When first starting cycling, it is important to allocate at least 25% of your initial budget towards cycling specific clothing and apparel. This will greatly improve your overall riding experience and help you make the most of your riding season. Here are our recommendations for the 6 essential pieces of clothing you need when starting out.
1. Lightweight cycling jersey
A lightweight cycling jersey is both fashionable and functional, offering superior ventilation and back pockets for carrying essentials such as your phone, snacks or an emergency flat kit. This is a must have. Choose from our variety of cycling jerseys for women and men.
2. Bib shorts or regular cycling shorts?
While both cycling bib shorts and regular cycling shorts have an integrated chamois (cushion) for comfort on the saddle, we typically recommend bib shorts due to their lack of waistband and superior ability to keep everything in the right place. Any experienced cyclist will tell you that the price difference is very much worth it in the long run. Our wide selection of bib shorts for men and women will surely satisfy your needs
3. Lightweight windbreaker jacket
Whether you are going for an early start or riding in the shoulder season, you will want to reach for a lightweight windbreaker jacket. These tend to be rather inexpensive, easy to pack into a jersey pocket and a versatile garment that can even be used in light rain. Windbreaker jackets come in many shapes and sizes, check out our vast choice for women and men.
4. Arm and leg warmers
For fall and spring riding, arm and leg warmers are a must. Not only are they easier on the budget than thermal bibs and jackets, they are easy to shed while riding and provide the right amount of thermal comfort when the riding is chilly.
5. Sunglasses
A pair of dedicated cycling sunglasses are the way to go for UV and light protection. Cycling-specific glasses typically provide superior ventilation than regular sunglasses, therefore saving you the pain of sweaty or foggy lenses. Check out our selection of the top brands in the industry for men and women.
6. Cycling socks
Cycling socks are an essential and inexpensive solution to overheating feet. Made from a lightweight and breathable athletic material, they wick away moisture and cool your feet for great temperature control, all this in style, provided you choose the ‘correct’ length. Check out our offering of cycling socks for men and women.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cycling apparel when starting is paramount to your appreciation of the sport. Don’t forget to experiment and figure out what works best for you in any given situation.
Need help finding the right cycling apparel for you? Send us an email, our experts are here to help, and will be glad to point you in the right direction. Order your cycling apparel for men and women online or directly in one of our multiple retail locations.
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