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- Advice
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Which Cycling Clothing to Choose and How to Dress When Riding a Bike
The choice of cycling clothing, of course, depends on the type of cycling you practice: MTB clothing is one thing, and road cycling apparel is another—not to mention accessories for specific disciplines such as cyclocross or bike trekking. Then there are those who simply use the bicycle for daily commuting between home and work, who obviously have different needs than those who ride for sport or leisure.
Here, we’ll try to answer the question: what cycling apparel should you choose for road biking?
There are a few essential pieces of clothing that should never be missing if you want to ride comfortably and safely—items you should get to start your cycling journey on the right foot.
It’s often assumed that a cotton t-shirt and shorts are fine to start with—especially to save money—but this is a mistake beginners should avoid. Why? While cotton is comfortable and hygienic in many situations, it’s not suitable for sportswear, because it retains sweat and doesn’t allow it to evaporate quickly.
Technical cycling clothing, on the other hand, is made with high-performance fibers, such as polypropylene, which offer breathability, fit, thermal insulation, hygiene, and chemical resistance. The breathability of technical fabrics is essential for cycling comfort, because by helping sweat evaporate, it limits temperature swings and helps regulate body temperature in all seasons and weather conditions.
Another benefit of technical fabrics is that they help reduce muscle fatigue and therefore the risk of cramps.
Assuming you already have a road bike, basic cycling apparel includes a few essential garments and accessories. Let’s find out what they are.
Helmet
It’s no coincidence that we start this list of cycling must-haves with this accessory: although it’s not mandatory, the bike helmet is the most important element for your safety. There are many models available on the market, differing in weight, breathability, and safety features (some come with additional protection systems). You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started, but with the help of an expert, you can find the protection best suited for you to ride safely on the road.
The safest helmets are padded and strictly certified with the CE mark. The additional safety systems used by manufacturers include MIPS and ANGI. MIPS helmets (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) have a low-friction layer between the outer shell and the liner that allows the helmet to rotate independently on the head, absorbing energy from the most dangerous multidirectional impacts. Specialized’s ANGI helmets, on the other hand, are true tracking devices that detect impacts and help you call for help in case of an accident thanks to a sensor mounted on the helmet connected to an app.
Cycling Shoes
Cycling shoes depend on the pedals: obviously, if you have clip-in pedals, you absolutely need cycling shoes, because regular sneakers are strongly discouraged on this type of pedal—they don’t sit properly, compromising safety. However, if you’re a beginner, jumping straight into clipless pedals without some practice might not be a good idea. Once you’re confident enough with your bike, you can make this transition and that’s the right moment to get advice from an expert on a good pair of cycling shoes from top brands like Specialized, Sidi, Gaerne, and Northwave all available in our online store.
The stiffer the sole, the better the pedaling energy is transferred and evenly distributed on the pedal; that’s why shoes with stiffer soles are the best and also the most expensive. For the sake of your feet, always choose wisely: shoes should look good, but above all, they must be comfortable and free of pressure points that could harm your comfort and well-being over time!
Cycling Shorts or Bib Shorts
Ranking third in our priority list (but close to second place) are cycling shorts with a chamois pad. Skipping them is simply not an option. If you want to ride long hours in the saddle, you need to absorb vibrations with the chamois in your bib shorts. Among the best chamois available today are those created and designed by Assos and Castelli (Made in Italy), which, thanks to years of experience, rank among the top-tier cycling shorts on the market.
The tight fit of cycling shorts or bibs also helps aerodynamics, keeps the garment properly positioned, and prevents insects from getting under the fabric. Never wear underwear beneath these garments unless you want unpleasant irritation caused by friction from seams and folds.
Technical Cycling Jersey
We’ve already explained why technical fabrics are preferable to traditional ones. As a result, the thermal cycling jersey is an important garment for your comfort, especially to keep your skin dry and thus stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
The cycling jerseys available in Sportissimo’s online shop come in various styles: long sleeve, short sleeve, sleeveless, with zipper or without. Choose according to the season and your aesthetic preferences, but don’t forget to wear cycling base layers underneath they help absorb sweat and better regulate your body temperature.
Almost all cycling jerseys have three rear pockets, useful for carrying essentials like your phone and keys without getting in the way.
Jacket
When using technical cycling clothing, it’s also important to dress in layers according to the local weather conditions. The first layer, in contact with the skin, absorbs sweat and helps it evaporate; the second layer provides warmth; while the outermost layer the jacket protects against the elements like wind and rain.
The lighter and more packable your cycling jacket is, yet still durable, the more useful it will be during your long rides not only in winter but also in warmer seasons when sudden weather changes can catch you off guard mid-ride. Even if the sun is shining high in the sky, always carry your rain jacket neatly folded with you, which can also serve as a windbreaker when needed.
Glasses
Oakley, the quintessential cycling glasses, along with Assos and Rudy Project, are brands of cycling eyewear available for purchase online at the Sportissimo shop. Don’t forget this essential accessory for your cycling look not just for style, which never hurts, but for its practical use: sunglasses protect your eyes from light on sunny days as well as on cloudier ones. Simply switch to yellow lenses for rainy weather or clear lenses for evening rides, and your eyes will also be shielded from insects, small stones, and dust.
From this perspective, Oakley Prizm Road lenses are top of the line: thanks to the patented Prizm technology, they greatly enhance contrast and visibility across a wide range of lighting conditions. These lenses control the light reaching the eye by adjusting individual color wavelengths, allowing cyclists to perceive road surface details very clearly, even with sun glare. Spotting potential hazards more quickly helps react faster and thus improves safety.
Gloves
Not essential but certainly very useful are cycling gloves, which help you maintain a firm grip on the handlebars even when you sweat or ride on rough trails, thanks to gel pads that absorb vibrations and increase grip. If you have issues with numbness in your hands, gloves provide valuable relief and also offer protection in case of a fall.
Discover the models available in our shop from excellent brands like Castelli, Assos, and Specialized, all offering the benefits of high-quality technical cycling apparel.
Socks
Last but not least, cycling socks! Maybe not essential, but… have you seen the ones available on our website?! For an impeccable cycling look, choose socks from top brands like Castelli, Gore Bike Wear, Gist, and Assos, featuring designs and patterns of all kinds, but most importantly made with highly breathable technical fabrics that keep your feet dry and fresh both in summer and winter. Style is no joke, and comfort is certainly not optional when you’re on two wheels.