But Won't I Stink if I Ride My Bike to Work?

But Won’t I Stink if I Ride My Bike to Work?

It’s Bike to Work Week, and we’re continuing our Daily Footstep series on getting to the office on two wheels. One of the most common concerns voiced by would-be bicycle commuters is whether they’ll be carrying around the “air” of a cyclist once they get to work.

So will you stink up the office? Not if you were clean when you got on the bike. It all depends on your individual body chemistry, of course, along with your exertion level and local climate. But it’s a pretty straightforward thing to get cleaned up for the workday once you park the bike.

The good news is that most of the sweat from a bike commute stays in your riding clothes. Carry a change with you — or drop off fresh clothes at work if you’re not cycling every day. It also pays to carry basic toiletries. A washcloth and a little soap and water are really all you need to get presentable in under ten minutes. Just budget enough time to get your day rolling without a rush.

Some riders are fortunate enough to have shower facilities on-site or at a nearby building. It’s worth looking for these. You might be able to negotiate shower privileges at a nearby gym or spa. Ask other cyclists what they’re doing.

But there’s no need to fear failing the sniff test. Plan ahead, carry the right gear, and enjoy healthy, human-powered transportation!

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Originally posted 12. May, 2009 | Tags: Bicycles, Bike to Work Week, Commuting, Transportation

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9 Responses to “But Won’t I Stink if I Ride My Bike to Work?”

Stephanie 12 May 2009 at 7:08 pm #

Great tip. When my husband worked closer to our home, smell was exactly his reason for not riding even in relatively cool weather.

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ranjit 13 May 2009 at 4:56 am #

How is this my problem! You don't like the way I smell, get another job.

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Laura 15 May 2009 at 9:42 am #

I cycle 5km to work in my work clothes (admittedly I dress very casually for work) and I don't need to wash or change when I get in. On a hot day (I live in Ireland so they're rare) a change of t-shirt is all I need. On very very wet days (even more rare in Dublin) I bring a change of trousers rather than bothering with waterproof bottoms. The biggest risk to my clothing is oil from the chain as I can't really be bothered with bicycle clips either (if I'm wearing smart trousers I fold over the bottom and use a hair clip to hold it), but that washes off no problem.

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dave 10 June 2009 at 11:55 am #

Don’t wanna stink? One word: WOOL!

Any serious cyclist knows the secret.

Here’s some science:
http://www.rivbike.com/article/clothing/why_wool_doesnt_stink

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- Chris Baskind 10 June 2009 at 12:05 pm #
  
  Yup: Wool works great. I’m glad you made the point.
  
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FoodRenegade 12 May 2009 at 9:03 pm #

I agree!

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