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Cycling is a sport that not only demands physical endurance but also the right gear to ensure comfort, efficiency, and protection.
One of the key aspects of cycling attire is what you wear underneath your cycling jersey and shorts. This can significantly impact your performance and overall experience.
Let's dive into the essentials of what to wear under your cycling kit to make your rides more enjoyable and efficient.
Before we go through the specifics, it's important to understand the basic components of cycling attire:
Cycling Jerseys: Made of fabric with moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable.
Cycling Shorts: Typically feature a padded chamois to provide cushioning and reduce friction.
Bib Shorts: Similar to cycling shorts but with shoulder straps for added support and comfort.
Cool Fact: A psychological study from 2014 revealed that cyclists often exhibit a distinct combination of intelligence, generosity, and a certain "coolness.”
Base layers are designed to regulate your body temperature by wicking sweat away from your skin. They come in different weights for varying weather conditions:
Lightweight Base Layers: Ideal for hot weather, a lightweight base layer can be made from thin, breathable materials like polyester or merino wool. They help keep you cool by wicking sweat and allowing air to circulate.
Mid-weight Base Layers: Suitable for cooler conditions, a mid-weight base layer provides a balance between warmth and moisture management. They are great for those transitional weather days when it's neither too hot nor too cold.
Heavyweight Base Layers: Best for cold weather, a heavyweight base layer offers maximum insulation while still wicking moisture away from your skin. A long-sleeve base layer is an excellent choice for cold days as it provides additional coverage and warmth.
It's common practice among cyclists to forgo wearing traditional undergarments under cycling jerseys.
Regular cotton underwear can retain moisture, causing chafing and discomfort. Instead, rely on your base layer or the jersey itself to manage moisture and provide comfort.
Tight-fitting jerseys are designed to fit closely against the skin, reducing the need for any additional layers underneath.
Padded shorts are designed with an integrated padded chamois to cushion your sit bones and reduce friction.
It's crucial not to wear additional underwear beneath them. Here’s why:
The chamois is engineered to fit snugly against your skin, reducing the chances of chafing and saddle sores.
Adding underwear can trap moisture, leading to discomfort and potential skin irritation.
Padded shorts are designed to be worn directly against the skin, allowing the fabric to wick sweat effectively and keep you dry.
Applying chamois cream directly to your skin or the chamois can further reduce friction and prevent saddle sores or road rash. This is particularly beneficial for long rides.
Did You Know? Damien Hirst's Trek Madone, also known as the Butterfly Bike, holds the title for the most expensive bike ever, fetching $500,000 at a Sotheby's auction.
In warm weather, managing body heat and maintaining comfort is crucial. Opt for moisture-wicking, lightweight fabrics for both your base layer and padded shorts.
A base layer is essential to regulate your body temperature by wicking away sweat and keeping you cool.
Sleeveless or short-sleeve base layer to enhance breathability and manage body heat.
Lightweight shorts with good ventilation to keep your temperature stable.
For colder conditions, retaining warmth while effectively managing sweat is key. Your base layer plays a vital role in insulating temperature in these conditions.
Thermal base layers with long sleeves for added insulation to retain warmth.
Thermal bib shorts or tights to keep your legs warm.
Windproof or waterproof outer layers to protect against the elements and help maintain your body heat.
By choosing the right base layer and other cycling gear, you can optimize your comfort and performance regardless of weather conditions.
Quick Take: You can ride a bike three times faster than you can walk, using the same energy.
Having the right cycling gear can make all the difference in your performance and comfort. Whether you're looking for custom cycling jerseys, custom cycling shorts, or custom cycling tights, we've got you covered.
Explore our full range of cycling gear and find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether it's summer or winter, we've got the base layers and cycling kits to keep you comfortable. We are your one-stop shop for all your cycling needs.