Kilts and Bicycles

**Noobie** · 18th October 08, 04:46 PM

Looks like it can't decide whether it wants to be a bicycle or a scooter. An interesting idea though. Anyway great advice in here. I'm on a mid-range mountain bike doing hills regularly so I'm a little dissapointed by the overall verdict: That one really can't get away with heavy peddling and kilting at the same time - but I did like the packing with shorts solution. Guess I'll have to invest in more shorts.

**GDub** · 18th October 08, 05:55 PM

My band just played a Biketoberfest (LOT of spandex) and I was not the only man in a kilt. There was a guy with a broken leg who was wearing a Utilikilt. First event I've been to where there was another kiltie. Didn't have the opportunity to ask him if he rode a bike kilted...

**CDNSushi** · 22nd October 08, 05:45 PM

I too wonder about bicycling and motorbiking in a kilt (yeah, I've read through some of the old threads on the topic) -- and before anyone says "don't" -- they must realize that my situation is Japan is a little different than back home in N. America.

In Japan (like much of Asia) getting around by bicycle or motorbike is the de facto standard for getting around -- especially short distances, which tends to be my case. I would not wear my kilt on a long ride (especially when there's high speeds involved) but here we're talking like 10 minutes to the store or 20 minutes to church -- nothing nearly long enough to warrant changing and taking a kilt with me. If that be the case I'd rather walk or hire a taxi. If I had to change out of my kilt each time I had to go somewhere, it would no longer be a fun, comfortable garment to wear and I'd stop wearing kilts altogether.

So, having said that, I've never tried to ride a bike with my kilt -- a little too difficult to figure out -- nor with my motorcycle -- again, no idea how that would work. However I HAVE (and usually do) ride my scooters (like the Italian-style Vespa) kilted. Those are easy, but when you sit down you have to tuck your pleats under your butt and tuck them REALLY, really well or you'll be exposing yourself to the world when you go any faster than 20 km/h.. The whole Marylin 7-year itch yadda yadda effect...

**Sionnach** · 22nd October 08, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by CDNSushi

However I HAVE (and usually do) ride my scooters (like the Italian-style Vespa) kilted. Those are easy, but when you sit down you have to tuck your pleats under your butt and tuck them REALLY, really well or you'll be exposing yourself to the world when you go any faster than 20 km/h.. The whole Marylin 7-year itch yadda yadda effect...

I can see doing that on a scooter, sure, big difference when you don't have to straddle. And I do remember young ladies in their parochial school skirts riding bikes to and from school, when I was growing up, but the bike had a nice opening which allowed skirts to drop a little in front- this maintaining modesty. So, I guess its possible. On a scooter though I worry about safety if one goes down, I like to wear all the gear all the time. Maybe someone someday will fashion some kilt friendly chaps.

**BoldHighlander** · 22nd October 08, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

No problem with this Townie by Electra. The sporran keeps the kilt down. So, far at least!!!!

Which model of Townie is that?

**Riverkilt** · 22nd October 08, 08:56 PM

If they made a bike, or bike accessorie to cover the chain and spokes well...then maybe...otherwise, versions of chain grease on wool...or worse, sudden stops when the wool gets eaten by the spokes....you're braver men than I.

Ron

**Noobie** · 23rd October 08, 01:50 PM

Thats a problem even with pants though. I've sacrificed more than one right pant leg to my bicycles chain system. Having the shorter kilt would actually work well in that aspect. Unless they start making ankle length kilts (I'm still waiting) I can't see how it would be a problem on a standard bicycle.

**EagleJCS** · 23rd October 08, 08:43 PM

Noobie, I think Ron was referring to getting grease on your hose. I'd definitely want a chain guard and fenders on my bicycle if I wore my kilt while riding. Wouldn't want to splash anything up on either my kilt or my hose. (I actually need to get a new bicycle - the old frame doesn't fit me properly anymore. 'Nother discussion, 'nother group.)

**Andrew Breecher** · 23rd October 08, 10:15 PM

I've ridden a bike in a kilt once. The problem was that there's so much material in the pleats that it'll fall over the rear tire no matter what. I was worried that it would catch in the spokes. I ride a bike all the time, but I don't do it in a kilt.

Andrew.

**Mr. bone** · 24th October 08, 01:09 PM

[QUOTE=Sionnach;615332 I like to wear all the gear all the time. Maybe someone someday will fashion some kilt friendly chaps.[/QUOTE]

I too am an ATGATT person. I toyed with the idea of wearing the chaps with the kilt over them. I have a UK workmans that has the modesty snaps. I suppose it would work, but havent gotten up the nerve to try it yet!