Are you tired of feeling uncomfortable and chafed on long rides?
Do you want to improve your cycling performance and speed?
Wearing cycling clothing may be the solution you’re looking for. But what exactly are the benefits of cycling clothing, and is it worth the investment?
In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits of cycling-specific clothing and how it can enhance your riding experience.
Benefit 1. Increased comfort
Cycling clothing is designed to the specific needs of cyclists. They’re made with stretchy materials to allow for a full range of motion while cycling. These design features can help make long rides more comfortable and enjoyable.
For example,
- Cycling jerseys often have longer backs and sleeves to prevent them from riding up when you’re in the cycling position.
- Cycling shorts often have padding, or chamois, in the crotch area to provide additional cushioning and reduce chafing.
- Bib shorts are similar to cycling shorts but have straps over the shoulder to provide more support while riding.
More reading : How Should A Cycling Jersey Fit?
Benefit 2. Improved performance
Performance cycling clothes are designed to help improve your cycling performance in various ways, such as;
- Sweat-wicking fabrics. These materials help to keep you cool and dry by drawing moisture away from your skin to the outer layer of the fabric, where it can evaporate more easily. This can be especially important on hot days or during high-intensity rides.
- Windproof and waterproof fabrics help to protect you from the elements by blocking the wind or keeping you dry in wet conditions. The most widely-used fabric today is the GORE-TEX INFINIUM™.
- Breathable fabrics allow air to flow through the fabric, which can help regulate your body temperature and keep you comfortable on hot days.
- Compressive fabrics help support your muscles and improve blood flow. This can help reduce muscle fatigue and improve performance.
- Aerodynamic fabrics help to reduce drag by feeling like a second skin on your body. This can be especially important in time trials or triathlons, where aerodynamics can play a big role in performance.
More reading : The Best Cycling Clothing Brands
Benefit 3. Increased visibility and safety
Wearing brightly colored or reflective cycling clothes can help improve your visibility to other road users. This is especially important for safety when cycling in low-light conditions, such as at dawn, dusk, or night.
Here are some examples of how cycling clothes can improve safety.
- Brightly colored jerseys make you more visible to other road users, especially during the day.
- Reflective jackets make you more visible to other road users when cycling in low-light conditions. The reflective materials on the jacket can reflect light toward the source, making you more visible to drivers or pedestrians.
- Reflective tape or patches can be added to your cycling clothes or bike to increase your visibility to other road users. For example, you can add reflective tape to your helmet, shoes, or saddle bag.
More reading : Why Use Bike Lights During the Day and Night
Benefit 4. Improve aerodynamics
Wearing form-fitting cycling clothes can help reduce drag, making cycling more efficient.
Drag refers to the resistance you encounter when cycling, and it can come from various sources, such as the wind, the road surface, and even your own body. Reducing drag can help you ride faster or with less effort, improving your cycling performance.
Here are some examples of how form-fitting cycling clothes can help reduce drag.
- Aero helmet helps reduce drag by streamlining the shape of your head and shoulders. These helmets are often worn in time trials or triathlons, where aerodynamics can make a big difference.
- Form-fitting jersey helps reduce drag by streamlining the shape of your upper body.
- Skin suits are one-piece cycling suits designed to be worn in time trials or triathlons.
More reading : Rapha vs Castelli - Which is Better?
Benefit 5. Ease of movement
Cycling clothing is often made with much room for stretch to allow for a full range of motion while cycling.
This can be especially important in an aerodynamic position, such as riding in a time trial or triathlon. Moving freely and comfortably in these situations is important to maintain an efficient and powerful cycling position.
Here are some examples of cycling clothes that are made with stretchy materials:
- Cycling jerseys are made with stretchy materials that allow for a full range of motion while cycling. This can be especially important when you’re reaching for the drops or changing positions on the bike.
- Cycling shorts are often made with stretchy materials for a full range of leg motion while cycling.
- Skin suits are one-piece cycling suits designed to be worn in time trials or triathlons. They are often made with stretchy materials to allow for a full range of motion while cycling.
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.