As the holiday season pedals into view, cyclists are gearing up for more than just festive celebrations. Black Friday, the much-anticipated shopping extravaganza, brings with it a golden opportunity for riders to elevate their cycling experience with the latest and greatest in cycling apparel.

Whether you’re a road warrior, a mountain trailblazer, or a city commuter, the market is abuzz with irresistible deals on high-performance gear designed to enhance both comfort and style.

Join us on a journey through the best Black Friday cycling clothing deals of 2024, where we uncover the top-notch attire that will keep you comfortable during your rides and have you looking effortlessly chic as you conquer the roads or trails.

Top 9 Bike Clothing Black Friday Offers [LATEST]

Best Black Friday Bike Cycling Clothing 2024 [UPDATED]

1. Norrsken Reflective Jacket

WAS: $279

NOW: $90

This signature item from our new Norrsken collection is an innovative and super lightweight and compact pack jacket that will always be there when you need it most. It fits neatly into the back pocket of any Sigr cycle jersey so it can always be with you, wherever you ride.

BUY HERE

2. POC Crew

WAS:€70

NOW: €35

Classic crewneck sweater featuring the POC logo and constructed from high-quality long-staple cotton for durability and comfort. The sweater features the POC logo printed on the chest in a tonal color.

BUY HERE

3. MAAP Ascend Pro Rain Jacket

WAS: $355

NOW: $217

Take on the elements in the Ascend Pro Rain Jacket, the most waterproof and windproof jacket in the collection. Constructed from Sympatex fabric which features a breathable three-layer membrane.

BUY HERE

4. MAAP Alt_Road Lightweight Anorak

WAS: $345

NOW: $183

When the weather turns rowdy, reach for the Alt_Road Lightweight Anorak. Constructed from a waterproof and windproof Drytex shell fabric with thermo-taped seams.

BUY HERE

5. Fiobic Water-Repellent Jacket

WAS: $108

NOW: $75,60

Introducing the epitome of versatile style and weather protection, the Fiobic water-repellent jacket. With a precision-crafted waterproof exterior and a high-stretch, breathable, and insulating lining, it ensures comfort and protection in any climate.

BUY HERE

6. Trek Bike People Unisex T-Shirte

WAS: $25,99

NOW: $14,99

The Trek Bike People T-Shirt is a sure way to meet new cycling friends. Its super-soft cotton blend offers all-day comfort no matter the occasion in a unisex fit everybody can enjoy.

BUY HERE

7. Fioboc MoveMasters Stretch Jeans

WAS: $1,347

NOW: $942,91

These jeans have durable stretch fabric, 360°Flex for easy movement, and super elastic technology for incredible comfort.

BUY HERE

8. Chrome Industries Madrona 5 Pocket Short

WAS: $100

NOW: $75

Classic short for living the city with cotton blend that stretches when and where you need it. The Madrona 5-Pocket Short is casual and comfy.

CHECK PRICE

9. Specialized New Era Beanie

WAS: $30

NOW: $18

The Specialized New Era Pom Beanie is the ideal choice to keep your head warm and cozy in the wintertime. It’s a premium-quality beanie that will feel comfortable no matter how you wear it.

BUY HERE

10. MAAP Eclipse Socks

WAS: $22

NOW: $15

Fusing bold colours and graphics with high performance, the Eclipse Sock is ready to ride. Featuring dynamic arch support that provides a premium fit, while strategically placed soft mesh panels offer added ventilation.

BUY HERE

11. Shimano SH-GR501 Mountain Shoes

WAS: $110

NOW: $43,99

Having a secure grip when riding a mountain bike doesn’t just apply to your tires, your shoes should grip, too. The Shimano SH-GR501 Mountain Shoes are designed for the gravity or enduro rider who doesn’t want to clip in but wants to have ample grip on the pedals.

BUY HERE

More Black Friday Deals on Cycling Clothing 2024

• Östkusten Biomotion Ultraviz Unisex Cycling Rain Trousers: $123
• MAAP Training Crew – Unisex: $121
• Chrome Industries Chicken in a Biscuit Long Sleeve Tee: $30
• MAAP Evade Beanie: $30
• Chrome Industry Men’s Storm Salute Commute Jacket: $142,50
• POC Guardian Air Jacket:  €80
• Fiobic Varsity Jacket: $41,80

What to Consider When Buying Cycling Clothing Online

When purchasing cycling clothing online, several factors are crucial to ensure you get the right gear for your needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to consider:

Cycling Clothing Size and Fit

Pay close attention to sizing charts provided by the brand. Different manufacturers may have variations in sizing, so measure yourself accurately and compare with the sizing guide to ensure a proper fit.

Material and Fabric of Cycling Clothing

Choose clothing made from moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics like polyester or merino wool to keep you comfortable during rides. Consider weather-specific features such as thermal insulation for colder climates or UV protection for sunny conditions.

Cycling Discipline

Select clothing tailored to your specific cycling discipline. Road cyclists might prioritize aerodynamics and lightweight materials, while mountain bikers may look for durable and protective features.

Seasonal Considerations

Depending on the climate in your area, choose clothing suitable for the seasons you’ll be cycling in. Look for thermal layers for colder weather and well-ventilated options for hot conditions.

Visibility and Safety

Opt for clothing with reflective elements or bright colors, especially if you frequently ride in low-light conditions. This enhances your visibility to motorists and other cyclists, promoting safety.

Chamois Quality (for Shorts and Bibs)

Pay attention to the chamois (padding) quality in cycling shorts and bibs. A well-designed chamois provides comfort and reduces friction during long rides.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Research the reputation of the brand. Established brands often have a track record for producing quality cycling gear. Read customer reviews to gain insights into the performance, durability, and comfort of specific products.

Return Policy

Check the online retailer’s return policy. Since fit can be challenging to determine without trying the clothing on, having a hassle-free return policy ensures you can exchange or return items if they don’t meet your expectations.

Price and Discounts

Keep an eye on discounts, especially during Black Friday. However, prioritize quality over price alone, as durable and well-designed cycling clothing often provides better value in the long run.

Customer Service

Check the online store’s customer service reputation. Responsive and helpful customer service can be valuable if you encounter any issues with your purchase.

Considering these factors, you can make informed decisions when buying cycling clothing online, ensuring that your gear enhances your riding experience and meets the specific demands of your cycling activities.

Cycling Clothing Brands Black Friday Deals

• Ornot Black Friday Sale
• Rapha Black Friday Sale
• MAAP Black Friday Sale
• Sigr Black Friday Sale
• POC Black Friday Sale
• Proviz Black Friday Sale
• Endura Black Friday Sale
• Chrome Industries Black Friday Sale
• Velocio Black Friday Sale

More Black Friday Cycling Deals 2024

• Best Black Friday E-Bike Deals 2024
• Best Black Friday Cycling Deals 2024
• Best Black Friday Bike Lock Deals 2024

The post Best Black Friday Cycling Clothing Deals 2024 (LIVE) appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Sometimes it can be a little tricky to find cycling clothing that is comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement while riding, but also helps to express individuality.

Therefore we’ve made a list of the best cycling clothing brands to suit all types of cycling as well as a range of budgets and tastes.

If you were looking just for urban cycling wear then please redirect yourself to our best urban cycling clothing brands piece.

Best Cycling Clothing Brands

Stylish Cycling Apparel Brands

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1. Ornot

Founded in 2013, this San Francisco-based company offers a wide range of cycling attire that ranges from lycra to comfy shorts.

Focusing on sustainability, which may make them a little pricier, their main aim is to offer good technical clothing that won’t break the bank but is also climate conscious.

Within the range you can expect to find a lot of cycling clothes with really useful features: their cycling shorts with the side pockets being one of their best sellers.

Overall they offer a really great range of on and off the bike clothing made from good technical materials in a range of colours.

2. Velocio

Velocio prioritizes enhancing the cycling experience with their apparel. While mainly catering to road cycling and touring, they offer urban cycling options in their Commute range.

Despite its size, the collection features remarkable pieces like the stylish and lightweight Velocio Recon Snap Jacket, which also boasts warmth from its fleece lining. Covering essentials, Velocio provides jackets, tops, t-shirts, trousers, shorts, and accessories for both genders.

3. Rapha

Rapha is synonymous with cycling fashion, known for exclusivity and quality. Although polarizing due to high prices, their road-focused gear offers genuine value.

The Rapha City Collection stands out for stylish and functional attire suitable for both cycling and work settings.

4. Le Col

This well known and well adored, premium British brand offers cycling kit more focused towards road cycling with performance in mind. Interestingly, the products have been developed and tested by ex professional road cyclist, Yanto Barker.

Therefore you can be sure that it’s good enough for the hours pros spend in the saddle. You’ll expect to pay more for these Italian made high-end products which consist of their popular long bibs and shorts, but you’ll certainly receive some of the comfiest kit around in return.

Le Col also offers custom kit for anyone wanting to kit out their club or team. All in all, it’s great kit more focused on road riding and racing.

5. Chrome Industries

Chrome Industries reigns as the urban cycling gear leaders, prioritizing durability and style. Since 1995, they’ve focused on crafting practical gear for both cycling and daily use.

Their robust backpacks, messenger bags, bike shorts, and cycling shoes embody resilience and aesthetics, with stiff-soled shoes being a standout feature. Chrome’s lasting quality and devotion to urban cycling set them apart in commuter fashion.

6. Sigr

Sigr, hailing from Sweden, embodies Scandinavian cycling style. Their Commuter range epitomizes elegant practicality with a focus on quality. While the urban clothing collection is compact, it covers essentials for summer and winter commutes: trousers, chinos, shorts, polo, and cycling jackets in both men’s and women’s styles.

Sigr achieves a balance between minimalist design and cycling functionality, integrating features like breathability, stretch, and reflective details on trousers and shorts.

7. Ministry of Supply

Ministry of Supply, founded in 2012, offers scientifically supported, top-quality clothing. Specializing in high-performance business attire, they provide a broad selection of smart shirts, trousers, and blazers designed to be lightweight, stretchy, and comfortable.

This functionality translates well to cycling, making their products suitable for commutes. However, the elegant gear comes at a premium price point.

8. Mission Workshop

For top-tier urban cycling wear with modern style and high-performance technology, Mission Workshop excels.

Their commuter gear combines fashion and function seamlessly, disguising its cycling purpose. Products like The Hayes shirt and The Division Chino stand out. While undoubtedly premium and costly (e.g., £205/$225 for The Division Chinos), Mission Workshop offers unparalleled quality for those willing to invest in the best.

9. Endura

Scotland’s 1993-founded Endura is a fixture in commuter cycling, offering expansive, comfortable gear. Among the world’s most established cycling brands, it provides an extensive array of products for male and female riders.

10. Vaela

Women’s brand Vaela is based in the UK and holds sustainability as one of its core principles, therefore the small range (mainly consisting of their highly reviewed jeans) of items they produce have been carefully thought out and produced in a sustainable way with sustainable materials.

Within their range, they have the 001 jeans, 001 bike bag, and 001 cotton jacket which have all been designed to not look like cycling clothing while still allowing for the movement needed to ride in comfort.

Their clothing is expensive but it’s great quality and has a great range of sizes to ensure every woman is catered for.

11. Castelli

Italian cycling brand Castelli is well known for it’s high quality road cycling kit. Most people who ride road will at some point have owned an item of clothing from them: they really are very popular among cyclists for their high quality and high performing pieces.

Their Gabba (now called perfecto) water resistant outer-layer jacket being one of their most iconic and well loved pieces, but they also cater to more relaxed cycling clothing more commonly worn when gravel riding or mountain biking.

It’s also not uncommon to see Castelli team up with the likes of GORE to combine their style with GORE’s technical brilliance. Overall it’s a great brand offering iconic pieces for road cyclists.

12. MAAP

Founded in Melbourne in 2014, MAAP is one of the go to brands for style conscious cyclists wanting quality pieces and happy to spend a little extra to get them.

They have a brilliant range of on and off the bike clothing in a range of colours and styles to suit every kind of riders needs, be a lycra loving roadie or someone who wants a comfy pair of trousers to wear while cruising around on their fixie.

They are particularly popular for their comfy chamois and classy colours to suit all kinds of styles of riding. A solid option for most riders.

13. POC

Swedish brand POC may be best known for their helmets and goggles, but they also have a wide range of cycling specific clothing on offer too. As with many brands, they also offer both straight up cycling wear (from road to mountain bike style clothing) as well as more relaxed attire that would easily pass off as just normal casual wear but is still comfy for cycling in.

Their cycling kit is particularly popular among mountain bikers, with their high quality baggy shorts, perfect for trail riding and baggy tops made from breathable materials. Their helmets are also great if you are in the market for a new lid too!

14. Pas Normal Studios

This super stylish Danish brand is relatively new as it was founded back in 2014 but it’s everything you’d expect from the Danes: style and sophistication rolled into one.

The kit itself definitely has a luxury feel, there’s no doubt about it, but is for sure on the pricier side of the market.

Their wide selection of clothing ranges from road cycling, gravel, everyday wear and to off the bike training clothing. Their colour options are definitely worth noting too, the popular brown as well as white bib shorts being an item the more daring reach for.

15. Café Du Cycliste

French brand, Café du Cycliste, was founded in 2009, drawing inspiration from the outdoors and the passion for adventure being their main driving force, his fun cycling clothing brand is “dedicated to those who want to explore more” and their range for sure caters to that notion.

They have pretty much everything, from quirky gravel orientated items to more urban style trousers you’d happily wear out to lunch. They even stock shoes and accessories like bottles. It’s also not uncommon to find collaborations on their website which always offer creative designs and colours. A real must for anyone wanting choice and quality.

16. Osloh Bicycle Jeans

In North America, Osloh reigns as the leading cycling jeans brand, offering exceptionally durable and robust products. Specializing solely in cycling jeans, their designs are tested and proven tough.

With reinforced seams and multiple pockets (e.g., 7 on the Traffic Jean), Osloh caters to both men and women. Beyond jeans, Osloh provides handy cycling accessories like the innovative Tex-Lock, as well as lights, mirrors, and bike bells.

17. Madison

British based brand Madison are well known for their robust cycling jackets which are often popular among mountain bikers and off road lovers. As well as their outerwear, Madison is also a great brand for anyone wanting comfy and affordable clothing that is best suited towards mountain bike.

They also have some versatile pieces which can be a real staple for pretty much every cyclist, such as pull over waterproof cycling trousers. Not to mention they also offer more urban style cycling shorts, which are perfect for more relaxed leisure riding. A solid choice for mountain bikers and leisure riders.

18. Black Sheep

Originating from the Gold Coast, this quirky Australian cycling brand stocks a brilliant range of clothing to suit a whole plethora of needs. Their fun and vibrant prints really stand out and are a fun change from a lot of what’s on the market at current. Therefore, if you are into big bold floral prints and vivacious colours, you most definitely need to check out the clothing they have on offer.

They also stock more block colours for the more understated rider, so it’s safe to say they have something for everyone. Black Sheep are also involved in their own initiatives to help give back to the cycling community, which is always great to see.

19. DUER

DUER, although not solely a cycling brand, excels in producing fantastic activewear for commuters. Their focus lies in crafting trousers and shorts, touted as the “world’s most comfortable pants,” a claim well-supported by their quality.

While prioritizing style, DUER’s urban pants offer stretch and breathability, making them superb for cycling. Despite a broader scope, they’ve successfully developed top-tier urban cycling pants for both genders.

20. Proviz

Proviz excels in offering high-visibility and reflective outerwear for urban cyclists. Their gear, especially jackets and gilets, transforms into beacons of light when illuminated, ensuring visibility on the road.

Additionally, they provide reflective waterproof trousers, making sure cyclists are seen and safe while riding.

The post Best Cycling Clothing Brands: Top 20 Ranked in 2024 appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Amongst the general population these days, cycling tends to have the sort of rep that speaks of lycra, that speaks of heads down, bottom-up pedalling. Discerning Cyclist is here to prove that, for most people, this isn’t the kind of bike riding they actually do!

Nonetheless, cycling can be a strenuous activity, even when riding an electric bike, so keeping cool, smelling fresh and looking the part can be a worry – especially if using two wheels to get to work.

Here’s the good news. With the advent of new materials and new manufacturing processes, it’s possible to produce smart apparel that works on the bike but still looks dapper off it.

In this area of smart, technical clothing, Ministry of Supply have a fair bit of history and with their Apollo range, they’ve embedded some surprising technology to help make their clothing the ultimate multi-discipline wardrobe item.

Staying Cool while Cycling to Work

Choosing to cycle to work instead of using a car or public transport, isn’t an easy decision – we get it. There are plenty of factors to mull over before ditching four wheels for two. How long it will take, how to carry your belongings – even where to store your bike during your shift.

One that might seem inconsequential to some, is how to keep cool while cycling to work. Even a leisurely pedal can leave you hot under the collar, and sometimes bringing a change of clothes for the workday isn’t possible.

Plus, depending on the nature of your work, looking smart and on-point may be a requisite part of your job. Getting your personal appearance right in the workplace can quickly give you the right first impression or the correct level of professionalism for your company or role.

Office-Friendly Cycling Shirts

This is where office-friendly cycling shirts enter the fray. Comfortable enough to button up in the morning whilst running through the day’s pitch in your head for the thousandth time. Cool enough to meander through town in the heat of a summer’s morning. And crucially, smart enough when you’re closing the pitch with that new client.

Office-friendly cycling shirts will probably have a collar and should be breathable to some extent. The best will have an element of stretch in their material, making them comfortable to ride a bike in. Last of all on our cycle-to-work shirt feature wishlist is the shirt to be crease or wrinkle-resistant.

NASA-Inspired Bike Shirts

With a name like Apollo, Ministry of Supply has given us some clues as to the origins of this clothing range. Regulating the body temperature of astronauts in space is crucial. They will face temperatures from a bone-chilling -250°F to a stifling 250°F.

As part of a range of measures to cool those brave souls that head into the ether, Nasa developed a material to use in astronauts gloves that helped keep them at the right working temperature.

Nasa explains the material like this: “If the wearer became too warm or cool, the material could automatically respond by absorbing or releasing heat. At a designated high temperature, the material absorbs and holds heat to produce a cooling effect. At a designated low temperature, the fabric releases stored heat to produce a warming effect in an area.” Cleverly, Ministry of Supply decided to incorporate these Phase Change Materials (or PCMs for short) into a brand-new fabric for their Apollo range of shirts.

Let’s bring this back to earth and how these NASA-inspired shirts can be used for something as humdrum as cycling to work. Whilst the wearer of an Apollo shirt wouldn’t be tinkering with the ISS on a space walk, they’d still want to keep cool and ensure the garment doesn’t hold onto odour or creases.

Ministry of Supply’s Apollo Range

The Apollo shirt was the first garment Ministry of Supply ever produced. Launched via a wildly successful Kickstarter. Today, there are both men’s and women’s versions of the shirt, plus a men’s polo shirt too.

1. Ministry of Supply Apollo Dress Shirt

• $138

Prices are approximate

Material: Recycled: 57% Recycled Polyester, 43% PCM-infused Polyester

Sizes: XS-XXL

Fit: Slim & Standard

Smart, breathable shirt

Button cuffs

4-way stretch

One shirt to rule them all.

The Apollo Dress shirt is technical enough to ‘perform’ when cycling to work. The material is laced with technical yarns from NASA, quickly enabling heat to dissipate from your body as you start to spin the pedals.

A stretch in the material helps you reach the handlebars of your bike without feeling like it’s pulling at your elbows or shoulders.

On arriving at the office, the shirt looks great when worn with a pair of jeans or chinos – just make sure they’re great biking to work pants! Plus with both slim and standard fits available (and 6 sizes) you can tailor the garment to your favoured look or that day’s style.

Pros

• Machine washable
• Can be tumble dried
• Wrinkle resistant

Cons

• Knit design won’t be to everyone’s tastes

Check Price

2. Ministry of Supply Apollo Polo

• $98

Prices are approximate

Material: 66% Recycled TCD Polyester, 34% PCM-infused Polyester

Sizes: XS-XXXL

Fit: Slim

Smart-casual polo

Four colours available

3 button closure

After the success of the long-sleeved Apollo shirt, Ministry of Supply translated it into a casual polo top and for our money it’s one of the best cycling polo shirts around.

Although it uses a slightly different blend of polyester to the dress shirt, the polo does include the NASA Phase Change Materials that keep the wearer cool, calm and collected. Nineteen times more breathable than traditional fabrics, the polo is an ideal top for cycling to work during the summer.

The polo is lightweight and falls nicely, giving the right impression at an important meeting or after-work occasion.

Pros

• The collar doesn’t warp
• Machine washable
• Can be tumble dried

Cons

• Only slim fit

Check Price

The post Apollo Shirts: Cycling Shirts Made with NASA Technology appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Having also reviewed Vaela’s excellent jeans and bike bag, I was excited to try their stylish and suave jacket. 

The only cycling jacket I’ve ever owned is a hi vis Gore-Tex which isn’t always the most subtle, especially when I’m riding to work or an event and would like to blend in…

I have therefore opted to wear other coats and jackets when I cycle but then I worry about compromising my visibility and safety, as well as them not always being comfortable or designed for riding. 

Vaela describe their primary focus as ‘the design and manufacture of women’s clothing that looks beautiful off the bike and works wonderfully on the bike’. I have been really impressed by their other products so let’s see how I got on with their jacket. 

First Impressions

Just like the jeans and bag, Vaela’s jacket arrived beautifully presented and folded in their sustainable packaging. 

The remarkable standard of Vaela’s products is striking and the jacket is no exception. It felt sturdy but supple, and the reflective elements are cleverly incorporated to keep you looking stylish and safe. 

As I am quite petite, I had some reservations about how it would fit but thanks to Vaela’s comprehensive sizing instructions and design it was perfect. 

The material and design make it very comfortable but also adaptable as you can alter details like the lapel, and either tie or leave the belt loose. Similarly, the reflective elements at the end of each sleeve can be folded back and the belt can also be reversed. 

I liked how the jacket looks casual yet also smart as I’ve never seen a cycling jacket that so effortlessly spans both styles. As it can be worn in different ways, and obviously also complemented by other clothes, it is very versatile. 

Key Features

• The belt can be worn multiple ways, with hidden belt loops which are invisible when the jacket is worn without
• The belt can also be turned over to show the reflective patterns whilst riding.
• The scoop profile cuffs can be folded down to cover the wrist whilst riding, and also to reveal their reflective patterns
• The saddle shoulders have been very carefully designed to ensure that the arms are not restricted and the shoulders don’t ride up when cycling
• A little stretch in the fabric further improves comfort and fit
• The convertible collar ensures the jacket looks equally good with one button open and showing a lapel, or when fully buttoned up and with collar raised on a chilly ride home
• It’s cut longer at the back to ensure full coverage when riding and has a flattering cut out side profile​ that provides extra room in the hips when pedalling
• Two deep outside front pockets keep contents firmly in place and readily accessible
• Buttons made from sustainably grown Corozo nut – the ‘vegetable ivory’ of the plant world

Testing

I must admit that it has been tricky to test the jacket due to cold and wet weather as although it is versatile, Vaela have been open in acknowledging that it is not waterproof or weatherproof. This is because their passion for sustainability and sourcing high quality and environmentally conscious materials has led them to further research options as opposed to compromising their values. 

However, on the warmer and sunnier days I have thoroughly enjoyed using it on my rides and thanks to the stretch in the fabric I have been able to wear it over a thick jumper.

As with the generous pockets on their jeans, the two large pockets on the jacket easily accommodate my phone, keys and more which is always a constant struggle and annoyance with other clothes for women. The location of the pockets also means the contents feel secure compared to other jackets where I find myself hitting whatever is in my pocket as I ride and worrying it will fall out en route.  

Another feature which has been designed with women in mind is the above referenced longer cut at the back of the jacket. I cannot emphasise how appreciated this is as it provides welcome coverage when cycling which is often lacking in other jackets, but it also manages to still be flattering. 

Verdict

Vaela’s jacket is a firm favourite of mine. It looks great, fits as if it has been tailor made, and has been incredibly well designed to think about every cycling motion and need. 

Ideally it would be waterproof as it seems a shame to have to hide it with my hi vis when it rains but I appreciate the environmental justification for this decision, and that Vaela are looking into other options.  

It is at the upper end of the market at a cost of £210 but as with Vaela’s other products, they are perfect both on and off the bike so are a worthwhile wardrobe investment. Personally I know I will definitely be wearing this jacket even when I’m not cycling. 

If you’re looking for a women’s cycling jacket that will make you feel smart, stylish and safe when you cycle then Vaela’s jacket ticks all the boxes. 

Vaela Discount

To help reduce the financial burden for Discerning Cyclists, you can get 10% off at Vaela when you use promo code DISCERNING at the checkout.

The post Vaela Cotton Jacket Review: It’s Beautiful – But Worth It? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

I am personally very familiar with the challenge of finding suitable cycling apparel for women that isn’t bright neon pink, or of a very poor quality.  

As an example, I spent many years cycling to work with a generic rucksack (and a sweaty back!) as I wasn’t aware of any alternatives. I finally bought some cheap pannier bags for a bikepacking trip but these were better suited to carrying camping equipment, not my laptop. 

I use a second hand pannier bag for work but this is similarly far from ideal as when I delve into it I’m never quite sure whether I am going to find my packed lunch or my puncture repair kit…

So when the opportunity came up to try out Vaela’s bike bag, I was very keen. Vaela was established in 2020 to address the lack of practical, stylish and sustainable cycling clothes and products for women who cycle. After a positive experience testing and reviewing with their cycling jeans and stylish cotton jacket, I felt confident that their bag would be another invaluable addition to my cycling gear.

First Impressions

As with the arrival of the jeans, the bag came in well presented and sustainable packaging. Once again, a card featuring information about ‘The Godmother’ that is Lady Harberton was also included in keeping with Vaela’s focus on amplifying women’s cycling. 

In terms of the bag, I was immediately taken aback by the high quality and finish. It felt durable, but soft. The reflective straps in the side pockets are a welcome, but subtle addition. 

The latch on the front is easy and quick to use, and the two clips mean either can be used depending on how full the bag is. 

On the back is a well padded flap to cover the system that attaches the bag to your bike, as well as a sturdy handle at the top. 

Inside there is a large compartment that is divided into a section to store a laptop or tablet, as well as another smaller zipped pocket with the Vaela branding. 

Key Features

• Showerproof and durable dry-oiled organic cotton
• Undyed organic cotton lining
• Two generous 18cm front pockets, each easily holding an average reusable water bottle
• Reflective tapes stitched into each front pocket that can be pulled out in the dark
• The main bag is closed with solid zip
• A 20cm zipped interior pocket easily fits a phone, keys and wallet
• Internal laptop sleeve fits a 15″ laptop
• Adjustable webbing straps serve as both the tote’s handle and the rucksack’s shoulder straps
• Adjustable pannier clips fit virtually all pannier racks
• Cotton webbing grab handle
• Wool padding in the base, back, laptop sleeve, and pannier clip cover to protect you and your belongings
• The padded flap with magnetic snap ensures the pannier clips aren’t felt when used as a tote or rucksack
• Durable, premium stainless steel hardware from Italy, including ladder locks from Alce, snaps from AMF and zips from Lampo
• Subtle Vaela branding embroidered in ‘tone on tone’ black thread

Testing

I was eager to use the bag for work and it easily accommodated everything I needed for the day. I was particularly grateful for the smaller internal zipped pocket to store my keys and work pass for quick, but secure access. 

After adjusting the clips, it popped onto my pannier rack with a reassuring hold and the padded flap that covers the clips sat nicely in place on the top. I must admit that I wasn’t already familiar with how to use the locking mechanism to keep the bag fully secure but the lovely Jo from Vaela mentioned that they are in the process of making postcards to explain all the features so perhaps this could be mentioned. 

The commute went smoothly, and the bag was as easy to get off as it was to get on. Once removed from my bike, I must admit that it did take me a while to get used to the straps cleverly being one continuous system as they are also used for the front latch system. 

As I’ve been wearing my winter coat when using the bag, I had to make the straps as big as they could go so I could wear the bag in my preferred backpack set up. However, this means that unless I shorten them each time, they do stick out a bit when the bag is attached to my bike. It also leaves the latch hanging loose at the top when wearing the bag, but as shown below when wearing thinner layers it is possible to resolve this as you’ve got extra strap length to use. 

Once at work, I was impressed that everything was still intact inside, including my precious packed lunch, and also that the bag wasn’t too dirty given how muddy and wet all my test rides have been. 

Verdict

Vaela’s bike bag is without doubt a significant upgrade on and replacement for my previous pannier situation. The design and features have clearly been well thought through with urban cycling and women in mind.  

It will set you back £240 but it is important to understand and acknowledge that the materials are of the highest quality and lowest environmental impact which cannot be underestimated. 

Overall, I feel that Vaela’s bike bag is a reliable, practical and stylish product that is perfect for cycling from A to B and then going about your day with your laptop, lunch and more. 

Vaela Discount

To help reduce the financial burden for Discerning Cyclists, you can get 10% off at Vaela when you use promo code DISCERNING at the checkout.

The post Vaela Bag Review: The Most Stylish Pannier Backpack Yet? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Cycling in the rain can be awful. Truly awful… if you’re not prepared.

But if you’ve got the right gear, wet rides are no problem at all. Indeed, our survey of 1,259 cyclists found that 98.1% would “probably” or definitely” consider commuting by bicycle even if it’s raining.

At Discerning Cyclist, though, we’re not just content with staying dry on wet rides. We still want to continue to ride in style.

In order to demonstrate that this is completely possible, this is my current go-to outfit for wet bike commuters.

This outfit keeps my feet, legs and torso completely dry, even in the heaviest of downpours. Below is a full breakdown of this stylish waterproof cycling gear.

Stylish Cycling Waterpoofs for Commuting [TOP PICKS]

Helly Hansen Ride Jacket

A lightweight hardshell cycling jacket. That’s what you really want when the heavens open. Wear a couple of warmer layers beneath and allow the Helly Hansen Ride Jacket to repel any rain that comes your way.

This is simply a stylish rain jacket – regardless of whether you’re on a bike or not. But with reflective detailing, adjustable cuffs, a slightly dropped rear and lots of deep secure pockets (some buttoned, some zippered), this is a wonderful waterproof jacket for bike commuters.

A very similar women’s version is also available, which we reviewed here.

DUER All-Weather Denim

I rave about these jeans all the time. Essentially, they are waterproof cycling jeans. But they’re also beautiful to look at and comfortable to wear.

The look and feel of the exterior of these jeans is denim, but DUER have added a waterproof inner membrane to prevent your legs getting soaked. As well as that, the jeans offer plenty of stretch, reflective details and a very sturdy gussetted crotch to protect from wear and tear.

Rapha Reflective Travel Backpack

If you know Rapha, you know that they’ve got an eye for style and the Travel Backpack.

But while you may recognise this bag’s beauty at first glance, what you may not spot is that this bag is also completely waterproof, offers plenty secure storage (including a laptop section) as well as the main body being reflective (i.e. everything in grey is reflective). Shine a light on this bag and you won’t miss it.

Chrome Storm 415 Traction Boot

Chrome’s 415 boot have ruled the stylish waterproof cycling footwear category and the latest version of this shoe is absolutely phenomenal.

This shoe is completely and utterly waterproof (I’ve even dipped my foot in a swimming pool to prove this), looks fantastic, has a sturdy sole for effective cycling and is also very comfortable to walk around in.

PROVIZ Reflect360 Waterproof Cycling Gloves

Forgetting to put a pair of gloves on ahead of winter ride can be a painful mistake. But making sure they’re waterproof is vital too.

The PROVIZ Reflect 360 gloves are the ideal cycling gloves. As well as being waterproof, they’re also reflective and are touchscreen friendly.

LITELOK Core

A wearable bike lock that makes it extremely easy to look up your bike quickly and securely thanks to its “click to lock” mechanism. After all, you don’t want to be fiddling around in the rain for any longer than you need to.

Weighing in at just 1.9kg, the LITELOK Core has achieved Sold Secure’s Bicycle Diamond rating (the highest available).

Honbike Uni4 Electric Belt-Driven Bike

Okay, a bike isn’t exactly a “waterproof cycling accessory”. But some bikes can handle wet weather better than others and the Honbike is the perfect example of this.

Not only does this e-bike come with sturdy splashguards and built-in LED lights as standard, but it also uses a belt-drive rather than a chain. This means the “chain” can’t get rusty and maintenance is virtually zero.

• Jacket: Helly Hansen Ride Jacket
• Trousers: DUER All-Weather Denim
• Shoes: Chrome Storm 415 Traction Boot
• Gloves: PROVIZ Reflect360 Waterproof Gloves
• Towel: PANGEA Eco-Towel
• Bike: Honbike Uni4 Electric Belt-Driven Bike

The post Impenetrable: The Best Cycling Waterproofs for Stylish Commuters appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

There’s nothing worse than wet feet. I’d rather be slapped with a rusty old chain than sit in soggy socks all day.

The trouble is, when you’re riding your bicycle in winter, there’s a real risk that it’s going to be wet. That’s why I previously asked 42 cyclists how to keep your feet dry while cycling, as well as created guides about the best waterproof socks and overshoes you can buy.

For me, though, the best option is undoubtedly having waterproof shoes. It’s just less hassle and stops the problem at the source.

Previously, Chrome’s 415 Storm boot topped our best waterproof shoes for commuting list. And now Chrome have created a new version of the 415, the Storm 415 Traction Boot.

So how does the new version compare to the old one? Is it actually an improvement or should they have left a really good shoe in peace?

I’ve been finding out…

The New Chrome 415 Storm Traction Boot

Make no mistake about it, the Chrome’s original 415 shoe was really good. In many ways, it was the ideal “normal” bike shoe. It had a nice stiff sole, it kept water out, it was relatively comfortable, you could walk in it without problem. The only two areas I felt could have been improved (for me, at least) was that the fit was quite narrow and the glue sealing the sole to the panels started giving away after a few months of intense use

So, what has Chrome done differently with the new 415 Traction?

Well, the most noticeable thing when you put them on is that the fit is substantially wider. Whereas the old version nestled your toes together, the new Traction model is extremely spacious. For someone with pretty wide feet, this is absolutely welcome. The added width also makes walking for extended periods more comfortable as it allows your feet to move more naturally.

It’s worth noting that these shoes run quite large in size, so if you’re on the cusp between sizes, it’s certainly wise to order half a size down.

With regards to the glue element, I can’t yet comment on their longevity as I’ve only been wearing them for two months. But so far, at least, the Chrome Storm 415 Traction Boot shoes no sign of giving way at any point and they certainly seem more sturdy than their predecessors.

Waterproof “Normal” Cycling Shoes

Like most of the gear Chrome Industries produce, the 415 boot is aimed at people who ride bikes, but there’s nothing to stop anyone using these shoes even if they never go near a bike in their life. Chrome’s perfectly toe the line between style and function and I love it.

Is the Chrome 415 Really Waterproof?

Yes. Chrome Storm 415 Traction Boot is 100% waterproof. The upper is made from waterproof leather while the outsole is made from “vulcanised rubber” and the midsole has an equally impressive sounding “PowerPlate nylon shank”. Whatever that means, this shoe is completely and utterly waterproof.

What’s the more, the benefit of having the boot cut is that it also prevents rain getting in via the sides of the shoe.

I even dipped them in a swimming pool and my feet stayed completely dry.

As the “traction” part of the name alludes to, these shoes are also extremely grippy – which is especially great for pedalling and walking on wet days.

Reflective Shoe Laces

The shoes ] come with two pairs of shoelaces. When they arrive, the majority of the shoe is laced up with the black laces, before adding a stylish look with red laces finishing up the top two holes. However, wearing two pairs of laces isn’t practical, so I promptly pulled out the red laces and proceeded with the black ones, which also look great with a mixture of red and reflective silver thread woven into them.

The shoe pull on the rear of the boot also has a chunky reflective strip. Such subtle details are always a welcome boost to your visibility.

Chrome 415 Storm Traction Boot Review [SUMMARY]

I really like the old version of the 415, but Chrome have taken the new Traction version to a whole new level. I can confidently say these are my favourite urban cycling shoes now. They look great and they feel great – regardless of whether you’re on two wheels or two feet. I’m wearing them everyday at the moment, come rain or shine.

The Chrome 415 comes in two colours (black or brown) and is available for around $160 (£158/€170).

Obviously, that’s not cheap. But these are truly fantastic waterproof shoes for urban life and I couldn’t recommend them more highly.

The post Chrome 415 Storm Traction Boot Review: Waterproof Bike Shoes Tested appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

One of the most important considerations to make for urban cyclists and commuters is your pants – after all, this is what surrounds your cycling engine.

Urban cycling trousers can come in many shapes and sizes, depending on your needs. If you live in the a wet climate (the UK for example), then waterproof cycling trousers may be an everyday requirement, or at least an option to have in your bag. But if you’re riding to the office in fair weather, maybe you’ll just want some smart cycling trousers.

Best Cycling Commuter Trousers Men

Find the Best Women’s Cycling Trousers here.

Best Cycling Trousers for Commuting for Men

Of course, while you want your trousers to be practical, when you’re looking for the best urban cycling pants, you should also love the style. There’s no need to make the compromise between the style of regular pants and the functionality of cycling trousers. These days there’s plenty of choice when it comes to finding stylish cycling pants boasting tonnes of practical design features.

With that in mind, let’s push off and start our journey to find the best cycling trousers for urban commuters.

Key Features of Smart Cycling Pants

When you’re on the lookout for cycling commuter trousers, there’s a few things to keep in mind, primarily: fit, function and style.

One thing the best cycling trousers all have in common – whether they be waterproof, jeans or chinos – is that they should always be a little more stretchy than your everyday keks. When I’m trying out new pants, I always do the “squat test” in them – if squatting is easy, so too should be cycling.

Another thing to consider with urban cycling pants is the fit – in particular: do they cover your rear? One of the most disconcerting things about seeing a cyclist in “regular” clothes is when their backside has been exposed because the pants they’re wearing don’t quite fit right. This can easily be combated by a raised-rear to the trousers, or a longer drop to your t-shirt or jacket.

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Learn more about Discerning Cyclist here.

Best Bike Commuter Pants

1. DUER All-Weather Denim

• £199
• $199
• €135

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two front hand pockets
• Two buttoned rear pockets

Materials:

• 70% Cotton
• 28% Coolmax® All Season Polyester
• 2% LYCRA® Spandex
• Membrane: 100% Polyester

Waterproof membrane to keep you dry

Reflective detailing on cuff and waistband

Discreet gusseted crotch

I first came across DUER in 2017 and even visited their HQ in Vancouver not long after.

Back then, they claimed to produce the “World’s Most Comfortable Pants” and they weren’t far wrong. Now they’re producing a greater variety of pants and jeans, including a growing collection of water-resistant trousers.

The All-Weather Denim is the best pair of water-resistant trousers I’ve ever come across and it’s pretty amazing that they’re able to achieve this with a pair of jeans.

These jeans are made from a blend of cotton, polyester and Lycra, which provides a comfortable and breathable stretch to the material, but the waterproofing comes courtesy of the polyester membrane of the eajns.

But these aren’t just practical waterproof jeans. These are beautiful jeans. Even those with the most discerning of eyes wouldn’t label them as ‘cycling jeans’ based on their appearance.

The All-Weather slim fit denim jeans from DUER are a practical take on a classic wardrobe staple. Coming in a choice of two colours your outfit doesn’t have to be compromised due to your choice of transport into work.

These jeans also benefit from being both water and windproof thanks to the specialist membrane used, you’ll be covered no matter what and kept both dry and warm while riding to work.

Fit wise the All-Weather jeans are also a comfortable and flexible fit due to having 2% LYCRA® included in the blend, ensuring optimal movement and comfort.

The only downside to these jeans is their hefty $199 price tag. However, DUER also have a cheaper “Stay Dry Denim” jean which is very similar although not quite as waterproof (but can still protect you from moderate downpours) and retails for $139.

Buy Here Read Review

2. Sigr Riksväg 99 Cycling Chino

• £90
• $120
• €100

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two front hand pockets
• Two buttoned rear pockets

Materials:

• 48% Cotton
• 48% Polyester
• 4% Spandex

Stretch

Breathable

Cycling fit

Reflective detailing

If there’s two things the Scandinavians know about its cycling and style.

So, when you get a Swedish brand producing urban cycling clothing, you should pay attention.

Sigr’s Riksväg 99 Chino is a perfect blend or urban style and cycling functionality. These elegant bike chinos are study with a good amount of stretch and have been cut with commuters in mind – so that pedalling is easy in the Sigr chinos.

The Riksväg chino also boasts lots of discreet reflective detailing, including on the pocket flaps on the rear, as well as on right leg if you turn the trouser leg up.

These pants both breathable and comfortable, with a nice blend of cotton, polyester and spandex ensuring a nice balance between form and function.

Sigr also produced a similarly styled cycling chino short, the Strandvägen.

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3. Ministry of Supply Pace Chino

• £110
• $150
• €120

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two deep front hand pockets
• Two deep rear pockets
• One small in-seam earbuds pocket

Materials:

• 58% Polyester
• 31% Nylon
• 11% Elastane

Stretch

Breathable

Cycling fit

Water repellent

If you’re on the lookout for smart-looking, office-friendly cycling clothes, then Ministry of Supply is probably your best option.

The Momentum Chino is just one example of their outstanding cycling to work range. The Chino is extremely lightweight, breathable, soft, stretchy, yet durable, and has a DWR coating to repel light rain.

It comes in a very sleek, minimalist style and is available in six different colours. The chinos are also abrasion and wrinkle resitant, which means you don’t need to worry about them creasing if you ever need to throw them in a bag.

Ministry of Supply also provide customers with the option of a slim or standard fit based on your own preferences.

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4. Mission Workshop The Division Chino

• £210
• $230
• €210

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two deep front hand pockets
• Two deep rear pockets
• One zipped side pocket

Materials:

• 100% Nylon

Stretch

Breathable

Cycling fit

Water repellent

Although a very pricy pant, Mission Workshop’s Division Chino is built-to-last.

These are great all-round stylish cycling chinos that will be able to keep up with you – regardless of what your day entails.

Importantly, the Mission Workshop chinos are water-repellent, so they can keep you dry in all but the most severe of downpours and are made from durable four-way stretch nylon fabric – so cycling in these chinos is no problem.

Another thing I love about these urban chinos is that they include a zipped pocket on the side of the trouser to keep any of your valuables secure.

While these trousers look good, they are a little stiffer than typical chinos and so don’t quite fit into more formal or office environments. That said, these are great chinos for the outdoors and ambling about in a city: they’re warm, flexible and durable.

You can read the full Mission Workshop Division Chino review here.

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5. Osloh Denim Traffic Jean

• £135
• $100
• €150

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Four front pockets
  • Two front hand pockets
  • Coin pockets above each hand pocket
• Three rear pockets
• One side pocket high on right thigh

Materials:

• 98% Cotton
• 2% Spandex
• Button Fly

Durable stretch jeans

7 pockets (inc. a side pocket)

Gussetted crotch, reinforced seams and double lined pockets

Osloh have done a great job in producing cycling denim jeans that are strong, stretchy and practical.

Durability is at the forefront of what Osloh bicycle jeans are all about. Not only do they feature a sturdy gusseted crotch, but they’ve also reinforced all the areas of the jean that are likely to wear out when they’re frequently used for bike rides. That means you’ll also find a quilted reinforced chain side leg panel, a double lined phone pocket and binding at the seams.

When it comes to reinforced cycling jeans – it doesn’t get any better than this.

Osloh’s Denim Traffic Jean is also packed to the rafters with pockets. There’s four front pockets, three rear pockets and a side pocket that I really like for putting in my earbuds (a phone fits too, but peaks out of the top).

The Traffic Jeans utilised buttons throughout the pant, with a button-up fly and a double-buttoned closing at the waist. There are also snap waistband adjusters on either side if you want to bring in the waist at all and avoid wearing a belt.

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6. DUER Performance Denim Slim Jeans

• £155
• $129
• €130

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two deep front hand pockets
  • Coin pocket on right side
• Two deep rear pockets

Materials:

• 70% Cotton
• 28% COOLMAX Polyester
• 2% Lycra Spandex

Stylish stretchy jeans for bike riding

Classic 5-pocket design

Gussetted crotch and reinforced seams

I’m a big fan of DUER, having previously reviewed their No Sweat Pants and paid a visit to their Vancouver HQ in 2018.

The DUER Performance Jeans have tonnes of stretch and are pretty durable too. But, importantly, they look just like good-looking every jeans.

They’ve not been built specifically for bike commuters, but instead for active people going about their business. But that means, whether by design or not, DUER have created jeans for bike riding in style.

Indeed, as well as being great stretch jeans, DUER’s Performance Denim is also breathable thanks to the COOLMAX fibres wicking moisture from the body, while the jeans also feature reinforced seams and DUER’s signature gusset to ensure they’re durable too.

The DUER Performance Denim Jeans come in a range of colours and are also available in both a slim fit and relaxed fit design.

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7. DUER No Sweat Pant Slim

• £100
• $130
• €110

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two deep front hand pockets
• Two deep rear pockets

Materials:

• 66% Cotton
• 34% TENCEL Lyocell
• 3% COOLMAX Polyester
• 1% Lycra Spandex

Stretch

Breathable

Reinforced seams

Duer’s No Sweat Pants aren’t built specifically for cyclists. They’re just great pants that handle every day activities really well.

I reviewed these back in 2017 and they’re still amongst my favourite trousers.

But why are they so good? Well, for starters, they look great with a slim fit design and come in lots of different colour options.

The material also has a premium look and feel and offers plenty of stretch due to its blend of Cotton, Tencel, Coolmax Polyester and Lycra Spandex.

The No Sweat Pants are also pretty sturdy with reinforced seams and a hidden gusset. Another big plus for cyclists is that they are also breathable due to the Coolmax Polyester fibres ingrained into he material.

buy here

8. Endura Hummvee Chino Trousers

• £70
• $100
• €70

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two deep front hand pockets
• Two deep rear pockets
• Button on rear left pocket

Materials:

• 73% Cotton
• 25% Polyester
• 2% Elastane

Stretch

Breathable

Cycling fit

The Endura Hummvee range has proved to be a huge hit with urban cyclists for years. The range includes padded baggy shorts, reflective jackets, gloves, helmets and these great-looking cycling chinos.

One thing that’s never in doubt with Endura is how comfortable and functional gear is for cycling. And it’s no different here: although rugged, these Endura chinos are soft to the touch and offer plenty of stretch to make it easy to get your leg over the saddle and while pedalling.

But Endura have also done a great job on the style of these bike chinos. They look smart and you’d never identify them as “cycling clothes” unless you already knew them.

Although not cheap, these chinos certainly aren’t overpriced and provide real value for money when you consider the quality of the pants.

Solid chinos for commuting by bike.

buy here

9. Levi’s Flex 511 Jeans Men

• £110
• $70
• €110

Prices are approximate

• Pockets:
  • Two deep front hand pockets
    • Coin pocket on right side
  • Two deep rear pockets

  Materials:

  • 99% Cotton
  • 1% Elastane

Added stretch due to cotton and elastane blend

5-pocket design

Classic Levi’s look

Undoubtedly the most famous producer of cycling jeans are Levi’s and their ‘Commuter’ range. Sadly, this isn’t quite what it was circa 2011, but the Levi’s 511 Flex jeans are still good jeans for commuting by bike, with added stretch built into the jeans thanks to their 99% denim, 1% elastine blend, while the fit is also great for outdoor lifestyles – including those who get about on their bicycle.

The 511 is the best Levi’s cycling jeans option now available and they come in around 10 different colours, so you’re bound to find a finish you like.

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10. PEdAL ED Cycling Chinos

• £100
• $140
• €130

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two deep front hand pockets
• Two deep rear pockets

Materials:

• 98% Cotton
• 2% Elastane

Stretch

Breathable

Reinforced seams

Reflective detailing

PEDal ED have really come up trumps with their range of cycling chinos which look simply fantastic.

Made from a blend of cotton and elastin, these bike chinos boast a four-way stretch and are available for £94 – not bad for a premium, practical and stylish product.

A reinforced insert means that the PEDal ED Cycling Chinos are hard-wearing on the most delicate areas and won’t wear out in a hurry, while discreet reflective detailing is valuable for cycling at night.

They also boast four-way stretch to make cycling a breeze, while they also offer a tapered leg and a slighly higher raise to prevent “exposure” and guarantee bike comfort.

Basically, PEdALED cycling chinos are ideal for your commute and destination.

buy here

11. UNIQLO Selvedge Stretch Slim Fit Jeans Men

• £40
• $50
• €50

Prices are approximate

• Pockets:
  • Two deep front hand pockets
    • Coin pocket on right side
  • Two deep rear pockets

  Materials:

  • 98% Cotton
  • 2% Spandex

Added stretch due to cotton and spandex blend

5-pocket design

Classic styling

If you’re on the lookout for some cheap stretch jeans, UNIQLO have you covered.

For under £40, obviously these jeans aren’t going to boast all of the fancy features of the previously mentioned bike jeans, but you’ll still be getting a decent pair of jeans that provide some added stretch for bicycling.

Essentially these UNIQLO jeans are everything you’d expect from a normal jean, except that they are made from a blend of cotton and Spandex, which explains how they’re able to provide some extra stretch to the material.

Available in navy blue and black.

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12. Bluffworks Ascender Chino

• £100
• $130
• €110

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Seven front pockets
• Two hand pockets
• Two internal zipped pockets
• Phone patch pocket on right
• Multi-tool utility locket on left
• Money pouch pocket with velco close on left
• Three rear pockets
• Regular pocket on right
• Zipped pocket on left
• Built-in phone pocket below waistband on right

Materials:

• 100% Polyester

Stretch

Breathable

Moisture-Wicking

Crease-Resistant

Bluffworks is a brand devoted to producing stylish, comfortable and practical gear for travelling. So while they’re not creating gear specifically with cycling in mind, there is a great deal of crossover.

And it’s not just pockets that the Ascender Chinos are blessed with… they’re also extremely lightweight, moisture-wicking, odour-resistant, crease-resistant, stretchy and breathable.

The Ascendor Chinos are also very customisable and come in two different fits (Tailored or Regular) and four different colours.

buy here

13. UNIQLO Ultra-Stretch Chino

• £35
• $40
• €40

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two deep front hand pockets
• Two deep rear pockets

Materials:

• 97% Cotton
• 3% Spandex

Stretch chinos

4 pockets

Range of fits and colours

Another cheap chino options for bike commuters is the UNIQLO Ultra-Stretch Chino range.

If you’re on more of a budget but still want chinos with some good functionality for cycling, I often ecommend checking out UNIQLO, a company with a reputation for providing lightweight, stretchy fabrics on stylish garments for pretty cheap.

UNIQLO’s Ultra Stretch Chinos are one great example of their budget cycling-friendly gear, with the chinos made from 97% cotton and 3% spandex to ensure stretch.

You obviously won’t be getting the same level of quality and superstar features as those seen in our list of the best chinos for cycling, but you’re still getting a product that will provide some extra comfort and give on your commutes.

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14. Chrome Storm Rain Pant

• £125
• $140
• €125

Prices are approximate

• 100% polyester

Stretch

Breathable

Cycling fit

The Chrome Storm pants can, much as the name suggests, withstand commuting in a storm – that’s just how resilient these trousers are, with a 10k mm / 5k mvp waterproof rating. They are built using 100% taped seams and are more of an overtrouser style: you could definitely fit a pair of slim cut trousers or padded cycling shorts underneath for commuting.

The trousers, though slightly baggier in fit, are still very stylish with the added bonus of being very stretchy and maneuverable, keeping you flexible and comfortable while in the saddle.

Other features also include ankle zippers, a water resistant zip pocket (keeping your phone safe and dry) and a reinforced two layer back panel to ensure that the road spray cannot seap through the material on long wet commutes into work.

In Chrome’s own words, ‘the Storm Rain Pant is our ultimate layer for your urban commute’.

buy here

Best Women’s Bike Commuter Pants

1. Ministry of Supply Momentum Chino

• £110
• $159
• €139

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two deep front hand pockets
• Two deep rear pockets
• One small in-seam earbuds pocket

Materials:

• 58% Polyester
• 31% Nylon
• 11% Elastane

Stretch

Breathable

Cycling fit

Water repellent

These chinos are cool in every way: they look great and they’re light and breathable. They’re so great, in fact, that they are our #1 recommend women’s cycling chinos.

The Momentum Chino for women is a trouser that does a remarkable charge of feeling really good, stretchy and breathable while you’re cycling to work but it still manages to look extremely sharp and can fit into an office-environment without anyone suspective that these chinos are built for active performance.

These Ministry of Supply ladies’ chinos are soft, durable and strechy thanks to their blend of “hollow-core” Polyester, Nylon and Elastane.

They’re also quite customisable in terms of style as they have an adjustable inseam so they can’t be worn at full length or ankle length. There are also drawstrings on the inside of the pants and these can be left hanging out or tucked in,

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2. DUER All-Weather Denim

• £150
• $200
• €170

Prices are approximate

• 70% Cotton
• 28% Coolmax® All Season Polyester
• 2% LYCRA® Spandex
• Membrane: 100% Polyester

Stretch Reflective Detailing

Breathable

Cycling fit

We love these jeans so much that they’re our #1 recommended cycling jeans for women. A little while ago our co-founder, Pete, reviewed the men’s version and was blown away. The women’s version are equally brilliant. Not only are they fully waterproof and windproof, but they look gorgeous too.

A lot of cycling trousers are water resistant, but the Duer All-Weather have a waterproof membrane to keep you fully protected without compromising on style and comfort.

And these jeans are so comfortable that you’ll forget you’re actually wearing jeans. They have more than enough stretch for cycling (or any activity), and also feature the Duer signature hidden gusset for greater flexibility and range of motion.

The look of these jeans is flattering and chic. Available in two styles, the Straight fit are slim-fitting (without being absolutely skin tight), and the High-rise offer a more relaxed fit.

They also have reflective details under the cuff and at the waistband, and four pockets that are deep enough to keep your keys, money (and anything else) totally safe while you’re on the move.

All in all, these are outstanding jeans that combine beauty along with a host of tech features to keep you warm, dry and super-stylish in the winter.

buy here Read Review

3. Vaela Cycling Jeans Women

• £160
• $160
• €160

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Three front pockets
  • Two front hand pockets
  • Coin pockets above right hand pocket
• Three rear pockets

Materials:

• 97% Organic Cotton
• 3% Degradable Elastane
• Zip Fly

Raised waist to prevent “bum cleavage”

Single seam design to prevent rubbing

Look and feel fantastic

Vaela are a new British start-up on a mission to produce women’s cycling clothing that “looks beautiful off the bike and works wonderfully on it”.

And Vaela’s Cycling Jeans are proof of this.

As we’ve shown in our in-depth review, these jeans are ideally for cycling. They are extremely comfortable, have a stylish straight fit and have plenty of stretch to make riding easy.

These bicycle jeans also have nice deep pockets that have plenty of space for a smartphone, have a zip fly and just about tick every box.

Get 10% off at Vaela by using promo code DISCERNING

Buy Here Read Review

4. Sigr Riksväg Cycling Chino

• £90
• $120
• €100

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two front hand pockets
• Two buttoned rear pockets

Materials:

• 48% Cotton
• 48% Polyester
• 4% Spandex

Stretch

Breathable

Cycling fit

Reflective detailing

Available in navy blue, khaki or black, the Sigr cycling chinos for women are a stunning pair of trousers that look great at your destination and are packed with discreet functionality for cycling.

As well as being stretchy and breathable, the Riksväg 99 Ladies’ Chino also featured reflective detailing on the rear pockets as well as on the right leg when the trouser is turned up.

They’re made from a blend of cotton, polyester and spandex which ensures ensures they’re lightweight and offer plenty of stretch for cycling, while there’s plenty of good pockets that won’t let your valuables fall out when you pedal.

buy here

5. DUER No Sweat Everyday Pant

• £100
• $139
• €110

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

• Two deep front hand pockets
• Two deep rear pockets

Materials:

• 66% Cotton
• 34% TENCEL Lyocell
• 3% COOLMAX Polyester
• 1% Lycra Spandex

Stretch

Breathable

Reinforced seams

No Sweat Everyday Pant come in both a skinny fit and a straight fit and are great for people who move a lot everyday.

They’re not necessarily built specifically for cyclists, but they work great on and off the bike anway.

Made from a blend of cotton, lyocell, polyester and spandex allows these chinos to provide a happy balance of stretchiness and breathability, while also managing to retain a smart style.

Like the men’s No Sweat Pants, the women’s version also comes in lots of colours, as you can see below.

buy here

6. Bluffworks Palma Chino Pants

• £90
• $130
• €110

Prices are approximate

Pockets:

Three front pockets

• Two hand pockets
• hone patch pocket insde right hand pocket
• Three rear pockets
• Regular rear pockets
• Built-in phone pocket below waistband on right

Materials:

• 100% Polyester

Stretch

Breathable

Moisture-Wicking

Crease-Resistant

The Bluffworks Palma Chino for women is the ideal pant for active people who travel alot.

The Palma is wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying and stretchy – i.e. perfect for cycling. The material (made from polyester) is also incredibly lightweight and ideal for warmer days.

Like most Bluffworks pants, the Palma chinos offer an abundance of secure pockets so that you can carry all of your essentials safely.

The Bluffworks Palma chino comes in both a standard fit and petite fit for women.

buy here

7. DUER Performance Denim Slim Jeans Women

• £150
• $140
• €160

Prices are approximate

• Pockets:
  • Two deep front hand pockets
    • Coin pocket on right side
  • Two deep rear pockets

  Materials:

  • 70% Cotton
  • 28% COOLMAX Polyester
  • 2% Lycra Spandex

Stylish stretchy jeans for bike riding

Classic 5-pocket design

Gussetted crotch and reinforced seams

When it comes to creating stylish jeans with stretch, not many do it better than DUER.

Like the men’s version, the Women’s Performance Denim Jean is available in a range of cuts (mid-rise or high-rise), fits (skinny, slim, straight or carpenter) and colours (including various shades of blue and black).

The DUER Performance Jeans provide lots of stretch due to the blend of cotton, polyester and Lycra Spandex in the material, but the jeans are also durable and look great.

These are also some of the most breathable cycling jeans around, while their durability is aided by the gusset and reinforced seams throughout.

Buy Here

8. Levi’s 311 Jeans

• £80
• $90
• €50

Prices are approximate

• 60% Cotton
• 17% Lyocell
• 16% Viscose
• 7% Elastane

 Stretch

Lots of colour options available

5 pockets

 

If you’re looking for women’s skinny jeans for cycling, these are well worth considering.

They’re not exactly packed with cycling functionality, but have been made from a blend of cotton, lyocell, viscose and elastane, they’re certainly stretchy.

buy here

READ: Best Women’s Cycling Trousers [Top 7]

Best Urban Cycling Trousers Guide

Just because you want to feel good on your ride doesn’t mean you can’t look good too.

Find stylish cycling trousers, jeans and chinos for everyday life by reading our reviews and style guides below.

If you want your cycle pants to stand the test of time, a gusseted crotch is one of the most valuable features as it can really protect against wear and tear. Don’t know what a gusset is? Fear not… 

What is a Gusseted Crotch?

Shorts or trousers with a gusseted crotch are the holy grail for cyclists. But  exactly what is a gusseted crotch?

Basically, gusset pants – AKA diamond crotch pants – feature a diamond-shaped piece of material that is sewn over the crotch area of trousers. The purpose of this is to stop the four seams of the trousers coming together in a high-pressure area – increasing freedom of movement, comfort, as well as the durability of the trousers. For cyclists especially, the trouser crotch faces a lot of wear and tear, so the best cycling pants usually have a gusseted crotch too.

Urban Cycling Gusset Pants

Some examples of stylish urban cycling trousers with a gusseted crotch are the Resolute Bay Cycling Jeans, Osloh Bicycle Jeans and Levi’s Commuter range. The likes of swrve and Rapha also provide top quality gusset pants for cyclists.

READ: Best Cycling Chinos for Men and Women

Do Waterproof Breathable Cycling Trousers Exist?

Most trousers aren’t waterproof. And for good reason. When you make something waterproof, it’s near impossible to make it breathable too – and it’s important that your legs can breathe. Otherwise, while you’re keep the moisture of the outside world out, you’re creating your own moisture inside and locking it in. And no-one wants to be wet (well, only in that way, you dirty git).

Generally speaking, you only want to be wearing waterproof cycling trousers in torrential weather – it’s overkill otherwise. If you do live in a rainy climate though, there are some cycling rain pants options for you.

What are the Best Waterproof Trousers for Cycling?

I should start with a disclaimer here: you’ll find it near impossible to discover waterproof cycling trousers that are comfortable enough and good-looking enough for everyday life.

Breathable and waterproof aren’t two things that go very well together, so waterproof cycling trousers should generally kept back for those awful downpour days – the days when it is actually best to sacrifice style for out and out functionality.

Best Cycling Rain Pants

If you want impenetrable waterproof trousers for cycling – the kind of stuff that can withstand a monsoon, you’re probably best looking at waterproof overtrousers as the best bicycle rain pants. Otherwise, you’ll be hard pushed to find anything that comes close to resembling stylish cycling trousers.

Types of Bike Commuting Pants

Getting a comfortable pair of bike commuting pants can really make your commute significantly more enjoyable. For me, they’re the most important piece of kit for urban commuters.

I used to wear cheap trousers and jeans on my rides and always found that my legs would get uncomfortable pretty fast, either because the material would start chafing, my movement would be restricted, my legs would get really hot and sweaty and I’d often be doing my best builders’ bum impression.

If you cycle regularly – or even live a somewhat active lifestyle for that matter – investing in a good pair of urban cycling trousers is a very wise move.

Obviously, there’s lots of different types of cycling trousers out there though, ranging from waterproof cycling trousers, to waterproof overtrousers, water-resistant pants, urban cycling chinos, urban cycling jeans, casual cycling pants and more office-friendly smart cycling trousers. In the below sections, we’ll take a more in-depth look at each of these to find what is best suited for you.

Waterproof Cycling Overtrousers

One of the most popular forms of waterproof cycling trousers are over trousers, i.e. waterproof trousers you put over your existing trousers. This is an option I tend to go with as its near impossible to find good-looking waterproof trousers. Therefore, I wear regular cycling trousers – maybe water-resistant cycling trousers – but will carry an emergency pair of waterproof overtrousers in my bag, if I suspect the weather may turn.

My personal preference is the Regatta Pack It Over Trouser. You can find these from £7.99 on Amazon (for both men and women) and are – as the name suggests – extremely easy to pack away in a small bag which you can throw in with the rest of your carry.

READ: Best Waterproof Cycling Overtrousers Under £50

Water-Resistant Cycling Trousers

Now while it can be difficult to find good-looking waterproof cycling trousers, there are plenty of stylish water-resistant cycling trousers out there. The difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistant” simply comes down to how much water the material can handle. Water resistant gear will usually do a good job in light rain, but won’t last in the downpour.

However, absolute downpours are relatively rare, so my preference is to wear stylish cycling pants with a bit of water-resistance in them.

Cycling Commuter Pants

If you’re looking for a good pair of bike pants for your ride to work or just ambling about the city, cycling commuter pants – like most pants – come in many shapes and forms… there’s cycling chinos, cycling jeans and smart cycling trousers. The following sections will take a more in-depth look at each.

Urban Cycling Chinos

I love chinos. For me, they’re the perfect middle-point between casual and formal attire. They look good with a t-shirt or a dress shirt and they can also be great bike commuter pants.

But you don’t have to don stiff normal chinos when riding around, there’s a great selection of stylish urban cycling chinos around.

Indeed, I recently completed a thorough round-up of the best cycling chinos around for both men and women urban cyclists. I’ve reviewed quite a few stylish cycling chinos in the past few years, with the Spoke Bulletproof Chinos being one of my favourites.

READ: Best Cycling Chinos for Men and Women

Casual Cycling Trousers

While I talk about “cycling in style” on Discerning Cyclist, this doesn’t mean we are overtly fashion or style conscious. I am certainly no fashion guru. The idea is mainly about finding everyday-looking clothes that are comfortable and functional to cycle in.

So rather than ‘stylish cycling trousers’, a better way of putting it may be ‘casual cycling trousers’ – i.e. regular pants that are great to cycle in – whether they be chinos, jeans or whatever type of keks you like to go about your business in.

Smart Cycling Trousers

Many people cycle to work, with many having the same dilemma: should I cycle in sports gear and then get showered and changed at work or are there smart cycling clothes I can wear that will feel good on the bike and be suitable for a day in the office? I’ve always preferred the latter.

“But Pete, aren’t you a sweaty stinking mess all day?”

No beautiful fantasy stranger, I’m not. I don’t commute more than 30 minutes by bike and I don’t ride in a frenzied state. I take my time and enjoy the ride – and by doing so, don’t become a sweaty mess.

Whenever I’ve worked office jobs, finding smart cycling trousers has always been one of the greatest challenges. And that’s why I wrote a guide about exactly that: smart cycling trousers that are suitable for the office.

Again, I tend to opt for cycling chinos or cycling jeans as my go to smart cycling pants options as these types of trousers can transcend styles.

Urban Cycling Jeans

I used to ride around in cheap everyday jeans – and it’s okay to do so – but you’ll often feeling hot, clammy and uncomfortable, with chafing a real risk. But if you get jeans that are real bicycle trousers – you’re in for a treat.

The first time I tried a pair of urban cycling jeans (the Resolute Bay Cordura Jeans, in fact), I was hooked. The jeans looked damn good, but they were also stretchy and breathable – which once you’ve experienced on your commute, there’s no going back. Resolute Bay also include reflective striping on the rear and side of their cycling commuter jeans – which is a massive benefit when cycling at night.

READ: The Best Cycling Jeans Around for Men and Women

There are plenty of other biker jeans brands out there too, including the famous Levi’s Commuter jeans range – which have unfortunately dipped in quality in recent years. Other urban cycling jeans brands to keep an eye out for are  the outstanding Osloh Jeans, as well as Rapha and swrve cycling jeans.

You can also read a guide on the best cycling jeans in the UK – including the best women’s cycling jeans and the best men’s cycling jeans – below.

Breathable Cycling Pants

When you’re looking for trousers for commuting, ensuring that you get a good pair of breathable cycling pants is key.

If you’re ever running a bit late and end up cycling faster than you’d like too – your legs are gonna start heating up, but if you’re wearing breathable cycling pants (and ideally moisture-wicking ones) the damp damage (dampage!?) is going to be massively offset compared to if you were wearing heavy regular pants.

Find Breathable Cycling Chinos Here

Find Breathable Cycling Jeans Here

Reflective Cycling Trousers

In the past, reflective cycling trousers meant finding awful hardcore hi-vis cycling pants. The stuff that is clearly cycling gear.

One of the best innovations in recent years, though, came from British start-up Resolute Bay, who introduced reflective cycling jeans. And, no, the denim isn’t entirely hi-vis. They include reflective detailing on the rear and side of the trousers – i.e. where you need to be seen in low-light. It’s crazy how subtle this detailing is and people are always astonished when I point out that these are “cycling jeans” and then show them the reflective detailing and other cycling-friendly features, because they just look like a damn good pair of jeans.

Best Urban Cycling Trousers for Men

When it comes to picking out the best urban cycling trousers for men, I have a couple of favourites.

As I’ve already talked about in great detail, the best cycling jeans in the UK for me are undoubtedly the Resolute Bay NX1. A pair of bike jeans with plenty of stretch, a gusseted crotch and reflective detailing. I’m also a big fan of Osloh Bicycle Jeans which again are a superb pair of bike jeans with plenty of stretch and outstanding build quality. Osloh Jeans are also based in the New York, so are recommend for American and Canadian visitors as to avoid excessive shipping and import costs.

In terms of the best men’s cycling chinos, I’ve talked about this in great deal in the guide below, with the SPOKE Bulletproof Chinos and the swrve Chinos amongst my favourites.

READ: Best Cycling Chinos for Men

If you’re on the lookout for cheap cycling trousers though, I’d highly recommend checking out Japanese brand UNIQLO. This is one of my go to places for finding cheap, functional and stylish activewear. The gear isn’t built for cyclists especially, but you’ll find a great range of breathable t-shirts, merino jumpers and stretchy trousers – all at affordable high street prices.

The UNIQLO chinos I’m especially fond of come in a slim fit but with plenty of stretch. They’re superb comfortable and cost just £34.90. They won’t last forever, but they’re great value.

• Best Cycling Chinos for Urban Cyclists
• Best Waterproof Cycling Overtrousers Under £50
• Cycling to the Office: Trousers
• The Best Cycling Jeans Around for Men and Women

Where to Buy Cycling Commuter Trousers

When you’re looking to buy cycling commuter trousers online, the breadth of choice can be a little intimidating. However, with Discerning Cyclist, there’s no need for you to trawl the web for the best urban cycling commuter trousers – I’ve done that for you.

Plus, in the tables below, I’ve put together some of the best places to buy urban cycling trousers in the UK, US, Canada and Europe.

Cheap Urban Cycling Trousers and Jeans

The downside of truly fantastic products that combine style with top-level functionality is unsurprisingly the price tag to go with it – and for a lot of people, it’s just not viable to spend more than £100 on a pair of trousers – even if they can last for years.

But don’t worry if you’re on a budget, there’s still some really good and cheap urban cycling trousers out there. They may not have all the flashy functionality – but they do a damn good job.

If you don’t have a fortune to spend, the key features to look for in affordable trousers that are good for commuting are stretch and fit – essentially, are they comfortable to ride in?

With stylish cycling clothes in general, I usually recommend UNIQLO if you’re on a budget. There gear isn’t built specifically for cycling, but most of their range features breathable and stretchy materials in classic designs. I love this gear.

The UNIQLO Slim Fit Chinos are one of the my favourites and a staple of my wardrobe. They look great and provide plenty of stretch, making cycling in them very comfortable. There’s no gusseted crotch or reflective detailing and so on like you’d find in premium cycling trousers, but for £34.90 you really can’t complain.

Urban Commuter Cycling Pants Reviews

I’m also reviewing the latest urban commuter cycling trousers on Discerning Cyclist – figuring out exactly if cycling trousers are as good as they say they are.

Below is a list of some of the best urban cycling trousers for commuters that I’ve reviewed…

• DUER All-Weather Denim Jeans – Review
• Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pant – Review
• Rapha Technical Trousers – Review
• Mission Workshop Division Chinos – Review
• DUER No Sweat Pants – Review

But these are also worth checking out:

• Chrome Madrona 5-Pocket Pant – Review
• Osloh Bicycle Jeans – Review
• Resolute Bay NX1 Cycling Jeans – Review
• SPOKE Bulletproof Chinos – Review
• Ligne 8 Women’s Cycling Jeans – Review
• Levi’s Women’s Commuter Jeans – Review
• Iladora Ladies’ Perfect Bike Pants – Review
• Salva Gamba Waterpoof Over Trousers – Review
• Union 34 Element Trousers – Review
• Endura Urban Pants – Review
• Resolute Bay Cordura Jeans – Review
• Bluff Works Wrinkle-Free Pants – Review
• Rapha Softshell Trousers – Review

Find Stylish Urban Cycling Trousers for Commuters

Discerning Cyclist was created to help bridge the gap between and style and functionality – and showcase the most stylish urban cycling clothes for commuters. Thanks for reading this guide on the best cycling commuter jackets, but you can read more about other topics in the links below.

Best Places to Buy Bike Pants for Commuting

• Rapha (City Collection)
• Chrome Industries
• Sigr (Commute Collection)
• Ministry of Supply
• Mission Workshop
• Velocio (Commute Range)
• Osloh Bicycle Jeans
• Club Ride Apparel
• Endura
• DUER

The post Best Casual Cycling Trousers for Commuters: Top 17 Bike Pants appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

If you want to cycle comfortable, getting your legwear right is your most vital clothing consideration.

After all, it’s your legs that are doing all of the work.

That’s the reason why I’ve written extensive guides on the best trousers for cycling.

And one brand that I’ve frequently mentioned in these guides are Ministry of Supply, who are – in my opinion – the best brand around for providing stylish and functional clothing that feels as good on the bike as it looks in the office. This post is a collaboration with the brand as we try to find out what goes into the perfect pants for biking to work.

Cycling Pants: Key Features

If you want to cycle to work without a change of clothes, your trousers need to:

• Look good
• Be light
• Be breathable
• Be stretchy
• Fit well
• Have deep pockets

Tick all of those six boxes and you’ll truly be able to cycle to work in style. But what do you actually need to look for in trousers to ensure they meet the criteria?

Let’s break it down in more detail:

1.     Hello, Good Looking

Style is pretty subjective and saying something is good-looking doesn’t mean it is. Obviously here you’ve got to use your own judgment while applying your own style preference.

For me, the ultimate test of functional yet stylish clothing is “The Pub Test”. The Pub Test is a simple one to apply: if you walk into a pub, would anyone even suspect that you are “a cyclist” or do you just look like a well-dressed person socialising?

2.     Lightweight, Breathable and Stretchy

The next major consideration that should go into your trousers for cycling should be the materials used and how they’ve been constructed.

Premium polyester is often one of the best lightweight fabrics around that also allows your body to breath. But if you’re seeing a heavier material also used in the fabric blend (like cotton), you’ll also want to see LYCRA Spandex discreetly woven into the fabric.

Ministry of Supply’s Kinetic Pant (which we reviewed here) is my most worn pair of cycling trousers for the past year as they are just so insanely flexible and comfortable – all the while maintaining a sleek straight fit. These pants are so stretchy that you can go into a full squat with no resistance – they manage this thanks to their patented “100% Primeflex warp-knit Japanese polyester”, a material that has been scientifically engineered in order to maximise stretch and breathability.

3.     Fit

Of course, style and function goes out of the window if trousers don’t fit well. And as well as the cut of the trousers themselves, a slightly elasticated waistband can go a long, long way to keeping your trousers in place.

Likewise, one of the most off-putting elements of “normal trousers” when cycling is that the waistline is all at the same height – which can cause a “rear exposure” problem as you lean forward to cycle. No-one wants to see that.

Therefore, by having a slightly waistline at the rear, this unnecessary exposure can be eradicated simply.

Ministry of Supply have gone one step further on this front by providing a stretch waistband with a drawstring – meaning that you waistline actually expands when bent over the handlebars, while providing a more typical fit when standing up.

4.     Deep Pockets

This may seem somewhat arbitrary, but having deep pockets while cycling is an absolute must.

There’s nothing worse than having shallow pockets while cycling and then dealing with the anxiety that your phone and other valuables are about to fall out at any moment as you pedal.

Therefore, deep pockets are an absolute must. And if you can get a pocket or two with a zip on it (like on the Kinetic Pant), that’s all the better.

Where to Find Biking to Work Pants

You can access all Discerning Cyclist’s best cycling pants guides, in the section below. We’ve tested dozens of bike pants over the years to help you find the perfect pants for biking to work – as we discussed in this guide.

Ministry of Supply are undoubtedly specialists in this area, with their tremendous Kinetic Pants and Velocity Dress Pants some of the very best stylish cycling to work trousers around. The Kinetic Pants, in particular, are one of my favourite ever pairs of trousers – not just “cycling trousers” and have been my most worn trousers over the past year.

Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants

Buy Here

Ministry of Supply Velocity Dress Pants

Buy Here

READ MORE:

• Best Commuter Trousers
  • Best Cycling Chinos
• • Best Cycling Jeans
  • Best Urban Cycling Shorts
• Best Bike Trousers for Women

The post Biking to Work Pants: What to Look For (GUIDE) appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

The Short Answer

Resolute Bay, a British urban cycling brand known for its reflective cycling jeans, ceased trading in 2022 after facing operational issues. Unfortunately, their products are no longer available.

Resolute Bay was one of the brightest British urban cycling brands in the 2010’s, bringing forward a wonderfully innovative range of reflective cycling jeans.

The brand enjoyed several successful Kickstarter campaigns and also gradually introduced more excellent bike commuter clothes, including rain jackets with reflective detailing.

However, after a couple of years of operational issues, Resolute Bay ceased trading in 2022.

Resolute Bay Alternatives

• Best Urban Cycling Jeans
• Best Commuter Bike Jackets
• Best Urban Cycling Clothing Brands

In ode to fallen Resolute Bay commuter range, below are some pictures of their previous products.

The post Resolute Bay Cycling Jeans: Are They Still Available? appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.