What to wear cycling?

Many riders wonder what to wear cycling on bike, especially what clothes to wear in cold weather, especially how to choose comfortable arm warmers and clothing with long sleeve. Also, many at the beginning need to decide which things are most necessary, and which you can not buy for bike ride. 

The main requirements for clothing are that it remains dry, comfortable, does not interfere with movements while bike ride and does not affect the stable heat exchange of the body. 

For example, if you plan cycling only during the warm season, then you can safely refuse toe warmers, warm gloves or wool socks. If you plan to start bike ride around the city, then you should wear reflective elements that directly affect your safety.

Therefore, now consider the main types of clothing for cycling.

Waterproof jacket

Often a regular waterproof jacket is suitable for cycling, but specialized ones have a number of advantages that will affect the comfort of the bike ride. 

​​The first thing you’ll notice is the long sleeves and long back, do not choose short sleeve. Because of these details, the driver is more protected, since during the trip the body is leaning forward and this requires an increased length of the jacket.

Most waterproof jackets have reflective patches that will make the cyclist more visible on the road in the rain or at night. When choosing, you should purchase the jacket that is also classified as a windproof jacket. 

It is very important to pay attention at this element of clothing, as wet weather can easily make you sick.

Bike helmet

A bike helmet affects your safety while cycling, so it’s worth getting one first.

“A major study of bike helmet use around the world from more than 64,000 cyclists has found helmets reduce the risks of a serious head injury by nearly 70%.”

Look for helmets with core protection, as they help dissipate the impact of a fall and reduce the risk of injury. Often helmets are similar, light enough, aerodynamic, with a strong shell and good ventilation to reduce sweat.

Waterproof trousers

Look out for cycling legwear for rain protection, as these can be worn over other clothing.

Pay attention to models with large zippers, as they can be removed without taking off your shoes. 

Also, you can buy full Lycra leggings or shorts. This material is elastic and does not cause increased sweat separation during cycling.

Fully waterproof legwear will never be out of place in your clothing set.

Cycling shoes 

The next essential element in a bike ride is waterproof cycling shoes and shoe covers. For those planning on cycling to work, shoe covers are the way to go, as they are worn over regular shoes.

Shoe covers completely protect the whole foot from dirt in wet weather, like regular cycling shoes. They look like long socks over regular shoes, also they don’t cause feet sweat. But you need to remember that this type of shoe is not suitable for longer rides.

If you want to buy professional shoes, then choose clipless shoes. They should be studded to the clipless pedals to help pedal faster.

If we talk about warm weather, then you can wear regular sneakers that have stiff soles, but you can also buy specialized cycling shoes, so the whole foot will be securely fixed while bike ride.

Gloves

Full finger gloves are not so needed to wear in the warm season, but it is worth considering the climate season with temperature drops. Good pair of gloves guarantee you added warmth while bike riding and will come in handy in the rain. 

Gloves can be of different models, but you should take a closer look at the option with a windproof base layer. Thanks to the wind protection, if you wear those, your hands will not be chapped and will be well protected. 

Also, for cold weather, you should choose gloves based on your cycling jackets. Due to the fact that long sleeves can be narrow and after putting on gloves, the hand will get discomfort.

Be sure to wear gloves in the summer, as sweaty hands can easily cause blisters. To keep you from feeling the heat, there are gloves with cut off parts for the fingers, they are called mitts.

Also, groves can protect your hands from calluses and numbness.

Backpacks

A backpack is essential to wear for any bike ride. Most people wear a backpack with fasteners around the body, as a well-fixed backpack will not interfere during the trip. 

If you are planning frequent country trips, then pay attention to wind and moisture resistant models. It is also best to buy a backpack with reflective details for your safety.

In addition to backpacks, there are special mounts, which are a smaller version of a car trunk. This storage space can be attached to the front and rear of the bike. This is the best option, since the backpack can get in the way during a bike ride and make your back sweat in the warm season. This option will reduce sweat and allow you to take more things with you.

Padded underwear

Padded underwear provides cushioning while riding your bike. It seems to many that this type of cycling clothing does not play any role and not necessary to wear, but they are greatly mistaken.

Due to the padded underwear, the trip will be more comfortable and will even affect the rate of back and buttock fatigue.

Padded underwear is available for men and women in different sizes.

Additional accessories

You can purchase a lined skullcap, this is not required, but is good for the cold season, as it will be additional warmth for the head.

In turn, for the warm season of the year it is worth buying a cycling cap, it will help protect your eyes from the sun’s rays.

Look in your ski drawer for cycling glasses, they will save you from the sun, wind and rain.

Short sleeve jersey or long sleeve jersey

Cycling jerseys are completely different in shape, size and material. Therefore, while choosing your long sleeve jerseys for, you should pay attention to several main points.

First of all, you should understand what time of the year you will be cycling, if you are planning exclusively summer trips, then you should choose a short sleeve. Long sleeve jersey provide warmth in the cold season, so pay attention to the composition of the fabric when buying.

Several material options are available from which a short or long sleeve jersey is made. The most popular is Lycra, but there are also options from a mix of Lycra and merino wool.

Jerseys are also quite functional to wear if you choose a model with a lot of pockets, especially if you buy a long sleeve jersey.

Also pay attention to the length. Long sleeve jerseys should be slightly longer when you are standing, as the cycling arm pulls the fabric from the back while bike ride.

Most stores carry a wide range of colors and patterns for jerseys which you can wear. Often they go in a matching set with shorts.

 Bibs and shorts

Choose your shorts carefully, as they are the most important item you will wear for cycling. It is best to buy padded shorts, they will greatly affect your comfort while riding a bike.

Also, the material of bib shorts should be elastic and not hinder movement. Basically, bibs are based on Lycra, it does not hinder movement and gives the skin ventilation in the warm season.

Leg clothes can be of different lengths and for different seasons, so choose this piece of clothing based on personal preference.

Socks

When choosing socks, give preference to natural materials, for example, wool socks. Such fabrics are natural toe warmers. Wool socks should be comfortable, not prick your feet. Therefore, you can choose wool socks, which have a slight addition of synthetic fabric in their composition.

Do not forget about high-quality socks in the summer, they should not be thin. Good socks should be tight, so they won’t cause extra heat while bike ride.

There is an ideal sock option, they are waterproof socks, they will keep you safe when riding a bike in wet weather and will be the base layer of water protection.

Knee warmers, arm and leg warmers

For the cold season, you will definitely need arm, knee and leg warmers. Due to strong temperature changes to cold, you will save you from colds. Leg warmers are important because they cover a large area of the leg and keep body core warm all the time while cycling.

You can wear arm warmers with long undershirts or long sleeve, especially in strong cold temperature. Arm warmers can be optional long sleeve if you are riding in a T-shirt or short sleeve jersey. You can also wear knee warmers with shorts during the early fall when the temperatures are not so cold.

Leg warmers keep your legs warm during intense movement, preventing your muscles from losing heat. Also, leg warmers keep you warm after you stop cycling by preventing a sudden change in body temperature to cold.

There is also such a small detail as toe warmers. If your shoes are not designed for cold season, then you should buy toe warmers for bike ride.

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