How to Cycle to Work Without Arriving Sweaty or Stressed

Let's be honest - nobody wants to be that person who walks into the morning meeting looking like they just finished a spin class. Trust us, we've been there.

So we've asked the Newlane team for their top tips for making sure you don't upset your colleagues:

Dress Smart, Not Like You're Entering the Tour de France

You just don't need all that fancy cycling gear for your daily commute. We've found that regular clothes made from breathable fabrics work wonders. Those synthetic shirts that wick away moisture? Game changers. And forget cotton - unless you enjoy that "just showered with my clothes on" look.

We try to keep it simple with light layers - a thin windproof jacket that we can take off when we start heating up has saved us countless times. If your office is on the formal side, wrinkle-resistant clothes are your best friend, or just toss a fresh shirt in your bag. Problem solved.

Slow Down, It's Not a Race

Here's the thing most people get wrong - you don't need to pedal like you're being chased. When we stopped treating our commute's like a time trial, we cut our sweatiness by about 90%. Revolutionary, we know.

Try finding those quieter routes through parks or along canals. Fewer traffic lights mean less stop-start cycling (which is when you really work up a sweat), plus it's just more enjoyable. Who doesn't want to start their day with a bit of greenery instead of exhaust fumes?

The Five-Minute Fix-Up

We keep a little 'survival kit' in our desk drawers - some deodorant, face wipes, and a small towel. It's amazing what a quick freshen-up can do. If your workplace has showers - bonus! But most of us can get by just fine without.

After we park our bikes and flip our Newlane helmets closed (and tuck it in our bags), we give our hair a couple minutes to breathe before trying to style it. Well those of us in the team that still have hair! We find it works like a charm to avoid that telltale helmet flatten.

We think the best part about cycling to work is that you get to skip the sardine-can experience of public transport, avoid traffic jams and arrive with your brain already fired up and ready for the day. Plus, you've got your exercise sorted before 9 AM. Talk about multitasking!

So there you have it, our top tips. Give them a try and let us know what you think.

Your morning routine (and probably your mood) will thank you for it 👌