How to Dress for Cycling

You have seen cyclists before and maybe even wondered why they wear the clothes they do. What's up with all the spandex or lycra and why the shirts that look like they were dressed by circus clowns? Maybe you haven't wondered but the statement above is not uncommon for people that are not familiar with cycling. There are reasons for all of the answers to those questions and this article will help you get dressed and on the road. Read on to learn how to dress for cycling.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cycling helmet
• Cycling shorts or bib
• Cycling jersey
• Cycling gloves
• Cycling shoes
• Sun glasses
• Sweat band or bandanna (optional)

1. 
   Basic road cycling helmet

   Let's start from the head down. Start with a helmet. You must ride with a helmet because 90 plus percent of all fatal accidents involving cyclists are where the rider did not have a helmet on. The basic styles and protective qualities are the same but there are differences. Helmets are like anything else in cycling because they are a matter of preference, style and cost. The general variables are the lighter the helmet the more it will cost. That doesn't mean that should be your only consideration. Try several and pick the one that fits your head and wallet the most comfortably.

2. 
   Basic cycling jersey

   Next consider the cycling jersey. Why are nearly all of them so loud is a common question. The reason, other than style, is so you can be seen by drivers more easily. Drivers are on the road with kids, cell phones, radios and lots of other distractions, so you're a blip on their radar screen in most cases. You need to be bright so that blip shows up more. That doesn't mean style is not a factor. Cycling jerseys come in every color and style. Some riders are looking for a basic jersey others are looking to express themselves or be funny. Both are fine, but in general wear a jersey that is bright and one that has reflective strips in the back if you are going to ride early or late in the day when natural light might be an issue. Jersey's also have two to three pockets in the back so you can store snacks or jackets or other things you might want on your ride. Most riders want a tighter fit to their jerseys so they are not flapping in the wind. It's not so much an aerodynamic issue, but more one of annoyance to some. That doesn't mean you need to go that direction if you don't want to.

3. 
   Bibs and short styles

   Should you wear shorts or bibs? That depends on your jersey and what' s comfortable for you. Bibs make sense for longer rides and if you have a tighter fitting jersey because it keeps you from being annoyed if your jersey slides up on you a bit. There are other riders that prefer shorts. Women in general seem to prefer shorts but they make bibs for them too. If you really want to wear regular shorts then you should wear padded briefs or panties. Ride 5 miles without them and see how you feel if you're skeptical. An important thing to remember is if you have a budget for clothes and you're trying to decide on how to spend it, buy better shorts or bibs at the expense of jerseys. Inexpensive jerseys will affect your enjoyment less than inexpensive shorts or bibs.

4. 
   Palm view of a cycling glove

   Gloves are optional, but highly recommended. It is possible to get compression injuries with your hands and gloves with padding in the right spots will help prevent that from happening. You can wear gloves without fingers in warm weather and with them in colder weather.

5. 
   Components of cycling shoes

   Cycling shoes are optional but a good idea. You can get clipless pedals and cycling specific shoes that are very comfortable. You should see if you can try shoes sitting on your bike with your pedals. You might need to adjust the clips with wedges depending on your feet and you might need to put an insert in your shoes for comfort.

6. 
   Typical cycling sunglasses

   Keep in mind that sunglasses are recommended to cut down on glare, but also to break the wind. There are cycling specific sunglasses in every color and several different styles but your current sunglasses are probably fine. You might want to wear a bandanna or sweatband to keep moisture out of your eyes, but that's a preference issue. There are cycling specific headbands that are more slender and designed to fit underneath a helmet.

Tips & Warnings

• Given a limited budget spend more money on shorts or bibs at the expense of jerseys.
• Bright colors have a purpose in letting drivers see you.
• Regardless of how long or far you ride comfort should be what you look for in dressing.
• * Never ride without a helmet, period.
• * You probably also don't want to ride without padded shorts. You can, but your comfort will probably suffer.
• * You or someone in your group should carry a cell phone in case you have issues you can't manage while on the road. This is another good reason for pockets in the rear of your jersey.

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