What are the advantages of cycling clothing?
If you're just going to the supermarket around the corner or to the park, you don't need any special cycling clothing. But for longer distances, especially if you have a long commute or enjoy long bike rides, things look quite different. Cycling clothing differs from everyday outfits in several respects:
- It is functional
- breathable
- and often also wind and water repellent
Anyone who regularly rides their bike should get a basic set of cycling clothing to be prepared for all imaginable weather situations.
What should I wear for cycling?
A suitable cycling outfit almost always consists of several pieces. If you spend a lot of time in urban areas, you should look for comfortable and stretchy fabrics that are both functional and stylish. The basic kit includes a shirt or jersey, base layer, pants, arain jacket , and a helmet . Important: Your outfit should always protect you from wind, cold, sun, and rain.
Is there special cycling clothing for e-bikes?
No, there isn't. It's just important that you always dress a little warmer when riding an e-bike than you would on a regular bike—after all, your electrically assisted bike takes a lot of the work off your hands, and therefore some of the sweat.
The e-bike rule of thumb is:
It's better to wear one more layer than on a conventional bike. Newbies switching to electric bikes, in particular, are often not immediately aware of this fact.
Which pants are suitable for cycling? Are there special pants for commuters?
When people think of cycling shorts, they often think of tight bib shorts for road cyclists or rugged outdoor shorts for mountain bikers. But these days, there are also modern commuter shorts that look like regular jeans or chinos, but still offer the practicality of functional clothing.
- They offer more mobility and comfort on the bike thanks to higher stretch content and hidden seams.
- The quick-drying, breathable and water-repellent material is ideal for those damp mornings on the way to work.
- Special cycling shorts are also cut a little higher to protect you from strong winds.
- The inside of the trousers is also equipped with reflectors so that you can be easily seen in traffic at night.
What outerwear is suitable for cycling?
A cycling jersey or cycling T-shirt is ideal for tops. These are made of either synthetic fibers or merino wool. Synthetic fibers are particularly breathable and effectively wick moisture away from the body, where sweat then evaporates, making them ideal for strenuous rides. Merino wool, on the other hand, has the advantage of being less odor-sensitive, making it ideal for longer cycling trips.
Important: Conventional cotton T-shirts are less suitable for cycling. They barely wick moisture away and stick to your back, especially during sweaty rides – creating a clammy, cold feeling on your skin, which is simply uncomfortable!
On cooler days, you should opt for long-sleeved midlayers – warm jerseys or tops that offer additional protection thanks to a high collar. Their functional materials protect you from the cold while still wicking excess moisture away. Of course, you can also combine a short-sleeved cycling jersey with a jacket – depending on how flexible you want your outfit to be and how cold the temperatures are outside.
How should cycling clothing fit?
As with other sportswear, the fit and the associated freedom of movement are the most important selection criteria. Many cycling jerseys and shirts are close-fitting and slightly longer at the back than at the front to fully cover the back, even when leaning slightly forward. A similarly narrow neckline keeps the wind at bay. Tight cuts also allow for the most effective moisture wicking. Anyone who values aerodynamics on their bike should choose an outfit that's as close-fitting as possible and won't flap in the wind. However, you should still consider the following:
- Cycling jerseys that are cut too narrow are constricting, which can quickly take away all the joy of a tour.
When it comes to cycling shorts, you should also make sure they fit properly. This is the only way to avoid unpleasant chafing. Well-fitting cycling shorts won't have any chafing seams, and the waistband won't pinch.
Do children need their own cycling clothing?
This isn't absolutely necessary for shorter rides. However, if you're planning longer bike rides, consider padded cycling shorts for children. The joy of cycling won't be spoiled by uncomfortable seating. A children's cycling vest is also recommended to increase the visibility of the little ones. The integrated reflectors are a huge help in low-light conditions.
What cycling clothing should be worn in summer?
In summer, it's all about not overheating! Breathability is paramount. On the hottest days of the year, fabrics should be as lightweight as possible and effectively wick away excess moisture. Open mesh structures also provide active cooling. Important: The shoulder and back areas should always be covered with UV-resistant fabrics to prevent burns.
Which cycling clothing is recommended in winter?
The saying "There's no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing" also applies to cycling. The most important rule in wet or cold conditions is the layering principle, common in the outdoor world. This involves layering one layer of clothing over the next so you can easily adapt to changing conditions if necessary:
- When biking in winter, underwear with a merino wool content is particularly suitable as a base layer. This retains heat and doesn't cool down as quickly in the wind as synthetic fibers.
- Thin jackets or sweaters made of stretch fleece are suitable as an intermediate layer, so-called midlayer.
- If the temperatures are really freezing cold or it's particularly wet, you can wear either a windbreaker, a rain jacket or a cozy softshell jacket with insulation filling.
Where can I buy cycling clothing and what costs can I expect?
You can find cycling clothing at any sporting goods store. If you prefer to shop from home, you also have a huge selection of online cycling clothing shops. It's good to know: Many fashion retailers now also offer cycling clothing!
There's no general way to say how much your outfit will cost; it depends primarily on the quality of workmanship. The selection ranges from affordable options for beginners to absolute premium products for the professional segment. Special and off-season sales, as well as collection changes, are always an opportunity to find bargains.
