Backpacking

Cycle Clothing for the Novice!   by Jimmy Riddle

The mysteries of bicycle apparel also known as Cycling Clothing can be confusing for beginners to bicycling. It is important to note that any light and comfortable clothing is adequate for cycling provided that you are only covering short distances. In competitive or longer cycle rides it is important to wear the correct cycle clothing. In extreme cycle sport there are even more options for safety and protection.

Sports clothes make cycling more comfortable because they are manufactured to allow for continuous and strenuous movement. So it would be beneficial to wear at least some form of sports clothing even for short rides. The occasional cyclist is likely to be content with a combination of t-shirt, shorts and training shoes (or sneakers). This is acceptable but care must always be taken to prevent sun stroke (heat stroke) in hot conditions. In cold weather it is important wear the correct apparel to prevent the body getting too cold and to ensure that body heat is dissipated.

It is important during a competitive cycling event not to waste energy keeping warm or trying to cool down. This is a waste of your energy resources and likely to cause fatigue to set in much earlier. In any sport it is vital to prevent the early onset of fatigue as this can lead to loss of concentration and/or injuries.

High quality cycle clothing will prevent hyperthermia during hot weather activity provided that you keep the body adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. In cold conditions good apparel will dissipate body heat away from the body and prevent hypothermia (core body temperature drops too low). You do not have to be agenius to figure out that the right clothing plays an important part in your athletic well-being and health.

If you are cycling at a competitive level or training in the winter you need to pay attention to bicycle clothing. Plan which layers you need in advance for the conditions that you are likely to encounter during your ride. Base layers are a good way of maintaining body temperature because they wick sweat away from the body. This will keep you cool in hot conditions and warm during cold weather riding. Mostly selecting the correct cycle clothing is basic common sense. There are different styles based on your preferred cycling discipline.

Everything has been considered including padded underpants and knickers for protection of the private regions. However it is the exposed flesh that requires the most protecting – cycling gloves or mitts are essential for protecting the hands from the elements and also provide the rider with a good level of handlebar grip. Cycle shoes with cleats (and clipless pedals) help to improve power, cadence and performance. Eye protection is worn in most road and off-road sports to keep dust and debris from the eyes. Eye-wear will also usually include protection from the sun and reduce glare from the roads surface.

There is an incredible range of cycle clothing for all variations of the sport. Most cycle clothing for the body is light and can be added in layers. The weather in some region is very unpredictable and having the right cycling gear in your Backpack or bag is always the best option. It may not be necessary to buy the most expensive brands or products but be wary of the cheapest brands because quality is important.

The most important thing to wear when you are cycling is a big smile – knowing that your bag contains waterproof clothing when the rain comes is a great feeling!

About the Author

Jimmy Riddle is a keen (asthmatic) cyclist and author of the website Bicycling for Beginners
Mountain Biking Holidays – cycling holidays with backpack

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