Carrying while biking

[1911fan]

I know someone who had a 5.11 t shirt that had the pocket holster ready to go. he was wearing that on his bike, also Galco makes one of those belly band rigs. they work nicely although they can be HOT.

[plblark]

Just please leave the bike shorts at home.

You want to be VERY specific in how you word that request ... Strad has been known to be literal for comedic effect ...

[1911fan]

He can wear the bike shorts, just make sure there is a covering garment. something like this would be best.....

[White Horseradish]

I took my first bike ride of the year yesterday. I carried a snubby in a pancake just past my right hip. The way I was dressed, a 1911 would not be a problem.

Things that make this work:

Lightweight shorts with belt loops worn over the bike shorts
Short-sleeve shirt worn over the tank top as a cover garment
Tactical backpack with a water bladder that has a strap to keep the shirt bottom from flapping

I am unlikely to develop any speeds where the somewhat loose clothing would be a hindrance, so the bike shorts are only to prevent chafing.

I also have a very neat shoulder rig that can be worn under a loose shirt or t-shirt that also fits a snubby. I usually wear it when working in the garage.

[goalie]

Back on track from a much appreciated drift........

Does anyone have a shoulder rig they wouldn't mind lending me for a trial? (so I'm not tempted to buy a Galco Miami Classic on a whim)

I'm waiting for Goalie to pitch in here, it seems to me that he has posted about riding his bike a whole bunch.

While I am skinny enough to pull off the spandex look, and do for actual races and triathlons (where I don't carry), I go to work wearing cargo shorts and a t-shirt, or, in the winter, a shell jacket and pants and base-layers. All of my commuter clothing allows me to carry any size handgun I should so desire (usually a J-frame smith) without being obvious at all. In the jacket pocket all fall/winter/spring, and in the shorts pocket in the summer. I frequently bike before light and after dark through Minneapolis, and carry enough to know what works for me. I would advise strongly against anything mounted on the bike, and would push strongly for you to consider a method of carry that allows you to appear to be getting out your wallet while you draw. Just my 2 cents.

The only good option I have found for carrying in "Lance Wannabee" cloths is a fanny pack. I have a blue one that doesn't scream "gun" but I still prefer pocket carry and baggier cloths on the bike. It's hard to carry when you're wearing this:




(note the India Pale Ale jersey. It's not easy to look good at mile 112 of the bike, knowing you have to get off and run a marathon, but looking down at your cloths and seeing one of your favorite beers does help motivate.....)

[Stradawhovious]

OK, time to come clean. I will not be wearing spandex and a jersey. That was simply to put the more squeamish people here off their lunch. I wear a "bike diaper" (spandex with ass-padding) to help the prostate, and shorts with pockets over them. Also, I would have no objection to a cover shirt either. keep the ideas coming, and I will ponder the ones already made. Thanks for your responses!

[PhilaBOR]

FWIW, I've tried two bike carries with my M&P 40 (not the compact): One: on the hip under a baggy, long jacket. It was a big lump that was revolving (semiautoing?) in time with the pedals, as inconspicious as going on a date with a bit zit on my nose. Two: in a murse: It was a small (8x8x3") pack with two bottle sleeves, like athletes wear (I usually use it training for the Birkie). Two was better.

[Stradawhovious]

Just got back from a 20 mile ride and I have to say that I was wrong about the comfort level of the 1911 in an owb for the duration of the ride. I'm sure that the "hammAResque" covershirt I was wearing (loud hawiian shirt) didn't quite cover at all times, but hell, at the warp speeds I was traveling at I certain nobody noticed anyways. That's probably the way I'm going to go for the time being, but will eventually report on the shoulder rig and maybe even the 511 shirt as they are tested.

[EJSG19]

Just got back from a 20 mile ride and I have to say that I was wrong about the comfort level of the 1911 in an owb for the duration of the ride. I'm sure that the "hammAResque" covershirt I was wearing (loud hawiian shirt) didn't quite cover at all times, but hell, at the warp speeds I was traveling at I certain nobody noticed anyways. That's probably the way I'm going to go for the time being, but will eventually report on the shoulder rig and maybe even the 511 shirt as they are tested.

Glad it worked out for you. (Sorry I missed this thread, I had a funny joke about helping you test your ability to stay with your bike in a defensive situation. I was all ready to offer my assistance, and even supply the broom handle. The mental image of the spear throw through your front spokes, while you did your best to remain in the saddle was comical at the time. Sort of Napolean Dynamitesque. Not that I'd ever do that kind of thing to a friend...)

Can't believe how much they want for a shoulder rig. For 2 shoulder rigs you could buy yourself another bang switch of the pocket size variety. Used maybe. Especially if your owb is working well, my move would be to hold out for the pocket cannon. Shoulder rig might be handy sometimes though.

[justaguy]

I was going to suggest wear normal clothes, but I would have been accused of trying to stir the pot, or a trouble maker.

[rtk]

I was going to suggest wear normal clothes, but I would have been accused of trying to stir the pot, or a trouble maker.

And here I thought that all guys that carry 1911's wear loud shirts and wore tight pants.

[Stradawhovious]

I was going to suggest wear normal clothes, but I would have been accused of trying to stir the pot, or a trouble maker.

Nice suggestion you troublemaking pot-stirrer.

[Pat]

I was going to suggest wear normal clothes, but I would have been accused of trying to stir the pot, or a trouble maker.

Nice suggestion you troublemaking pot-stirrer.

I resemble that remark...

[SheepDog]

I wear a belly band. works great...

[Ironbear]

I might suggest you look into mountain biking wear. They often have the advantages of real biking outfits, without the "bratwurst" look! I have two pair of shorts that have a padded stretch liner, with a cargo short outer, that have large pockets with velcro'ed flaps. They also have nylon strap/fastex buckle belts, which are interior so they couldn't really be used for a regular holster but they would hold a paddle type pretty well.