Commuting9 tips for the right clothing for commuting by bike

Sandra Schuberth

 · 11.07.2023

 | Photo : Florian Breitenberger for Alpina

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Heat, cold, rain, snow - if you cycle everyday routes, you are exposed to all kinds of weather. But with the right clothing, that's no problem. Nine tips for the right clothing for commuting.

When commuting to work by bike, you should choose comfortable, practical clothing that offers freedom of movement and is breathable. Flat shoes, sunglasses, a waterproof bag and reflective clothing or accessories increase safety and comfort when cycling. With these tips, you can cycle to work safely and in style.

Tip 1: Comfortable and practical clothing for commuting

The most important thing when choosing clothing for your daily commute by bike is that it should be comfortable and practical. This means that you should opt for garments that are not too tight and do not restrict your freedom of movement. For example, T-shirts and jumpers are suitable. There are also special cycling shirts or blouses that are quick-drying and elasticated. Loose trousers or shorts made from breathable materials are also a good choice. Bike-specific jeans and chino trousers are not only comfortable but often have practical features such as reflective details or water-repellent materials. The trousers are also often cut slightly higher at the back to suit the riding position on the bike.

The Alberto brand offers cycling-specific trousers with reflective details and water-repellent properties. This feature was demonstrated at <a href="https://www.mybike-magazin.de/news/fahrrad-messe-das-war-die-fuenfte-cyclingworld-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cyclingworld Europe</a>.Photo: Sandra SchuberthThe Alberto brand offers cycling-specific trousers with reflective details and water-repellent properties. This feature was demonstrated at Cyclingworld Europe.

Tip 2: Flat shoes

Another important element when choosing an outfit for your daily commute by bike is your shoes. It is advisable to choose flat shoes such as trainers or sneakers that are comfortable and provide good support. offer. The shoe should not be too soft in the forefoot area so that the pedals do not pinch uncomfortably. If you want, you can use specific Cycling shoes for flat pedals choose. For flat pedals, i.e. pedals without a click-in mechanism, it is important that there is sufficient grip on the pedals. The sole of the shoe should therefore not be too slippery and the pedals should have sufficient grip >> 9 pedals in the test. If you are travelling with clipless pedals, you can Mountain bike - (e.g. available here) or Trekking shoes (e.g. available here) Find styles that work casually and casually for everyday office life.

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This shoe from Shimano looks like a normal sneaker ...Photo: ShimanoThis shoe from Shimano looks like a normal sneaker ...... but has screw-on points for cleats so that you can ride with clipless pedals.Photo: Shimano... but has screw-on points for cleats so that you can ride with clipless pedals.
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Tip 3: Safety First

Never without a helmet. That is the recommendation of the MYBIKE editorial team. How quickly the rear wheel has slipped off on wet tram tracks or someone has disregarded the right of way. A helmet can protect your head and brain in the event of a fall. Stylish City helmets are available's for example in the Online shop from Rose Bikes .

City helmet from AlpinaPhoto: AlpinaCity helmet from Alpina

For extra visibility, you can opt for a helmet with an integrated or integrated rear light, such as the Urban Planet helmet from Uvex in the picture below.

Urban Planet city helmet from UvexPhoto: UvexUrban Planet city helmet from Uvex

Tip 4: Glasses protect your eyes

Whether from the sun, flying insects or dust, sunglasses protect your eyes. For different lighting conditions, you can also use Glasses with photochromatic lenses can be useful. Your lenses tint automatically when it is sunny and become lighter when it is dark. So you always have a clear view.

One pair of glasses for everything thanks to photochromic lenses.Photo: Sandra SchuberthOne pair of glasses for everything thanks to photochromic lenses.

Tip 5: Pack work clothes in waterproof packaging

In the rain waterproof clothing in the form of rain trousers, rain jacket and waterproof overshoes can be pulled over everyday clothing. The disadvantage of this is that it often gets too warm under the protective layer. An alternative is to wear sportswear and pack your everyday clothes in a waterproof bag.

Tip 6: Ensure visibility

Safety is particularly important when cycling, especially when travelling to work in the morning or evening when it is still dark. It is recommended here, Reflective clothing and reflective accessories which increases visibility.

Tip 7: Merino wool clothing for commuting

Merino wool clothing is breathable, has a temperature-regulating effect and is also odour-inhibiting. So it's perfect for wearing all day long, including during sporting activities.

Tip 8: Cycling clothing on long commutes

On long commutes, it is worth putting on special cycling clothing and changing in the changing room at work or in the toilet. This saves your everyday clothes and allows you to work in fresh clothes. It is a luxury if there is a shower at work. A quick wash and a bit of getting used to it is enough to commute to work by bike even on hot days.

Cycling clothing offers the best comfort on long commutes. In this case, a change of clothes and your laptop are transported in a rucksack on your back. A pannier rack with a pannier bag is more convenient.Photo: Sandra SchuberthCycling clothing offers the best comfort on long commutes. In this case, a change of clothes and your laptop are transported in a rucksack on your back. A pannier rack with a pannier bag is more convenient.

Tip 9: Deposit a change of clothes at work

If a change of clothes including shoes is stored at work, it's not so bad if the clothes are wet. Above all, you don't have to lug your work clothes around with you every day. And less luggage often equates to more fun.


Sandra Schuberth, sometimes an after-work ride, sometimes a training ride, sometimes an unsupported bikepacking challenge. The main thing is her and her gravel bike - away from the traffic. Seven Serpents, Badlands or Bright Midnight: she has finished challenging bikepacking races. Gravel and bikepacking are her favourite subjects, and her demands on equipment are high. What she rides, uses and recommends has to stand the test of time: not in marketing, but in real life.

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