You don’t have to kit up like you’re ready to tackle the Alpe d’Huez, but having suitable cycling clothes is key to ensuring a comfortable ride.
Here are some tips for what to wear for comfort and safety, and suggestions for where to shop for bargains.
On the Top
- Cycling jerseys breathe well and offer back pockets for things like snacks and phones. They come in a variety of fits, the two most common being race (very snug and form fitting) and club (boxier and relaxed). Like all clothing, no two manufacturer’s jerseys fit the same way, so head to your local bike shop and try a few on to find the size and cut that works for you.
- If you don’t like the snug fit of a cycling jersey, any athletic top will do, preferably one that breathes and wicks well. There are lots of synthetic materials out there that fit the bill, and wool is always a fine material, especially in cooler weather.
- Arm warmers are a good option for cooler weather if you don’t quite need a jacket, and they easily fit in a jersey pocket. They come in a variety of materials and thicknesses – as with jerseys, try a few on and see what works for you.
- A lightweight windbreaker cycling jacket or vest is good to have on hand for spring and fall riding. Many pack down to comfortably fit in a jersey pocket so you can bring it in case you need it, or stow it if you need to take it off. There are also decent jackets with zip-off sleeves so you get the best of both worlds.
- A rain jacket is essential if you ride in Seattle, but it can be challenging to find an inexpensive one that is truly lightweight and breathable but still keeps the rain out. You can find lightweight, clear PVC jackets that pack into a jersey pocket for under $50, but you’re likely to get just as about as wet from sweat and condensation as you are from the rain. Otherwise, it’s a good investment to spring for a higher end jacket if you plan to ride in the rain regularly.
On the Bottom
- Snug-fitting bottoms are key if you’re going to be in the saddle for too long, especially for guys (I can go into details if you really need to know). Cycling shorts have a chamois pad to give your ischial tuberosity (sit bones) some cushion, and they come in many different styles and cuts for comfort, support, and compression. As with the jersey, if you prefer something with a little more relaxed fit, mountain biking shorts usually have a Lycra and chamois underlayer and looser outer layer, or you can throw on a pair of cycling shorts underneath your favorite athletic short.
- The next step up from basic cycling shorts are bibs, which include suspenders that keep them from riding down on you. They also tend to offer a little more compressive support, which can help reduce fatigue.
- Like arm warmers, knee warmers help give you a little more coverage in cooler weather and can be easily stowed if you need to take them off in mid-ride.
- “Urban cycling” knickers are a good option for casual riding, offering a little more leg coverage and pockets to stash smaller items. You probably won’t want them on a 100 mile ride, but they can be handy for rolling around town.
- Fashion changes over time, and the preferred length of cycling socks is no exception. Apart from that all-important decision, look for socks that are snug, breathable, and wick moisture well. I personally have an affinity for Smartwool PhD socks, which I wear year round, and they come in pretty much any length and weight you need.
Other Items
- You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a helmet to keep your noggin protected. Any helmet will meet current safety standards, so finding one that fits properly and is comfortable is where you should start. Here’s a good guide to fitting a helmet from Bicycling magazine. Generally speaking, as the price point of a helmet goes up, so does the number of vents, while the weight goes down.
- Gloves are quite handy (pun intended): They cushion your hands, they keep your hands and fingers warm in cooler weather, and they protect your palms if you have a crash. Fingered or fingerless, they should be snug enough to let you operate brakes and shifters without restricting your movement too much.
- Cycling shoes will be determined to some degree by what kind of pedals you have, but the right footwear will improve your ride through increased stability on the pedal, better power transfer to the drivetrain, and reduced foot fatigue. Shoes should be snug and stiff but comfortably so. When shopping, make sure they are compatible with your cleats if you use clipless pedals!
- Eyewear is a must when you’re in the saddle. Apart from keeping sun out of your eyes, there are few things worse than having a fly smack into your eyeball when you’re going 30mph. You don’t need to spend much on eyewear – any ol’ sunglasses will do, although you may consider clear lenses for riding at night or in the rain. Alternately, a pair of glasses with interchangeable lenses is a good investment for protecting your eyes.
- Cycling caps, bandanas, or other head covers can provide protection from the sun and keep sweat out of your eyes while wicking moisture away from your head to keep cool. Cotton items are pretty much useless once they’re saturated, but performance “skullies” like HeadSweats do a decent job managing the microclimate between your head and helmet.
Where to Shop
There are a number of sites out there that specialize in discounted sporting goods, usually overstock or last season’s gear, so you can keep your costs manageable. Many of these sites have access to the same stuff, but prices and shipping costs vary, so it’s worth shopping around. Here are sites I frequent for bargains:
- Steep and Cheap – This is my go-to site, which is basically the Backcountry.com clearance outlet. I’ve bought cycling gear, eyewear, rain jackets, gloves, and more here over the years. Stock changes regularly, so it doesn’t hurt to check in every couple of days if you’re hunting for something not terribly urgently.
- Competitive Cyclist – Has a decent selection of clothing and gear at regular prices, but watch for sales and you can save big money.
- Nashbar – The grandaddy of cycling sites. You’re not likely to find high-end items here, but there’s always a good deal to be found on essentials.
- Performance Bike – A national brick-and-mortar retailer, they carry a range of gear at reasonable prices. Check out the online Outlet section for closeout deals.
- REI Garage – Is hit or miss depending on the season, but when you find what you need it’s at a good price and is backed by REI’s top notch customer service.