Whether you are a casual cyclist or a competitive rider, a well-fitting cycling kit can make your riding experience more comfortable and your athletic performance better. As a type of sportswear, cycling clothing is not just simple tight-fitting apparel, so how do you choose a satisfactory set of sports cycling clothing?
1. The Fabric and Cut of the Cycling Jersey Are Very Important
Cycling clothing has very high requirements for fabric, and different fabrics also provide different experiences when worn. Spring and summer cycling clothing requires the cycling jersey to have sweat-wicking and quick-drying functions. After all, no one wants their clothes to be wet and clinging to their body while riding. Only by staying dry can you achieve better athletic performance. In the hot summer, advanced fabrics also have UV-resistant functions, which can reduce the damage riders suffer from ultraviolet rays. In winter, you can choose fleece-lined and thickened cycling clothing to keep warm.
A good cycling jersey should fit the body's lines, and the fabric should be elastic, rather than loose and baggy or tightly stretched. Too loose will increase wind resistance, while too tight will cause muscles to fatigue prematurely and cause discomfort. The cuffs should properly wrap the arm muscles, with no marks left as the standard; in road cycling races that pursue speed and efficiency, a good cycling jersey should have good aerodynamics, which can allow you to save energy and stay comfortable in competition. Compression fabrics can reduce muscle pressure, and in time trials where every second counts, a one-piece suit is an excellent choice.
At the same time, the breathability of the cycling jersey is also very important. Good cycling clothing generally has mesh designed under the armpits to dissipate heat and avoid sweat retention.
The hem of the cycling jersey should be tightened and should not rub against the waist.
This is an era that pursues craftsmanship, and the manufacturing process of cycling clothing also determines the quality. Whether the fabric joints are smooth and neat, whether the breathable areas are reasonably placed, the setting of storage pockets, and many small details can all reveal the quality of a piece of cycling clothing. This requires consumers to be able to recognize quality with a discerning eye. Before purchasing, look more, try more, and personally feel how the fabric stretches with the muscles, and choose the most suitable cycling clothing for yourself with a "strict" eye.
2. The Compression of Cycling Shorts Cannot Be Ignored
Cycling mainly relies on the movement of the legs, and the pressure is mostly concentrated on the buttocks, so choosing a good pair of cycling shorts is even more important than a cycling jersey. Currently mainstream cycling shorts all have bib designs. The advantage of this design is that it can keep the cycling shorts stable during intense exercise and at the same time improve the efficiency of force generation in the lower back. If you do not yet have a pair of bib cycling shorts, then quickly get one.
In the thigh area, cycling shorts should naturally wrap the thigh muscles and also have a compression effect. The leg grippers often use elastic fabric, and it is best if they stay close to the thighs during riding and do not slide up and down. Otherwise, long-term friction may cause discomfort and reduce athletic performance. If they are cropped pants or long pants, it is best if they can provide compression to the calf muscles, thereby performing better in endurance riding. In addition, the sweat-wicking and breathability of cycling shorts are also essential.
The most important part has arrived. Whether the chamois design of cycling shorts is reasonable will directly affect the cycling experience and health. An excellent chamois should be breathable and have sufficient support, and should not put pressure on the private parts. Some chamois also add antibacterial silver ions to protect consumer health. You should also pay a little attention to the type of chamois. Usually, men's chamois are longer front to back and narrower left to right; while because women's pelvises are wider than men's, the chamois design is shorter front to back and wider left to right. In different cycling activities, such as mountain biking, road cycling, or triathlon competitions, because the riding postures are different, the pressure distribution is not exactly the same, so different types and different intensities of chamois should be chosen.
3. Breathable and Comfortable Base Layers Make You Even More Powerful
With a full set of cycling clothing, how can you not have a base layer? A good base layer can have both sweat-wicking and warmth-retaining effects, tighten the core muscles, and improve athletic performance. When it gets cold and windy, you can also add a windproof vest, which can be folded up at any time and put in your pocket when not needed. When choosing a base layer, choose one with good fabric elasticity that is not easy to pill.
4. A Pair of Anti-Slip Socks Is Essential
If you have put on cycling shoes, then choose a suitable pair of socks as well. Cycling socks are usually thickened on the instep to reduce pressure during the pulling-up motion, reinforced at the heel for anti-slip, comfortable and breathable on the sole, and some long socks also have the effect of compressing the calf muscles.
After reading this cycling clothing buying guide, what are you still hesitating about? Hurry and buy a satisfactory set of cycling clothing.
