CHICAGO — Cyclists around the city are changing their wardrobes to adjust to the fall without sacrificing their personal styles. When your outfit becomes part of your vehicle, Chicago riders have to dress creatively.
We stopped some of the chicest pedalers we spotted, surveyed local bike experts and even our staff to round up the best fall biking fashion tips to keep you riding in style.
"Reflective Gear is Key"
Jes Standefer, a 29-year-old Logan Square resident who rides her bike Downtown to work every day, says adding more reflective gear due to the setting sun is important on the commute home in autumn.
Last year, Standefer got hit by a car even though her blinker lights were on.
"Adding additional reflective gear is key," she said.
Some cyclists install LED wheel lights for added visibility. Matthew Churney, who has been biking all over Chicago since 1982, has lights and a rearview mirror on his helmet.
For an alternative to a traditional reflective vest, Tom Krystyn, a member of Chainlink, an online biking community, suggested a reflective cycling jacket from Proviz.
Joe Rangel commutes 20 miles daily. Rangel wears a vest he bought at Target and a whistle for safety. [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Add Flair to an Old Helmet
Clement models her helmet [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Maura Clement, a Wicker Park resident and yarn shop clerk, spent $10 on glue, fabric flowers and rhinestone to jazz up her skater-style helmet. "People stop me on street to ask about it but I feel like cars have to see me, that's the most important thing," Clement said.
Ditch Headphones - Speakers are Safer
Nathan Ozug's Shoqbox Bluetooth speaker connects to his handlebar-mounted iPhone so he can listen to classic rock and county as he cruises on his Velo Orange bike.
The Logan Square resident, who works as a mechanic at Boulevard Bikes, 2535 N. Kedzie Blvd., said his biggest safety-related pet peeve are cyclists who wear headphones and drown out important sounds.
"You've got to hear the world around you. It's funny when I see these kids wearing headphones and helmets," Ozug said.
Ozug's speaker attaches to the front of his bike. [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Ozug demonstrates his bike's sound system [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Wear Layers and Gloves
Adam Glenn, co-owner of the The Bike Lane, 2130 N. Milwaukee Ave. suggests layers for fighting the fall chill.
"Layers, that's the biggest thing. Three layers are going to be warmer than any one coat, guaranteed. As your ride progresses it's easier to take that outer layer off if you start getting hot," Glenn said.
Jes Standefer swears by her black Chrome Industries windbreaker, which she got 4 years ago and has become her go-to piece of bike clothing. She usually rides with a layer of cotton underneath to stay cool.
Jes Standefer wears a Chrome Industries windbreaker and Chrome bag [DNAinfo/Paul Biasco]
Yasmeen Schuller, president of The Chainlink, says she loves Rapha clothing.
"The jerseys are warm and soft and don't look too 'bikey,'" Schuller said. "I've paired them with jeans. Rapha is expensive but I've come to the conclusion a few good Rapha pieces are worth it (especially when they are bought during an end of season sale) because they are warm, comfortable, and so well made."
And while the winter is (thankfully) not yet upon us, Michael B., another Chainlink member, says he's already coveting a pair of leather cycling gloves made by Brancale.
Fleece-lined winter leather cycling gloves made of hair sheep leather, $200 [Brancale]
The Skinny on 'Commuter Jeans'
Levi's new commuter jeans offer an alternative to skinny jeans and have a reflective strip on the cuff.
"They are a bit roomier for people that bike a lot and can't normally wear skinny jeans, and are very high-waisted with plenty of coverage in the back," said Annie Byrne, co-owner of BFF Bikes, 2113 W. Armitage Ave.
Byne acknowledged that the jeans, which cost $88, "don't work for everyone" and some cyclists with especially muscular legs find them uncomfortable. The jeans are treated with a chemical finish so water and dirt are not as easily absorbed into the fabric. In a review, one Bike Hacks cyclist said that they dry fast.
Annie Byrne in a pair of Levi's communter jeans [Provided]
Messenger Bags
"A well made bag can be expensive but it will last a long time," advises Luke Cho, co-owner of MildBlend Supply Co., 1342 N. Milwaukee Ave., which sells a lot of courier bags.
Adrian Clark, a sales clerk, models a Mercy Supply courier brush brown bag made with Horween leather, canvas and brass buckles.
Wondering How to Wear a Skirt?
DNAinfo Chicago editor Lizzie Schiffman Tufano swears by the "penny in your pants" skirt fix, which requires a penny (reporter Alisa Hauser prefers a nickel) and a rubber band. The end result: Biking in a skirt or dress without worrying about it flying up in the wind.
[Penny in Yo' Pants/Spay Junk Youtube]
Check out some of our favorite street style spotted on Chicago's bike lanes:
A Logan Square cyclist near Milwaukee, California avenues [All photos by DNAinfo/Paul Biasco or Alisa Huaser]
Tomoko Shin and Moses Thompson of Logan Square. "I take it off to shower, that's about it," Thompson said of his hat.
A well-dressed commuter wears a bright trench coat and flats in River West.
Hooded sweatshirts are a good option if you don't have or want a jacket.
Cyclists head home on a recent Thursday afternoon, dressed in business casual clothes.
Another cyclist heads home, also dressed in business casual clothes.
Cyclists head west from Downtown on Milwaukee Avenue, a popular route.
Cyclists during rush hour at Milwaukee Avenue and the Kennedy Expressway.
A fashionable cyclist who was a purple blur on Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park.
This Divvy user was rocking a smooth leather coat but no helmet.
Red shoelaces help this cyclist stand out.
An orange and baby blue bike adds color to the streets.
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