If you’re a jeans fan, where you might be more keen on slimmer, water-resistant pants with a gusseted or reinforced crotch area to prevent wear in this region, we’ve got you covered here. The Tracey Neuls are genuinely comfortable shoes for wearing on and off the bike; they allow for effective pedalling, look smart enough to wear with office clobber and have that reflective bonus. They're well-made, high-quality designer shoes, and worth the investment. The London Design Museum called them 'beautiful shoes for an active life' and that's just what they are. If you're after smart city cycling and walking shoes that add to your after-dark safety arsenal, they're well worth considering. The Endura Hummvee Hoodie is a smart leisure option for when you need a warm layer to keep out the chill. It's comfy, not too heavy, and means you can stay loyal to branded bike clothing without standing out on civvy street. Best of all, though, if you need to hop in the saddle, it's built to offer a bit of performance there, too. For sheer versatility on your bike commute, it’s hard to beat a pair of pants that converts easily to a pair of shorts. That’s what you get with the Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pants, which you can unzip at the knees when temperatures rise.

Travelling to and from your place of work using your own leg power is invaluable training if you're preparing for a race or event, while it's a great way to improve both fitness and bike handling skills. Psychologically, it helps clear the mind after a stressful day. Freeze your fingers and you won’t be smiling — get a decent set of gloves James Huang / Immediate Media

Lastly, let’s not forget waterproof shoes, because no commuter wants their feet to end up drenched and freezing from navigating countless puddles or an ungodly downpour on their way to work. Comfort in these shorts comes from an excellent 600 series computer-cut pad with an antibacterial finish. A Continuously Variable Profile (CVP) supplies support where it’s needed most and avoids any needless material. Gel inserts add to the plushness. The fabric in these shorts uses warp & weft weaving for stretchability and excellent movement during cycling. These breathable shorts have a relaxed cut and include two discreet Velcro adjusters at the waist for on-the-fly tweaks to comfort. The shorts include a padded chamois that will keep you comfortable on any commute, regardless of length. This endurance pad is micro-perforated and anti-bacterial.

It’s always possible you’ll wear your shorts in the dark. It might be a balmy summer’s night, or maybe you’ll pair them with leg warmers for cooler night-time commutes. Either way, reflective details help you stay visible to motorists. Commuter Shorts FAQs The legs are cut long, edging into three-quarter length territory, which adds weather protection and stops spray from creeping up your leg. They’re also pre-shaped for a better fit on the bike. These lightweight shorts also include leg grippers and a Chrono Sport chamois that is comfy enough for rides of commuting length. 19. Troy Lee Designs Men’s Skyline Shorts (best men’s MTB shorts) Pin

If you’re a roadie then that means bib tights, leg/knee warmers or tights over your regular bib shorts. The above-mentioned wind protection is part of Gore’s “Advanced Road Seat Insert”. Unwanted frontal compression is also alleviated by the cup. The Chrome Storm 415 Workboot would make a super choice here, primarily because of their stiff sole, which means you’ll transfer more energy from your legs and feet to your pedals. The four-way stretchy fabric – which consists of 70% organic cotton, eco fans – is extremely accommodating, although the quite narrow, straight legs are bound to cling to most cyclists' thighs. The main downside to this, as you'll spot in the pictures, is that you get a touch of the old VPLs if you're wearing padded shorts underneath.

Bib shorts are far from being a necessity, but they may be more comfortable around the waist and aid diaphragmatic breathing. They also keep the shorts hoisted up and the pad in place. While polyester and nylon are both specific types of material, a “polyamide” is a fabric group that nylon belongs to. A polyamide material used in bike shorts or other sportswear is likely to be nylon. Cycling is a great way of getting from A to B and improving your fitness, but it’s not always a pain-free experience. The most common complaint from new members of the commuter crew or those dabbling in exercise bike-based workouts concern the groin area – particularly chafing or, worse, saddle sores. But it doesn’t have to be this way. It should go without saying that staying safe on your commute is your primary concern. The best commuter bike helmets, worn correctly, can save your life. If you plan on commuting year-round, choose one that has enough vents for the summer heat as well as room for a winter hat underneath. Look for a high waistband, no seams in the crotch, and fabrics with a degree of stretch so they move with you on the bike.Waist shorts tend to be cheaper than “bibs” and are useful for convenience breaks if you ever need that on a commute. The Pearl Izumi Men’s Escape Quest Shorts use a SELECT Escape 1:1 chamois that is ideal for rides to work of typical length. PNW has been careful not to make them too baggy. With some shorts, their gross bagginess can leave a heft of material to flap about but the Shuttle strikes a great balance between super fitting, and baggy. This leaves enough room and fabric to move around in, without surplus ripe for snagging on foliage, or the nose of your saddle.