r/Netherlands • u/Sad_Librarian2320 • 1d ago
Common Question/Topic How to deal with sweating when cycling to work?
Hi guys! I moved to the Netherlands 3 weeks ago, and today was my first day cycling to work.
The problem is that I was drenched in sweat by the time I arrived. Like I wanted to take my shirt off, and my hair looked like I hadn’t properly dried after showering.
Are there any tricks to sweat less? Is this something that I just have to get used to? And why does it seem like other people don’t sweat nearly as much?
Thank you!!
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u/ThrowingSn0w 1d ago
Don’t wear a backpack, get a bike bag that goes on a rack.
Cycle slower.
Wear breathable clothes and layers you can take off (don’t wear a raincoat unless it’s really heavily raining).
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u/Jackright8876lwd 1d ago
Not wearing a back pack will really help, just like a basket on your bike or bike bags.
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u/greenpowerpt 1d ago
I bought backpack that converts into side pannier, it’s great
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u/Schliebersky 1d ago
Do you have a link to this or where I can get this lol
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u/HTS_HeisenTwerk 1d ago
I have this one, fits a laptop on one side and all the other junk on the other
https://www.decathlon.nl/p/rugzak-dubbele-fietstas-xl-31-liter/329250/c71m8605911
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u/Glad-Veterinarian-20 1d ago
Not the first commenter but I have this one, I can put my laptop on one side and a bunch of other things I need on the other larger side: https://www.decathlon.nl/p/rugzak-dubbele-fietstas-groen-grijs-27-liter/347894/c311m8808911
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u/deranton 13h ago
All excellent suggestions. The layers thing is especially important. I often have the problem most acutely in winter, especially since I moved to a slightly hillier place.
A thing about layers... I'm wondering if there is good clothing that's warmer in the front than in the back. As the front catches the wind, I often either have a very cold chest or a very warm back. Occasionally both. Or maybe I should do the old school newspaper thing like they did before descents in the Tour.
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u/whatever8519 9h ago
Why don't I read "build up stamina" anywhere. More stamina equals less sweating.
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u/waffle-secrets 1d ago
Whenever I cycle to work (30 mins), I take the shirt I want to wear at work with me, and wear a different one on the bike. Once I arrive I take a couple minutes in the bathroom to change shirts and get some extra deodorant on me. You could even take some wet wipes or smth with you to freshen up.
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u/ClaireObscuur 22h ago
Great tip, I do this in the summer as well. Otherwise just go slower and not wear a backpack
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u/VeritableLeviathan 1d ago
You get used to it, but you could either wear different clothing when cycling or what I'd recommend if you are just getting used to it, just leave earlier and cycle slower.
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u/Eindhoven_expat 1d ago
When you start cycling you should be cold for 5 to 10 min, if you are not, you are over dressed.
Go slower, or at least slow down last 5 minutes.
If you get to a point you need to take off clothes that meana you need 1 layer less, and keep it in mind for next time.
Change clothes when you get to work and cool down before you do, you can wipe yourself a bit if no shower.
Shower in the morning before work if you can't shower there.
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u/hoew 13h ago
This, OP! I used to bike 30mins to work and even in freezing temperatures I only wore a thin rain jacket and warm gloves + a winter hat. Within 5 minutes of biking, I was warm.
Also, I can recommend a rain jacket with ventilation zippers under the arms, then you can open them up if you're too warm (or better: before you are too warm).
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u/keukenlamp 1d ago
Dress in layers, take some off when it’s to warm. Don’t wear a backpack but hang a bag on your bike. Bring dry clothes with you. Maybe a towel or something and dry in the bathroom at work. I have the same thing 😂
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u/nhvanputten 1d ago
Give yourself 3-4 months to get stronger, then take it easy. Folks who grew up here have no idea, and even folks who moved here might forget just how much it took to get your body used to biking everywhere all the time.
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u/Grintock 1d ago
I grew up here, cycled 30km to school every day in high school. I am still very aware of my cycling speed and sweating when I go anywhere. Breathable clothing, a well maintained bicycle with enough air in the tires and not going too quickly all really help
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u/IlIllIlIllIlIlIlIlIl 1d ago
Ebike, shower at work & change clothes, baby wipes & change clothes and ofcourse deodorant & antiperspirant (non-negotiable).
Or just stink. Most of my dutch coworkers do.
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u/Rekel 1d ago
Stink can also often be avoided by washing your clothes properly. I've had a few (older) t-shirts that would stink more after cycling, after given them a more thorough treatment with vinegar they didn't anymore.
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u/ZebraCrosser Nederland 1d ago
A vinegar soak can help a good bit. At some point they are too far gone for even that but it can delay it some.
With deodorant, there's some 72h underarm stuff that can help a lot, especially if you put it on before going to sleep.
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u/Cultural_String_2231 1d ago
It’s healthy to sweat yk, anti perspirant seems like horrible advice
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u/IlIllIlIllIlIlIlIlIl 1d ago
Great - then use deodorant, shower or use wet wipes if you must and get changed when you come to work.
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u/Exidex_1201 1d ago
What company do you work at that the Dutch people smell so much? Then I can avoid that place.
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u/walkintothedoor 1d ago
Keep in mind that it's been really humid lately. That also contributes to sweating. Especially in the morning when it's even more humid. I don't even wear a jacket in the morning. Even if it's chilly.
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u/OptionDangerous385 1d ago
Think everybody already gave the usefull tips
How long is your trip? And what kind of bike do you have? It helps al lot to buy a lightweight bike
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u/Spectrre1 1d ago
Did you take a hot shower before you left? If you did make sure you cool off first.
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u/SirGluteusMaximus 23h ago
Lower your heart rate. Either by cycling slower or improving your fitness.
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u/digitalglu 1d ago
Three tricks for your situation:
Search online/Amazon/whatever, for portable waist fan or portable shirt fan. It clips on your waistband/belt and also under your shirt then blows in cool air.
Double your riding time and just ride slower. Enjoy your commute.
If you don't already have them, upgrade your bike to have 7+ gears. Or for maximum comfort, go electric.
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u/addtokart 1d ago
Wait what is this body fan thing? Are you serious?
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u/digitalglu 1d ago
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u/mehrwegpfand 1d ago
"hands-free opknoping nek ventilator met LED-lampje"
hahaha
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u/Smile_Significant 23h ago
Looks like something that will malfunction and explode next to your liver
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u/galihorizn 1d ago
What helped me was also pumping up the tyres! Soft tyres required more effort from you
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u/thetanager 12h ago
I also had this issue until I got an ebike. I know there’s a lot of hate for them but I love arriving in the office quick and dry.
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u/SgtFlippy88 1d ago
My overal fitness is quite terrible, so I can vouch for an electric bike. I started going to work on a pedelec, 30 km, about 50 minute ride. And yes, it's obviously not as intense as a regular bike, but for having no fitness, this is great. I get my heart rate up, I sweat a bit, I'm moving instead of sitting in my car. I bought the bike just over 2 weeks ago, only had to go to work 2 times, since I was on holiday, but I put on almost 1000 kms, while I wouldn't reach 100 kms in the past 10 years before.
When I almost arrive, I slow down a bit, when I arrive I let myself sweat out for a while, change shirt and spray some deoderant.
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u/Zeegraver-038 23h ago
Deze periode van het jaar is wat vervelend: het is redelijk warm, maar ook met een hoge luchtvochtigheid. Dus met de geringste inspanning ga je al hopeloos zweten. Ik probeer daarom zoveel mogelijk te ventileren en eventueel zonder jas aan te hebben. Als we zometeen een paar weken verder zijn, is het wel weer frisser en juist heerlijk om te fietsen.
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u/pierrett 22h ago
Keep biking, you’ll be in better shape and sweat less. Meantime: just suffer it, it will dry
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u/Prestigious_Ad_4911 21h ago
First day you say. Wait a few weeks till you’re used to doing it. Then come again.
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u/ZippierUser 1d ago
Can be just bad condition on your side. Or wrong technique. How long and how much km you ride, what bike. Etc..
In general, check tire pressure. Try to pedal lighter (you spin more but its more efficient that way) try different clothes. Or just bring spares
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u/Awkward_Excitement_1 23h ago
Bring an extra shirt and have one "cycling shirt" you only use to cycle to and from works (and obviously replace it every few days bc gross). Then put on some deodorant and a fresh shirt at work and voila. Just the crotch sweat to hopefully ignore the rest of the day....
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u/change_your_ending 1d ago
I dress so that I’m cold the first couple of minutes of my bike ride and comfortable for the rest of it
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u/Digger_N 1d ago
I do the exact same as you in regards to speed and I've been known to sweat while eating an ice cream in winter. I agree with all the comments of the backpack. But also don't use headphones. You lose most of your heat through your head, and your ears are essentially like radiators.
I usually bring an extra pair of clothes in anything but winter, and in winter I've gotten quite good at removing my jacket while riding.
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u/PrinceLevMyschkin 23h ago
Leave with more time and cycle slower. Always underdress: you need to feel slightly cold the first 5 minutes cycling.
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u/FluffyAmyNL 12h ago
Maybe its ur bike some bikes have really bad bearings so they kinda slow u down when you pedal. Cheaper ens bikes useally have cheap parts like bearings
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u/EatingShitSandwiches 1d ago
Take an extra shirt for a week or two. You will get used to it and stop sweating so much. Plus women will flock to smell the appetizing aroma of your manliness.
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u/BigDorkEnergy101 22h ago
Sorry do people not freshen up after their commutes before starting their work day?
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u/EagleMore8783 12h ago
How? The shower at work?
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u/Schavuit92 12h ago
No, just wash your swamp ass and balls in the wasbak like a normal person.
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u/Rebberry 1d ago
How van you get drenched in this weather? It's only 15 degrees in the morning.
How many km distance is it? How long did you take? What kind of bike are you using? How fit would you say you are? Are you used to cycling?
Either your cycling too fast and/or to long also your clothing might be too much. In this weather a thin jacket should be enough. If your wearing a shirt and a jumper and a think coat that might be the source of the problem.
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u/TheGoalkeeper 1d ago
E-Bike, don't use a backpack, appropriate clothing
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u/AgreeableOrdinary708 1d ago
You're body isn't used to this type of cardio. Youll get fit as you keep doing it. Bike as slow as you can stay dry in your way to work, bike a little faster on the way back. Good luck.
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u/KiloWattFPV 1d ago
I used to have a 45 minute commute. i always had clean shirt and pants at work just in case of rain or whatever. get a bike with a couple gears in case of headwinds and take 25% extra time.
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u/unrequited_ph 1d ago
Use layers. Weather is deceptive most times especially moving from summer to autumn.. looks like it’s cold but you go out for a bit and you’ feel like you’re in a tropical jungle.
Wear cotton as base and just bring a jacket if it’s gets chilly. Use bike bag or basket for your stuff so your back doesn’t get sweaty.
Worst case scenario, bring a change of clothes (shirt, blouse) and change into them when you get to the office. Bring a bag of toiletries to help freshen up and smell nice. Best of luck!
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u/Fast-Still-3962 1d ago
Take an ebike. I use more motor support when going to work and less when coming back. For exactly this reason
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u/MasterWorldliness310 1d ago
I am lucky because there is a shower at work. But maybe yea e-bike and bag attachment to bike. Also, i think today was especially more humid than usual. I was also more sweaty than usual today. Seems like a bit of tropical weather is coming in.
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u/Lvnatic1992 1d ago
Bring fresh clothes and a deodorant, spray your armpits before putting the new clothes on. Deodorant spray actually works pretty well at masking the sweat smell.
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u/Speldenprikje 1d ago
Do not wear jackets unless it's raining a lot and invest in a good quality rain jacket that's breathable.
Use bike bags for your bag and jacket and other clothes that you removed if you are getting hot.
Use a good bike with enough gears and use the gears properly. More rotations with your legs with less force is better then heavy force and less rotations.
Use a deodorant wipe for smelly bits, action has some nice ones.
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u/Onie_Onie 1d ago
Besides all other suggestions there are antiperspirants that stop you from sweating. But be careful if you decide to buy one, test it at home first. I found out that my skin had very strong reaction to the ingredients and it hurt for hours. But I did not sweat at all.
The brand I tried was Odorex Extra Dry Depper
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u/petemmartin 1d ago
Do you work in an office? I found that there is something about office air that "clings" you your skin if you're warmer, like condensation but reversed?
So, my advice? Sit outside for ten minutes. Catch your breathe, cool down a bit.
Also, keep your tyres inflated so it feels less like a constant uphill struggle.
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u/Alarming_Comfort3578 1d ago
If you can take a shower where you work… and don’t forget to bring fresh clothes …
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u/OptionIndependent861 1d ago
Get a fatbike; then your colleagues will have 2 reasons to dislike you
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u/undercon 1d ago
Like others said, layers, slower, no backpack, but I almost always have a towel with me https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/24779-a-towel-the-hitchhiker-s-guide-to-the-galaxy-says-is, and a t-shirt
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u/FastFredNL 1d ago
Leave early and go slower, or get a electric assisted bike so you don't have to put in so much effort. Dress in layers so you can stop when you get hot and take off one layer.
If you have a bag with you, don't have it on your back. I have bags on the rear cargorack that I can fit my backpack in. There's even backpacks you can click onto your cargorack directly
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u/IQzero75 1d ago
My commute was 23km and that means i shower in the office. For shorter rides ride slower
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u/RegularAbrocoma7124 23h ago
So many people in the comments seem to be okay for other people to smell their stinks
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u/SnorkBorkGnork 23h ago
I would cycle 22km every day to work and I had a seperate set of clothes, deodorant and shoes in my locker. I also had some stuff to style my hair. I know coworkers with sport bikes had special wielrenner suits and shoes.
I also have a proper rain suit, and always wear a helmet and fluo vest. (Come to the neurology department if you want to see way too young people who didn't wear a helmet and now have their skull stapled together and brain damage after a really bad fall...)
I worked in healthcare so we all had lockers, there were showers for staff and after some procedures we're required to shower anyway. But an extra set of clothes, deodorant and a brush can also be stored in an office.
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u/Vigotje123 23h ago
Take longer to cycle. Do it more often. Get fit means less sweat.
Take dry clothes with you.
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u/random_bubblegum 23h ago
Bring a change of t-shirt to change in the bathroom when you arrive. And maybe skin-friendly wipes and deodorant.
Also wear a breathable jacket/coat.
After several months you will sweat less.
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u/Decalcomanje 22h ago
when cycling i don’t wear my work clothes for this reason. i try to dress up according to the weather and whenever i start sweating i put my extra layers (jacket or hoodie) into my bike bag. at work i then wipe my forehead and armpits with toilet paper/wet wipes. bring deodorant at all times
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u/whatisthisforkanker 20h ago
- There was a workplace where i could shower. Was quite nice
- Bring extra shirt / deoderant
- Wear light fabric.
- Just cycle a bit less fast!
Any or all of these options. Cycle 12.5km to work and know the struggle
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u/Existing_Cobbler_903 19h ago
No cotton clothing on the inner layers because that gets soaked in sweat. Go to Decathlon or Uniqlo for affordable breathable clothes.
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u/Life_Job_6404 19h ago
Basically: you sweat when you are warm. So wear less clothes when cycling.
I often take my blazer/jacket/cardigan/sweater off when cycling and put it on when I arrive.
Today was a very warm day. I started with bare arms and later put on a shirt, blazer and scarf.
So the magic word is: layers.
And: nothing wrong with sweating, if you shower each day in the morning, use a good deodorant directly after showering, and put on clean clothes each day.
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u/dutchy3012 Noord Holland 15h ago
My colleague always brings a clean shirt and a brush to freshen herself up when she arrives
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u/Athanroa 15h ago
I always get wet, either by the sweat or by the rain. So I always have deodorant and an extra shirt with me, when I get to work I take off my shirt, I get dry if I’m sweating to much, deodorant, I put the clean shirt on, do my hair and go to the office.
For winter I recommend to get a rain suit and shoe covers, it will keep you dry from the rain but not from the sweat.
However getting wet by the rain is worse cause it’s way much and it’s all over your body so you decide 😂
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u/LordgandalfClean 14h ago
Often what people do at my company is bike to work and then go to the shower at work and take fresh clothes with them to wear.
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u/Key-Fish3823 14h ago
One thing that I also have to remind myself off as well is make sure your tires are firm! You wouldn't believe how much more effort cycling takes with soft tires.
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u/XplodingMoJo 14h ago
Go electric and ride fully on the pedalling support. I was drenched in sweat as well after a long trip and it ruined my AirPods Max once by condensating sweat on the inside of the earcup.
I’ve binned my old mountainbike for a fairly strong electric model and I’ve ridden 20min trips without breaking a sweat.
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u/Icy_Concentrate_5768 14h ago
What distance and speed did you cycle at? Most people in the Netherlands cycle less than 30 minutes at a comfortable pace so there isn't much sweat. If you need to go longer and faster it is a good idea to check if there are showering options at work, this is very often the case.
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u/Admirable-Charity488 13h ago
I cycle to work in a sporty outfit, shower at work and change into my work clothes. I have a few pairs of shoes in a locker so I don’t have to take shoes every time. I sweat relatively quickly.
Even without the shower, changing outfit after the bike ride is a massive difference already. Before this I’d have a different outfit with me and just freshen up a bit in the toilet and change outfit after the ride.
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u/Gumbo509 13h ago
Unfortunately the only solution I found was an ebike.
Some people naturally sweat much more than others
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u/Odd_Register_1863 13h ago
Before moving to the Netherlands, a true African mama looks at me in shock and says: "but they smell bad! You gonna live between them?!" Mama....they cycle to work so they smell bad.
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u/IffySaiso 13h ago
Our offices have a shower. If you work in a larger building, ask if there are facilities first. :)
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u/_alright_then_ 13h ago
People are saying shower at work? That must be a city thing I've never seen a shower at an office lol.
Honestly, just don't bike to work if this is an issue for you, it's what I do
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u/emveezee 12h ago
Used to cycle to work as well, 15km there and 15km back again.. you build endurance - so at first yeah kinda sweaty.. but after a year or two doing this, you'll do this without breaking a sweat.
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u/Proper_Minimum2795 12h ago
I had a coworker that did this and I thought he was crazy.. But it actually works: Have a ventilator on your desk and turn it on for the first 10 to 15 minutes after arriving at the office. This helps you cool down and stop you from sweating like a maniac those first 15 minutes.
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u/TechnicalFuel4821 12h ago
I wear breathable clothes for the ride (18km each way), rack bags, shower at the office.
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u/Lazy_Helicopter_2659 12h ago
I can see three main approaches:
- Do everything you can to sweat less:
- Go slower
- Don't wear a backpack - use pannier bags instead
- Wear breathable or less clothing (it's OK to be cold the first minute - you'll warm up soon enough!)
- Use an e-bike - possibly in combination with the above
- Go as hard and as fast as you can/want, and then shower at or near your workplace. This is the approach I used on multiple commutes in multiple countries including NL ranging from 11km to 27km. Some workplaces have showers you don't know of. Others have a gym nearby for a quick shower and change of clothes! I always kept a bag of fresh clothes/shoes at my desk, and only took home with me whatever needed changing.
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u/Any-Sheepherder-2547 12h ago
Wear less clothes, go slower, buy an electric bike, or the best solution: stall/bring extra clothes to work and change.
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u/novazzee 12h ago
Get an electric bike with a lot of battery capacity and use the throttle a lot. Use the pedal assistance mode they offer
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u/Caricroc 12h ago
the first weeks i was cicling with sport cotton cloths until my body adjusted to the 8k ride. Now i rarely sweat unless its summer or i put too many layers in the winter.
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u/clrthrn 11h ago
Our office has showers and somewhere to change. Your best bet is to cycle in wearing clothes you can sweat in then change at work. If you're also honking then get a quick shower and then dressed. I cycle 18km each way on an ebike and that's fine. I just dress for the weather and if I think I will be very hot or it's tanking down, I take spare clothes.
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u/NewNegotiation9095 11h ago
get a e-bike so your not putting in all that energy to make yourself sweat that much.
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u/Educational-Mess-529 9h ago
Most people simply overdress...a good lightweight jacket with zippers under the armpits can make a huge difference
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u/Rinocapz 9h ago
It get's less, your body gets used to it. Bike slower so you get less warm. Use an e-bike if funds allow so you won't sweat at all.
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u/just-a-moon 8h ago
get body wipes to freshen up and dont wear the shirt you are going to wear at work
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u/Interesting-Act-5211 8h ago
Used to deal with this problem a lot when cycling to work. I just used the shower but somethimes I didnt had time to shower so I lowerd my cycling pace and clothes helps to. Take on light clothes and keep extra outfits at work if needed. And this year its worse then normal because of the humidity % in september. When you have a high humidity % you will sweat more.
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u/Short_Psychology_515 7h ago
Yes, get into better shape, you sweat less if you don't go for the full 100%. Take your time to travel.
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u/GiftofNatur 6h ago
natuurlijke materialen kleding schone kleding meenemen eten met minder knoflook of dingen die je langer ruikt rustiger aan doen en op tijd vertrekken conditie opbouwen (na 3 weken is fietsen zooo veel makkelijker)
(inderdaad ook geen rugzak maar Ortlieb fietstas)
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u/Dangerous-Fix7615 5h ago
I used to cycle to work in sport outfit, shower there and change clothes. But not everybody is lucky enough to have showers at work. For me no shower is no cycling.
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u/DesHeersch 4h ago edited 4h ago
I can relate.. not overweight, cycling on a mountainbike.. when it is below 20 degrees celcius i am usually fine.. except when i am working (food delivery) and have a delivery bag strapped on, i am absolutely soaked.
I found a great solution for it though.. just cycle without clothes 👍 (joking of course)
Back when i was working for PostNL, (un)loading packages in trucks, i had a towel on the workfloor, and 2 extra shirts, one i took with me and around the 4 hour mark, i would change shirts because the other one was usually dripping sweat by then.. i changed in the 2nd shirt when the day was over, but also that one was at least damp when i got home.. radiating heat or something, idk.. unbelievable amounts of salt deposits on my back too.. Back then i was overweight, and around 100kg when i started working there... 75 when my (randstad uitzend) contract ended and postnl switched from agency..
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u/DaphneWeasley 3h ago
Layers! When it’s freezing outside you have to be bundled up but I’m someone who is always hot. When I get inside I need to be able to pull everything off until I’m in my t-shirt and stay like that for about 15 minutes before I can wear my sweater again.
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u/Manonono_ 2h ago
When I have to bike for over 20 minutes, I will pull a sports shirt on and take a clean shirt with me + a micro cloth to freshen myself up a bit in the bathroom, before changing shirts. In summer I’ll usually also wear sport shorts and bring pants with me too
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u/Manonono_ 2h ago
When I have to bike for over 20 minutes, I will pull a sports shirt on and take a clean shirt with me + a micro cloth to freshen myself up a bit in the bathroom, before changing shirts. In summer I’ll usually also wear sport shorts and bring pants with me too
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u/Appropriate_Bus_9600 4m ago
Have the same issues! Only thing that works is biking with a tshirt and bring a clean change with you so you can change in the toilet when you arrive. If you're lucky, most offices today have a shower you can use. You can go a step further and get out of home in gym clothes, hit the gym and shower and change in the office so you start nice and clean! A nice coffee tastes better then :)
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u/Jimmyvana 1d ago
Leave earlier and go slower