Mountain Biking clothing

Guide to Bike Jerseys

Bike jerseys are lightweight shirts usually made from materials such as Lycra and spandex or some other form fitting material to fit snug against teh body for body wind resistance lessening the drag and also for wicking purposes ,wick material absorbs the sweat away from your body Most bike jerseys are designed with high necks and either full or partial front zippers.

Bike jerseys are usually of multiple layer designs . With The most popular jerseys having three layers jersey the first layer snug against the skin being that of a wicking fabric, the next layer insulatinglayer middle and the outer layer being that of a weatherproof and low-resistance layer.
The 3 layer design works great in all weather conditions, providing the wearer with both protection and also comfort. There are also jerseys designed for riding in specific weather conditions, such as insulated jerseys for winter.

Kinds of bike jerseys include the following:

Shirt

Bike shirts as the name suggest , they have short sleeves, covering the upper arms like a normal shirt usually, Either coming ine v-necks, collars, or turtlenecks which are the most common design. They ar availabel with with or without front zippers, made for the warmer weather ride so have thinner layers, and are very snug again providing the wicking and wind resistance .

Vest

Vest bike jerseys are sleeveless with zippers the full length of the vest. They can be a little loose and are normally worn over shirts or other jerseys. Available in bright, reflective colors for better visibility, With tough nylon exteriors, which makes them effective as wind vests but they do tend to add drag and reduce speed. Cycling vests can also be worn on their own, usually in warm weather.

Jacket

Jacket jerseys have long sleeves with front zippers of either full or 3/4 length. they have thick base layers providing more insulation in cooler weather. Some models have hoods or complete head covers tucked away in a pocket which can be pulled out for protection for when the weather turns nasty. They are usually snug, some having looser layers and are they are normally worn over other jerseys.

Choosing Bike Jerseys

Fit.
Choose a bike jersey that is snug with your body. For comfort you may choose to go for a looser , but the jersey should be tighter than your regular shirts. As Loose jerseys will create drag, which slows you down. You need to find a jersey that is snuge but not to snug, because it may restrict your breathing and tire you out faster.

Comfort
Choose a bike jersey that feels comfortable. A soft base layer that will not irritate your skin or trap sweat. The front zipper should be easy to pull down for ventilation when you get too hot. Make sure it does not restrict your movement

Visibility.
If you will be cycling on busy roads or poor light conditions, choose a brightly colored jersey that will make you more visible.

Wicking.
Choose a bike jersey with a wicking base layer. It should absorb your sweat efficiently and dry out quickly so that sweat does not collect on the shirt and weigh it down. Polyester and polycotton blends provide good wicking.

Guide to Cycling Pants

Cycling pants are form-fitting designed to keep your leg muscles warm and to help prevent common injuries such as strained muscles and pulled hamstrings. Cycling pants are made of elastic materials like spandex or nylon and have padded crotches to provide that little bit extra protection. Much the same as jerseys the inside layer of ycling pants is often lined with a wicking fabric. Cycling pants are great for the colder months,providing the wearer with insulation.

Kinds of cycling pants include the following:

Spandex cycling pants

Spandex cycling pants are quite elastic and have that slippery feel, which forms to the wearer and lessens drag from wind resistance. For wicking and ventilation they are normally lined with either polyester or polycotton .They are quite popular due to the comfort and low cost.

Nylon cycling pants

Nylon cycling pants might be more durable compared to spandex but for the durability you sacrifice. Nylon cycling pants are both waterproof and also windproof, ideal for cycling in harsh weather. They aren't suitable for hot or humid weather due to them not being very breathable, and have poor wicking properties.


Choosing Cycling Pants

Comfort
Choose cycling pants should fit snug but should also be comfortable. They should allow for movement and not interfere with your legs blood circulation.

Wicking
Choose cycling pants that are lined with wicking fabrics.

Durability
Choose cycling pants should be made of thick materials to withstand the frequent movement of pedially , the rubbing against the saddle and washes and they should also withstand constant exposure to wind, moisture, and heat

Guide to Cycling Shorts

Cycling shorts are made of thin fabrics like spandex or nylon, they can be worn either alone or under regular shorts. Cycling shorts offer support for thighs protecting them from muscle soreness, which often occurs from prolonged riding periods. They also protect the skin from chafing and irritation by absorbing sweat and providing air flow around the legs.

Kinds of cycling shorts include the following:

Traditional cycling shorts

Traditional cycling shorts are made from fabrics with elastic properties like Lycra or spandex. They are form- fitting and snug against the legs, and are often worn under regular shorts. For protection of the crotch and butt they are heavily padded.

Touring shorts

Touring shorts, also go under the name of mountain bike shorts, they are much looser compared to the cycling shorts and can be worn alone. They have a snug fitting inner skin sewn onto a baggy outer layer. They have pockets and belt loops, giving them a more conventional look.

Choosing Cycling Shorts

Comfort

When buying cycling shorts choose a pair that feel comfortable around your legs. they should be made of soft, smooth fabrics that wont scratch your skin. Make sure they are not too tight so as not to interfere with your leg movement while pedaling.

Wicking
Cycling shorts should have a good wicking inner layer,so that they absorb sweat, which may cause rashes and irritation. The inner layer should maintain proper air circulation.

Durability
Choose cycling shorts should be quite durable so that they wont wear out due to the constant rubbing against the saddle. They should be quite stretchy but also keep their elasticity. They should also be made of thick fabric and a tightly sewn inner layer.

Guide to Cycling Sunglasses


Cycling sunglasses are quite lightweight and are worn not for a fashion statement (although some might wear them as a fashion statement) but their main purpose is to protect the eyes from common road debri such as dust, bugs,etc and also to help reduce the glare from the sun. The design of Cycling sunglasses are usually curved inward to fit snugly around the head.

Cycling sunglasses are made from tough but also quite light plastics. With polarized lenses, polarized lenses,rearranges light rays making for better contrast and visibility.

Types Of Cycling Sunglasses

High-contrast cycling sunglasses

High-contrast sunglasses increase the contrast between the road and the surroundings. They are used in conditions with either extremely bright light or the opposite condition of dim light. Their lenses come in different colors for different contrast conditions. They are available in Yellow to brown lenses wfor those overcast days, while on bright sun light days blue lenses are used to dim out the sun.

Polarized cycling sunglasses

Polarized lensed sunglasses reduce sun glare, they are ideal to wear on sunny days. Polarized lensed sunglasses work by blocking out the horizontal rays from the sun. Common lens colors are gray, yellow, and brown.

Photochromatic cycling sunglasses

Photochromatic sunglasses change color depending on the light. In harsh sunlight they turn almost black ,while in evening sun conditions they change to a pale or even clear shade. They are favored by riders taking part in long haul cycling, like cross-country

Choosing Cycling Sunglasses

Fit
The pair of cycling sunglasses that choose should wrap snugly around your eyes and temples. they should have a nice fit so as not to move or slide off when your turn your head. Look for sunglasses that hook around the ears rather then just sit on the ears.

Durability
The pair of cycling sunglasses that choose should withstand moisture, heat, and other outdoor conditions, they should also be made of materials that is resistant to shock and impact.

Guide to Cycling Shoes


Cycling shoes have stiff and unpadded soles, allowing for a more efficient transfer of energy from the feet to the pedals. Cycling shoes normally have snug fit with ventilated uppers.Cycling shoes are not designed for stepping on flat surfaces due to the construction of the soles and cleats. However in recent times some manufacturers have started coming out with adaptable shoes, which have softer soles and removable paddings that make them more suitable for solid surfaces.


Kinds of cycling shoes include the following:


Road riding cycling shoes

Road riding shoes are quite common in races they are are made for hard terrains such as concrete. With a rigid soles and nylon mesh uppers. Top end models the soles are made of carbon fiber providing extreme lightness and rigidity. They are reinforced with synthetic leather both above and below the arch. They are also adjustablewith settings for uphill, sprints, and other common moves. Many do not have recessed cleats.

Off-road cycling shoes

Off-road cycling shoes are used for cycling in softer terrain such as the likes of grass and loose soil. They have a softer sole compared to that of the sole of road riding shoes, but are still stiffer than most shoes.

Off-road shoes also have recessed slots for the cleats making for much higher traction. The wearer can also put the foot down to help with difficult inclined surfaces. Some Off-road shoes also come with removable studs near the toes,which highly ideal for muddy terrain.

Casual cycling shoes
Casual cycling shoes are used in casual and recreational cycling.unlike off-road cycling shoes,Casual cycling shoes have a softer more comfortable soles. they are also comfortable enough to walk in highlighting the casual use of them. They are often used with clipless pedals because of their comfort and versatility.


Choosing Cycling Shoes

Fit and comfort
Fit and comfort would have to be the most important thing when choosing cycling shoe. They should be a little tighter than regular shoes. when choosing your shoe allow a little room for curling and stretching your toes. For easy adjustment you should also seek shoes with s Velcro straps and snap-ons.

Adaptability
Choose cycling shoes that can work with most types of pedals. Look for one with cleat slots on the toes and above and below the arch.

Also you should take into consideration the type of riding you will be doing. If you will be setting your foot down often, your cycling shoes should provide traction on all terrain types.

Weight
Choose cycling shoes that are light but also are quite durable, choose plastic over metal cleatsto cut down on weight. Depending on your budget you should consider going for a carbonfibre model which weight less

do you wear anything under lycra shorts or do you go commando?

you shouldn't wear anything between your bits and the chamois. Extra heat will potentially generate more chance of nasty rashes and the extra layer will just rub and add to the discomfort.

thought i would give this a bump seeing as the colder weather is upon us

someone has been busy putting all these guides together