WHAT TO WEAR - CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

 

So now you have your bike and your helmet. What else do you need? Your clothing needs will vary, depending on what time of year you're riding.

 

Cycling Shorts

 

Aside from the bike and helmet, the next most important thing to get is a good pair of cycling shorts. Don't skimp here - your butt is on the line, literally. Nothing can ruin a ride quicker than chafing or irritation from wearing unpadded shorts or shorts with cheap padding.

 

You can get either the more form-fitting lycra shorts or baggy shorts, but make sure they have a high-quality chamois (that's the padded part that touches your private area). Lycra shorts can be worn under tights for cold-weather riding.

 

Arguments for Lycra Shorts

·          They don't have seams where you sit on them, so they don't irritate your butt.

·          They breathe.

·          They fit snugly, which means that, unlike baggy shorts, there's no edge to rub and chafe your inner thighs.

·          Most lycra shorts are black. Sometimes, if you have to fix a flat or pop a chain back on, your hands get dirty. You can simply wipe your hands clean on your black shorts. Also, some black leather seats will stain light‑colored materials. The black lycra won't show the stains.

·          Cycling shorts have a padded chamois in the right places to keep you more comfortable on the saddle and to help prevent irritation and saddle sores.

 

What to look for in a good pair of cycling shorts:

1.   Good shorts last a long time.  If you plan to do a lot of cycling go to a well-stocked store to make your selection. Flat-stitched seams on lycra shorts tend to be more comfortable.

2.   Look for shorts with a seamless chamois. Thicker is not necessarily better, but make sure the chamois is made of quality material. Note that the chamois is designed differently on men's and women's shorts.

3.   Do not wear underwear under padded cycling shorts. That defeats the purpose of having a chamois as it puts seams (from your underwear) where they can chafe and irritate.

4.   Before wearing the shorts for the first time, wash according to manufacturer’s directions and line dry.

5.   Wear your shorts on some short rides before you take a long ride, to try them out and to make sure they are comfortable

6.   Always put clean shorts on clean skin for every ride to help prevent saddle sores. If soreness occurs, try using a lubricant such as Chamois Butter or Bag Balm on the chamois. Do not use Vaseline, as it will clog your pores and make you prone to saddle sores. It's also very hard to wash out of the chamois.

 

Don’t sit around after your ride in damp shorts. Take your shorts off after the ride in order to let air circulate. This will help prevent saddle sores.

 

Cold Weather Riding

 

When the mercury dips below 40o, riding a bicycle can get downright uncomfortable if you don't dress right. Don't forget, the faster you ride, the higher the wind chill factor.

 

WINDCHILL CHART

Wind or Cycling Speed

Wind Chill Temperature (oF)

5

33

27

21

16

10

21

16

9

2

15

16

11

1

-6

20

12

3

-4

-9

25

7

0

-7

-15

 

Cycling generates a lot of heat, so clothes that are warm and comfortable have to control the buildup of heat and moisture as well as insulate and protect from the wind. For cold, wintry rides, dress in layers. For garments that are next to the skin, wear fabrics with good moisture-transfer capability so that sweat can dissipate to the outside and leave your skin relatively dry (no cotton t-shirts!). You will sweat, even when it's 30o or below, and wearing something that will wick the wetness away from your skin will keep you warmer. Cotton clothing has poor wicking capacity so you'll chill faster. Good fabrics to look for are synthetics such as polypropylene, CoolMax®, or Phintec®. Jerseys with neck zippers will let you adjust your ventilation as you ride.

 

It's possible to overdress. If you're not a little bit chilly in the first few minutes of your ride, you've probably worn too much and will overheat. Working from head to toe, here's what we recommend to keep you comfortable in cold weather:

 

•     Your head: Aside from your helmet, you'll want to wear something that covers your ears and neck. Cover your neck by making one of your top layers a turtleneck shirt, or wear a neck gaiter or bandanna. A balaclava or wide headband covers your ears and holds heat under your helmet. Wear a helmet cover if your head still gets cold. You may need to switch to thinner pads in your helmet to accommodate a full head covering. A pair of cycling glasses or sunglasses will protect your eyes from the cold and the tinted lenses will shield your eyes from the bright winter sun. For overcast days, wear clear or yellow-tinted lenses. Don’t forget sunscreen on your face and nose – you CAN get sunburn during the winter.

•     Your upper body: Your particular metabolism, physical condition, and riding style will determine what's needed on top to keep you warm. Your base layer should be a long-sleeve shirt made out of a sweat-wicking fabric such as those mentioned above. After the base layer, don a synthetic jersey or pullover, preferably fleece if it's very cold. In extremely cold temperatures, you can use a windproof vest over that, to keep your core warm. Then, on top of it all, wear a breathable, wind-resistant jacket.

•     Your hands: Wear full-finger gloves, and if it's really cold, try neoprene, GoreTex®, or Thinsulate® lined gloves. It's hard to grip, shift, and brake with mittens, but split-finger ("lobster") gloves work well. Whatever kind of gloves you wear be sure they have some sort of gripping surface on the palms so your hands don't slip off of the handlebars or brake/shift levers.

•     Your lower body: Legs don't necessarily need layers, but always wear leg warmers or tights when the temperature is below 65o. Your knees and muscles will suffer otherwise. In extremely cold weather, wind-resistant tights will keep you more comfortable. If you wear tights that don't have a chamois, wear a pair of padded cycling shorts underneath.

•     Your feet: Toes are one of the first things to be affected by the wind chill created by cycling. Try wearing two thin (non-cotton) cycling socks instead of one thick pair, which may make your shoes fit too tight and cut off circulation. Neoprene booties or shoe covers will help protect your toes from the wind chill; so will plastic bread bags pulled over your socks.

 

Warm Weather Riding

 

For warmer weather, you won't need much in the way of clothing. The most important things to wear are a good pair of padded cycling shorts and a moisture-wicking (non-cotton) shirt or cycling jersey. A jersey with pockets in the back will allow you to carry snacks or other small items while you ride. Cycling-specific (thin, non-cotton) socks help prevent hotspots or blisters (just like long hikes, long rides can give your feet grief).

 

Remember to wear tinted cycling glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun (clear or yellow lenses for low-light or overcast days). Cycling gloves keep your hands comfortable and to protect them from road rash in case of a fall. Don’t forget the sunscreen!