Cycling Clothes
Cycling clothes include items like, knicks, jerseys, socks, gloves, wind vests, booties, toe warmers, arm warmers and leg warmers. Cyclists wear clothing, not just so they feel good about how they look, but also to increase comfort and performance when they are out on the bike. If you ride more than ½ an hour at a time then it would be a good idea to invest in cycle clothing. A great place to start would be the most common two clothing items people use, cycling knicks and jerseys.
Cycling knicks are form fitting shorts made out of Lycra or compression type materials. The material is designed to sit firmly against your skin; this reduces chafing where your legs make contact against the saddle. All cycling knicks have a chamois insert inside them. The chamois is designed to provide cyclists with additional cushioning or padding where your body makes contact with the saddle. A great deal of technology goes into chamois designs and this reflects in the overall effectiveness and comfort levels. Some knicks are made from materials that have moisture wicking properties; this means that the material draws moisture (perspiration) away from your skin towards the outside surface of the material. Moisture wicking materials keep your body dry and cool and they don’t become soaked like cotton and other materials tend to. Like compression garments, better quality cycling knicks also provide support for your leg muscles which reduces fatigue and lactic buildup. Mountain biking shorts are a loose fit design that look like every day shorts but underneath have a Lycra insert far the additional padding and comfort. Most people buy neutral coloured knicks and shorts so they can wear different coloured jerseys and not have matching issues.
Cycling Jerseys or shorts are available for different applications and rider comfort preferences. Mountain bikers and recreational cyclists tend to prefer loose fitting jerseys; this style of jersey is perfect for those of you who don’t wish to show off all of your natural curves. Cyclists who ride road bikes and flat bar bikes tend to wear form fitting jerseys as they create less wind resistance and don’t flap around at speed but still allow the body to move freely. Jersey a fashionable item and colours and styles vary throughout the seasons.
As you look around you will find that clothing prices vary greatly. In most cases the price reflects the quality of the garment, how well it fits and works and how long it lasts. Where possible, you should always try the garment on before you buy; remember, fit and comfort are looking great are the priorities!
Quality clothing brands like Sugoi, Limar and Netti offer a diverse range of cycle clothing options so you are bound to find something that works for you. Sugoi offers an extensive range of thermal lined winter cycling garments that will protect you from the elements and keep you toasty warm. You will also find specialty wet weather garments that are light weight and completely water proof.
