Whether you are brand new to road cycling, rediscovering the joys of adventuring on two wheels or simply looking for a wardrobe update, then we’ve got you covered! With the right clothing, you won’t only be a lot more comfortable during your ride, but you may also see an improvement with your performance.
As we are now in the midst of the summer months, and with the sun (occasionally) making an appearance, it’s the perfect weather to grab your bike and hit the road. As cycling encompasses everything from nipping to the shops, riding to work, completing the NC500 or racing in the Tour De France, there is a huge range of specialist clothing available.
We have teamed up with Shutt Velo Rapide (SVR), who are specialists in cycling clothes, to give you the best information on what to think about when you next purchase your new road cycling kit.
Starting at the Top
Which Helmet for Cycling?
Having the correct cycling helmet is a vital part of any cycling outfit. Many manufactures have picked up on this and have created a wide range of designs and colours, so there is one out there for everyone.
It’s really important that your helmet fits your head correctly to provide you with the ultimate protection and comfort. It’s okay to feel the helmet on your head, but it shouldn’t be too tight as this can get uncomfortable and will guarantee a headache before the end of your ride. A helmet that’s too loose is no good either. Besides it being annoying during your ride, it’s also unsafe. If something did go wrong, and you needed your helmet to protect you, it could slide out of place and not give you the protection you require.
You can find the right helmet size by measuring your head circumference. The size in centimetres is your helmet size. Once you have got the right fit for your helmet, you can start to think about purpose, budget and style.
Helmet sizing is very important
When buying your helmet, you need to make sure it's suited to your cycling discipline and in this case we’re discussing road cycling. With so many different options on the market it can be easy to get overwhelmed by choice, so just make sure to pick a helmet that suits your activity. Every type of cycling helmet is safe and it’s no issue to use different bike helmets for different cycling disciplines, but it’s probably not a great idea to hop on your road bike wearing a full-face downhill MTB helmet!
As a rule of thumb: the pricier the helmet, the lighter it is, and the better ventilation it offers. The more expensive the helmet, generally means it provides greater protection, but of course, this doesn’t mean cheaper helmets don’t provide adequate safety. Nowadays, you can get a helmet in almost any colour you can think of. You can get one to match your bike, your favourite outfit or just get something to make you stand out. In the end, it’s really a matter of personal preference when making your final decision.
Should I Wear Sunglasses for Cycling?
A pair of cycling glasses is a real must and goes way beyond vanity. Proper cycling glasses not only protect you from the sun, but also the wind and keep out any dirt and bugs to ensure the best vision at all times.
With the sun now out in full force, invest in a pair of glasses with lenses that block out UV rays, which can help protect against age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. So, by grabbing a decent pair of glasses, it’s not only convenient on your rides, but also a great investment into your future eyesight.
Photochromic lenses automatically adjust accordingly to the light brightness
Glasses come in all shapes/sizes and with various price tags. A recent development in the sunglasses world is what’s known as photochromic lenses. These lenses automatically adjust to the weather conditions, without the need to swap over lenses. So, if it's sunny, the lenses will turn darker and then if it gets cloudy, they will brighten up again. Perfect for the ever-changing British weather, right? Well, these do come with a hefty price tag, so if you’re on a budget and don’t mind swapping lenses, then maybe consider your options.
Sunglasses also come in different frame shapes and models, so what suits you will depend on the shape of your head. Not every pair of cycling glasses will fit everyone right away, but most can be adjusted by slightly bending the nose pieces. Ultimately, it’s best to try and see which glasses fit you best.
What is a Base Layer?
No matter what time of year it is, riding around on your bike will inevitably cause your body to warm up. To get rid of the heat, your body will start sweating and all this sweat needs somewhere to go. This is where your base layer becomes your best friend.
Your base layer is the first thing you put on and should be right against your skin to work best. It does a surprising number of jobs for what’s basically a high-tech vest. A good base layer will wick sweat away from your skin to keep you dry and comfortable when you perspire. Then, if the temperature drops, it will also help keep the cold out.
A base layer will actually help to keep you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold!
Our friends at SVR stated that a base layer is:
“Quite possibly the most versatile piece of kit and one that every cyclist should have stored in the riding wardrobe. A good base layer can be used all year round, as it can stop you overheating in summer, but also keep you dry and warm in winter.”
Base layers also have another less obvious use. If you crash, a base layer lets your jersey slide around rather than dragging your skin with it. It doesn’t offer you loads of protection, but it will help.
What is a Cycling Jersey?
Next up, over your base layer you will need to get yourself a jersey. Top of your priorities with jersey choice should be breathability – there’s little point having a great base layer if your self-made moisture gets trapped in the next layer!
There is a big difference between a cycling jersey and a regular sports jersey, so make sure you do your research. You will want to get a cycling specific jersey, as they are designed to suit the riding position and have different types of fits which include, aero, regular and comfort. The fit all depends on what suits you best; the short aero jerseys have a super tight fit, with regular coming up close to the skin, but with a bit more breathing room and the comfort style jersey come up with a more relaxed fit. The most common fit for road cyclists are aero and regular fit jerseys. Among mountain bikers, a comfort fit is more common.
Should I Wear Gloves for Cycling?
Another item of cycling clothing that’s steeped in tradition, is the classic ‘track mitt’, or gloves as most of us call them! Track mitts have a lightly padded leather palm, crocheted cotton back and a Velcro strip to hold it in place around your wrist.
There are also loads of other alternatives on the market, some with gel padding in the palm, some featuring stretchy backs, so there’s no need for a Velcro tab, and others with towelling wipes on the thumb. It's best to try out a few options to see what works best for you.
Your hands can get pretty sweaty when cycling and can easily slip around the handlebars.
What are Bib Shorts?
Moving down to the lower half of your kit, cycling shorts are a key part of any cycling outfit. There are two variants available, known as waist shorts or bib shorts, with versions made for men and women. Waist shorts have an elastic waistband to hold them up, whereas bib shorts have braces to hold them up. For road riders, bib shorts are your best bet, as they tend to be more comfortable than waist shorts, which can dig into your stomach during long rides and some people find they interfere with breathing rhythms.
Having a good pair of bib shorts with a quality chamois is just as important as having a proper bike saddle. SVR said “We strongly believe the foundation of a great set of cycling shorts starts with the pad. A comfortable set of bib shorts is key to enjoying your cycling and the fit needs to be absolutely perfect.”
Chamois come in various thicknesses and it's down to personal preference as to what thickness you go for. But generally, if you have a soft saddle then you would normally go for a thinner chamois, as the effect of the soft saddle is diminished by your chamois, which can actually increase pain in the seat bone. Whereas a hard saddle is best combined with a thicker chamois, as you will ‘sink’ into your chamois, but the hard saddle will prevent you from sinking too deep. You can combine a hard saddle with a thinner chamois, but again this is all down to what suits you best.
The one downside of bib-shorts is that the straps and back panel can get soggy with sweat on hard days, so look for products made with either well-ventilated sections or which feature quick-drying material with some element of breathability.
“A lot of cyclists can be apprehensive about trying new bib shorts as it can be a ‘kill-or-cure’ sort of investment”, but at SVR they offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Their policy is that anyone who has purchased a pair of their “bib shorts or bib tights that doesn't love them can return them, used or unused, within one month for a full refund”, which is a great option for those of you on the fence about whether to try them!
Are there Specific Socks for Cycling?
Some of you may be thinking, do I really need specific socks to cycle in? Well, the answer is it depends on how comfortable you want to be. Cycling socks are designed to provide support where it’s needed during a ride in order to make you as comfortable as possible.
When looking at cycling specific socks, there is often a tight band around the midfoot which supports the arch and instep of the foot. The sole, heal and toe areas of the sock tend to be more cushioned or reinforced to help with impact and prevent blisters.
They also come in different lengths, with the taller cycling socks having the added function of supporting the ankle and Achilles area. Whereas the low-cut socks are cooler, but can be less supportive.
There are specific socks made for cycling!
Which Road Cycling Shoes?
Finally, to finish off any outfit, the perfect pair of cycling shoes. Stiff soles are the main feature of cycling shoes, usually with attachment points for cleats that clip into specialised pedals. They tend to fit pretty snug and are held in place with Velcro or ratchet straps, or occasionally old-fashioned laces.
When picking cycling shoes, the sole is essential for the riding properties. The starter models often have nylon soles and as you get to the more expensive cycling shoes, the more carbon is incorporated in the sole.
The high-end model of shoes features a full carbon sole, which makes the shoe much lighter, but more importantly a lot stiffer, which prevents the sole from bending when you’re putting force onto the pedals. This is great for powerhouse cyclists, but they do come with their drawbacks. Carbon-soled shoes tend to ride less comfortably and can take a lot of getting used to, especially for those just starting out.
Stiff soles are so important for cycling shoes in order to enable efficient power transfer from foot to pedal
Conclusion
We have gone from head to toe to cover the basics of your road cycling kit, so you should now be ready to hit the road!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at LIOS, or the team at SVR, who are happy to answer any questions you may have.
