Cycling Outfit
Clothing & Outfit Checklist For Cycling
Its always good to know about the right attire to wear while engaging in any sport or fitness regimen. Whether you are on a bike for fun or developing a way to keep fit, you need appropriate cycling clothing. The main mantra of clothing for any exercise is that it must be comfortable, yet not baggy or loose. Bike-specific clothing can make your cycling much more comfortable, as well as keep you safe on the road. For instance bike riders wear reflective clothing to make themselves visible to motorists. If you are seriously taking up cycling for fitness, you will likely ride on the road for some distance. A number of brands design bike clothing to double up as street wear, since typical cycling clothing in the spandex style isn’t for everyone.
Reflective Clothing for Cycling
In case you are riding on a road, with other motorists around, reflective elements on jackets and pants are necessary. This is especially true if you are cycling in cold conditions when it may be dark. How much reflectivity do you need in fitness wear for cycling? Typically, you’d want a driver approaching from any given direction to detect reflective aspects on your clothing.
The Helmet
The helmet is very much a part of your essential when it comes to cycling gear. A helmet is something that’s part of cycling clothing and something that all cyclists must wear. A bike helmet can work for any riding, athletic or casual. The most important consideration is to wear a cycle helmet that fits you well. Helmet designs have evolved over the years, and recent models are lightweight, yet tough enough to offer optimal protection. Besides this, some are brightly colored and stylish and complete your cycling outfit.
Sunglasses for Cycling
Eye protection should be part of any fitness wear outdoors. Whether you want protection from harmful UV rays or flying debris, a good pair of sport sunglasses is vital. Wraparound sunglasses are a good bet, and offer extended cover. These work well for cycling and don’t tend to slip.
Shorts for Cycling
Shorts worn for cycling are made of stretchable fabric for ease of motion. Bike shorts are cut at longer lengths than normal shorts. Good shorts for cycling have gripper elastic down the openings of the legs to hold them in position as you pedal. A synthetic chamois is a padded crotch support piece in the inner part of the shorts. This reduces friction and wicks away any sweat/moisture. Some cyclists find this constrictive and choose shorts without it. As an alternative, you can wear support underwear, made of flexible fabric and wicking material.
Cycling Pants and Tights
In cool conditions, you can explore cycling pants and tights (worn under shorts or on their own). These also come with in-built chamois, but you get some without it. You get pants that are windproof and waterproof. Tights offer reduced weather protection, but are aerodynamically superior to pants. Cycling clothing offers many options and you should choose the most suitable for your needs.
Cycling Jerseys
Typically, cyclists wear jerseys that tend to be stretchable and quick-drying. You can get form-fitting flexible types or slightly looser-fitting ones. Casual shirt designs that look nothing like cycling clothes are also available. In case of cold weather, you can wear a reflective waterproof jacket with a warm wool lining. These are available without warm linings too.
Cycling Shoes
Fitness wear will always include shoes that cater to the particular exercise you practice. Depending on your cycle’s pedals, you have to choose shoes that match. For basic platform pedals, you can wear any comfortable shoes, covering your whole foot, that don’t slip. Proper cycling shoes have firm soles (stiff) that aid in better energy transfer while peddling.
