November 19, 2025 · 1 min read

Cycling to Work — How to Deal With Sweat

The main reason people do not cycle to work: "I'll be soaked." It is a real challenge, but a solvable one. Here are proven strategies — from choosing your pace to the wet-wipe trick.

Strategy 1: Ride slower

This is the simplest solution and the one most often ignored. You sweat because you ride too fast. A commute is not a training session — ride at 70% of your normal pace. Add 5 minutes to your commute time and you will arrive dry.

A simple rule: if you are breathing through your mouth, you are riding too fast for a commute without a shower.

Strategy 2: Clothing

• Ride in cycling kit, change when you arrive — a cycling jersey made of technical, moisture-wicking fabric carries sweat away, while your work clothes wait clean in a locker.
• Don't overheat — many people wear too many layers. You should feel slightly cool at the start — after 5 minutes you will warm up.
• Backpack = sweat on your back — panniers or a rack bag solve the wet-back problem.

Strategy 3: On arrival

If you have a shower at work

Ideal. Ride however you like, take a shower, change. Many offices have showers — ask before you assume there aren't any.

If you don't have a shower

• Wet wipes / a damp washcloth — wipe yourself down in the toilets. It works surprisingly well.
• Antiperspirant in the evening — apply antiperspirant (not deodorant) in the evening — it needs time to block the sweat glands. In the morning it is too late.
• Cool down before changing — after you arrive, give yourself 10 minutes before you put on your shirt. Sweating continues for a while after exercise.
• A spare T-shirt — a clean cotton T-shirt to change into weighs nothing.

Choosing your route

A route with fewer climbs = less sweat. Even if it is 2 km longer. Check whether there is a route along a river, a canal or on the flat — it is often calmer than the main road. More on planning your route to work.

The bike matters too

• A city bike with an upright position — more frontal air resistance, but better airflow around your body
• Smooth, well-inflated tyres — less resistance = less effort = less sweat
• Gears — an easy gear on climbs instead of "fighting" a heavy gear

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