What to wear when biking to work

Now that I don't have to take my daughter to day care everyday I'd really like to bike to work from by home in Logan Square to the Loop as much as possible. Here's the thing, I don't want to change my clothes. I'm not going to keep a work wardrobe at the office, nor do I want to schlep to work with my clothes in a bag. I'd like to be able to ride to the office, roll down my pant leg, change my shoes and settle right in looking (and smelling) reasonably professional. Any suggestions (especially with regard to pants) would be much appreciated.

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brendan Kevenides on August 20, 2009 at 3:25am

Thanks to everyone for all the good ideas. I bought some wrinkle resistant (we'll see) chinos and I'll pick up some cotton-poly blend dress shirts. Baby wipes and deodorant in the office as well as shoes and socks and I should be ok. I really want to keep it simple, but I'm just not a dutch bike guy (no disrespect).

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on August 20, 2009 at 4:55am

And don't forget to pack something waterproof. Just in case...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by igz on August 20, 2009 at 5:00am

Ha. Yeah...i came in looking like a drowned cat today. Had the gear, but didnt have time to put it on. People tend to look at you funny when you drape your socks over the cubicle wall to dry.

Kevin Conway said:

And don't forget to pack something waterproof. Just in case...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Scott on September 17, 2009 at 5:06am

Dutch bike is your best bet. I ride in business attire from Logan Sq to the Loop all year on this setup. It takes an additional 8 minutes compared to a road bike, but there is no clothes changing or cleanup time so it is actually faster. Also safer and more enjoyable.