Cycling Apparel 101: Your guide on what to wear on a bike ride

It’s always good to know what gear and clothing you need if you’re getting into biking. Bicycle specific clothing makes for a comfortable cycle. Whether you are on the road, hitting the trail, or commuting to and from work. These styles can help you perform better and ride longer!

First things first, let's go through some of the most asked questions about cycling clothing.

What is a cycling kit?

If you are just starting your biking journey, this might seem foreign to you. Just put a kit is an assembly of specified apparel for cycling. It typically consists of a jersey, short and long sleeveless jersey, bibs, lycra shorts and tights, arm and leg warmers, gloves, baggies, socks, and a waterproof/windproof jacket.

Why do cyclists wear tight clothes?

Cyclists clothing tight apparel to reduce the drag created by air friction. The more fitting your wears are, aerodynamic you will be so you can ride faster.

Should you wear underwear under cycling shorts?

No. You do not wear underclothing under your cycling shorts. Your shorts are designed to sit next to the skin for moisture organization and friction control.

Why is it better to get cycling clothing?

It fits, helps you ride faster, its efficient, handles sweat very well. It generally makes your ride more pleasant.

Depending on the weather, the length, and intensity of the rides, cycling wear could change. In this article, we will try to just introduce essential wear.

Bike helmet

Because safety comes first! Depending on where you ride in the world, helmets will either be optional or compulsory, so check the law.

Make sure you get a well-fitting helmet. Most will have a degree of adjustability, and some of the pricier models include MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which is an additional layer designed to diffuse oblique forces in the case of a crash or impact. Added to this, some helmet comes with integrated lights or in very bright colours. Stay safe and get a helmet before anything else.

Waterproof jacket

This is another must-have. The cycling waterproof jackets are designed in such a way that they protect the rider when he/she is in a forward position on the bike: the sleeves and the back are longer to the ones found on a normal jacket. Plus these jackets usually come in bright fluoro colours and reflective panels, increasing the rider visibility and thus his/her safety.

Cycling jerseys

A bike jersey of Lycra spandex or other form-fitting material reduces drag when you ride. Their technical fabrics enhance performance by wicking away sweat to keep you drier.

Jerseys generally have special features that make the experience better:

• Stand–up collar to shade your neck in summer.
• Front zipper for ventilation when your temperature rises.
• Shoulders cut wider for arms–forward comfort.
• Sleeves specially shaped for forwarding lean.
• Back pockets for easy on–the–go access.
• Longer cut in back for coverage when riding.
• Reflective trim or highlights for night riding.

Depending on the weather, you can choose from the varied range of available jerseys: sleeveless, short sleeve, long sleeve, and even thermal jerseys. Check out our website and make your own personalized jersey!

Shorts or bibs

Padded shorts or tights are the main pieces of the kit when it comes to rider comfort.
The difference between them and street shorts is primarily the stretchiness for full freedom of movement, and a padded crotch liner to reduce friction and wick moisture. Cycling legwear comes in different lengths: shorts for warm weather; three-quarter lengths (sometimes referred to as knickers), which are good for transitional seasons; and full-length or tights for cold weather. Check out our website and grab yours.

Now, you may wonder what the difference between bibs and short is. Put simply Bibs are exactly like shorts but with shoulder straps. Bibs stay in position better and have no compression on the waist, so there’s no chance of the waistband rolling down.

Bike Shoes and Socks

Depending on what kind of road you are hitting and what kind of bike you are riding, the shoes might differ:

• If you are a mountain biker you need shoes with durable soles that offer ample tread to grip the trail if needed.
• If you are a road cyclist, try finding a lightweight, model with slick soles.
• If you are more of a casual rider, consider investing in a regular sport style shoe.

Shoes are obviously important but so is what’s underneath. SOCKS are essential. If you want to avoid the summer blisters and the winter cold feet, avoid cotton socks for all but light workouts and wear socks made of synthetic material. Take a look at our socks section online.

Enjoy your riding your bike comfy with style!