is the saddle.
Saddles for transport tend to be larger and softer. That way not having padding isn't nearly as bad because the padding is built into the saddle.
The chain is always protected by a guard to avoid loose pants getting caught in it and mangled.
Fenders and mudflaps are also a constant fixture to deal with rain.
On women's bikes there will sometimes be a skirt guard to protect said garment.
The tires are on the chunkier side with lower pressure. This makes for a much more comfortable ride in general.
answered 14 hours ago
ratchet freak
25516
I've got a runabout with a big soft saddle. More than about 20 minutes on that in jeans and I can feel them rubbing, unlike a smaller saddle. But in gym shorts or bike tights the fat saddle is OK for considerably longer (if a little incongruous).
– Chris H
12 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
It's just working. I do have proper biking pants, but I found that especially on more rough terrain (MTB, Enduro, Trail...) I often simply wear my Levis 501, both uphill and downhill, to avoid problems with twigs slashing either the trousers or my skin. No problems, so far, it feels perfectly fine.
answered 2 days ago
AnoE
39819
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
There are sometimes heavy rains but most often it is only drizzling. Furthermore, there is no such thing as a whole day rain. It can rain several times half an hour per day and in between your cloth can dry out. Last but not least you can sit high (your foot is almost straight when pedalling) and you hold the handle by leaning forward (cover).
If it is heavy rain then even the Dutch bike in additional raincoats and trousers or with umbrellas or they do not bike.
answered yesterday
Tiger
111
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10 Answers
10
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oldest
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10 Answers
10
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
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active
oldest
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up vote
60
down vote
In places where there are lots of bikes, most people who are riding them are making short journeys purely for transport. For a short ride of a few kilometers, it really doesn't matter what you're wearing. Any clothes that are comfortable to wear in general will be comfortable to wear on a bike for fifteen minutes.
People who are riding longer distances, pushing harder and aiming for fitness rather than just getting from A to B will start to consider clothing that's more oriented towards exercising and people who are going even farther and pushing even harder will start to wear cycling-specific clothing.
I see this exact thing when I cycle at home in Oxford. If I cycle directly into town, most of the people I see on bikes are just wearing whatever clothes will be appropriate at their destination. If I take a more circuitous route around the outskirts of town before heading into the centre through an area where not many people live, I see a lot of people wearing "general exercise" clothing. If I head away from town, out into the countryside, most of the cyclists I see are wearing clothing designed specifically for cycling.
answered 2 days ago
David Richerby
9,32523050
5
The same is the case in Cambridge - most people on bikes in the city centre are students going to university or sixth form, so they wear normal clothing. Occasionally you see someone in their gown, billowing out behind!
– Tim
2 days ago
10
@LamarLatrell Read the second sentence of my answer. They're no more or less suitable for riding with jeans than any other bike.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
5
I think the question would have to be reversed. What makes some bikes uncomfortable to ride with jeans in short calm rides. Since bikes that are uncomfortable, like fast road bikes, are exceptional.
– gschenk
yesterday
2
For those outside the UK: David (and @Tim) are probably the two most bike-friendly cities in England. They're also quite flat. The city I live in (Bristol, about 100km from David) is OK for cyclists but less so than Oxford or Cambridge, and much hillier. We get plenty of casually dressed bike commuters here too, in fact I'm in the minority getting changed.
– Chris H
yesterday
4
@DavidRicherby I beg to differ. Either I'm staring at the tarmac, which is unsafe and uninteresting, or I get a soar neck from having my head turned unnaturally.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
|
show 9 more comments
up vote
60
down vote
In places where there are lots of bikes, most people who are riding them are making short journeys purely for transport. For a short ride of a few kilometers, it really doesn't matter what you're wearing. Any clothes that are comfortable to wear in general will be comfortable to wear on a bike for fifteen minutes.
People who are riding longer distances, pushing harder and aiming for fitness rather than just getting from A to B will start to consider clothing that's more oriented towards exercising and people who are going even farther and pushing even harder will start to wear cycling-specific clothing.
I see this exact thing when I cycle at home in Oxford. If I cycle directly into town, most of the people I see on bikes are just wearing whatever clothes will be appropriate at their destination. If I take a more circuitous route around the outskirts of town before heading into the centre through an area where not many people live, I see a lot of people wearing "general exercise" clothing. If I head away from town, out into the countryside, most of the cyclists I see are wearing clothing designed specifically for cycling.
answered 2 days ago
David Richerby
9,32523050
5
The same is the case in Cambridge - most people on bikes in the city centre are students going to university or sixth form, so they wear normal clothing. Occasionally you see someone in their gown, billowing out behind!
– Tim
2 days ago
10
@LamarLatrell Read the second sentence of my answer. They're no more or less suitable for riding with jeans than any other bike.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
5
I think the question would have to be reversed. What makes some bikes uncomfortable to ride with jeans in short calm rides. Since bikes that are uncomfortable, like fast road bikes, are exceptional.
– gschenk
yesterday
2
For those outside the UK: David (and @Tim) are probably the two most bike-friendly cities in England. They're also quite flat. The city I live in (Bristol, about 100km from David) is OK for cyclists but less so than Oxford or Cambridge, and much hillier. We get plenty of casually dressed bike commuters here too, in fact I'm in the minority getting changed.
– Chris H
yesterday
4
@DavidRicherby I beg to differ. Either I'm staring at the tarmac, which is unsafe and uninteresting, or I get a soar neck from having my head turned unnaturally.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
|
show 9 more comments
up vote
60
down vote
up vote
60
down vote
In places where there are lots of bikes, most people who are riding them are making short journeys purely for transport. For a short ride of a few kilometers, it really doesn't matter what you're wearing. Any clothes that are comfortable to wear in general will be comfortable to wear on a bike for fifteen minutes.
People who are riding longer distances, pushing harder and aiming for fitness rather than just getting from A to B will start to consider clothing that's more oriented towards exercising and people who are going even farther and pushing even harder will start to wear cycling-specific clothing.
I see this exact thing when I cycle at home in Oxford. If I cycle directly into town, most of the people I see on bikes are just wearing whatever clothes will be appropriate at their destination. If I take a more circuitous route around the outskirts of town before heading into the centre through an area where not many people live, I see a lot of people wearing "general exercise" clothing. If I head away from town, out into the countryside, most of the cyclists I see are wearing clothing designed specifically for cycling.
answered 2 days ago
David Richerby
9,32523050
In places where there are lots of bikes, most people who are riding them are making short journeys purely for transport. For a short ride of a few kilometers, it really doesn't matter what you're wearing. Any clothes that are comfortable to wear in general will be comfortable to wear on a bike for fifteen minutes.
People who are riding longer distances, pushing harder and aiming for fitness rather than just getting from A to B will start to consider clothing that's more oriented towards exercising and people who are going even farther and pushing even harder will start to wear cycling-specific clothing.
I see this exact thing when I cycle at home in Oxford. If I cycle directly into town, most of the people I see on bikes are just wearing whatever clothes will be appropriate at their destination. If I take a more circuitous route around the outskirts of town before heading into the centre through an area where not many people live, I see a lot of people wearing "general exercise" clothing. If I head away from town, out into the countryside, most of the cyclists I see are wearing clothing designed specifically for cycling.
answered 2 days ago
David Richerby
9,32523050
edited 2 days ago
answered 2 days ago
David Richerby
9,32523050
answered 2 days ago
David Richerby
9,32523050
answered 2 days ago
David Richerby
9,32523050
9,32523050
5
The same is the case in Cambridge - most people on bikes in the city centre are students going to university or sixth form, so they wear normal clothing. Occasionally you see someone in their gown, billowing out behind!
– Tim
2 days ago
10
@LamarLatrell Read the second sentence of my answer. They're no more or less suitable for riding with jeans than any other bike.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
5
I think the question would have to be reversed. What makes some bikes uncomfortable to ride with jeans in short calm rides. Since bikes that are uncomfortable, like fast road bikes, are exceptional.
– gschenk
yesterday
2
For those outside the UK: David (and @Tim) are probably the two most bike-friendly cities in England. They're also quite flat. The city I live in (Bristol, about 100km from David) is OK for cyclists but less so than Oxford or Cambridge, and much hillier. We get plenty of casually dressed bike commuters here too, in fact I'm in the minority getting changed.
– Chris H
yesterday
4
@DavidRicherby I beg to differ. Either I'm staring at the tarmac, which is unsafe and uninteresting, or I get a soar neck from having my head turned unnaturally.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
|
show 9 more comments
5
The same is the case in Cambridge - most people on bikes in the city centre are students going to university or sixth form, so they wear normal clothing. Occasionally you see someone in their gown, billowing out behind!
– Tim
2 days ago
10
@LamarLatrell Read the second sentence of my answer. They're no more or less suitable for riding with jeans than any other bike.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
5
I think the question would have to be reversed. What makes some bikes uncomfortable to ride with jeans in short calm rides. Since bikes that are uncomfortable, like fast road bikes, are exceptional.
– gschenk
yesterday
2
For those outside the UK: David (and @Tim) are probably the two most bike-friendly cities in England. They're also quite flat. The city I live in (Bristol, about 100km from David) is OK for cyclists but less so than Oxford or Cambridge, and much hillier. We get plenty of casually dressed bike commuters here too, in fact I'm in the minority getting changed.
– Chris H
yesterday
4
@DavidRicherby I beg to differ. Either I'm staring at the tarmac, which is unsafe and uninteresting, or I get a soar neck from having my head turned unnaturally.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
5
5
The same is the case in Cambridge - most people on bikes in the city centre are students going to university or sixth form, so they wear normal clothing. Occasionally you see someone in their gown, billowing out behind!
– Tim
2 days ago
The same is the case in Cambridge - most people on bikes in the city centre are students going to university or sixth form, so they wear normal clothing. Occasionally you see someone in their gown, billowing out behind!
– Tim
2 days ago
10
10
@LamarLatrell Read the second sentence of my answer. They're no more or less suitable for riding with jeans than any other bike.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
@LamarLatrell Read the second sentence of my answer. They're no more or less suitable for riding with jeans than any other bike.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
5
5
I think the question would have to be reversed. What makes some bikes uncomfortable to ride with jeans in short calm rides. Since bikes that are uncomfortable, like fast road bikes, are exceptional.
– gschenk
yesterday
I think the question would have to be reversed. What makes some bikes uncomfortable to ride with jeans in short calm rides. Since bikes that are uncomfortable, like fast road bikes, are exceptional.
– gschenk
yesterday
2
2
For those outside the UK: David (and @Tim) are probably the two most bike-friendly cities in England. They're also quite flat. The city I live in (Bristol, about 100km from David) is OK for cyclists but less so than Oxford or Cambridge, and much hillier. We get plenty of casually dressed bike commuters here too, in fact I'm in the minority getting changed.
– Chris H
yesterday
For those outside the UK: David (and @Tim) are probably the two most bike-friendly cities in England. They're also quite flat. The city I live in (Bristol, about 100km from David) is OK for cyclists but less so than Oxford or Cambridge, and much hillier. We get plenty of casually dressed bike commuters here too, in fact I'm in the minority getting changed.
– Chris H
yesterday
4
4
@DavidRicherby I beg to differ. Either I'm staring at the tarmac, which is unsafe and uninteresting, or I get a soar neck from having my head turned unnaturally.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
@DavidRicherby I beg to differ. Either I'm staring at the tarmac, which is unsafe and uninteresting, or I get a soar neck from having my head turned unnaturally.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
|
show 9 more comments
up vote
35
down vote
Local here, have lived in Amsterdam for just over a year and a half, through the cold wet winter. I'm not a Dutchie, but have embraced the fiets lifestyle here.
Let me just say that the jeans you get in Amsterdam are the same as what you would buy anywhere else. I ride in Levis 511 jeans every day and have no problems. People here more or less ride in all sorts of clothing (that includes suits, dresses and high heels). You never really go that fast here in the city and you're always kind of stopping and starting, so regular clothes are fine.
When it rains (which happens a lot) most people either catch public transport or wear rainproof gear over their regular clothes. Some even use storm umbrellas. The philosophy here amongst the Dutchies is that there's no bad weather only bad clothing.
The bikes themselves are set up a bit differently here too:
- Every bike, almost without exception has mud guards or "fenders"
- The chain is almost always sealed inside a chainguard to avoid it getting too dirty, as well as the rider
- The vast majority of bikes are upright riding position, as you don't really tend to go that fast in Amsterdam with the cobblestones and narrow streets
In terms of type of bike, lightweight performance bikes don't last very long here and are not practical. What you mostly see are Omafiets, Papafiets, Mamafiets, Bakfiets and various heavy duty city commuter bikes. Powered bikes are also very popular here and often used to cut down travel times for longer distances.
Bikes here tend to be heavy duty so they don't get smashed up at the bike racks, low maintenance as they usually sit outside all the time and focused on comfort as it's not really an "activity" you plan for with specialised clothing but a primary way to get around, with most journeys not being longer than 20 minutes or so.
Outside of the cities you'll see plenty of lycra clad cyclists on their lightweight performance bikes cycling more for recreation on weekends etc.
answered 2 days ago
Karl
35113
New contributor
Karl is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Yep, this is pretty much what we do in The Netherlands. As a Dutch citizen myself in generally smaller cities we do the same thing. Biking isn't a special occasion, and together with walking just a highly efficient way to get around. For certain destinations or activities you'd still use a car (say, weekly household groceries, moving furniture or most distances above 15Km, or destinations without good public transportation). But most of the time you'll see people using a bike wearing whatever they happen to be wearing.
– John Keates
2 days ago
Are you saying that to cycle fast, we should do vehicular cycling? This writer didn't seem to think that Dutch cycle paths are holding us up. aseasyasridingabike.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/…
– Han-Lin
yesterday
Apart from mud guards / fenders, don't forget the skirt guards! For a time, I thought that those were the same, until I realised not all bicycles have mud guards / fenders.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
Except the skirt guards are somewhat fragile. Especially among teenagers they tend to live short lives.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
35
down vote
Local here, have lived in Amsterdam for just over a year and a half, through the cold wet winter. I'm not a Dutchie, but have embraced the fiets lifestyle here.
Let me just say that the jeans you get in Amsterdam are the same as what you would buy anywhere else. I ride in Levis 511 jeans every day and have no problems. People here more or less ride in all sorts of clothing (that includes suits, dresses and high heels). You never really go that fast here in the city and you're always kind of stopping and starting, so regular clothes are fine.
When it rains (which happens a lot) most people either catch public transport or wear rainproof gear over their regular clothes. Some even use storm umbrellas. The philosophy here amongst the Dutchies is that there's no bad weather only bad clothing.
The bikes themselves are set up a bit differently here too:
- Every bike, almost without exception has mud guards or "fenders"
- The chain is almost always sealed inside a chainguard to avoid it getting too dirty, as well as the rider
- The vast majority of bikes are upright riding position, as you don't really tend to go that fast in Amsterdam with the cobblestones and narrow streets
In terms of type of bike, lightweight performance bikes don't last very long here and are not practical. What you mostly see are Omafiets, Papafiets, Mamafiets, Bakfiets and various heavy duty city commuter bikes. Powered bikes are also very popular here and often used to cut down travel times for longer distances.
Bikes here tend to be heavy duty so they don't get smashed up at the bike racks, low maintenance as they usually sit outside all the time and focused on comfort as it's not really an "activity" you plan for with specialised clothing but a primary way to get around, with most journeys not being longer than 20 minutes or so.
Outside of the cities you'll see plenty of lycra clad cyclists on their lightweight performance bikes cycling more for recreation on weekends etc.
answered 2 days ago
Karl
35113
New contributor
Karl is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Yep, this is pretty much what we do in The Netherlands. As a Dutch citizen myself in generally smaller cities we do the same thing. Biking isn't a special occasion, and together with walking just a highly efficient way to get around. For certain destinations or activities you'd still use a car (say, weekly household groceries, moving furniture or most distances above 15Km, or destinations without good public transportation). But most of the time you'll see people using a bike wearing whatever they happen to be wearing.
– John Keates
2 days ago
Are you saying that to cycle fast, we should do vehicular cycling? This writer didn't seem to think that Dutch cycle paths are holding us up. aseasyasridingabike.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/…
– Han-Lin
yesterday
Apart from mud guards / fenders, don't forget the skirt guards! For a time, I thought that those were the same, until I realised not all bicycles have mud guards / fenders.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
Except the skirt guards are somewhat fragile. Especially among teenagers they tend to live short lives.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
35
down vote
up vote
35
down vote
Local here, have lived in Amsterdam for just over a year and a half, through the cold wet winter. I'm not a Dutchie, but have embraced the fiets lifestyle here.
Let me just say that the jeans you get in Amsterdam are the same as what you would buy anywhere else. I ride in Levis 511 jeans every day and have no problems. People here more or less ride in all sorts of clothing (that includes suits, dresses and high heels). You never really go that fast here in the city and you're always kind of stopping and starting, so regular clothes are fine.
When it rains (which happens a lot) most people either catch public transport or wear rainproof gear over their regular clothes. Some even use storm umbrellas. The philosophy here amongst the Dutchies is that there's no bad weather only bad clothing.
The bikes themselves are set up a bit differently here too:
- Every bike, almost without exception has mud guards or "fenders"
- The chain is almost always sealed inside a chainguard to avoid it getting too dirty, as well as the rider
- The vast majority of bikes are upright riding position, as you don't really tend to go that fast in Amsterdam with the cobblestones and narrow streets
In terms of type of bike, lightweight performance bikes don't last very long here and are not practical. What you mostly see are Omafiets, Papafiets, Mamafiets, Bakfiets and various heavy duty city commuter bikes. Powered bikes are also very popular here and often used to cut down travel times for longer distances.
Bikes here tend to be heavy duty so they don't get smashed up at the bike racks, low maintenance as they usually sit outside all the time and focused on comfort as it's not really an "activity" you plan for with specialised clothing but a primary way to get around, with most journeys not being longer than 20 minutes or so.
Outside of the cities you'll see plenty of lycra clad cyclists on their lightweight performance bikes cycling more for recreation on weekends etc.
answered 2 days ago
Karl
35113
New contributor
Karl is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Local here, have lived in Amsterdam for just over a year and a half, through the cold wet winter. I'm not a Dutchie, but have embraced the fiets lifestyle here.
Let me just say that the jeans you get in Amsterdam are the same as what you would buy anywhere else. I ride in Levis 511 jeans every day and have no problems. People here more or less ride in all sorts of clothing (that includes suits, dresses and high heels). You never really go that fast here in the city and you're always kind of stopping and starting, so regular clothes are fine.
When it rains (which happens a lot) most people either catch public transport or wear rainproof gear over their regular clothes. Some even use storm umbrellas. The philosophy here amongst the Dutchies is that there's no bad weather only bad clothing.
The bikes themselves are set up a bit differently here too:
- Every bike, almost without exception has mud guards or "fenders"
- The chain is almost always sealed inside a chainguard to avoid it getting too dirty, as well as the rider
- The vast majority of bikes are upright riding position, as you don't really tend to go that fast in Amsterdam with the cobblestones and narrow streets
In terms of type of bike, lightweight performance bikes don't last very long here and are not practical. What you mostly see are Omafiets, Papafiets, Mamafiets, Bakfiets and various heavy duty city commuter bikes. Powered bikes are also very popular here and often used to cut down travel times for longer distances.
Bikes here tend to be heavy duty so they don't get smashed up at the bike racks, low maintenance as they usually sit outside all the time and focused on comfort as it's not really an "activity" you plan for with specialised clothing but a primary way to get around, with most journeys not being longer than 20 minutes or so.
Outside of the cities you'll see plenty of lycra clad cyclists on their lightweight performance bikes cycling more for recreation on weekends etc.
answered 2 days ago
Karl
35113
New contributor
Karl is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 2 days ago
Karl
35113
New contributor
Karl is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 2 days ago
Karl
35113
answered 2 days ago
Karl
35113
35113
New contributor
Karl is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Karl is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Karl is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Yep, this is pretty much what we do in The Netherlands. As a Dutch citizen myself in generally smaller cities we do the same thing. Biking isn't a special occasion, and together with walking just a highly efficient way to get around. For certain destinations or activities you'd still use a car (say, weekly household groceries, moving furniture or most distances above 15Km, or destinations without good public transportation). But most of the time you'll see people using a bike wearing whatever they happen to be wearing.
– John Keates
2 days ago
Are you saying that to cycle fast, we should do vehicular cycling? This writer didn't seem to think that Dutch cycle paths are holding us up. aseasyasridingabike.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/…
– Han-Lin
yesterday
Apart from mud guards / fenders, don't forget the skirt guards! For a time, I thought that those were the same, until I realised not all bicycles have mud guards / fenders.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
Except the skirt guards are somewhat fragile. Especially among teenagers they tend to live short lives.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
add a comment |
3
Yep, this is pretty much what we do in The Netherlands. As a Dutch citizen myself in generally smaller cities we do the same thing. Biking isn't a special occasion, and together with walking just a highly efficient way to get around. For certain destinations or activities you'd still use a car (say, weekly household groceries, moving furniture or most distances above 15Km, or destinations without good public transportation). But most of the time you'll see people using a bike wearing whatever they happen to be wearing.
– John Keates
2 days ago
Are you saying that to cycle fast, we should do vehicular cycling? This writer didn't seem to think that Dutch cycle paths are holding us up. aseasyasridingabike.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/…
– Han-Lin
yesterday
Apart from mud guards / fenders, don't forget the skirt guards! For a time, I thought that those were the same, until I realised not all bicycles have mud guards / fenders.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
Except the skirt guards are somewhat fragile. Especially among teenagers they tend to live short lives.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
3
3
Yep, this is pretty much what we do in The Netherlands. As a Dutch citizen myself in generally smaller cities we do the same thing. Biking isn't a special occasion, and together with walking just a highly efficient way to get around. For certain destinations or activities you'd still use a car (say, weekly household groceries, moving furniture or most distances above 15Km, or destinations without good public transportation). But most of the time you'll see people using a bike wearing whatever they happen to be wearing.
– John Keates
2 days ago
Yep, this is pretty much what we do in The Netherlands. As a Dutch citizen myself in generally smaller cities we do the same thing. Biking isn't a special occasion, and together with walking just a highly efficient way to get around. For certain destinations or activities you'd still use a car (say, weekly household groceries, moving furniture or most distances above 15Km, or destinations without good public transportation). But most of the time you'll see people using a bike wearing whatever they happen to be wearing.
– John Keates
2 days ago
Are you saying that to cycle fast, we should do vehicular cycling? This writer didn't seem to think that Dutch cycle paths are holding us up. aseasyasridingabike.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/…
– Han-Lin
yesterday
Are you saying that to cycle fast, we should do vehicular cycling? This writer didn't seem to think that Dutch cycle paths are holding us up. aseasyasridingabike.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/…
– Han-Lin
yesterday
Apart from mud guards / fenders, don't forget the skirt guards! For a time, I thought that those were the same, until I realised not all bicycles have mud guards / fenders.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
Apart from mud guards / fenders, don't forget the skirt guards! For a time, I thought that those were the same, until I realised not all bicycles have mud guards / fenders.
– gerrit
13 hours ago
Except the skirt guards are somewhat fragile. Especially among teenagers they tend to live short lives.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
Except the skirt guards are somewhat fragile. Especially among teenagers they tend to live short lives.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
22
down vote
Jeans aren't as bad as you think. I think the biggest factors are short journeys, mild climate, and being used to it. With efficient infrastructure this can account for a lot of commuting. Apart from the efficient infrastructure that covers most bike commuting in the UK as well, and most people here don't get changed.
I sometimes don't get the chance to get changed and have to commute in normal jeans for up to about 30 minutes, even an hour in the past (up to about 15km in traffic). In the UK we have a similar climate to the Netherlands. In the dry, and if its not too hot, it's not uncomfortable, on a hybrid or tourer. On the latter I'm not generally going flat out, or using the drops, because of the traffic.
Riding in wet jeans for more than a few minutes does start to rub, and can get cold when you stop. I get too hot for overtrousers, which is a further reason I prefer to get changed, but I also don't like to hang around. Keeping spare clothes in work deals with getting caught unawares. I don't recommend emulating my colleague who used a heat gun to dry her jeans while wearing them, though the one in my lab goes quite cool.
The main difference in bike design is that Dutch bikes have enough of a chain guard that you're not going to catch your jeans in the chain or get them dirty. Ankle straps/clips or simply tucking your trousers into your socks deals with this.
There's probably a form of selection bias going on - people who think and talk about what to wear on the bike are likely to have specialist clothing and choose to wear it. They're also likely to ride far enough that it's worth doing so.
answered 2 days ago
Chris H
21.3k13399
1
I also note that people dont cycle terribly fast in Amsterdam - as far as I have seen.
– vikingsteve
11 hours ago
@vikingsteve I believe that to be true. I'd probably find it quite frustrating
– Chris H
10 hours ago
Most of the bikes appear fairly old too. They are not the sort of well maintained road bikes I am used to seeing in other cities where only "enthusiasts" ride bikes daily.
– vikingsteve
9 hours ago
@vikingsteve that's also true in parts of the UK. In fact in the city where I work I've seen bikes being ridden without functioning brakes, and with chains so rusty it's a wonder they got round. I keep a heap of junk here but it's a little better than that (much better in the case of the brakes)
– Chris H
8 hours ago
1
I would say even student bikes (cheap, n-th hand, high theft risk) they tend to still work reasonably well. Dutch bicycles are certainly much sturdier that you see in most places.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
22
down vote
Jeans aren't as bad as you think. I think the biggest factors are short journeys, mild climate, and being used to it. With efficient infrastructure this can account for a lot of commuting. Apart from the efficient infrastructure that covers most bike commuting in the UK as well, and most people here don't get changed.
I sometimes don't get the chance to get changed and have to commute in normal jeans for up to about 30 minutes, even an hour in the past (up to about 15km in traffic). In the UK we have a similar climate to the Netherlands. In the dry, and if its not too hot, it's not uncomfortable, on a hybrid or tourer. On the latter I'm not generally going flat out, or using the drops, because of the traffic.
Riding in wet jeans for more than a few minutes does start to rub, and can get cold when you stop. I get too hot for overtrousers, which is a further reason I prefer to get changed, but I also don't like to hang around. Keeping spare clothes in work deals with getting caught unawares. I don't recommend emulating my colleague who used a heat gun to dry her jeans while wearing them, though the one in my lab goes quite cool.
The main difference in bike design is that Dutch bikes have enough of a chain guard that you're not going to catch your jeans in the chain or get them dirty. Ankle straps/clips or simply tucking your trousers into your socks deals with this.
There's probably a form of selection bias going on - people who think and talk about what to wear on the bike are likely to have specialist clothing and choose to wear it. They're also likely to ride far enough that it's worth doing so.
answered 2 days ago
Chris H
21.3k13399
1
I also note that people dont cycle terribly fast in Amsterdam - as far as I have seen.
– vikingsteve
11 hours ago
@vikingsteve I believe that to be true. I'd probably find it quite frustrating
– Chris H
10 hours ago
Most of the bikes appear fairly old too. They are not the sort of well maintained road bikes I am used to seeing in other cities where only "enthusiasts" ride bikes daily.
– vikingsteve
9 hours ago
@vikingsteve that's also true in parts of the UK. In fact in the city where I work I've seen bikes being ridden without functioning brakes, and with chains so rusty it's a wonder they got round. I keep a heap of junk here but it's a little better than that (much better in the case of the brakes)
– Chris H
8 hours ago
1
I would say even student bikes (cheap, n-th hand, high theft risk) they tend to still work reasonably well. Dutch bicycles are certainly much sturdier that you see in most places.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
22
down vote
up vote
22
down vote
Jeans aren't as bad as you think. I think the biggest factors are short journeys, mild climate, and being used to it. With efficient infrastructure this can account for a lot of commuting. Apart from the efficient infrastructure that covers most bike commuting in the UK as well, and most people here don't get changed.
I sometimes don't get the chance to get changed and have to commute in normal jeans for up to about 30 minutes, even an hour in the past (up to about 15km in traffic). In the UK we have a similar climate to the Netherlands. In the dry, and if its not too hot, it's not uncomfortable, on a hybrid or tourer. On the latter I'm not generally going flat out, or using the drops, because of the traffic.
Riding in wet jeans for more than a few minutes does start to rub, and can get cold when you stop. I get too hot for overtrousers, which is a further reason I prefer to get changed, but I also don't like to hang around. Keeping spare clothes in work deals with getting caught unawares. I don't recommend emulating my colleague who used a heat gun to dry her jeans while wearing them, though the one in my lab goes quite cool.
The main difference in bike design is that Dutch bikes have enough of a chain guard that you're not going to catch your jeans in the chain or get them dirty. Ankle straps/clips or simply tucking your trousers into your socks deals with this.
There's probably a form of selection bias going on - people who think and talk about what to wear on the bike are likely to have specialist clothing and choose to wear it. They're also likely to ride far enough that it's worth doing so.
answered 2 days ago
Chris H
21.3k13399
Jeans aren't as bad as you think. I think the biggest factors are short journeys, mild climate, and being used to it. With efficient infrastructure this can account for a lot of commuting. Apart from the efficient infrastructure that covers most bike commuting in the UK as well, and most people here don't get changed.
I sometimes don't get the chance to get changed and have to commute in normal jeans for up to about 30 minutes, even an hour in the past (up to about 15km in traffic). In the UK we have a similar climate to the Netherlands. In the dry, and if its not too hot, it's not uncomfortable, on a hybrid or tourer. On the latter I'm not generally going flat out, or using the drops, because of the traffic.
Riding in wet jeans for more than a few minutes does start to rub, and can get cold when you stop. I get too hot for overtrousers, which is a further reason I prefer to get changed, but I also don't like to hang around. Keeping spare clothes in work deals with getting caught unawares. I don't recommend emulating my colleague who used a heat gun to dry her jeans while wearing them, though the one in my lab goes quite cool.
The main difference in bike design is that Dutch bikes have enough of a chain guard that you're not going to catch your jeans in the chain or get them dirty. Ankle straps/clips or simply tucking your trousers into your socks deals with this.
There's probably a form of selection bias going on - people who think and talk about what to wear on the bike are likely to have specialist clothing and choose to wear it. They're also likely to ride far enough that it's worth doing so.
answered 2 days ago
Chris H
21.3k13399
answered 2 days ago
Chris H
21.3k13399
answered 2 days ago
Chris H
21.3k13399
answered 2 days ago
Chris H
21.3k13399
21.3k13399
1
I also note that people dont cycle terribly fast in Amsterdam - as far as I have seen.
– vikingsteve
11 hours ago
@vikingsteve I believe that to be true. I'd probably find it quite frustrating
– Chris H
10 hours ago
Most of the bikes appear fairly old too. They are not the sort of well maintained road bikes I am used to seeing in other cities where only "enthusiasts" ride bikes daily.
– vikingsteve
9 hours ago
@vikingsteve that's also true in parts of the UK. In fact in the city where I work I've seen bikes being ridden without functioning brakes, and with chains so rusty it's a wonder they got round. I keep a heap of junk here but it's a little better than that (much better in the case of the brakes)
– Chris H
8 hours ago
1
I would say even student bikes (cheap, n-th hand, high theft risk) they tend to still work reasonably well. Dutch bicycles are certainly much sturdier that you see in most places.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
add a comment |
1
I also note that people dont cycle terribly fast in Amsterdam - as far as I have seen.
– vikingsteve
11 hours ago
@vikingsteve I believe that to be true. I'd probably find it quite frustrating
– Chris H
10 hours ago
Most of the bikes appear fairly old too. They are not the sort of well maintained road bikes I am used to seeing in other cities where only "enthusiasts" ride bikes daily.
– vikingsteve
9 hours ago
@vikingsteve that's also true in parts of the UK. In fact in the city where I work I've seen bikes being ridden without functioning brakes, and with chains so rusty it's a wonder they got round. I keep a heap of junk here but it's a little better than that (much better in the case of the brakes)
– Chris H
8 hours ago
1
I would say even student bikes (cheap, n-th hand, high theft risk) they tend to still work reasonably well. Dutch bicycles are certainly much sturdier that you see in most places.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
1
1
I also note that people dont cycle terribly fast in Amsterdam - as far as I have seen.
– vikingsteve
11 hours ago
I also note that people dont cycle terribly fast in Amsterdam - as far as I have seen.
– vikingsteve
11 hours ago
@vikingsteve I believe that to be true. I'd probably find it quite frustrating
– Chris H
10 hours ago
@vikingsteve I believe that to be true. I'd probably find it quite frustrating
– Chris H
10 hours ago
Most of the bikes appear fairly old too. They are not the sort of well maintained road bikes I am used to seeing in other cities where only "enthusiasts" ride bikes daily.
– vikingsteve
9 hours ago
Most of the bikes appear fairly old too. They are not the sort of well maintained road bikes I am used to seeing in other cities where only "enthusiasts" ride bikes daily.
– vikingsteve
9 hours ago
@vikingsteve that's also true in parts of the UK. In fact in the city where I work I've seen bikes being ridden without functioning brakes, and with chains so rusty it's a wonder they got round. I keep a heap of junk here but it's a little better than that (much better in the case of the brakes)
– Chris H
8 hours ago
@vikingsteve that's also true in parts of the UK. In fact in the city where I work I've seen bikes being ridden without functioning brakes, and with chains so rusty it's a wonder they got round. I keep a heap of junk here but it's a little better than that (much better in the case of the brakes)
– Chris H
8 hours ago
1
1
I would say even student bikes (cheap, n-th hand, high theft risk) they tend to still work reasonably well. Dutch bicycles are certainly much sturdier that you see in most places.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
I would say even student bikes (cheap, n-th hand, high theft risk) they tend to still work reasonably well. Dutch bicycles are certainly much sturdier that you see in most places.
– Paul de Vrieze
5 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
14
down vote
You are surely aware that there is an industry out there that tries to sell you things you only marginally 'need' - special clothing for any sport is not unaffected by that.
There is certainly a gain by wearing special cloth (and shoes) while biking, but unless you are seriously exercising or training for a competition, the difference is marginal.
Of course, in the respective forums you will find lots of people that are convinced otherwise, and will tell you (and themselves) it makes a world of difference.
Just try yourself with an open mind.
answered yesterday
Aganju
24114
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3
I disagree. With a road bike and a hard saddle, I find my ass gets sore if I ride for more than a couple of hours without proper padded shorts. I also ride a lot faster in properly fitted cycling clothes. Obviously, none of this is relevant to commuting in town, but cycling shorts make a significant difference on rides that aren't "seriously exercising or training for a competition."
– David Richerby
yesterday
5
I agree. The casual riders in Amsterdam are not driven to go through the extra trouble of buying something specific just to look the part of a cool bike rider, then having to change clothes when they get to their destination.
– Dale
yesterday
10
@DavidRicherby: riding "for more than a couple of hours" is seriously exercising.
– Jack Aidley
13 hours ago
@Dale The first paragraph, to me, seems to be saying that nobody has more than a "marginal need" for sports-specific clothing and I disagree with that. As my answer makes clear, I do agree that pretty much any clothing is fine for a short ride and that most people in Amsterdam are making short rides.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
@JackAidley It's perfectly possible to cycle at a relaxed pace for a few hours without ever really being out of breath. I wouldn't call that serious exercise.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
14
down vote
You are surely aware that there is an industry out there that tries to sell you things you only marginally 'need' - special clothing for any sport is not unaffected by that.
There is certainly a gain by wearing special cloth (and shoes) while biking, but unless you are seriously exercising or training for a competition, the difference is marginal.
Of course, in the respective forums you will find lots of people that are convinced otherwise, and will tell you (and themselves) it makes a world of difference.
Just try yourself with an open mind.
answered yesterday
Aganju
24114
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Aganju is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
I disagree. With a road bike and a hard saddle, I find my ass gets sore if I ride for more than a couple of hours without proper padded shorts. I also ride a lot faster in properly fitted cycling clothes. Obviously, none of this is relevant to commuting in town, but cycling shorts make a significant difference on rides that aren't "seriously exercising or training for a competition."
– David Richerby
yesterday
5
I agree. The casual riders in Amsterdam are not driven to go through the extra trouble of buying something specific just to look the part of a cool bike rider, then having to change clothes when they get to their destination.
– Dale
yesterday
10
@DavidRicherby: riding "for more than a couple of hours" is seriously exercising.
– Jack Aidley
13 hours ago
@Dale The first paragraph, to me, seems to be saying that nobody has more than a "marginal need" for sports-specific clothing and I disagree with that. As my answer makes clear, I do agree that pretty much any clothing is fine for a short ride and that most people in Amsterdam are making short rides.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
@JackAidley It's perfectly possible to cycle at a relaxed pace for a few hours without ever really being out of breath. I wouldn't call that serious exercise.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
14
down vote
up vote
14
down vote
You are surely aware that there is an industry out there that tries to sell you things you only marginally 'need' - special clothing for any sport is not unaffected by that.
There is certainly a gain by wearing special cloth (and shoes) while biking, but unless you are seriously exercising or training for a competition, the difference is marginal.
Of course, in the respective forums you will find lots of people that are convinced otherwise, and will tell you (and themselves) it makes a world of difference.
Just try yourself with an open mind.
answered yesterday
Aganju
24114
New contributor
Aganju is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
You are surely aware that there is an industry out there that tries to sell you things you only marginally 'need' - special clothing for any sport is not unaffected by that.
There is certainly a gain by wearing special cloth (and shoes) while biking, but unless you are seriously exercising or training for a competition, the difference is marginal.
Of course, in the respective forums you will find lots of people that are convinced otherwise, and will tell you (and themselves) it makes a world of difference.
Just try yourself with an open mind.
answered yesterday
Aganju
24114
New contributor
Aganju is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered yesterday
Aganju
24114
New contributor
Aganju is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered yesterday
Aganju
24114
answered yesterday
Aganju
24114
24114
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Aganju is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor
Aganju is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Aganju is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
I disagree. With a road bike and a hard saddle, I find my ass gets sore if I ride for more than a couple of hours without proper padded shorts. I also ride a lot faster in properly fitted cycling clothes. Obviously, none of this is relevant to commuting in town, but cycling shorts make a significant difference on rides that aren't "seriously exercising or training for a competition."
– David Richerby
yesterday
5
I agree. The casual riders in Amsterdam are not driven to go through the extra trouble of buying something specific just to look the part of a cool bike rider, then having to change clothes when they get to their destination.
– Dale
yesterday
10
@DavidRicherby: riding "for more than a couple of hours" is seriously exercising.
– Jack Aidley
13 hours ago
@Dale The first paragraph, to me, seems to be saying that nobody has more than a "marginal need" for sports-specific clothing and I disagree with that. As my answer makes clear, I do agree that pretty much any clothing is fine for a short ride and that most people in Amsterdam are making short rides.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
@JackAidley It's perfectly possible to cycle at a relaxed pace for a few hours without ever really being out of breath. I wouldn't call that serious exercise.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
3
I disagree. With a road bike and a hard saddle, I find my ass gets sore if I ride for more than a couple of hours without proper padded shorts. I also ride a lot faster in properly fitted cycling clothes. Obviously, none of this is relevant to commuting in town, but cycling shorts make a significant difference on rides that aren't "seriously exercising or training for a competition."
– David Richerby
yesterday
5
I agree. The casual riders in Amsterdam are not driven to go through the extra trouble of buying something specific just to look the part of a cool bike rider, then having to change clothes when they get to their destination.
– Dale
yesterday
10
@DavidRicherby: riding "for more than a couple of hours" is seriously exercising.
– Jack Aidley
13 hours ago
@Dale The first paragraph, to me, seems to be saying that nobody has more than a "marginal need" for sports-specific clothing and I disagree with that. As my answer makes clear, I do agree that pretty much any clothing is fine for a short ride and that most people in Amsterdam are making short rides.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
@JackAidley It's perfectly possible to cycle at a relaxed pace for a few hours without ever really being out of breath. I wouldn't call that serious exercise.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
3
3
I disagree. With a road bike and a hard saddle, I find my ass gets sore if I ride for more than a couple of hours without proper padded shorts. I also ride a lot faster in properly fitted cycling clothes. Obviously, none of this is relevant to commuting in town, but cycling shorts make a significant difference on rides that aren't "seriously exercising or training for a competition."
– David Richerby
yesterday
I disagree. With a road bike and a hard saddle, I find my ass gets sore if I ride for more than a couple of hours without proper padded shorts. I also ride a lot faster in properly fitted cycling clothes. Obviously, none of this is relevant to commuting in town, but cycling shorts make a significant difference on rides that aren't "seriously exercising or training for a competition."
– David Richerby
yesterday
5
5
I agree. The casual riders in Amsterdam are not driven to go through the extra trouble of buying something specific just to look the part of a cool bike rider, then having to change clothes when they get to their destination.
– Dale
yesterday
I agree. The casual riders in Amsterdam are not driven to go through the extra trouble of buying something specific just to look the part of a cool bike rider, then having to change clothes when they get to their destination.
– Dale
yesterday
10
10
@DavidRicherby: riding "for more than a couple of hours" is seriously exercising.
– Jack Aidley
13 hours ago
@DavidRicherby: riding "for more than a couple of hours" is seriously exercising.
– Jack Aidley
13 hours ago
@Dale The first paragraph, to me, seems to be saying that nobody has more than a "marginal need" for sports-specific clothing and I disagree with that. As my answer makes clear, I do agree that pretty much any clothing is fine for a short ride and that most people in Amsterdam are making short rides.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
@Dale The first paragraph, to me, seems to be saying that nobody has more than a "marginal need" for sports-specific clothing and I disagree with that. As my answer makes clear, I do agree that pretty much any clothing is fine for a short ride and that most people in Amsterdam are making short rides.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
@JackAidley It's perfectly possible to cycle at a relaxed pace for a few hours without ever really being out of breath. I wouldn't call that serious exercise.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
@JackAidley It's perfectly possible to cycle at a relaxed pace for a few hours without ever really being out of breath. I wouldn't call that serious exercise.
– David Richerby
13 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
10
down vote
As someone who biked daily for transportation and recreation for years, I can tell you it doesn't take any miracle to do it in street clothes.
David Richerby already mentioned that most practical bike trips are short. Mine were usually 10-20 minutes. But many times I've gone on recreational rides of 2-4 hours. And I've never owned any special "biking clothes". The most I ever thought about clothing was when my jeans started getting worn out from occasional encounters with the gears!
It probably depends on the person, but many feel perfectly fine in street clothes.
Edit: ratchet freak's answer reminded me that my bike at the time did have a big, soft seat. I don't know how much of a factor that was in feeling my clothing, but I'm sure it made those rides a lot comfier than without it.
answered yesterday
Nick S
2014
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Nick S is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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2
Everyone will draw the line (or rather lines) in a slightly different place. E.g. I only got bike-specific kit when I started riding over 100km (say 5 hours) regularly, but found sports clothing (which I already had) more reliably comfortable for many shorter trips (+1)
– Chris H
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
10
down vote
As someone who biked daily for transportation and recreation for years, I can tell you it doesn't take any miracle to do it in street clothes.
David Richerby already mentioned that most practical bike trips are short. Mine were usually 10-20 minutes. But many times I've gone on recreational rides of 2-4 hours. And I've never owned any special "biking clothes". The most I ever thought about clothing was when my jeans started getting worn out from occasional encounters with the gears!
It probably depends on the person, but many feel perfectly fine in street clothes.
Edit: ratchet freak's answer reminded me that my bike at the time did have a big, soft seat. I don't know how much of a factor that was in feeling my clothing, but I'm sure it made those rides a lot comfier than without it.
answered yesterday
Nick S
2014
New contributor
Nick S is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
2
Everyone will draw the line (or rather lines) in a slightly different place. E.g. I only got bike-specific kit when I started riding over 100km (say 5 hours) regularly, but found sports clothing (which I already had) more reliably comfortable for many shorter trips (+1)
– Chris H
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
10
down vote
up vote
10
down vote
As someone who biked daily for transportation and recreation for years, I can tell you it doesn't take any miracle to do it in street clothes.
David Richerby already mentioned that most practical bike trips are short. Mine were usually 10-20 minutes. But many times I've gone on recreational rides of 2-4 hours. And I've never owned any special "biking clothes". The most I ever thought about clothing was when my jeans started getting worn out from occasional encounters with the gears!
It probably depends on the person, but many feel perfectly fine in street clothes.
Edit: ratchet freak's answer reminded me that my bike at the time did have a big, soft seat. I don't know how much of a factor that was in feeling my clothing, but I'm sure it made those rides a lot comfier than without it.
answered yesterday
Nick S
2014
New contributor
Nick S is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
As someone who biked daily for transportation and recreation for years, I can tell you it doesn't take any miracle to do it in street clothes.
David Richerby already mentioned that most practical bike trips are short. Mine were usually 10-20 minutes. But many times I've gone on recreational rides of 2-4 hours. And I've never owned any special "biking clothes". The most I ever thought about clothing was when my jeans started getting worn out from occasional encounters with the gears!
It probably depends on the person, but many feel perfectly fine in street clothes.
Edit: ratchet freak's answer reminded me that my bike at the time did have a big, soft seat. I don't know how much of a factor that was in feeling my clothing, but I'm sure it made those rides a lot comfier than without it.
answered yesterday
Nick S
2014
New contributor
Nick S is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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edited 4 hours ago
answered yesterday
Nick S
2014
New contributor
Nick S is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered yesterday
Nick S
2014
answered yesterday
Nick S
2014
2014
New contributor
Nick S is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Nick S is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Nick S is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
2
Everyone will draw the line (or rather lines) in a slightly different place. E.g. I only got bike-specific kit when I started riding over 100km (say 5 hours) regularly, but found sports clothing (which I already had) more reliably comfortable for many shorter trips (+1)
– Chris H
yesterday
add a comment |
2
Everyone will draw the line (or rather lines) in a slightly different place. E.g. I only got bike-specific kit when I started riding over 100km (say 5 hours) regularly, but found sports clothing (which I already had) more reliably comfortable for many shorter trips (+1)
– Chris H
yesterday
2
2
Everyone will draw the line (or rather lines) in a slightly different place. E.g. I only got bike-specific kit when I started riding over 100km (say 5 hours) regularly, but found sports clothing (which I already had) more reliably comfortable for many shorter trips (+1)
– Chris H
yesterday
Everyone will draw the line (or rather lines) in a slightly different place. E.g. I only got bike-specific kit when I started riding over 100km (say 5 hours) regularly, but found sports clothing (which I already had) more reliably comfortable for many shorter trips (+1)
– Chris H
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
6
down vote
I've never been to Amsterdam, but I do remember reading a comment by someone from there once about what it was like. He said that people there tend to ride at a more leisurely pace, and everyone from all walks of life ride bikes. It's just ordinary people riding around to get to places.
In contrast, in non-cycle-friendly cities, cyclists ride hard to keep up with the traffic, and since there is some danger, it's mostly the more hardcore athletic types who ride.
If you are riding at a moderate pace and the weather is cool enough, then riding in jeans is fine.
answered yesterday
dan-gph
1611
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4
"everyone from all walks of life ride bikes" is an understatement... Even the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, they all ride bicycles when they want to. The King's daughters ride their bikes to school, just like their class mates. I suppose the Security staff rides behind them. Only in Nederland... :-)
– StessenJ
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
6
down vote
I've never been to Amsterdam, but I do remember reading a comment by someone from there once about what it was like. He said that people there tend to ride at a more leisurely pace, and everyone from all walks of life ride bikes. It's just ordinary people riding around to get to places.
In contrast, in non-cycle-friendly cities, cyclists ride hard to keep up with the traffic, and since there is some danger, it's mostly the more hardcore athletic types who ride.
If you are riding at a moderate pace and the weather is cool enough, then riding in jeans is fine.
answered yesterday
dan-gph
1611
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4
"everyone from all walks of life ride bikes" is an understatement... Even the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, they all ride bicycles when they want to. The King's daughters ride their bikes to school, just like their class mates. I suppose the Security staff rides behind them. Only in Nederland... :-)
– StessenJ
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
down vote
I've never been to Amsterdam, but I do remember reading a comment by someone from there once about what it was like. He said that people there tend to ride at a more leisurely pace, and everyone from all walks of life ride bikes. It's just ordinary people riding around to get to places.
In contrast, in non-cycle-friendly cities, cyclists ride hard to keep up with the traffic, and since there is some danger, it's mostly the more hardcore athletic types who ride.
If you are riding at a moderate pace and the weather is cool enough, then riding in jeans is fine.
answered yesterday
dan-gph
1611
New contributor
dan-gph is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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I've never been to Amsterdam, but I do remember reading a comment by someone from there once about what it was like. He said that people there tend to ride at a more leisurely pace, and everyone from all walks of life ride bikes. It's just ordinary people riding around to get to places.
In contrast, in non-cycle-friendly cities, cyclists ride hard to keep up with the traffic, and since there is some danger, it's mostly the more hardcore athletic types who ride.
If you are riding at a moderate pace and the weather is cool enough, then riding in jeans is fine.
answered yesterday
dan-gph
1611
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dan-gph is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered yesterday
dan-gph
1611
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answered yesterday
dan-gph
1611
answered yesterday
dan-gph
1611
1611
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New contributor
dan-gph is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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dan-gph is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
4
"everyone from all walks of life ride bikes" is an understatement... Even the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, they all ride bicycles when they want to. The King's daughters ride their bikes to school, just like their class mates. I suppose the Security staff rides behind them. Only in Nederland... :-)
– StessenJ
yesterday
add a comment |
4
"everyone from all walks of life ride bikes" is an understatement... Even the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, they all ride bicycles when they want to. The King's daughters ride their bikes to school, just like their class mates. I suppose the Security staff rides behind them. Only in Nederland... :-)
– StessenJ
yesterday
4
4
"everyone from all walks of life ride bikes" is an understatement... Even the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, they all ride bicycles when they want to. The King's daughters ride their bikes to school, just like their class mates. I suppose the Security staff rides behind them. Only in Nederland... :-)
– StessenJ
yesterday
"everyone from all walks of life ride bikes" is an understatement... Even the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, they all ride bicycles when they want to. The King's daughters ride their bikes to school, just like their class mates. I suppose the Security staff rides behind them. Only in Nederland... :-)
– StessenJ
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
I will take the liberty to interpret the question slightly more broadly, on how bicycles are adapted for riding in ordinary clothes. Apart from raingear, I've never changed clothes for cycling in my life (not when I went on a 700 km bike tour either).
Skirt guard / coat guard
You don't really need fenders for cycling with jeans. All fenders do is stop you from getting wet and dirty, so you should want them with any type of clothing. However, people not only ride bicycles with jeans, but also with skirts (starting yearly on rokjesdag). With a skirt, dress, or long (over)coat, a skirt guard/coat guard prevents clothes from ending up in the spokes, which not only damages the clothes but may well lead to accidents.
SkirtCoat guard. Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you are commuting by bicycle and commuting in your normal clothes, as you should, and your normal clothes include anything that may get stuck in the spokes, a skirt guard / coat guard is recommended. As pointed out in the comments, the guard on the bicycle in the photo is unlikely to be intended for protection of long dresses, as a traditional "ladies bicycle" would have a lowered top tube to assist with the same.
answered 13 hours ago
gerrit
1,78021229
2
Fun fact: the low top tube on women's bikes was originally to allow riding in skirt. On a bike like this, a skirt would give some unintended views :)
– ojs
11 hours ago
@ojs ?!? What other possible reason could there be for compromising the structure of the bike by lowering the top tube?
– Martin Bonner
10 hours ago
The lower top tube allows the skirt not to form a parachute-like shape making personal bodyparts public and it also allow the rider to pass the other leg "through" rather than "over" - another good feature for skirt-wearers.
– Crowley
10 hours ago
1
@MartinBonner When I first learned to ride a bicycle, I found the leg movement needed to place one leg on each side of the bicycle (for riding off) rather difficult, and appreciated a step-through frame.
– gerrit
9 hours ago
1
@gerrit this makes so much sense if you are wearing a long coat while riding
– ojs
9 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
5
down vote
I will take the liberty to interpret the question slightly more broadly, on how bicycles are adapted for riding in ordinary clothes. Apart from raingear, I've never changed clothes for cycling in my life (not when I went on a 700 km bike tour either).
Skirt guard / coat guard
You don't really need fenders for cycling with jeans. All fenders do is stop you from getting wet and dirty, so you should want them with any type of clothing. However, people not only ride bicycles with jeans, but also with skirts (starting yearly on rokjesdag). With a skirt, dress, or long (over)coat, a skirt guard/coat guard prevents clothes from ending up in the spokes, which not only damages the clothes but may well lead to accidents.
SkirtCoat guard. Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you are commuting by bicycle and commuting in your normal clothes, as you should, and your normal clothes include anything that may get stuck in the spokes, a skirt guard / coat guard is recommended. As pointed out in the comments, the guard on the bicycle in the photo is unlikely to be intended for protection of long dresses, as a traditional "ladies bicycle" would have a lowered top tube to assist with the same.
answered 13 hours ago
gerrit
1,78021229
2
Fun fact: the low top tube on women's bikes was originally to allow riding in skirt. On a bike like this, a skirt would give some unintended views :)
– ojs
11 hours ago
@ojs ?!? What other possible reason could there be for compromising the structure of the bike by lowering the top tube?
– Martin Bonner
10 hours ago
The lower top tube allows the skirt not to form a parachute-like shape making personal bodyparts public and it also allow the rider to pass the other leg "through" rather than "over" - another good feature for skirt-wearers.
– Crowley
10 hours ago
1
@MartinBonner When I first learned to ride a bicycle, I found the leg movement needed to place one leg on each side of the bicycle (for riding off) rather difficult, and appreciated a step-through frame.
– gerrit
9 hours ago
1
@gerrit this makes so much sense if you are wearing a long coat while riding
– ojs
9 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
I will take the liberty to interpret the question slightly more broadly, on how bicycles are adapted for riding in ordinary clothes. Apart from raingear, I've never changed clothes for cycling in my life (not when I went on a 700 km bike tour either).
Skirt guard / coat guard
You don't really need fenders for cycling with jeans. All fenders do is stop you from getting wet and dirty, so you should want them with any type of clothing. However, people not only ride bicycles with jeans, but also with skirts (starting yearly on rokjesdag). With a skirt, dress, or long (over)coat, a skirt guard/coat guard prevents clothes from ending up in the spokes, which not only damages the clothes but may well lead to accidents.
SkirtCoat guard. Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you are commuting by bicycle and commuting in your normal clothes, as you should, and your normal clothes include anything that may get stuck in the spokes, a skirt guard / coat guard is recommended. As pointed out in the comments, the guard on the bicycle in the photo is unlikely to be intended for protection of long dresses, as a traditional "ladies bicycle" would have a lowered top tube to assist with the same.
answered 13 hours ago
gerrit
1,78021229
I will take the liberty to interpret the question slightly more broadly, on how bicycles are adapted for riding in ordinary clothes. Apart from raingear, I've never changed clothes for cycling in my life (not when I went on a 700 km bike tour either).
Skirt guard / coat guard
You don't really need fenders for cycling with jeans. All fenders do is stop you from getting wet and dirty, so you should want them with any type of clothing. However, people not only ride bicycles with jeans, but also with skirts (starting yearly on rokjesdag). With a skirt, dress, or long (over)coat, a skirt guard/coat guard prevents clothes from ending up in the spokes, which not only damages the clothes but may well lead to accidents.
SkirtCoat guard. Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you are commuting by bicycle and commuting in your normal clothes, as you should, and your normal clothes include anything that may get stuck in the spokes, a skirt guard / coat guard is recommended. As pointed out in the comments, the guard on the bicycle in the photo is unlikely to be intended for protection of long dresses, as a traditional "ladies bicycle" would have a lowered top tube to assist with the same.
answered 13 hours ago
gerrit
1,78021229
edited 9 hours ago
answered 13 hours ago
gerrit
1,78021229
answered 13 hours ago
gerrit
1,78021229
answered 13 hours ago
gerrit
1,78021229
1,78021229
2
Fun fact: the low top tube on women's bikes was originally to allow riding in skirt. On a bike like this, a skirt would give some unintended views :)
– ojs
11 hours ago
@ojs ?!? What other possible reason could there be for compromising the structure of the bike by lowering the top tube?
– Martin Bonner
10 hours ago
The lower top tube allows the skirt not to form a parachute-like shape making personal bodyparts public and it also allow the rider to pass the other leg "through" rather than "over" - another good feature for skirt-wearers.
– Crowley
10 hours ago
1
@MartinBonner When I first learned to ride a bicycle, I found the leg movement needed to place one leg on each side of the bicycle (for riding off) rather difficult, and appreciated a step-through frame.
– gerrit
9 hours ago
1
@gerrit this makes so much sense if you are wearing a long coat while riding
– ojs
9 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
2
Fun fact: the low top tube on women's bikes was originally to allow riding in skirt. On a bike like this, a skirt would give some unintended views :)
– ojs
11 hours ago
@ojs ?!? What other possible reason could there be for compromising the structure of the bike by lowering the top tube?
– Martin Bonner
10 hours ago
The lower top tube allows the skirt not to form a parachute-like shape making personal bodyparts public and it also allow the rider to pass the other leg "through" rather than "over" - another good feature for skirt-wearers.
– Crowley
10 hours ago
1
@MartinBonner When I first learned to ride a bicycle, I found the leg movement needed to place one leg on each side of the bicycle (for riding off) rather difficult, and appreciated a step-through frame.
– gerrit
9 hours ago
1
@gerrit this makes so much sense if you are wearing a long coat while riding
– ojs
9 hours ago
2
2
Fun fact: the low top tube on women's bikes was originally to allow riding in skirt. On a bike like this, a skirt would give some unintended views :)
– ojs
11 hours ago
Fun fact: the low top tube on women's bikes was originally to allow riding in skirt. On a bike like this, a skirt would give some unintended views :)
– ojs
11 hours ago
@ojs ?!? What other possible reason could there be for compromising the structure of the bike by lowering the top tube?
– Martin Bonner
10 hours ago
@ojs ?!? What other possible reason could there be for compromising the structure of the bike by lowering the top tube?
– Martin Bonner
10 hours ago
The lower top tube allows the skirt not to form a parachute-like shape making personal bodyparts public and it also allow the rider to pass the other leg "through" rather than "over" - another good feature for skirt-wearers.
– Crowley
10 hours ago
The lower top tube allows the skirt not to form a parachute-like shape making personal bodyparts public and it also allow the rider to pass the other leg "through" rather than "over" - another good feature for skirt-wearers.
– Crowley
10 hours ago
1
1
@MartinBonner When I first learned to ride a bicycle, I found the leg movement needed to place one leg on each side of the bicycle (for riding off) rather difficult, and appreciated a step-through frame.
– gerrit
9 hours ago
@MartinBonner When I first learned to ride a bicycle, I found the leg movement needed to place one leg on each side of the bicycle (for riding off) rather difficult, and appreciated a step-through frame.
– gerrit
9 hours ago
1
1
@gerrit this makes so much sense if you are wearing a long coat while riding
– ojs
9 hours ago
@gerrit this makes so much sense if you are wearing a long coat while riding
– ojs
9 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
3
down vote
One of the more significant differences between a dutch city bike and a performance-focused road bike is the saddle.
Saddles for transport tend to be larger and softer. That way not having padding isn't nearly as bad because the padding is built into the saddle.
The chain is always protected by a guard to avoid loose pants getting caught in it and mangled.
Fenders and mudflaps are also a constant fixture to deal with rain.
On women's bikes there will sometimes be a skirt guard to protect said garment.
The tires are on the chunkier side with lower pressure. This makes for a much more comfortable ride in general.
answered 14 hours ago
ratchet freak
25516
I've got a runabout with a big soft saddle. More than about 20 minutes on that in jeans and I can feel them rubbing, unlike a smaller saddle. But in gym shorts or bike tights the fat saddle is OK for considerably longer (if a little incongruous).
– Chris H
12 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
One of the more significant differences between a dutch city bike and a performance-focused road bike is the saddle.
Saddles for transport tend to be larger and softer. That way not having padding isn't nearly as bad because the padding is built into the saddle.
The chain is always protected by a guard to avoid loose pants getting caught in it and mangled.
Fenders and mudflaps are also a constant fixture to deal with rain.
On women's bikes there will sometimes be a skirt guard to protect said garment.
The tires are on the chunkier side with lower pressure. This makes for a much more comfortable ride in general.
answered 14 hours ago
ratchet freak
25516
I've got a runabout with a big soft saddle. More than about 20 minutes on that in jeans and I can feel them rubbing, unlike a smaller saddle. But in gym shorts or bike tights the fat saddle is OK for considerably longer (if a little incongruous).
– Chris H
12 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
One of the more significant differences between a dutch city bike and a performance-focused road bike is the saddle.
Saddles for transport tend to be larger and softer. That way not having padding isn't nearly as bad because the padding is built into the saddle.
The chain is always protected by a guard to avoid loose pants getting caught in it and mangled.
Fenders and mudflaps are also a constant fixture to deal with rain.
On women's bikes there will sometimes be a skirt guard to protect said garment.
The tires are on the chunkier side with lower pressure. This makes for a much more comfortable ride in general.
answered 14 hours ago
ratchet freak
25516
One of the more significant differences between a dutch city bike and a performance-focused road bike is the saddle.
Saddles for transport tend to be larger and softer. That way not having padding isn't nearly as bad because the padding is built into the saddle.
The chain is always protected by a guard to avoid loose pants getting caught in it and mangled.
Fenders and mudflaps are also a constant fixture to deal with rain.
On women's bikes there will sometimes be a skirt guard to protect said garment.
The tires are on the chunkier side with lower pressure. This makes for a much more comfortable ride in general.
answered 14 hours ago
ratchet freak
25516
answered 14 hours ago
ratchet freak
25516
answered 14 hours ago
ratchet freak
25516
answered 14 hours ago
ratchet freak
25516
25516
I've got a runabout with a big soft saddle. More than about 20 minutes on that in jeans and I can feel them rubbing, unlike a smaller saddle. But in gym shorts or bike tights the fat saddle is OK for considerably longer (if a little incongruous).
– Chris H
12 hours ago
add a comment |
I've got a runabout with a big soft saddle. More than about 20 minutes on that in jeans and I can feel them rubbing, unlike a smaller saddle. But in gym shorts or bike tights the fat saddle is OK for considerably longer (if a little incongruous).
– Chris H
12 hours ago
I've got a runabout with a big soft saddle. More than about 20 minutes on that in jeans and I can feel them rubbing, unlike a smaller saddle. But in gym shorts or bike tights the fat saddle is OK for considerably longer (if a little incongruous).
– Chris H
12 hours ago
I've got a runabout with a big soft saddle. More than about 20 minutes on that in jeans and I can feel them rubbing, unlike a smaller saddle. But in gym shorts or bike tights the fat saddle is OK for considerably longer (if a little incongruous).
– Chris H
12 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
It's just working. I do have proper biking pants, but I found that especially on more rough terrain (MTB, Enduro, Trail...) I often simply wear my Levis 501, both uphill and downhill, to avoid problems with twigs slashing either the trousers or my skin. No problems, so far, it feels perfectly fine.
answered 2 days ago
AnoE
39819
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
It's just working. I do have proper biking pants, but I found that especially on more rough terrain (MTB, Enduro, Trail...) I often simply wear my Levis 501, both uphill and downhill, to avoid problems with twigs slashing either the trousers or my skin. No problems, so far, it feels perfectly fine.
answered 2 days ago
AnoE
39819
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
It's just working. I do have proper biking pants, but I found that especially on more rough terrain (MTB, Enduro, Trail...) I often simply wear my Levis 501, both uphill and downhill, to avoid problems with twigs slashing either the trousers or my skin. No problems, so far, it feels perfectly fine.
answered 2 days ago
AnoE
39819
It's just working. I do have proper biking pants, but I found that especially on more rough terrain (MTB, Enduro, Trail...) I often simply wear my Levis 501, both uphill and downhill, to avoid problems with twigs slashing either the trousers or my skin. No problems, so far, it feels perfectly fine.
answered 2 days ago
AnoE
39819
answered 2 days ago
AnoE
39819
answered 2 days ago
AnoE
39819
answered 2 days ago
AnoE
39819
39819
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
There are sometimes heavy rains but most often it is only drizzling. Furthermore, there is no such thing as a whole day rain. It can rain several times half an hour per day and in between your cloth can dry out. Last but not least you can sit high (your foot is almost straight when pedalling) and you hold the handle by leaning forward (cover).
If it is heavy rain then even the Dutch bike in additional raincoats and trousers or with umbrellas or they do not bike.
answered yesterday
Tiger
111
New contributor
Tiger is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
There are sometimes heavy rains but most often it is only drizzling. Furthermore, there is no such thing as a whole day rain. It can rain several times half an hour per day and in between your cloth can dry out. Last but not least you can sit high (your foot is almost straight when pedalling) and you hold the handle by leaning forward (cover).
If it is heavy rain then even the Dutch bike in additional raincoats and trousers or with umbrellas or they do not bike.
answered yesterday
Tiger
111
New contributor
Tiger is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
There are sometimes heavy rains but most often it is only drizzling. Furthermore, there is no such thing as a whole day rain. It can rain several times half an hour per day and in between your cloth can dry out. Last but not least you can sit high (your foot is almost straight when pedalling) and you hold the handle by leaning forward (cover).
If it is heavy rain then even the Dutch bike in additional raincoats and trousers or with umbrellas or they do not bike.
answered yesterday
Tiger
111
New contributor
Tiger is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
There are sometimes heavy rains but most often it is only drizzling. Furthermore, there is no such thing as a whole day rain. It can rain several times half an hour per day and in between your cloth can dry out. Last but not least you can sit high (your foot is almost straight when pedalling) and you hold the handle by leaning forward (cover).
If it is heavy rain then even the Dutch bike in additional raincoats and trousers or with umbrellas or they do not bike.
answered yesterday
Tiger
111
New contributor
Tiger is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered yesterday
Tiger
111
New contributor
Tiger is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered yesterday
Tiger
111
answered yesterday
Tiger
111
111
New contributor
Tiger is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Tiger is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Tiger is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
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7
Can you estimate the speed they are riding in your picture from Holland? That is the key, and it is not compatible with your requirements: "Someone who's into fitness and speed, bikes to work, and wouldn't want to carry an extra pair of pants[.]"
– gschenk
2 days ago
6
Keep in mind that your question seems to cross the biking-for-useful-transportation vs. biking-as-a-sport line, which will get answers targeting either one instead of why you see something that might look unfamiliar.
– John Keates
2 days ago
13
same answer as to why do people walk around in a city in jeans rather than hiking pants, and don't carry poles and a camelbak everywhere.
– njzk2
19 hours ago
8
Have you ever seen a bike unsuitable to ride with jeans on? Because I've never seen one...
– 9ilsdx 9rvj 0lo
16 hours ago
11
This is one of those nice culture-clash questions. I had no idea anyone could find that picture strange. Maybe I need to find a stack exchange to ask the corresponding question: "Why would someone think this is odd?"
– pipe
14 hours ago