Riding Essentials....What to wear when out on your bike!

Essential Items Every Cyclist Needs

At Cyclehouse we are regularly asked what type of clothing should be worn to get the most out of cycling.
The good news is that there is a huge range of great product out there and here's a heads up on what's what.

Part 1 Lower Body.

Padded Shorts - This has to be the single most misunderstood piece of cycling kit available and a real must have for comfort. There are lots of different types available from basic liners to full on pro bib shorts. The pad itself is usually synthetic or in some cases may contain gel. The days of chamois are long gone.

Short Liners - These are a basic Lycra, Cotton or Mesh short with a built in pad normally worn as a replacement for underwear. The padding is to stop undue friction or rub and to stop the rider getting "saddle sore". They should be a close fit and worn next to the skin. Popular with leisure cyclists, liners are also  found inside Baggy or Technical MTB shorts.  Liners range in price from around  £20

Lycra Shorts - These are normally worn when riding a "Road Bike". An anatomic fitting short made with several panels and a padded area inside. Lycra as a fabric is light weight, comfortable breathable and quick drying. Expect to pay around £30 to £50.







Bib Shorts - Well these are what serious road riders, mountain bikers and your top Pro riders wear. They are made from the most advanced technical fabrics and can be cut from many different panels to give you a great fit. They have extremely good padding in and will provide the best platform of comfort to cycle in. These can range in price from £40.00




It is worth mentioning Bib Knickers and Bib Longs   at this point. Normally worn during the colder months, Bib Knickers are 3/4 leg length and Bib Longs are full length with a stirrup at the foot. These garments are constructed with a layer of Roubaix built in for warmth.





Baggy Shorts - Specifically cut for cycling using various abrasion resistant,quick drying materials.These are a great option for casual cycling and are worn by most mountain bikers .Baggy's often  come supplied with a click out padded undershort. Expect to pay around £50 for these.
Also available in 3/4 length. 








Socks - Everyday socks can be worn, however cycle specific socks are anatomically cut and vary in warmth and breathability.












Cycle Shoes - There are several types of cycle shoes. Road, Mountain and Leisure.

Road shoes tend to be light weight stiff and help to provide the optimum foot position over the pedal and the best pedaling efficiency. Road shoes need to be used in conjunction with a specialist pedal and cleat system where the cleat is fastened to the base of the shoe and locks in to the pedal body.

Mountain Bike Shoes - Similar to a road shoe but with a more aggressive sole for traction when riding off road. These shoes need to be used with a pedal and cleat system.

Leisure Shoes - There are a wide range of leisure shoes available and most may be used with either a standard pedal or a specialist pedal and cleat system. The advantage of wearing a proper cycle shoe is that it puts your feet over the pedal properly for power and also keeps your feet firmly on the pedals









Stay tuned for Part 2.  Upper Body.

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