Redefining Bicyclist Style

Thanks to the rise in popularity and evolution of urban cycling, tacky spandex shorts and neon windbreakers are a thing of the past. For those who don’t want to compromise style for the demands of bike-riding, it should come as no surprise San Francisco offers hip cycling apparel in spades.

Mission Workshop
At Mission Workshop, you’ll find cycling and traveling gear and clothing that’s focused on clean design—more GQ than REI. The shop’s own line consists of technical, weather-proof monochrome bags and jackets.

Tired of riding to the office and having to change into something more “work-appropriate”? You’ll want to check out Outlier’s clothing. Sewn in small NYC factories, this brand focuses on non-restrictive cycling clothing that really doesn’t look it. The handsomely modern men’s pants and button-ups are classics made of technical fabrics chosen to withstand the elements. A plus: Mission Workshop also carries Outlier’s skinny Daily Riding Pant for ladies.

You’ll also find a variety of cycling shoes here that challenge the traditional notion of a bicycle footwear. The Fixed ($159) from Quoc Pham is a pointy-toe natural leather lace-up with a slim shape that slides easily under toe straps, is stylish enough to wear with a suit and available in black, brown and tan. DZR’s The Concubine ($100) is a SPD-compatible, clipless perforated leather slip-on that works with Shimano, Crank Brothers, ATAC Time, or any two-bolt cleat. A women’s version (The Jetlag, $85) is also available.

Pushbike
Pushbike specializes in non-geeky cycling apparel. You’ll find cult favorite Swrve jeans here with seamless gusseted crotches, articulated knees, lower front and slight rises in the back, mini-u-lock pockets and more. Chuey cycling caps, Pedaler bamboo hoodies, Cadence reinforced cycling denim, Modrobes ladies’ jackets and Cinelli x DVS shoes are among other goodies you might find here.

Levi’s
Levi’s jumped on the bandwagon with the launch of its Commuter by Levi’s line this year (currently only for men). Tired of ruining your tucking your u-lock into your butt crack or busting your pockets? Try the 511 Commuter Skinny ($78); a U-lock tucks neatly into the “utility waistband” specifically designed for that purpose. Crotch, back pockets and belt loops are reinforced for durability of known stress points, and reflective tape on the interior cuff adds visibility. It’s available full-length or cropped versions and indigo denim or a khaki twill.

The Commuter Trucker Jacket ($128) builds on the classic dark denim jacket with ventilation gussets at the shoulders, drop-tail hem (no more plumber’s crack!) and rear storage pockets. All Levi’s Commuter clothing incorporate what they call “Sanitized brand technology” for antimicrobial protection against odors.

In celebration of the release of the Commuter line, Levi’s teamed up with Urban Outfitters for a mobile bike shop tour. The San Francisco stop lands in Levi’s Plaza on September 20 from 4-7pm; stop by for bike tuning, customized Levi’s Commuter tailoring and a DIY bike bag workshop.

MASH Transit
Unless you live under a rock, you probably MASH opened a retail store in Duboce Triangle a few months ago. We’re not sure what the store stock levels are, but you’ll want to peep the Martin men’s clothing line by Mike Martin of MASH. Pieces like the Short Rain Trench ($231), straight fit Work Pant ($160) and Work Shirt ($140) are runway-worthy. Or you can always keep it low-key with a MASH cycling cap.

Chrome
Local favorite Chrome has a small but growing cycling apparel collection for men and women. The water-repellant men’s Loop Pro Knickers ($140) are made in Oakland and feature a bevy of streamlined pockets, easy access lock holster, hem adjustment straps and reflective safety details. For ladies, the Vanya knickers ($120) flatter female curves and effectively wick away sweat and rain.

Merino wool hoodies and water-repellent/windproof jackets for both sexes round out the collection and are perfect for fickle San Francisco weather. Keep your feet warm and dry with the merino socks, available in three lengths.

With ten styles, Chrome offers an impressive array of street-styled cycling shoes. From Cordura slip-ons to suede Chukka boots, SPD compatible low-cut sneakers to oiled full-grain leather mid-ankle lace-ups, you’ve got options ($70-$120).