Bicycle Clothing: What Cycling Gear to Wear and When

Avid cyclists know there is a wide-range of cyclingensure that, whether long or short-sleeved, the jersey
gear available to choose from. Determining what youwill help a rider maintain a good temperature.
will need means asking yourself some key questions.What equipment is best for the summer/winter
- What gear is required by law?conditions?
- What gear will provide the most comfort for theAvid bicyclers hit the road during all kinds of weather,
bicycling I plan to do?especially if the bike is their primary form of
- What equipment is best for the summer/wintertransportation. For cold days, a cycling jacket or a
conditions?wool cycling jersey will keep you warm against the
Cycling store employees should be able to help youcooler air while still keeping you dry by sweeping the
answer these questions as you look to purchase newsweat away from your skin. Windproof jackets are
or updated cycling clothing.also available for wind and rain protection. Coupled with
What gear is required by Law?cycling pants or knee warmers, which keep your
Nearly every government has a regulation or lawknees and legs warm and flexible, these items will help
requiring helmets for cyclist. Some states require themyou have a pleasant ride, even when the weather is
for all riders while others set an age requirement. Aless than ideal.
good, well-fit helmet could save your life. WhetherAs the weather warms, your cycling apparel should
mountain biking or street cycling, a helmet is a mustmirror what you would wear on long rides. Good
have for anyone riding a bike.cycling or bib shorts and a sleeveless jersey will keep
Though not specifically required by law, many stateyou comfortable and cool. You may want to carry a
cycling groups recommend wearing reflective clothinglightweight, compact cycling jacket with you in case
when biking as well. This is another safety benefit,your ride goes later in the evening than you anticipated
ensuring you are able to be seen by cars andor you start out your ride early in the morning. There
pedestrians.are a number of jackets available that can be easily
What gear will provide the most comfort for thestowed when the temperature rises. Cycling jacket
bicycling I plan to do?made of breathable material that incorporates
Having a variety of clothing for cycling isventilation, like mesh vents, in the fabric are ideal.
recommended as what you need is based on howThere are many choices in bicycle clothing and not all
long your ride and wear. Cycling shorts are great forof them are necessary. Depending on what kind of
longer rides. They help to keep you cool while you arebicycler you are, you may find that less is more. But, if
exerting yourself on the roadway. Quality cyclingyou are seriously into cycling, then choosing a variety
shorts are made of special material made specificallyof bicycle clothing is in your advantage - you will feel
for comfort and moisture control. They usually have amuch more apt to get out there on your bike if you
padded seat for extra protection and comfort forhave all of the proper equipment, including comfortable
extensive riding. Choosing a sleeveless cycling jerseyclothing that helps to keep your body temperate and
to help keep you cool on long-rides is alsodry.
recommended.~Ben Anton, 2007
Mountain bikers who ride through brush and treesBased in Portland, Oregon, Ben Anton is a writer for
should look for a long-sleeve cycling jersey to protectTSC.
their arms from abrasions. Cycling shirts or jerseysWe invite you to view the Team Sales Cycling
worth their salt will be made of synthetic fabric that iswebsite and learn more about BioRacer, MSTinaand
comfortable, lightweight and moisture resistant. This willother superior brands of cycling shorts.