GURU | Lizzy Fallows on Riding with Style
I'm so excited to share Lizzy Fallow's guide to biking with style. She works for Timbuk2 in San Francisco and has been biking to work every single day for four years—and stylishly to boot (she'll even throw on a pair short shorts under a dress). Below is her guide to biking with style in different seasons, with links at the bottom. Thanks for sharing, Lizzy!
RIDING WITH STYLE AND COMFORT
By Lizzy Fallows
Contrary to popular belief, bike commuting does not plunge you into a disheveled, sweaty, or even sporty existence. In four years of riding in San Francisco, a city that’s never cold enough to be cold and never warm enough to be warm, I’ve learned to ride like I want to. I’m always prepped for the cold, ready to one-hand-unzip in transitional weather, and bare bare arms on the hot days—in fabrics and silhouettes that do not scream cycling. Given thoughtful dress and preparation, no one should know you’ve bike-commuted. Use the grid below to functionally ride with style!
Helmet: Bern Brighton Helmet with winter liner ($50+); Bern Brighton Helmet with standard liner ($42+); Bell Lumen helmet ($65).
Eye-ware: Lizzy Sunglasses for Winter and Spring (currently sold out, but check back soon!); Ray-Ban folding Wayfarer ($155).
Scarves: Christopher Fischer cashmere infinity scarf ($398); Light floral scarf such as Madewell Roseblossom scarf ($55); Levi's Red Baron Bandana ($14).
Tops: Apolis Breton Striped Shirt ($128); James Perse Boyfriend Baseball Tee ($135)—both long enough to prevent breeze at the back; C&C California striped tank ($22).
Jackets: Barbour Beadnell Jacket ($369); Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody ($184) *note: this kind of goes against my rule of wearing "techie" gear while riding, but every cyclist needs a warm, windproof and water resistant jacket. I often bring a different sweater in my pack but ride w/ one of these Patagonia jackets*; Riyoko arm warmers ($40).
Gloves: Rapha Winter Cycling Gloves ($105); Dromarti Mitts ($138).
Bottoms: Nudie Long John Skinny Jeans ($143); J.Brand Reds ($127); Ever shorts and dresses.
Shoes: Bean Boots ($99); Clark's Wallabees ($119); Matt Bernson sandals ($135 for a similar pair).
Bags: Patagonia Stormfront pack ($279); Timbuk2 customizable Swig backpack ($119+)*Made in S.F.; Hershel Supply Co. backpack ($55).
I'd love to hear any other tips or great goods for riding in style!
RIDING WITH STYLE AND COMFORT
By Lizzy Fallows
Contrary to popular belief, bike commuting does not plunge you into a disheveled, sweaty, or even sporty existence. In four years of riding in San Francisco, a city that’s never cold enough to be cold and never warm enough to be warm, I’ve learned to ride like I want to. I’m always prepped for the cold, ready to one-hand-unzip in transitional weather, and bare bare arms on the hot days—in fabrics and silhouettes that do not scream cycling. Given thoughtful dress and preparation, no one should know you’ve bike-commuted. Use the grid below to functionally ride with style!
Helmet: Bern Brighton Helmet with winter liner ($50+); Bern Brighton Helmet with standard liner ($42+); Bell Lumen helmet ($65).
Eye-ware: Lizzy Sunglasses for Winter and Spring (currently sold out, but check back soon!); Ray-Ban folding Wayfarer ($155).
Scarves: Christopher Fischer cashmere infinity scarf ($398); Light floral scarf such as Madewell Roseblossom scarf ($55); Levi's Red Baron Bandana ($14).
Tops: Apolis Breton Striped Shirt ($128); James Perse Boyfriend Baseball Tee ($135)—both long enough to prevent breeze at the back; C&C California striped tank ($22).
Jackets: Barbour Beadnell Jacket ($369); Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody ($184) *note: this kind of goes against my rule of wearing "techie" gear while riding, but every cyclist needs a warm, windproof and water resistant jacket. I often bring a different sweater in my pack but ride w/ one of these Patagonia jackets*; Riyoko arm warmers ($40).
Gloves: Rapha Winter Cycling Gloves ($105); Dromarti Mitts ($138).
Bottoms: Nudie Long John Skinny Jeans ($143); J.Brand Reds ($127); Ever shorts and dresses.
Shoes: Bean Boots ($99); Clark's Wallabees ($119); Matt Bernson sandals ($135 for a similar pair).
Bags: Patagonia Stormfront pack ($279); Timbuk2 customizable Swig backpack ($119+)*Made in S.F.; Hershel Supply Co. backpack ($55).
I'd love to hear any other tips or great goods for riding in style!
Comments
and as a fellow owner of wintercheck's lizzie glasses, i have no idea how she bikes in them! the lack of peripheral vision drove me so nuts i ripped the side pieces off (which was what made them cool, but i still wear them).
lastly i second the request for a selvedge denim post!
I love riding in my Acne ”flex s wet” -jeans. They’re high enough in the back so there’s no crack-exposure yet they are flexible and extremely comfortable. I have two pairs and they are the only jeans I need: they’re such good quality.
I have two favorite bags for riding: Baggu Duck bag for groceries and such which I wear across mu body; and my 11” Cambridge Satchel which surprisingly enough can hold a Kryptonite Mini U-lock!
Some bad-ass accessory is also available for locks: Color skins for the Kryptonite Mini U-lock. I have mine in purple :)
While the winter gear wouldn't cut it for those of us who bike year 'round in Minneapolis, I think the spring and summer sections are well curated. Bright colors (such as the J-brand jeans) are important for catching drivers' eyes, and can be done well without looking like a construction worker.
I want to read more bike-related posts! It's the ultimate glamorous, sporty, hip tomboy activity!
P.S. The bridge photo with the dress is definitely the Stone Arch in Minneapolis.
@Germudson - Yes, it's Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis. I was there for one day in October and rode all over the city on a Nice Ride bike share bike. '
@Anonymus from Findland - Outlier makes gorgeous stuff. I haven't tried their women's bike pants because I'm semi-opposed to the idea of bike-specific pants. I have two pairs of Nudie long jon skinny jeans and their IDEAL for riding. Just like your Acne's, their high enough in the back to keep you covered and stretchy enough to be super comfortable. I carry a custom Timbuk2 backpack, but I use a Baggu for overflow! Agree on the Lizzie peripheral vision issue, but I've gotten used to and my name is Lizzy!
@That's Not My Age - Barbour on and off bike is the way to go! I only wish I'd invested in it sooner.
@Becca - You are not alone. A lot of women don't ride because they're intimidated by several things, including style. But safety is the biggest blocker. I've written a lot on the subject and think this post will help you: http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/02/bike-commute-numero-uno/71111/
Bern helmets are great...especially the ones that have liners you can take in and out. Can use it for skiing also!
http://www.brookfarmgeneralstore.com/products/Market-Backpack.html
but nothing's more attractive than an intact noggin!
I have always wanted a pair of these shoes and goshdarnit, I'm gettin' a pair this year!
Very nice!
blue and green christmas lights wrapped all along the frame. Very effective. Not sure how they acheived that.
off white outlet
kyrie 9
supreme outlet
air jordan 1
bape shoes
yeezy 700
off white nike
kyrie spongebob
a bathing ape