Winter Bike Smell?

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Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on December 30, 2013 at 7:47pm

I've heard that some of the modern technical fabrics are more prone to smell (which is probably caused by bacteria). Wool is supposed to have natural anti-bacterial properties (from the lanolin, according to Wikipedia) and is likely to stink less.

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Permalink Reply by Anne on December 30, 2013 at 7:53pm

Lather, rinse, repeat.

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Permalink Reply by Sol on December 30, 2013 at 8:41pm

+1 on what Skip said.....Natural Wool is the solution. I avoid the modern fabrics and not just because they are not kosher! That said, some don't like the smell of wet wool, but I find it preferable to the stink of synthetic fabrics and it keeps you warm even when wet.

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Permalink Reply by yai danche on December 30, 2013 at 9:23pm

Errr you smell other winter cyclists?  The title of the topic made me think your actual bike had an odor.  I think what you're smelling is the sweat that accumulates on the the back of neck exacerbated by the synthetic lining of your coat.  I use a spritz of perfume on the back of the neck, and then a scarf so the collar of my coat doesn't come in direct contact with my neck.  Scarves I can easily wash and change out every week.  I prefer not having to dry clean my coat every week.    

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on December 31, 2013 at 11:14am

Try cleaning the inside of your helmet. You can use a toothbrush and some liquid dish soap to clean the pads and strap. Rinse well.

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on December 31, 2013 at 12:39pm

I've got a way too sensitive sense of smell and I theeeeenk I know what smell this person is referring to.... it's kind of a metallic smell, almost like soap molecules have seeped through the clothing and are emanating from it. It's kind of a fresh/outdoors smell that doesn't immediately reek of human exhudates of any sort, but it's not overly pleasant as there's an association with clothing after exercise....

I agree that the solution is to wash all of your outdoor clothing more regularly.

 

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on December 31, 2013 at 12:52pm

Or put your helmet in the dishwasher. Top rack, short cycle. Remove pads and put them separately in the washing machine, gentle or hand wash cycle.

Gene Tenner said:

Try cleaning the inside of your helmet. You can use a toothbrush and some liquid dish soap to clean the pads and strap. Rinse well.

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Permalink Reply by David Barish on December 31, 2013 at 1:12pm

This is a problem with modern fabrics all year round.  In the Summer the breathable fabrics really help keep sweat off the body but the stank remains.  Cotton will be heavy and  wet but not nearly as malordorous

On days like today I will use my down mittens when I ride my bike. This keeps my hands toasty but those mittens...smell likef a thai rice dish with shrimp that was left out overnight..after a ride.  

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on December 31, 2013 at 4:11pm

Thanks. I will ask this person if the specific smell he's referencing smells like a thai rice dish left out overnight after a ride.

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