There's nothing quite like the feeling of riding a bike. The wind in your hair, the sun on your face - it's a good way to start your day. Biking to work is one of our favorite ways to start the day because:
- It boosts your mood
- Improves your focus
- It’s energizing
- You can avoid car traffic and public transportation delays!
But what do you do when it's hot outside and you don't want to arrive to work a sticky, sweaty mess? Here are favorite tips to help you safely bike to work and arrive looking presentable.
Keep your look intact!
Clothing
What do you wear? You’ll be surprised by how much of your wardrobe you can bike in, especially if your bike is outfitted with the right accessories.
On hot days, wear a polo shirt or a sundress (tips for biking in a dress) on your ride to work. Once you get to the office, you can step up your wardrobe game with a nice blazer or a cardigan, which can be rolled up and stored in your bike bag. See how ambassador @rebelwithoutacar carries her stuff on her commutes!
Hair
What about helmet hair? Use a texturizing clay or dry shampoo to restore your hair’s volume and texture after you remove your helmet. Women can also try a loose braided hairstyle that stays flat under a helmet and still looks good even if it gets messy.
Sweat
Won’t you get sweaty and/or stinky? Yes, but not as much as you may think, especially if you ride at a comfortable pace. On particularly hot days, you can also try switching up your bike routine and opting for a shadier path to shield you from the harsh sun, or using a pocket fan at stoplights to help move air over your skin.
Then, quickly lower your body temperature when you get to work by standing in front of a fan or air conditioner. Many offices have showers, but if you don’t, wet wipes will restore a shower-fresh feeling when you arrive.
Choose Your Ride & Gear
Bike Type
For biking in "regular" clothes, we recommend using an upright/cruiser bike! This style prioritizes comfort - you won't be leaning over, revealing your forearms or lower back while riding your bike to work. It's no wonder that this is the style of bike that bike share systems use.
Choosing a step-through bike frame also gives you more wardrobe options because you don't have to swing your leg over as high to mount the bike. Notice we called this a "step-through" frame, not a "woman's frame"; this style is not just for the ladies anymore!
Bike Accessories
Fenders will keep your legs and back dry in the rain or for biking through a puddle, and a chainguard makes it easier to bike in long skirts and loose-legged pants because you don’t have to worry about chain snags.
A rear rack is essential for carrying things on your bike. Why is that important? Wearing a backpack or messenger bag will make your back sweaty, unnecessarily! A rear rack provides attachment points for trunk and pannier bags.
If you're looking for the best bike bag to fit your commuting needs when you ride your bike to work, here are a few of our favorite bags:
Vernon Trunk Bag - Take the load off your shoulders! Vernon was crafted to comfortably carry snacks, clothes and anything else you might need during your day. Featuring plenty of pockets to keep things organized - 2 exterior and 3 interior - and a roll-top enclosure for extra space. If your “work” shoes are different from your “bike” shoes - Vernon has you covered.
Chelsea Bike Trunk Bag - Perfect for small loads. If your bike commute haul is light, Chelsea is right for you. It has a padded sleeve that will fit most tablets, five interior pockets for organization, and an external water bottle pocket. Off the bike, extend Chelsea’s strap and you’ve got a good-looking shoulder bag.
If you don’t have a rear rack to leverage (we’re looking at you, scooter & folding bike riders), you may think you’re out of luck, but we’ve got you covered:
Spica Handlebar Sling Bag - With a taller, narrower shape than a traditional bike bag, it’s the perfect fit for an electric scooter or folding bike. When you’re done riding, remove Spica from your handlebars and just pull out the strap to instantly make it a comfortable sling bag.
You’re Ready to Roll.
If you have any additional questions, please send them our way. Have a wonderful summer and fall full of many wonderful rides and adventures!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
How to Carry Things On Your Bike When You Bike to Work
E-Scooter vs. E-Bike: Which is Better For Commuting?
How to Ride Safety in a Skirt or Dress
The Best E-Scooters for Commuting: A Buyer’s Guide
Editor's Note: This post was originally published in May 2016 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
