Rapha no longer make that one!

That was made by Levi’s. They don’t have it listed anymore, but here is their current winter range: http://t.levi.com/US/en_US/category/men/collections/levi-collections-commuter-men?ab=Commuter_LP_Mens_Header_Shop_M_030717

I’m digging the chambray-looking short sleeve shirt with pockets in the back (third image from the top – with the mint shorts). Appears a couple more times as well. Do you know who made this?

Im happy to hear that more people think like this. I just think that if you are a nice/respectable/funny/polite person, then you should up your personality with sharp look. It just makes you more approachable for any occasion, which, as the article clearly says, opens up more opportunities. I really felt this.

Thanks for the comment, Luis. I am still travelling with smart casual clothes these days, almost all purchased from op-shops (second hand) for next to nothing. I carry a beard trimmer which other travellers like to make fun of, especially when I’ve packed a super minimal bikepacking setup. But I seem to fit in everywhere, and don’t feel like I’m disrespecting anybody. I wouldn’t do it any other way!

This definitely brought more opportunities. I was always welcomed everywhere, and invited in, and I never asked for anything. I could blend in better with the locals without scaring them off (you must be polite and respectful too of course). I met this dirtbag cycling from Czech republic, he smelled awful, dirty bike, awful hair and beard, dirty clothes and plastic bags hanging on his bike etc… Im not one to judge, we talked and he was quite a cool and nice guy, but during our conversation, he mentioned to never been invited to someones house to sleep or eat and other unpleasant situations (and he cycled 3x more distance than me!). Im quite sure it was his appearance that repelled nice acts from locals, he was polite but he didn’t care for himself nor the bike. I think he scared people off, taking care of himself would not cost him, so money wasn’t an excuse.

My tip: The less clothes you have, the less you have to wash and the less dirty clothes you carry, I say this is more hygienic that carrying lots of clothes.
I took 2 linen shirts with me (inexpensive ones, about 15-20€), blue cotton pants, 1 t-shirt, 1 warm pullover, socks, neutral nike sneakers, 1 black shorts and 1 cycling shorts to use under the pants/shorts.

Of course we cyclist have our dirty moments, with mud, sweat, dust, etc, while on the road, but when theres a chance, we should take the time to clean ourselves and look sharp.

What Alee said in this post is very true, at least in developed countries like in Spain (my experience). I hope more cycle tourers read this post. Being sharp and clean is also a way of showing respect to the ones around you, which can result in good opportunities. This does not mean dressing expensive.

https://www.instagram.com/lois_bike/

The opposite would be the one who wears raggedy old clothes, often accompanied with unshaven beard or chaotic hair. This person could be mistaken for a homeless, which doesn’t attract crime but also keeps them out of better accomodation opportunities.

Maybe it’s my commuting experience, but for me the best option is to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to blend into the crowd when walking off the bike. Also, a personal grooming kit is not bulky, and taking care of ourselves should be as important as caring of our bikes.

dude, please fuck off with this hipster bullshit! i ve been traveling 120.000 in the last 4 years by bike, all in lycra, camopants anything i could find, had a great time (most of the times)! stop try and make money of off something that is so easy as riding a bike!