Bicycle Clothing Basics

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Always wear a properly fitting helmet

• Make sure that the helmet fits on top of the head, not tipped back
• Always wear a helmet while riding a bike, no matter how short the trip
• After a crash or impact on your helmet, replace it immediately

Shorts

• Bike shorts include a pad to increase comfort while in the saddle
• Tight, close fit keeps fabrics from rubbing your skin and causing irritation
• Bike shorts should be worn alone or under another pair of lightweight shorts

Jerseys

• Technical fabric of jerseys pulls moisture off of your skin to keep you dry
• Jerseys do not absorb moisture; they do not get heavy with perspiration
• On cold days, cotton will absorb water and hold it next to your skin, chilling you

Shoes

• Stiff soles of cycling shoes allow better power transmission to pedals
• Mesh vents allow air to circulate around feet keeping them dry
• Shoes are usually designed to accept cleats for clipless pedals

Glasses

• Protect your eyes from wind, dirt, debris and the sun while riding
• Your front wheel or someone else’s rear wheel can shoot glass or dirt at your face
• Keep perspiration out of your glasses with a thin headband around your forehead

Gloves

• Provide padding to help increase comfort and relieve numbness while riding
• Protect your hands in the event of a fall with cycling specific gloves
• Experienced cyclists can clean glass and debris off of tires with gloves while riding

Tights

• Keep your legs warm and out of the wind with full-length tights when it’s cold
• Muscles function better when they are warm and protected from the elements
• Full-length leg warmers which can be removed during a ride are also a good idea