How to Choose the Right Cycling Clothes

Choosing the right clothes for a bike ride can be as challenging as deciding which route to take. If you don't plan properly, you could find yourself shivering in the cold, in a constant struggle to keep warm, or else overheated and sweating excessively, unable to cool down properly. 

That's why it's crucial to take the time to carefully consider the ride you're considering, the weather conditions you might encounter and then make the right choices in terms of clothing layers to adapt to as the bike ride progresses.

So, in this guide, we'll explore how to choose the right cycling clothes to ensure you're prepared to face any challenges the route may offer.

If you're still new to the sport, get some tips and information on how to get started in the world of cycling.

4 Principles for Choosing Cycling Clothes

There are 4 main characteristics that we think we should highlight when choosing cycling clothes: comfort, proper fit, the presence of technical fabrics and, of course, safety.

Comfort

Look for garments made from breathable fabrics that help regulate body temperature and absorb sweat. Flat seams and ergonomic cuts help reduce friction and prevent chafing during long laps. Also, make sure the seat cushions of the shorts offer adequate support and cushioning to ensure comfort.

Proper fit

Cycling clothes should be fitted to the body, without being too tight or too loose. Look for garments with pre-shaped panels and elastic in key areas to ensure freedom of movement, aerodynamics and to prevent the garments from constantly riding up and down.

Technical fabrics

Look for lightweight, breathable and quick-drying materials that help keep you cool and dry, even in hot or humid conditions. Fabrics with UV protection properties are also recommended to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Safety

Opt for brightly colored garments with reflective elements to increase your visibility, especially in low light conditions. Also, consider wearing safety accessories such as helmets and gloves to protect yourself from possible falls and injuries.

Now that you're equipped with these 4 principles, it's time to pedal deeper and take a closer look at how to select each of the different pieces of cycling clothes.

Enhancing Your Selection: Tips for Choosing Cycling Clothes

Equipment is already an integral part of cyclists, acting as an extension of their bodies as they challenge the roads. However, that feeling of perfect harmony is only true when the cyclist finds the model that provides maximum comfort. That's why we're going to give you the tips you need to choose the most suitable cycling clothes.

Jersey

When choosing your cycling jersey, you should bear in mind that it's essential to opt for ventilated fabrics and, if possible, those that guarantee some protection from the sun's harmful rays. It therefore makes sense to get to know the different fabrics that make up each jersey so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyamide and polyester, are a good option as they dry and wick away sweat more quickly. Some of these also contain a percentage of lycra so that the shirt fits perfectly to the body, providing an extra dose of comfort.

Another feature to take into account is the jersey's front zipper. Try on the jersey to check that it doesn't bother you or try to confirm that it has a finish on the inside that protects the rider. The zipper can also be full or halfway down the chest, so you should choose based on your preferences in terms of ventilation and ease of donning.

You should also pay attention to the jersey's pockets as they are essential for carrying supplies and belongings during your rides. If you're someone who usually carries a mobile phone, keys or even some food with you, look for a jersey that has pockets with some depth.

Find out more about the importance of the cycling jersey for a rider's performance.

Shorts

Shorts are undoubtedly one of the most important pieces of cycling clothes, since the discomfort provided by the saddle is a major concern for any cyclist. Therefore, it makes sense to first decide whether you prefer traditional shorts or bib shorts. Find out all about the differences, advantages and disadvantages of these two types of shorts in our blog article.

Generally speaking, the difference is that traditional shorts have an elastic waistband, while bib shorts have straps that go over the shoulders, preventing the elastic waistband from putting pressure on the abdomen and, at the same time, keeping the shorts in place, which can be more comfortable during longer periods of pedaling.

That said, regardless of the type of shorts that best meets your needs, the ideal is that they contain an extremely high-quality chamois pad to cushion the impact between the buttocks and the saddle and that they are long enough to avoid direct contact between the skin of the leg and the bike. You should also check the chamois materials. Some are made of high-density foams, while others use gel or even silicone inserts to provide additional cushioning and better distribute the pressure on the saddle. In addition, the materials of the shorts themselves are also important. Breathable, quick-drying fabrics are ideal for keeping the skin dry and comfortable, while flat, smooth seams help prevent irritation and unwanted rubbing.

One of the important extras that should be included in your shorts is the presence of antibacterial treatments to prevent the build-up of bacteria and unpleasant odors, especially on long rides and in conditions of intense sweat. These treatments help maintain hygiene and freshness, while also extending the life of the shorts. In addition, some shorts also feature compression characteristics, which can improve blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue, contributing to improved performance and faster recovery. 

Cycling Shoes

Although they're not exactly a piece of cycling clothes, sneakers are one of the essential pieces of equipment for any cyclist. In this sense, it's extremely important to take the time to choose this product because if an uncomfortable shoe is unpleasant enough on a daily basis, imagine tackling the many kilometers of one of your bike rides.

The top choice for cyclists when it comes to footwear are pedal shoes, as they offer a number of significant advantages in terms of performance, efficiency and comfort.

To choose a good pair of cycling shoes, we recommend that you look for ones with a hard, rigid sole, since the more rigid they are, the greater the transfer of force applied to the pedals. In addition, a padded interior made of breathable materials is another factor you should look for, as the comfort of the foot is guaranteed more easily. Don't buy shoes that are too tight either, because on hot days and with many kilometers covered, your feet swell and end up being uncomfortable.

You should also opt for cycling shoes made from hard-wearing leather, as it's important to ensure durability and adequate protection when cycling. Sturdy leather is able to withstand the wear and tear caused by frequent contact with the pedals and provide stability to the cyclist's foot.

Helmet

Safety first, right? Then you must never forget your cycling helmet. To choose the right one for you, you need to take into account the sport you intend to use it for. You may have noticed that in time trial races, for example, helmets have a different shape to the others. This is because aerodynamics is a crucial factor in this type of race.

But in general, you should look for effective protection, adequate ventilation, a comfortable fit and lightweight construction in a helmet. You should therefore look for models that have been tested and certified according to international safety standards, such as CPSC, CE or ASTM. 

It should also be well ventilated and help dissipate heat and humidity to provide a more pleasant environment for the rider and also contain an efficient foam system so that your head is comfortable as you ride.

If you can afford to invest in a more expensive helmet, we advise you to look for one lined with carbon fiber as it offers an exceptional combination of strength and lightness.

Socks

Socks are probably the cycling garment most often neglected by cyclists. But this shouldn't be the case, as they play an important role in the rider's comfort and performance.

To choose a good pair you should look for socks that have a firm fit, providing a comfortable grip on the leg without being excessively tight. You should also avoid padding on the sole of the sock to ensure that it doesn't compromise the efficiency of your pedaling.

Therefore, opt for socks made from breathable materials that efficiently absorb sweat and promote perspiration. This helps keep your feet dry and comfortable and free from blisters and discomfort caused by the repetitive motion of pedaling.

Also consider the height of the sock according to your personal preferences and needs. High-top socks can offer additional protection against road debris and provide an extra layer of warmth on colder days. In addition, compression socks can improve blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue during exercise.

Gloves

All cyclists know better than anyone what calluses are. Gloves come in handy to protect against falls and even the cold. In this sense, consider integrating gloves with a gel pocket into your equipment to make your rides more comfortable and safer in the event of a fall.

Fyke also advises that you look for gloves with a light fabric on the top to ensure good ventilation. If you feel the need, you can also look for gloves with extra protection around the fingers to prevent possible injuries.

Also take your personal tastes into account to decide whether you prefer the coolness of gloves with cut-off fingertips or the protection of closed gloves. It may make sense to have a pair of each for different weather conditions. As far as size is concerned, it's important that this accessory is tight enough not to come off and, at the same time, that it isn't too tight, as this is detrimental to the rider's comfort.

Obviously, you need to take your needs into consideration, so if you're someone who tends to sweat a lot on your hands, you should opt for models with good ventilation.

Time to Ride!

In this article, we've covered the items of cycling clothes that are really essential for every bike ride. However, it's worth pointing out that there are a multitude of other accessories and items of cycling clothes that can be added according to your personal preferences, weather conditions and many other factors. Arm sleeves, calf sleeves, waterproof jackets or windbreakers are all examples of this.

Always seek out opinions from other cyclists and experts to make the best decisions when it comes to cycling clothes.

Now that you have the information you need to make the right decisions when it comes to cycling clothes, it's time to put that knowledge into practice and select the garments that best suit your individual needs and preferences. Always remember to consider not only comfort and performance, but also the safety and durability of the materials you choose.

At Fyke you can find the cycling clothes that will revolutionize your cycling experience when it comes to aerodynamics, comfort and performance. Our products are developed with the latest advances in textile technology to ensure a rewarding experience with every ride.

Now that you are ready to decide on your cycling equipment, how about taking the next step, or rather, the "second pedal"? Learn how to train for road cycling with our training guide and techniques.