| Unless you're lucky enough to live in an area with | | | | Another thing to think about is the features of the |
| year-round sunshine, you're going to need clothes to | | | | jacket and how they tie into your convenience. For |
| keep you warm and dry when riding your bike. Clothing | | | | example, it's great to have pockets, but pockets at the |
| is of course not just about keeping warm - if you're | | | | front weigh you down, and can even create a big |
| actually going somewhere on your bike, you'll want to | | | | draughty inside your jacket when riding - for this |
| wear something that you aren't embarrassed about | | | | reason pockets at the back may be preferable. |
| wearing once you get to your destination. | | | | Likewise little extras like extra zips and optional hoods |
| In terms of clothing to wear when cycling, your jacket | | | | may seem like a good idea, but they also made your |
| is one of the most important items. It serves to keep | | | | jacket a lot more bulky and a lot more awkward to |
| you warm and dry, and may also include reflective | | | | deal with on those days when you're not too sure |
| markings, which are an important safety measure as | | | | what the weather will be like. |
| they make you more easily visible, especially in bad | | | | Fabric should also play a part in your choice of fabric. |
| weather conditions or at night, to other road users. On | | | | Ideally you want something breathable so that you |
| the whole, if you can, it's best to get a jacket that is | | | | never get too hot and sweaty. Additionally, you will |
| specifically designed to cycling - you won't regret it. | | | | need to choose between a water-proof fabric (such |
| If you choose a jacket that has been specifically | | | | as Gore-Tex which can keep you dry for a full day) or |
| designed for cycling, you'll notice some unusual things | | | | water-resistant (which will keep you dry for about 20 |
| about it as compared to "normal" jackets. One of the | | | | minutes in heavy rain or 40 minutes in a shower). If all |
| main features of cycling jackets is they are generally | | | | other things are equally between two jackets, you'd |
| longer at the back so that they cover your kidneys | | | | probably simply choose water-proof, but given that |
| from the wind, and your bottom from road spray - the | | | | they're not, and that a water-resistant jacket may be |
| latter being something that you'll sure appreciate if you | | | | cheaper, less bulky, better styled, etc., the choice is |
| ride a road bike without mudguards. You'll also notice | | | | more difficult. One thing to bear in mind is that most |
| that cycling jackets are generally shorter at the front | | | | commutes are 20 minutes or less, so water-resistant |
| (to facilitate movement of your legs), but have long | | | | may in fact be perfectly adequate. |
| sleeves (so that your wrists are covered when | | | | The final (but by no means least important) matter to |
| reaching forward to the handlebars). | | | | consider is safety. As already mentioned, anything that |
| Cycle jackets are generally designed to be | | | | makes you more visible to other road users, especially |
| draught-proof, and most feature toggles so that you | | | | car drivers, is a big advantage - especially if cycling on |
| can adjust the balance between ventilation and | | | | dark days or after sunset. Additionally, it's better not to |
| warmth depending on the weather and your personal | | | | get a jacket with a hood, but wear a cycling helmet |
| preferences. Of course, draught-proofing is very | | | | instead - a helmet will protect your head, and also not |
| important, as whenever you cycle you're moving | | | | restrict your vision in the way that hoods can. |
| through air, and so can get cold very quickly. | | | | |