| Avid cyclists know there is a wide-range of cycling | | | | their arms from abrasions. Cycling shirts or jerseys |
| gear available to choose from. Determining what you | | | | worth their salt will be made of synthetic fabric that is |
| will need means asking yourself some key questions. | | | | comfortable, lightweight and moisture resistant. This will |
| - What gear is required by law? | | | | ensure that, whether long or short-sleeved, the jersey |
| - What gear will provide the most comfort for the | | | | will help a rider maintain a good temperature. |
| bicycling I plan to do? | | | | What equipment is best for the summer/winter |
| - What equipment is best for the summer/winter | | | | conditions? |
| conditions? | | | | Avid bicyclers hit the road during all kinds of weather, |
| Cycling store employees should be able to help you | | | | especially if the bike is their primary form of |
| answer these questions as you look to purchase new | | | | transportation. For cold days, a cycling jacket or a |
| or updated cycling clothing. | | | | wool cycling jersey will keep you warm against the |
| What gear is required by Law? | | | | cooler air while still keeping you dry by sweeping the |
| Nearly every government has a regulation or law | | | | sweat away from your skin. Windproof jackets are |
| requiring helmets for cyclist. Some states require them | | | | also available for wind and rain protection. Coupled with |
| for all riders while others set an age requirement. A | | | | cycling pants or knee warmers, which keep your |
| good, well-fit helmet could save your life. Whether | | | | knees and legs warm and flexible, these items will help |
| mountain biking or street cycling, a helmet is a must | | | | you have a pleasant ride, even when the weather is |
| have for anyone riding a bike. | | | | less than ideal. |
| Though not specifically required by law, many state | | | | As the weather warms, your cycling apparel should |
| cycling groups recommend wearing reflective clothing | | | | mirror what you would wear on long rides. Good |
| when biking as well. This is another safety benefit, | | | | cycling or bib shorts and a sleeveless jersey will keep |
| ensuring you are able to be seen by cars and | | | | you comfortable and cool. You may want to carry a |
| pedestrians. | | | | lightweight, compact cycling jacket with you in case |
| What gear will provide the most comfort for the | | | | your ride goes later in the evening than you anticipated |
| bicycling I plan to do? | | | | or you start out your ride early in the morning. There |
| Having a variety of clothing for cycling is | | | | are a number of jackets available that can be easily |
| recommended as what you need is based on how | | | | stowed when the temperature rises. Cycling jacket |
| long your ride and wear. Cycling shorts are great for | | | | made of breathable material that incorporates |
| longer rides. They help to keep you cool while you are | | | | ventilation, like mesh vents, in the fabric are ideal. |
| exerting yourself on the roadway. Quality cycling | | | | There are many choices in bicycle clothing and not all |
| shorts are made of special material made specifically | | | | of them are necessary. Depending on what kind of |
| for comfort and moisture control. They usually have a | | | | bicycler you are, you may find that less is more. But, if |
| padded seat for extra protection and comfort for | | | | you are seriously into cycling, then choosing a variety |
| extensive riding. Choosing a sleeveless cycling jersey | | | | of bicycle clothing is in your advantage - you will feel |
| to help keep you cool on long-rides is also | | | | much more apt to get out there on your bike if you |
| recommended. | | | | have all of the proper equipment, including comfortable |
| Mountain bikers who ride through brush and trees | | | | clothing that helps to keep your body temperate and |
| should look for a long-sleeve cycling jersey to protect | | | | dry. |