Men's Bike Commute Essentials by Gearcaster

Men’s Bike Commute Essentials

by on May 17, 2023

Thunderbolt Sportswear Mark II originals are Gearcaster's choice for Bike Commuting Essentials

High five if you hopped on your bike on Friday and rode into the office for Bike to Work Day. Hopefully you are now hooked on how great it feels to get to somewhere under your own power. I regularly commute to my office in the city by bike, as traffic is a nightmare and parking costs way too much. To make it there and through the day in style, here is some of my favorite bike commute gear.

Fairwear Fitzwater Stripe Shirt ($89.55): Made in the USA and designed specifically to take you from the bike to the office, this classic button down shirt wicks away moisture as you ride while offering protection from the sun and bacteria build-up. Side and armhole gussets deliver a more natural fit on the bike and the wrinkle-resistant bamboo/polyester fabric means you don’t show up to work looking like a hot mess. One bummer–dry cleaning is recommended for best results but we found you can get away with throwing the shirt in the washer on the gentle/cold cycle.

Thunderbolt Jeans ($200): Office attire in San Francisco almost always calls for jeans but commuting longer distances in denim is not always ideal. Made from Schoeller-dryskin softshell fabric and treated with NanoSphere, the Original Jeans from Thunderbolt not only look dressy enough for work but are breathable, quick drying, wind and water resistant, and super stretchy for riding your bike. A hidden zipper on the right rear pocket creates a secure place for stuff you can’t afford to lose and sized just right for a passport on those travel days.

Saxx Quest Boxer ($29.95): I refuse to wear a chamois under my jeans but Saxx boxers are the next best thing. The Quest features a hybrid of antibacterial and quick dry fabrics with a tight mesh construction that eliminates any bulk or bunching. I don’t need to convince any guy about the benefits of an ergonomic front pouch that gives the crown jewels just the right amount of room and support as you ride. These boxers double as great travel underwear since they are easy to wash and quick to dry.

Rapha Classic Wind Jacket ($220): For cool mornings or foggy commutes, I simply throw on this lightweight windproof and water resistant jacket. Taped shoulder seams not only keep rain out, but also keep your backpack from slipping off. The drop hem protects your backside from any spray, while plenty of reflective hits give you extra low light visibility.

Five Ten Freerider High: I set up my commuter bike with flat pedals as I hate carrying around a separate pair of shoes. The shock absorbing Stealth S1 outsole sticks to flat pedals as if you were wearing clipless shoes. The high top style gives you a bit more ankle protection and the suede look offers more sophistication for the office. This is a Fall ’15 product so look for it to hit shelves later this summer.

Timbuk2 Especial Vuelo Cycling Laptop Backpack ($149): Extremely lightweight and weatherproof, the Vuelo will keep your computer and other gear dry for several hours if you get caught out in the rain. The pack operates as both a flap or roll top closure for expandable volume. Either way, an external Napoleon pocket gives you quick access to your phone, keys, access card, and other essentials. Designed for comfort while riding, the raised back panel is ventilated to cut down on sweat and you can use the hip belt for extra security when hauling heavier loads. One of the best features–the whole backpack is pretty much reflective. Add to that the vista loop for a blinky light (we like the Light & Motion Vis 180) attachment and you become much more visible in traffic.

4Shaw Socks ($25): Yes, you may simply be commuting to work but sock doping is always required.

Untapped Cap ($21.95): As a Canadian, I love my real maple syrup and am proud to share it with the world while cutting down on helmet hair at the same time.

Action Wipes: Sadly, we don’t have a shower in our office building, so if my commute was a little more strenuous than usual, I keep some Action Wipes handy for a quick clean up. These all natural wipes smell great and leave you feeling fresh instead of covered with sticky baby wipe juice.

Terry Doyle




Mr. Mugatu
Mr. Mugatu

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