Learn the various kinds of cycling jerseys your can wear when bicycling in thisfree video series about biking and biking enthusiasts. Expert: Mickey Denoncourt Contact: www.spookybikes.com Bio: Mickey Denoncourt owns Spooky Bikes, at www.spookybikes.com. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Bicycle Clothing - What You Need For the Perfect Ride

Believe it or not having the right bicycle clothing as a cyclist can make a big difference in the amount of enjoyment you get from a bike ride. Here is the right type of bicycle clothing you should consider if you want to get the most out of every bike ride.

Of the few exercises that doctors advice nowadays, bicycling is generally at the top of the list, regardless of age. There are many health benefits that can come from cycling.

It doesn't matter if you are cycling to get in better shape, or for recreation, or even for commuting to work-- riding a bicycle today, has become an integral part of one's daily life. And, wearing proper bicycle clothing should be an important consideration so cyclists will get the most out of every ride.

There is a wide range of specially designed clothes available to enhance the experience of cycle enthusiasts both physically and medically. Unlike most sports wear, cycling apparel performs a specific function-it is a technical piece of equipment necessary to make you comfortable while riding.

Riding the bicycle with your cycling apparel provides comfort along with other health necessities. Specially made clothes are designed for exact fitting to your body structure so as not to restrict body muscle movement while cycling.

Bicycle jerseys are longer at the back to prevent exposing your skin when hunched over and come with pockets to keep maps, gels or a cell phone.

Appropriate materials like Lycra and other synthetic materials efficiently absorb the sweat from your body preventing body dehydration and saddle sores. Lycra is a synthetic fabric known for its exceptional elasticity. It is actually the brand name given to certain types of apparel also referred to as spandex.

You want to shop for tight fitting jerseys that decrease the friction of the cutting air and increase the aerodynamics. Other jerseys with neck zippers and 'stand-up collar' seal the body heat and allow proper ventilation. Use bicycle shorts that are easily flexible yet durable. Those with a lower cut in front with a padded chamois inside will reduce cushion bumps.

Biking gloves with 'short-cut' fingers and biking socks are a must while cycling. Synthetic leather and padded hand gloves wipe off the sweat from your palm while socks made of polypropylene or polyester efficiently draws perspiration away. Tight biking shoes with thick sole provides easier paddling to move freely with lesser effort.

Other protective cycling gear like helmets takes care of your safety on the road if you take a spill. Helmets protect your head from bumps and also supply warmth during the freezing winters. With special air channels, they also provide good ventilation in the summer helping the air in the helmet to circulate around the head. A skull cap, a short billed cap, and sunglasses can prove useful to protect your eyes from sun and other flying objects.

Comfort and practicality are the two most fundamental facets of bicycle clothing. You will find there are specially designed clothes for various modes of cycling: racing, cross country, mountain bikers and down-hillers. Having the correct bicycle clothing while riding brings you both comfort and joy at the same time and makes your ride all the more fun-filled.

Cycling Clothing - Staying Comfortable on Your Bike

Proper cycling clothing isn't something that is a must have, it's more of a convenience type of thing. It's usually designed to give the wearer the most comfort while practicing this sport but there is no end all, be all in what to wear or what not to wear. Doing a simple search on the internet for it brings up a plethora of options, styles and materials which can be overwhelming to a novice. There are some basics that are good to have handy, and there are some extras that are nice to have. And we won't even get into cycling shoes right now.

When it comes to your legs and choosing the correct cycling clothing there are three basic types. Regular pants, long tights style pants and shorts. The main thing you want to look for when shopping is a lightweight fabric that is going to help whisk moisture away from your skin and help to keep you cool. Most hard core cyclists prefer to wear shorts or long tights that are in a bib style to keep them up. Some styles even have some padding in key areas to make your ride a little more comfortable. Also consider the climate you will be riding in when buying your clothing. If your plan on riding during cold and wintry conditions you may want to find something that is waterproof or thermal knit to help keep you warm.

Covering your torso and the options for doing it are similar to those for your legs. Jackets, jerseys, body warmers and regular shirts are just a few of the cycling clothing selections to choose from. Again, light weight and moisture wicking are things you want to look for. Many times, the shirts have pockets sewn into them so you have a handy place to stash things like your keys, cell phone and credit card while biking. There are even winter jackets designed for cycling that are lightweight enough to not inhibit any movement but keep you warm in the colder temperatures. For colder weather, you may want to layer several thin layers rather than bulk yourself with two heavy layers. I even saw mentioned in one place, pasties for cycling enthusiasts!

When you begin to buy cycling clothing, take into account the places you will be riding it. A good choice for warm climate riding would be lycra bib shorts and a lightweight jersey. If you are planning on hitting a rainy climate, opt for waterproof gear that will not only keep your comfortable, but dry at the same time. Cold weather riding with snows and wind would turn you to options like an under vest, thicker woven tights, leg warmers and arm warmers with some water proofing to round it all out. Other things you will want to keep in mind when purchasing are socks, gloves, hats and helmets. With the right gear, you will be riding in high style and comfort while protecting your body from the elements.

Learn what to look for when selecting bike shorts in thisfree video series about biking and biking enthusiasts. Expert: Mickey Denoncourt Contact: www.spookybikes.com Bio: Mickey Denoncourt owns Spooky Bikes, at www.spookybikes.com. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso
Video Rating: 4 / 5

When conducting a bike tour, try wearing a fleece top to provide comfort during cooler periods. Gather comfortable and efficient mid-layer clothing with tips from a bike tour guide in this free biking video. Expert: Aaron Phillips Bio: Aaron Phillips teaches at the University of Utah and has lead several bike tours. He's also logged multiple wins as a cross-country racer. Filmmaker: Mike Phillips

Learn the different styles and benefits of wearing a cycling jersey in thisfree video series about biking and biking enthusiasts. Expert: Mickey Denoncourt Contact: www.spookybikes.com Bio: Mickey Denoncourt owns Spooky Bikes, at www.spookybikes.com. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso
Video Rating: 3 / 5

Benefits of Wool Cycling Clothing

You want comfort, style and the ability to go cycling in varied weather conditions while not be left with stinky clothes when you finish your ride. Whether you mountain bike, road bike, commute or go bicycle touring there is a solution, wool cycling clothing. Yet most people do not realize that the benefits of wool are just as effective in summer as in winter.

Advantages of wool cycling clothing:

It Regulate temperatures – the fibers from the merino sheep have a water holding interior and water repelling exterior. What this means is you have a breathable garment, able to wick off sweat and moisture by reducing the clamminess feeling so you stay comfortable for a longer period of time.

By removing sweat it lowers your temperature, great in the warmer weather. In winter while the fabric continues to wick away moisture from the body transferring it to the Merino wool fibers which absorb moisture creating a insulating effect to help you stay warm.

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Is Water repellent – being water repellent comes very naturally and easily to wool due to the makeup of its fibers which overlap each other. This is not surprising as the main ingredient from sheep is natural and renewable.

Wrinkle resistant too – this is a very resilient fiber that can even be stretched and bounce back, important when you are out cycling.

Most Durable – wool cycling clothing is easy to wash, in fact it is said you can wash a wool garment up to 20,000 times without the fibers breaking so they have long life. Just machine wash them and hand them out to dry. Most of the clothing is made from merino wool. This long wear actually makes the clothing very economical in the long term over synthetic clothes.

This is Clothing that does not Smell – constructed of renewable natural fibers which resists mildew and mold which can cause odors. This is particularly important on a long bicycle tour, when mountain biking or in warmer weather when you may sweat a lot.

Styles – as more manufacturers come on board there is now a wide range of colors and styles for jerseys, caps, shorts (Capri, bib and knickers), caps, gloves, arm and leg warmers.

Comfort – no longer itchy as they once were years ago, they provide a comfortable fit.

Your choice of clothing makes a huge difference to your enjoyment and with all of its benefits wool cycling clothing is the sensible choice

 

Which Bicycle Clothing is Most Appropriate For You?

Avid cyclists know there is a wide-range of cycling gear available to choose from. Determining what you will need means asking yourself some key questions.
•    What gear is required by law?
•    What gear will provide the most comfort for the bicycling I plan to do?
•    What equipment is best for the summer/winter conditions?

Cycling store employees should be able to help you answer these questions as you look to purchase new or updated cycling clothing.

What gear is required by Law?
Nearly every government has a regulation or law requiring helmets for cyclist. Some states require them for all riders while others set an age requirement. A good, well-fit helmet could save your life.  Whether mountain biking or street cycling, a helmet is a must have for anyone riding a bike.  

Though not specifically required by law, many state cycling groups recommend wearing reflective clothing when biking as well. This is another safety benefit, ensuring you are able to be seen by cars and pedestrians.

What gear will provide the most comfort for the bicycling I plan to do?
Having a variety of clothing for cycling is recommended as what you need is based on how long your ride and wear.  Cycling shorts are great for longer rides. They help to keep you cool while you are exerting yourself on the roadway. Quality cycling shorts are made of special material made specifically for comfort and moisture control. They usually have a padded seat for extra protection and comfort for extensive riding. Choosing a sleeveless cycling jersey to help keep you cool on long-rides is also recommended.  

Mountain bikers who ride through brush and trees should look for a long-sleeve cycling jersey to protect their arms from abrasions. Cycling shirts or jerseys worth their salt will be made of synthetic fabric that is comfortable, lightweight and moisture resistant. This will ensure that, whether long or short-sleeved, the jersey will help a rider maintain a good temperature.

What equipment is best for the summer/winter conditions?
Avid bicyclers hit the road during all kinds of weather, especially if the bike is their primary form of transportation. For cold days, a cycling jacket or a wool cycling jersey will keep you warm against the cooler air while still keeping you dry by sweeping the sweat away from your skin. Windproof jackets are also available for wind and rain protection. Coupled with cycling pants or knee warmers, which keep your knees and legs warm and flexible, these items will help you have a pleasant ride, even when the weather is less than ideal.

As the weather warms, your cycling apparel should mirror what you would wear on long rides.  Good cycling or bib shorts and a sleeveless jersey will keep you comfortable and cool.  You may want to carry a lightweight, compact cycling jacket with you in case your ride goes later in the evening than you anticipated or you start out your ride early in the morning. There are a number of jackets available that can be easily stowed when the temperature rises.  Cycling jacket made of breathable material that incorporates ventilation, like mesh vents, in the fabric are ideal.

There are many choices in bicycle clothing and not all of them are necessary. Depending on what kind of bicycler you are, you may find that less is more. But, if you are seriously into cycling, then choosing a variety of bicycle clothing is in your advantage - you will feel much more apt to get out there on your bike if you have all of the proper equipment, including comfortable clothing that helps to keep your body temperate and dry.

~Ben Anton, 2007

Momentum Magazine hosts a cyclists' sewing workshop with Nan Eastep of B Spoke Tailor. Participants learned how to make arm warmers and cycling knickers by recycling sweaters and dress pants

Grant Corman, Manager of The Bicycle Shop in State College PA, discribes the gear and accessories needed to keep you comfortably riding early in the spring, and late into the fall. Knee warmers, arm warmers, vests, gloves and all the other accessories that keep you warm and riding. www.TheBicycleShopInc.com Video by Nate Ryan. www.NateRyan.com

Disposable Arm Warmers

Choosing the Best Bicycle Touring Clothing

As you normally have limited space bicycle touring clothing needs to be carefully thought out prior to departing. I have been on several bicycle tours where people discovered they packed too much (a common problem) and left gear behind or in one situation mailed the extra clothing to our final destination hotel.

While it is not essential you have this bicycle touring clothing it does make for a more comfortable journey. Any list will depend on the weather conditions you might expect but would normally include:

Bicycle helmet – is legally required in many regions but makes sense for safety reasons. Some cyclists attach a small mirror to the helmet so they can see behind them as well.

Sunglasses – required not only for sun protection but to shield your eyes from the bugs.

Cycling jerseys – there are different opinions and the type of tour will make a difference. If just on a long distance cycling trip the traditional cycling jersey with the pockets in the back will do. If you may be visiting sights and restaurants along the way you might want the a cycling jersey that looks more like a shirt.

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Whatever type you choose it needs to be able to wick moisture away and be quick drying as you need to do the laundry frequently along the journey. Many cyclists turn to wool cycling jerseys which are odorless and require less washing.

Cycling jacket – there is lots of debate on this issue with many preferring the highly visible yellow jacket and others wanting to blend in more. Whatever you decide on your cycling jacket needs to be water resistant and breathable. Many cyclists prefer Gore-Tex jackets.

Arm warmers – great in the mornings when it might be a little cooler and these lightweight garments work well with shore sleeve shirts.

Cycling gloves – while bicycle touring you will travel over different types of road surfaces along the way including some bumpy sections or cobblestones (in Europe) which requires some protection for you hands. Cycling gloves help (particularly with gel) help protect you hands when you are in the saddle all day long. Depending on the weather there are half and full finger varieties to consider.

Cycling shorts, knickers or tights – again it depends on the type of bicycle touring you are doing with some cyclists taking the traditional shorts while other take the baggy shorts which have handy pockets. I use shorts with a liner which makes doing the laundry a lot easier.

Cycling socks – there are different types including the odorless wool socks.

Cycling shoes – you really need to have proper cycling shoes with a stiff sole for the long hours in the saddle. I use a pair in which I can easily walk in so that I can sightsee and drop in on restaurants. Some cyclists also take booties to keep warm and dry when foul weather develops.

Having the right quick drying and comfortable cycling clothing will go a long way for a great bicycle touring trip.

 

Stockton Bike Club: Bike ride from Woodside, CA to Halfmoon Bay
Video Rating: 0 / 5

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