Author Topic: Managing bike sweat  (Read 3137 times)

unflinching

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Managing bike sweat
« on: July 04, 2013, 09:30:44 AM »
I am trying to bike to work, it is 10 miles each way. The ride itself is not hard, but it is incredibly humid and hot here, and by the time i reach my destination I am a sweaty, nasty, gnarly mess.

How do you all manage this? Or am I an abnormal sweat monster?

destron

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Re: Managing bike sweat
« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2013, 09:44:13 AM »
There is no perfect solution. Your options include:

1. Leave earlier
2. Ride slower
3. Get panniers if you have your stuff in a backpack
4. Bring a small towel
5. Bring ice water
6. Bring a change of clothes

I sweat a lot too generally, but I don't really sweat as much while biking anymore because my legs are in shape. The more you bike, the less you will sweat.

boy_bye

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Re: Managing bike sweat
« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2013, 09:46:49 AM »
I've been getting pretty sweaty on the way in lately, too. I've been bringing a complete change of clothes and a camping towel. Go in the bathroom stall, strip down, wipe the grossest bits down, dry off, and put my clean clothes on. Odor is not usually an issue for me, but others on the forum have recommended using hand sanitizer on stinky pits to kill the bacteria.

It would be better if we had a shower in my office, but this works well enough.

Also I take my helmet off for the last mile of the ride which is for me on a bike trail. Seems to help cool my head off.

jfer_rose

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Re: Managing bike sweat
« Reply #3 on: July 04, 2013, 09:52:24 AM »
I bike in the hot and humid DC summers. Most of the year, I'm fine wearing the clothes I biked in but in humid, high 90 degree weather, I will change clothes once I get to work-- the key is to allow enough time to pass so that you can stop sweating before you change your clothes. That's usually enough to get me through the rest of the day without smelling. Oh, I also reapply my deodorant. I know some people who clean up with baby wipes or a product called Rocket Shower before changing, so that might be worth a try if you can't get away with just changing your clothes.

Sounds weird, but I LOVE my merino wool underwear when biking in hot weather. They are pricey but I only have a couple pairs and I hand wash them after wearing them.

GuitarStv

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Re: Managing bike sweat
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2013, 09:52:49 AM »
It is not possible for me to go 10 miles on a bike in humidity and heat without needing a shower.  I'd look for a place near your work that you can shower at.

 

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