BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

In dry and temperate weather I wear a lot of golf clothing to work, works really well for biking, and I don't golf, and a lot of people think golfing is normal. You can find stretchy pants (with spandex in them, don't tell), and performance shirts that dry like bike gear. Doesn't work well in the heat though, then there's no real option but to take a change.

first off, that hill up forbes is a lot steeper than it looks. the lack of houses or other references on the side make it difficult to judge how steep it is by looking. like that first little slog under the bridge and around the field into junction hollow.

now, on to your trip. there are a number of things you can do to combat the difficulty of sweating on the way to work. one thing would be to arrive earlier so you have more time to cool off. i don't know squirrel hill that much any more, but you might be able to find shower facilities nearby if you do some leg work. many have mentioned wet wipes coming in handy, though i haven't tried them myself.

one magical thing in the summer heat for both its wicking properties and its ability to not stink is wool. you can buy wool dress shirts and pants without too much difficulty, i think, and you might be surprised at how comfortable it is to wear it all day despite having sweated in it previously. also, you can bring a change of clothes with you and change when you cool down. this, again, involves arriving earlier.

the first thing i would do, ideally, would be to lose the backpack and get a rack and pannier. i can't think of anything that's made my commute more enjoyable.

I think that even if you had a flat commute, your back will get a bit sweaty with a bag on it.

I carry wet wipes or just use cold, wet paper towels in the bathroom when I get there, then apply some make up, perfume, and deodorant.

I am also sweaty in the winter to some degree. It just happens in the process of exercising.

Yes, that hill up Forbes is deceptive. Most of my rides and runs begin on that stretch of road through the park.

Where in Squirrel Hill are you headed? There are lots of little tricks to avoid the steeper hills. If you're comfortable providing more information, I'm sure folks can help you with a route. (For example, turning right on Dallas just past the cemetery, then left on Aylesboro or Northumberland will save you some effort.)

+1 on carrying stuff in something other than a backpack

I used to commute down from Sq Hill and get my exercise on the way home - that was good! Th other way not so much fun.

You probably dont' need a super low gear for Squirrel Hill, but a triple front chain ring would be close to a necessity, since you're thinking of walking up the hill.

Although, walking a bit can be cool. Especially if you are just starting to commute.

Maybe start by doing it 2 or 3 times a week.

If you got a rack, you probably wouldn't need a backpack on your back. That strain is just not healthy exercise.

I have a plastic chain guard on my largest chain ring. I view the rack, like fenders, as being a necessity for commuting. When I have super dressy or light-colored trousers, I also use an ankle band as well.

Rain gear is good.

I sweat a lot too, summer and winter. So my strategy has been to take a change of clothes with me. If you roll you pants and shirt carefully they wont wrinkle that much. I skip the wet wipes and instead take a real wash cloth and a small hand towel in a zip lock bag (the micofiber ones are great for this). Arrive about thirty minutes early, duck into the men’s room –pretend you’re superman changing in a phone booth- and then on to my meetings. I also like using a rack and panniers to carry my stuff over a back pack, but see which one works best for you.

I commuted all last winter and never missed a day even in snow and ice. The good thing about taking on hills is the reward you get by the end of winter. I struggled the first few months climbing some of the hills, but by March I flew up the hills no problem. I noticed the change in how my clothes fit by the summer and how I dropped a size. As for what to wear I always gave myself enough time to cool down and change when I got to work, baby wipes work great for wiping down after a ride.

+1 for wet wipes. And using panniers. I kinda like carrying a pack, but I hate sweaty back syndrome (and I do sweat).

I commute in my work pants/shorts, and just change my shirt, at least on the way in (mostly downhill). If it's really hot, I'll just change at work.

I commute year 'round, but it took a bit of time to get into that routine. Set a simple goal--commute one or two days a week. Once you've settled into that routine, bump that number up.

@italianblend, I have part of the same commute as you - I live near Forbes & S Braddock & go over Sq Hill. I continue all the way downtown, though, so I have a little bit of cooling off time.

That hill gets easier with time - keep practicing this summer.

A few other tips: Eagle Creek and a few other companies make organizers for suitcases that you can toss inside of backpacks or panniers. They are designed to fold your slacks and shirt neatly.

I agree with what others have said here about a wool base layer, baby wipes (you can get ones that aren't too perfumey) or a washrag in a ziplock bag, fenders, etc. You'll definitely want some good rain gear, a rain jacket with zipper in the armpits for ventilation is very helpful.

You could also put your bike on the rack of the 61B to get to Squirrel Hill, then ride home. Or, see if you can get an inexpensive membership at the JCC right at the corner of Forbes & Murray for shower access (you do not need to be Jewish to join their athletic club and I have heard that it is a good place to work out & swim).

I hope you give it a try. Not only is it good exercise, I find it very de-stressing to ride home at the end of the day.

[edit] you could also drive in Mondays and take pressed shirts with you. Or just do your dry cleaning on Sq Hill and pick it up drop it off after work.

Once you get up to Regent Square, cut to the right by one block and take East End Avenue to Forbes, instead of S Braddock. It's a pleasant residential street with a lot less traffic.

I used to commute from Fair Oaks (close to Ambridge) to Robinson Mall (abouts), Ross Park, and Cranberry. I had to wear business casual.

As previously recommenced, I brought a change of clothes and used panniers. Used some wipes (can be found in camping sections of big box stores or stores like REI) to freshen up, maybe splashed my face with water.

Rolling (no folding) the pants up along the crease (name for that is blanking on me right now) will help prevent wrinkles

Depending on how your hair is styled, styling gel can be applied before the ride and then when you take off the helmet, the hair can be reset into whatever style is preferred. I haven't tried this over significant distances, but I think it will work for trips within the city

great stuff from everyone else, but i just wanted to add to what i said. i commute year-round, but as with others, it took me a good little while to get up to that.

folks ride bikes for many and varied reasons. my girlfriend now commutes from shadyside to oakland by bike, and while it's surely due in part to my nagging, she says her reason is it's "just easier" (which, by the way, is a fantastic thing to tell your coworkers who live within two miles!).

me, i just like riding bikes i think, so it just seems like the natural thing to do if it can be done with reasonable ease. the reduction in stress on the way home is nice, and the additional wakefulness you get on the way in is unbeatable (especially in the winter!). whether you want to save the planet, or just enjoy riding bikes, or want more exercise in your life, or want to be closer to the communities you commute through, or maybe like being the person everyone thinks is badass; whatever your reason, i'm glad you're willing to give it a try, i hope that you find it enjoyable, and i hope to say hello to you some morning as we pass.

I change at work, I travel 10 miles in ~30-35 minutes and there is no other way than to change. Clothing selection can go a long way to keep you from stinking the place up and a quick trip to a sink fixes the rest. I also cool down for 30-40 minutes at my desk before changing.

Tricks I've learned that make a sweaty commute easier:

. As others have said, keep wet wipes and deodorant in your desk

. An emergency change of clothes at work is important. (Not for everyone, but I'm very forgetful about stuff like that.)

. I have 2 co-workers that I'm comfortable enough to say "Hey, if I'm ever extra stinky after my bike ride let me know." (Although what I would do is up in the air... hasn't happened yet. Even over the last couple of days.)

. Spandex/lycra is your friend if you are really concerned about sweat/stink. If you don't want to look like "one of those" cyclists, there are a number of companies selling more fashionable stuff. For example, I've bought some casual stuff from http://www.harlotwear.com for those times that I'm biking out for drinks/dinner with friends.

. Give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes to cool down. On days like today that might be "park yourself infront of the AC", but most days its just a few minutes to sit and do minimal activity.

. I've found (and YMMV) that putting off my coffee until I get to the office seems to mean less sweat and generally a more comfortable ride.

My commute is from near Edgewood Town Center through Sq Hill to Mt Washington... so even in the winter it's a pretty sweaty affair. (Pretty Sweaty Affair? Sounds like an indie band to me.)

+1 on Eagle Creek packing folders and using panniers instead of a backpack. As for cooling down, running cold water over the underside of your wrists for a minute or two is pretty effective, as it works to cool those close-to-the-surface blood vessels.

An emergency change of clothes at work is important. (Not for everyone, but I'm very forgetful about stuff like that.)

This. When I worked downtown and was actually expected to wear business casual, I was thankful that Kaufmann's was nearby on several occasions.

Also, +1 to HV's comments.

I can wear whatever I want to work, and I still have an emergency change of clothing in my desk. When you arrive at work and you're drenched (from rain, sweat, whatever). It is so nice to put on dry clothing.

As for cooling down, running cold water over the underside of your wrists for a minute or two is pretty effective

+1

When I worked at an amusement park, this was one of the first 'surviving 95+ weather while working on blacktop' things I learned.

On days like this, I also freeze a water bottle and keep it handy. (Either in my back jersey pocket or on my bike.) The melted water is refreshing, and the bottle can be held against the wrists for a quick cooling.

Related to what HiddenVariable said, this was my first year biking through the winter, and I noticed that the lack of daylight got to me a heck of a lot less. Riding a bike is such a nice way to wind down from a day at work.

+1 Emergency clothes

The first time you have to sit through the day with soggy socks or underwear, you'll leave an extra dry pair at the office

Wow - you guys are truly a great group to have so many responses. Thank you.

@Pierce - I am bald. No hair gel needed!

@Will - I have never heard of the water on the wrists thing - intriguing...

@Pseudacris - I usually get off of Braddock where Eyes on Regent Square is - and rejoin at Overton I believe it is. Now that I think, I can just take it all the way to forbes, huh?

I don't suppose they make polyester dress shirts? (I don't have to look like a lawyer - in fact I wear short sleeve shirts all winter, but I do unfortunately need to wear a tie).

Regarding hills - I seem to get into the bad habit of switching to lower and lower gears as I climb, then I hit the lowest I have, pedal for a while, and it seems like the rate of ascent at that point does not justify the constant pedaling...so I hop off my bike and walk it up...Is this a bad habit?

-The alley behind Eyes on Regent Square is Floatilla Way. East End Ave is the first street after that. You can take it all the way to Forbes.

RE Polyester dress shirts. Try the golfing & hiking section of Dick's sporting goods. They have wrinkle-free shirts that also block UV rays. Some of them have venting, too. You'll still probably want a fresh shirt in the hot months, though.

RE your partial hill climbs. Nothing wrong with that, but if you want to conquer the hill, just go a little farther each time. Or, just get in the lowest gear possible and pedal at a comfortable pace, no hurry. As long as you pedal fast enough to avoid falling over, you'll make it up the hill eventually

[edit..the alley is called Pliney, but it turns into Floatilla at the city border]. Take East End instead of the alley.

@I-blend I seem to get into the bad habit of switching to lower and lower gears as I climb, then I hit the lowest I have, pedal for a while, and it seems like the rate of ascent at that point does not justify the constant pedaling...so I hop off my bike and walk it up...Is this a bad habit?

Sounds reasonable to me.

Switching to lower gears as you climb is good. Not sure why you're calling it a "bad habit."

If the hill is constant, you might just want to shift to a really low gear at the beginning.

Getting off and walking is always an option - sometimes having fresh legs at the top is worth the few minutes you would have saved by pedalling up.

I, too, recommend East End Ave. over an alley. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers see the alleys as speedy shortcuts.

A word of caution: As you head up East End, you will go through a lot of little intersections that are 4-way stops. At East End & Forbes, however, the people on Forbes do not have a stop sign. My apologies if I'm telling you something you already know --- often the people on East End assume the people on Forbes are going to stop, and the results aren't always pretty.

Can you stand another idea for freshening up at work? Cheap, thin towels. The kind that cost $1.99 at K-Mart or are given away for free at Pirates games. They pack light and small, and they dry quickly. Good for a quick splash & dry when you get to work.

If you want the comfort of a pannier and the flexibility of a daypack consider using a pannier basket and dropping your daypack into that. I use a Trans-it "grocery basket" from Performance. My rather large daypack fits into there and then I loop a bungee from the top handle of the daypack over the top of the rack and down the other side of the rack to secure the bag. The bungee keeps the bag from flopping around on bumps and prevents the pannier from sagging too much. There's an added benefit that if you find a need to carry an extra bulky load then you can use both the pannier and daypack (on your back this time)

If there's a pannier set that converts to a daypack I'd love to hear about that.

And fenders are a necessity unless you want to be a member of the brown stripe club on rainy days.

You can also continue on Braddock past Forbes and head into Frick, take Reynolds to Dallas up to Beechwood. There is a bike lane on Dallas and the grade is a little more constant and the traffic is also more calm when compared to Forbes.

I wear my normal clothes to work on all but the hottest of days. My shirts are mostly from REI or Columbia and are designed to keep me cool. I unbutton the top few buttons and the bottom to get more air flow and will take a wet paper towel and wipe off any wetness.

I am bald. No hair gel needed!

sounds like you need this, then:

I don't suppose they make polyester dress shirts?

i'm sure they do. googling yields both polyester and wool dress shirts.

There are pannier/daypack hybrids, but all the ones I've seen have issues with awkward placement of the hooks when you're wearing it as a backpack, and expose the back-surface to road mess.

For grocery panniers, REI makes one with more of an internal skeleton than the Performance model. When I tested them out (along with a couple other brands) I found the REI offering to provide significantly more load support.

without going into too many details, you can use one of those pump-up spray bottles ( sold in the garden department, about $10) if you want to take a real shower.

not too much to add to what everybody else is saying, other than three things...

polyester dress shirts - no matter how awesome it looks, polyester that is repeatedly perspired in will eventually (and permanently) acquire a stink that cannot be hidden, removed, or in my opinion, tolerated (somehow worse than standard BO). Wool doesn't have that problem. (or if you must go with synthetics - trash them based on smell, something I do not advocate, or only wear them for smelly endeavors)

On washing up: I pack an extra hanky or washcloth with me. If you have no access to fresh water, I suppose one could moisten at home and take in a plastic bag (one could even pre-soap one) but I usually don't. Like a wet wipe, but produces less trash, comes in any color imaginable, is far less expensive in the long run, is totally customizeable, and can double as a snot rag (wipe self THEN blow, wrong order is icky).

On days like we've been having, sweat seems inevitable unless you're driving an airconditioned car from one airconditioned, attached garage to another. It's all about the smell, which is easier to avoid than you'd think. Never under estimate the power of baking soda on a powder puff. My husband (proud of his sensitive sense of smell) is a total convert and holds it in higher regard than regular deoderant (and one can apply it to the inside of stinky clothes with less visual detection). I love it too, but I'm a cheap hippy.

Hope you figure it out and find pleasure in it, it sounds like a very pleasant commute!

Friday or Monday, take a few changes of clothes to work and leave them there. Ride in, wearing bike clothing, expecting to get hot and sweaty. Down lots of cold drink upon arrival.

Wet paper towel wipedown and change into day clothes in the rest room. I've used a plain old stall with a commode in it.

Store sweaty stuff during the day. Reverse procedure at end of day. End of week, take the week's dress clothes home and bring in a different bagful.

Sounds like you're already driving in every once in a while, so do the better part of your clothes moving on a day you drive.

If possible, try and have fun with it

You're a lot more likely to stick with a health routine if you enjoy doing it right? So if some days you really don't feel like doing it, no point in forcing yourself

yeah, I only recently started riding up smaller hills, and now I get bored walking them. Bigger hills, I'll still walk though, for the reason Pierce just mentioned. In general, riding time is relaxing time for me, and it I'm forcing my way up a ridiculous hill, that's usually not relaxing for me.

Going to commute to work for the first full day tomorrow. I consider it a trial run though, simply because we don't have to dress up yet. Thanks all for your help and encouragement. Who knows, maybe I'll keep it up all year.

I just put a bid on bald wipes on ebay, cause I'm a dork.

Good luck! Should be another nice day tomorrow.