You know it. Just before every bike ride you wonder: what am I doing? With the tips below from Matthias, our fanatic cyclist from athletesportsworld, you always dress for every circumstance.
Conditions outside
First check the circumstances:
- Season: summer or winter† Spring or autumn? That makes a lot of difference. That is why you also have special clothing for every season with cycling clothing.
- Temperature: hot or cold makes a big difference. The question is too, what do you find hot or cold? In any case, make sure that you do not dress too cold, because that costs a lot of energy and pleasure.
- Wind: If the wind blows hard, you will be cold on the bike faster. That's why you dress differently when the wind blows. Even if it is not windy, it is important to take a wind into account, certainly in colder circumstances.
- Sun: If the sun shines, you usually put on less because it is warmer. Is the sun very bright? Then cover your arms.
- Rain: Sometimes you can't escape it. Cycling through the rain is great with the right clothing. Also take a rain shower into account, then you can suddenly cool down!
Your bike ride
Just a quick round of an hour or your longest bike ride ever. That is important for your outfit. You not only want to look good, but your clothing must also match your activity. On longer trips you take more account of changing conditions, such as cold in the morning or evening, a rain shower in between or height difference and therefore temperature differences.
Are you going into the mountains? Are you driving a touring bike, racing bike or mountain bike? They are also circumstances that you can take into account. Because special cycling clothing is available for all these circumstances. Ask the experts from ASW for advice!
Quality of your cycling clothing
The quality of your cycling clothing makes a big difference. High quality clothing is made of beautiful elastic materials and has a good fit. This ensures that you can cycle with greater comfort, which increases your performance and pleasure.
Is high -quality clothing always expensive clothing? No! At ASW we only have cycling clothing of the highest quality. However, we also take your budget into account, so that we can always offer you a brand that fits your ambitions, fit and budget.
The right size
Only if cycling clothing is in the right place, then you will enjoy it to the maximum. Cycling shorts should never be too loose, because then your cycling pants will not connect properly. And a spacious bicycle shirt or bicycle jacket feels comfortable, but is not aerodynamic (and not fashionable). Are you unsure about the right size or the right fit? Ask us for advice.
Dress low by low
Matthias's secret is dressed low by low. And then also make conscious choices for every layer that you attract. Below are the layers from which you can choose with every bike ride:
- Under layer or base layer: you always start with attracting a bottom layer or base layer. This layer keeps your upper body dry and at the right temperature.
- Bicycle shirt and cycling pants: the middle layer consisting of the cycling clothing that you always think about. Do you opt for long or short clothes? Thick or thin materials? There is a lot of choice.
- Top layer and flexible layer: taking into account the conditions you complete your outfit with a top layer or flexible layer. This way you protect yourself against cold, rain and wind.
- Are you going to cycle inside you indoor bike† Then don't dress too hot. Choose the right base layer and fine cycling pants.
Bottom layer or base layer
This layer keeps you cool or warm. In the summer you wear an undershirt to keep you cool, because it drives your sweat off your body. In the winter you choose a base layer that keeps you warm and dry, with long sleeves. NB: This layer only consists of a shirt with long or short sleeves† Under cycling pants you never wear underpants to prevent inconveniences!
Bicycle shirt and cycling pants
Every cyclist has one bicycle shirt and cycling pants† Did you only look at the brand or the looks when purchasing? Oh no! Then don't be surprised by the circumstances if you only want to ride on the bike.
This layer is the easiest to choose: in warm conditions you wear a bicycle shirt with short sleeves and cycling pants with short legs. In cold conditions you choose long cycling clothing.
For specific circumstances you also have special cycling clothing. This way you have long and short bicycle shirts that stop wind or rain. Or different materials ensure a cooler or warmer item. Certainly in the winter that can make a big difference.
Top layer or flexible layer
You can complete your outfit with the last layer. The top layer or flexible layer.
Your collection of cycling clothing is not complete without a good and compact rain jacket. That serves as protection against an unexpected rain shower or as an extra layer if you still have it colder than expected. You take it with you in one of your pockets of your bike shirt and you attract it when you need it.
An extra cardigan or jacket is nice if the conditions are cold and wet. It keeps the wind and rain out, so you stay warm. Not only in winter, but also in the spring and autumn, an extra cardigan or jacket is a must-have.
Additional cycling clothing
To complete your outfit you can think of:
- Bicycle socks: Special socks for bicycles are nice in your cycling shoes and keep your feet dry and fresh through the materials used. Is it cold outside? Then you choose special socks with, for example, Merinowol to keep your feet warm.
- Bicycle glasses: The right glasses for the right conditions. You always cycle with dark lenses. Because that's cool? Don't do it anymore. Choose glasses with you -colored lenses, interchangeable lenses or special lenses for low light conditions. Very safe.
- Armpieces and leg pieces: Super handy if you set off early in the summer. Then it can still be cold. Take them out if you get too hot!
- Bicycle gloves: Long and short, also for extra grip on your steering wheel.
- Overshoes: keep your feet warm and dry by putting it on over your shoes.
- Bicycle cap: Not just for the looks. A bicycle cap keeps you warmer in the winter and in the summer it keeps insects and sun away from your head.
- Bicycle helmet: Safety is paramount. Choose a well -fitting and ventilating helmet. Replace your helmet regularly!
Mat signs for your racing bike
At ASW we have many accessories for bicycles, but this blog is of course about cycling clothing. We can still strongly recommend one accessory: Mat signs for your racing bike† They ensure that you stay dryer and warmer in wet conditions. So that is a good addition to the right clothing!
Washing cycling clothing
Finally, a few tips about washing your cycling clothing, because we also get a lot of questions about it:
- If your cycling clothing prefers to be immediately after each Bike tour, even if your clothing doesn't seem dirty. This way you not only continue to smell fresh, you also give bacteria no chance to affect your cycling clothing or to provide you with health problems. Extra tip: Replace your cycling pants after a maximum of one or two seasons. The antibacterial features of a chamo are often worked out and your chamois is therefore worn out, so that the comfort decreases and typical bicycle complaints increase.
- Wash your cycling clothing inside out and closed with all zippers. This way the material stays the most beautiful.
- Use little detergent and let the washing machine extra flush, especially if your cycling pants wash.
- Is your clothes extremely dirty after a long bike ride in the winter or on unpaved terrain? Then wash your clothes with a cold program and then on a normal sports program or fine washing program.
- Follow the instructions on the label in your clothing. Wash colors separately and beware with special materials, such as merino wool.
So! Those were a lot of tips! Do you still have a question? Or do you want to buy a product and do you want to get advice first? Then contact us and ask for one of our bicycle experts or product experts. We are happy to help you.
Have fun cycling!
