A gentleman on a gentleman's bike. Image by JonasB on flikr.com

The Linen Suit is a long time proponent of cycling and so has signed up for the 30 Days of Biking event.

30 Days of Biking is an ambitious social media experiment that aims to encourage cycling across the globe by applying one simple rule:-

Bike somewhere every day for 30 days—around the block, 20 miles to work, whatever suits you—then share your adventures online. We advocate daily bicycling because we believe it enriches lives and preserves the Earth. A worldwide, thousands-strong community of joyful cyclists has been forming around that idea since April 2010—and will further amass in 2012.

Starting in Minneapolis in 2010, like all the best ideas, it is incredibly simple;  participants just agree to cycle at least once a day for 30 days and then share their experiences online. But it is projects like this that are making cycling popular again and in so doing are benefiting individuals and communities.

But what does the well dressed cyclist wear?  Well, as with any other sartorial question the anwer will depend on the context.  Obviously, skin tight day glow lycra emblazoned with corporate sponsors’ logos is not really appropriate when you’re going to work.   Unless you work as a professional cyclist that is.  Or if you have changing facilities in the workplace.  Certainly if you are cycling long distance or in training for a sports event, specialist cycle clothing is functional.

However, for the average cyclist going to work or college or just nipping out to the shops, your ordinary clothes will do most of the time.   The biggest problem for most men is their trousers or pants hems getting caught in the chain.  The traditional solution of tucking the legs into the socks is less than elegant – unless you want to show off a pair of really cool socks – and the alternative of wearing clips is not great.  No, the easiest solution is to enclose the chain completely thus eleminating the problem.  Personally, I cycle an old English Pashley roadster with a fully enclosed chain so that’s no problem.  Rain is the other big problem but for short trips and depending on how wet it is a regular coat or jacket and a man’s hat is sufficient.

To see just how cool cycling can be visit Scott Schuman’s The Sartorialist blog, where he has many pictures showing how men (and women) on bikes can look very cool and very stylish.  And if it that isn’t encouragement enough; cyling keeps you fit.  And it’s affordable transport.  And it’s environmentally friendly.  I mean, what’s not to like?  So go on, join me and thousands others and register today and get on your bike!!!

Don’t forget to visit the 30 Days of Biking website for videos, photos and stories from around the world of peoples experiences during the month. You can add yours and feel free to submit pictures of stylish cyclists here to.