How to Choose Bike Clothing

Good-fitting clothing is as important as a good-fitting bike. And today's cycling clothes not only help you perform better, comfortably; they give you a range of movement your yoga instructor would applaud. How? Think layering and tailoring.

Layering Means Comfort

Being too warm is just as bad as being too cold. Your body wastes energy at either end by trying to keep itself regulated. The goal is to keep your core body temperature consistent as you work out. You do this by peeling off layers as you heat up and adding them when you slow down and cool off.

There are 3 basic parts to layering:

• Wicking inner
• Insulating middle
• Weatherproof outer

Our Fitness section contains a clinic that explains the concept of layering. It's not just about a T-shirt and sweatshirt anymore. There are special wicking fabrics, insulating fabrics and shell options. Cyclists benefit from the new materials because of the nature of the activity. Climbing can make you want to strip down to your underwear, while going downhill will make you wish you had brought along a blanket, a hot cup of tea and perhaps an electric heater. By choosing the right materials and wearing them as they are meant to be worn you can be assured of a comfortable ride.

Click here to read more about layering.

Bike Clothing Essentials

For anything beyond a cruise on the boardwalk, you'll need real bike clothing. Here are the essentials.

Helmet—Don't ride a bike without one. In addition to saving your skull they provide warmth in the winter and shade in the summer. Some models now come with as many as 18 vents and special designs that channel air through the helmet, around your head and out the back for ultimate heat control.

Shirts/Jerseys—You can wear almost any shirt, but to reduce drag consider Lycra® spandex or other form-fitting materials. Wicking fabrics enhance performance by removing sweat to keep you dry.

Look for:

• Stand-up collar to seal in body heat in cool weather
• Neck zipper for ventilation when your temperature rises
• Shoulders cut wider for arms-forward comfort
• Sleeves specially shaped for forward lean
• Conveniently placed pockets
• Form-fitting cut to reduce flapping
• Longer cut in back

Bike Shorts—It is a good idea to wear shorts made for cycling. They have a smooth leather chamois or synthetic liner to reduce discomfort and they stretch for full freedom of movement.

Look for:

• Multi-panel construction for comfort
• Lower-cut front for comfortable fit around your waist
• Smooth, soft saddle pad to minimize friction and cushion bumps
• Longer-cut legs and leg grippers to prevent saddle chafing and keep shorts in place

Hats—Designed to fit under your helmet, bicycling hats wick moisture away for winter riding.

Gloves—For cold-weather rides, a good pair of wicking, breathable gloves is a must. These gloves should also offer some protection against the wind. In the summer, gloves with short-cut fingers are the popular choice.Your gloves should also have a padded leather or synthetic leather palm and moisture-absorbing terry cloth for dabbing sweat or a runny nose.

Socks—Pay particular attention to your feet, whether you're exercising in cold or hot weather. When you exercise heavily, they can produce as much as a cup of perspiration. In winter, this can lead to cold feet. In summer, it often means blisters unless you wear polyester or polypropylene socks that wick the perspiration away. Avoid cotton socks for all but light workouts.

Shoes—Choose the kind that work with your pedals. But make sure they are more snug than normal shoes (the foot should not shift). The soles should be thick and molded (not flat) for greater power transfer.

Glasses—Protect your eyes against the wind, sun glare, small objects such as bugs, and sand and gravel kicked up by other riders or cars. Always use plastic lenses that cannot shatter on impact.

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