Bicycle clothing – Stay cool and dry when cycling

Professional cyclists don’t wear denim when biking. So what do they wear? Clothing that keeps them cool, comfortable, and mobile. Cycling apparel is designed with you and your bicycle in mind, allowing for the most comfortable ride possible. Special materials allow perspiration to escape but keeps out the wind. Each piece of bicycle clothing is designed for a particular purpose, sometimes even for a particular style of biking.

• Cycling shorts – Saddle sores are mainly caused by chafing from the seams in your underwear and regular pants. Cycling shorts do not have seams in the crotch area just for this purpose. Do not wear underwear when wearing cycling shorts, or this will defeat the purpose. The material (usually Lycra) has special seam-free pads to prevent soreness on your seat. The waistband is also lower in the front, since you usually lean forward when biking.
• Jerseys – Jerseys should be bright and reflective for increased visibility. They are also made of special material to allow perspiration to escape, keeping you cool. The shape and seams of a shirt is different than regular clothing, as riders usually lean forward when biking. Also, many have back pockets to carry water bottles.
• Jacket – For the summer, a cycling jacket adds extra warmth and protection for when it rains. Consider one with a thin shell, as it can be easily tucked into the back pocket of your jersey.
• Gloves – Bike gloves improve traction and padding on your handlebars, and of course protects you in cold weather.
• Glasses – A good pair of biking glasses are not dark, but amber or yellow. This allows you to see better in bright or dark conditions. Also consider wrap-around eyewear, which protects your peripheral vision. Look for a tight fit to avoid them coming off in bumpy terrain, and shatter-proof lens against the debris and rocks kicked up from the road.
• Bike shoes – Special bike shoes are more rigid than regular shoes, decreasing fatigue when pedaling. On-road shoes are light and have a very rigid sole, while off-road shoes have a thicker sole for traction while walking up steep trails. Many styles will also clip to your pedals for long range, high speed biking.
• Socks – Cycling socks have seams in different areas for maximum comfort while wearing bike shoes. Many high-tech socks will also have padding in the pressure points where the foot presses on the bike pedals.

For the winter, of course, a different set of biking apparel is needed. However, you will wear clothing that does a similar job to your summer wear. No matter how cool it is, you will still perspire from the act of cycling, so insulated clothing that still draws perspiration away from your body is a must. If the clothing is not breathable, the dampness on your skin will chill you, making your ride very uncomfortable and cold.

 

Related Articles

Bike shorts
For maximum comfort while on a bicycle, wear bike shorts. Find out why this is a necessary part of your cycling experience.

• More Articles . . .