17 Jan Starter Guide to Cycling Clothing

Many activities have unique or special clothing to wear.  Cycling is no different – it is an all-purpose sport.  We cycle for a quick trip to shop sometimes, to work or for racing.  Each one requires special clothing.  This guide is for beginner cyclists who are not sure what is the best type of clothing to wear for sport and leisure.

Street clothes are not optimal when cyclists are riding for sport or exercise.  Leisurely rides to and from the store or work could be done in every day clothing.  But, for those of us who are training (even beginners) you really need special clothing built for cycling.  If you are going far or fast – or when the weather is good or bad – you will be much more comfortable and perform better in clothing specifically made for cycling.

If you are thinking cycling gear looks uncomfortable – some can be – but most is not.  You can find very comfortable gear that is not too tight or abrasive.

What makes cycling gear better?

1 – The way it fits your body.  Cycling gear is designed to be worn in the position a cyclist is in, leaning over the handlebars.  Shirts as well as jackets are longer in the back to keep your lower back covered.  Leggings and shorts are higher for the same reason, as well as specially shaped to keep the constant bending at the knee comfortable.  Sleeves will be a bit longer to keep your wrists covered.

2 – The way it handles body movement.  Your lower body is in constant motion when you are cycling.  The fabric of cycling leggings and shorts is specifically created so it doesn’t bunch up and irritate your skin.  It’s stretchable and breathable.

3 – The way it handles your sweat.  If you ride in street wear or cotton clothing – you will notice the sweat weights you down, keeps you wet and depending on the weather, keeps you cold.  The gear in cycling fabric is designed so that water can move away from your skin and evaporate.  The same way wax moves down a candle.

4 – As the climate outside becomes wet (rain), the outer layers for cyclists are designed to keep rain off your body, while at the same time letting you sweat properly.  Sounds amazing!

5 – You may have also noticed that there is different types of padding in cyclists shorts you may have seen.  The padding is there for two reasons.  One is to provide extra shock absortion on your bottom.  As we ride, we encounter many bumps along the way, and it’s important to protect ourselves with padding.

Another reason for the padding is so we do not irritate our skins.  The padding prevents chafing so very long rides are possible without really damaging the skin around where we sit on the bike.

Finally, proper gloves are designed with a towel like material on the back of your hand, so you can wipe sweat away from your face as you exercise more intensely.

It is small designs like this that create the larger picture of why cycling clothing is specifically made for those of us on a bike.

Stay tuned for our next blog post on more types of cycling wear!