Look Good on a Bicycle

With rising gas prices, this month's Tour de France, and the fact that riding is just, well, stylish... most men decide to pedal their way to work at some point or another.

Even British clothier Paul Smith was once a cyclist. A good one. But a serious accident — and the subsequent meeting a certain woman — caused him to become a fashion designer. However, he never lost his love for cycling, even going so far as designing both a track (fixed-gear), and touring bicycle for Mercian (a hand-made English bicycle company).

You see, there's a fascination between men's style and transportation. From fast sports cars of today all the way back to the beginning of transportation, there's been a distinct link between looking good and going fast. What started with the golden age of the Tour with their wool sweaters and cycling hats, has continued to this day, and for good reason: on a commute to work you can show off your style, tie waving in the breeze, trousers cuffed to show off your brilliant socks, and the speed to go with it.

So the question remains: How do you look good while riding to work?

THE BASICS
1. Be Dutch. The folks in Amsterdam just barely outnumber bicycles in their city. Why? The city is built for bikes, and they use them. Any kind. And since theft is high, they jump on any beater, track bike, or something built from scratch. And they look good doing it. So go there. Take notes.

2. A cell phone will do. Forget taking a CamelBak filled with Gu, water, a big bulky patch kit and small bike pump. Instead if you get in a pinch call a co-worker or taxi. To take your gear to the office use a small, fashionable messenger bag instead. (Christian Dior bag, $620)

3. Wear your work clothes. This isn't your spinning class, nor is your name Lance Armstrong. Dress the way you would if you were driving to the office: stylish. Leave the bibshorts at home.

4. Consider bike shoes. Clipless pedals, or those that have a cleat on your bike shoes that "clip in" to your bicycle's pedal increase riding efficiency. However, you won't match as no one (not even Sir Paul) makes fashionable cycling shoes. If you're on a hilly route on the way to the office, grab a pair (throw your dress shoes in your bag or leave them at the office). If not? Flat pedals and your loafers. Yup, that dog will bike.

5. Keep cologne or deodorant in your desk. C'mon, man. Even short commutes make one stinky. 

6. Take your time. A stylish man never rushes. Unless he's in a 911 Porsche.

THE DRESS
1. Suits are OK to wear. You're going to work, ol' boy. Dress as if you are.

2. That means your work watch, too. Not your fancy GPS chrono. It's not a weekend ride.

3. There are no rules except the Style Rules. Is your bike lime green, but today you're wearing your navy blue suit with brown shoes? Dress to yourself, not to your bike.

4. Loafers, Oxfords, boots, lace-ups are all OK. Sneakers, flip-flops and sandals are not. Use flat-pedals.

5. Helmets are optional. Ride with caution, but look stylish, and helmets aren't stylish. (Actually, always wear your helmet — our lawyers made us say this).

Stile E. Coyote Recommends:
Bianchi Pista Track Bike ($649)
Jorg and Olif Dutch 1-Speed Scout ($645)

UPDATE: After a stylish reader emailed Stile and told him to go fry fish, or rather that "there's nothing stylish about a Pista. It's like recommending to wear leather dress sandals and white tube socks." Stile and this reader bantered a wee bit. The consensus: Pistas make one look as though they're trying too hard. And yes, though for the price and the ubiquity, they're hard to pass up, style one must possess, not buy. His recommendation? "The zenith of style in the bike world are the 80's-90's steel road bikes. Lugged. Affordable, ubiquitous, and unique."

Remember to send your style comments / questions / banter to Stile. He replies to all. (And it's more stylish than commenting anonymously).

Topics: What to Wear