One type of apparel that is specifically designed for an activity is cycling clothing. This type of clothing is necessary as it adds to the comfort of the ride. Regardless of the terrain or destination, you need to wear special apparel to get the most benefit out of any cycling activity.
That is because a bicycle jersey that is made of a form-fitting material such as Lycra® enhances cycling performance by reducing drag and wicking away moisture. These and other features make a jersey a must-have piece of clothing.
Making a Selection for a Jersey
When selecting a cycling jersey then, check for the following:
- A collar that stands up to shade your neck from the harmful rays of the sun
- A front zipper that can be unzipped for extra airflow on scorching summer days
- Wider-cut shoulders that are helpful for moving forward on a bike
- Sleeves that enable you to lean forward
- Back pockets for added convenience
- Reflective trims for riding at night
- A back that is cut longer to provide cover
If you like to ride in the wintertime, then look for women’s or men’s cycling jerseys that feature long sleeves for additional warmth and materials that feature denser material weaves. Consider clothes with linings as well.
When reviewing bike shorts, you need to consider which padding style suits you best. Shorts are made of stretchy materials that permit more freedom of movement and are designed with a crotch liner that is padded to lessen any friction and reduce moisture.
Choosing a Padded Liner
When choosing a padded liner, a chamois-type liner often minimises any friction and stops bacterial growth. It also is used to cushion bumpy terrains. The padded liner is the most complex element in a bike short’s design. That is because you will find that there is an array of fabrics and thicknesses used for liners today.
However, that being said, try to look for liners with open-cell, multi-density designs. These types of products offer a high level of comfort and performance on lengthy bike rides. Gel foam liners are often suggested for mountain bike riding. However, these types of liners do not offer breathability on hot and long journeys. If you do not want to pay as much, then choose liners made of a closed-cell foam design that provide good performance.
Choose Longer-Cut Shorts
The legs on bike shorts should be cut longer to keep the shorts in place and to prevent problems with chafing. Whilst most road shorts use a stretchy material in their design, they often are not adjustable. That is why some women cyclists choose a yoga-influenced cut for extra comfort.
However, the padding will not make any difference if your bike seat is not adjusted correctly. So, before you try on any wearing apparel, make sure that you prep your bike and have it adjusted so it is comfortable to ride. If necessary, visit a bike shop for advice on making the adjustments.
You also need to consider other apparel such as leg warmers and jackets. You can enjoy added comfort by layering your apparel. Doing so keeps your body temperature regulated whilst cycling. Layering typically consists of a layer that wicks away sweat, a mid-insulating layer, and a weatherproof layer or outer covering.