Cycling clothing tips for city cyclists

Cycling is an enjoyable way of being active without going to the gym.

You can enjoy and spend some quality time outdoors with your family and close friends.

Cycling in the city is not only a fun activity but cycling also has a number of health benefits.

Regular cycling increases your muscle strength, it is an easy way to work on fitness, and can reduce anxiety and depression.

There are many places in South Africa for cyclists to enjoy. If you are new to cycling, it can also be a great way to socialise and make new friends who share the same interest. But, before you go purchase your bike you need to know what cycling clothing you would need for city cycling.

If you’re confused on which cycling gear you need, down below are top tips for cycling gear.

Cycling helmet

This is the first thing every cyclist should buy, you should wear a helmet every time you’re on your bicycle. There are different helmets for different cycling. There are mountain biking helmets, road helmets, and downhill helmets, so choose the one that suits your activity.

Cycling glasses

Every cyclist needs glasses, not only do they protect you from sun exposure. Glasses also protect you from harsh wind, bugs, and dirt. Cycling glasses come in different colours lenses, so you can choose a pair that match your outfits.

Get yourself a pair of tights

Having a pair of tights is a must-have for every cyclist, and allows you to enjoy cycling all year long because they are designed to keep your body warm. When choosing tights, you have an option to between long tights which reaches your ankles and ones which go to your knees.

You can also purchase tights that have extra padding for comfort. Having both normal and padded tights is a great way to warm yourself up on those cold cycling days in winter.

Jersey

Wearing a cycling jersey helps when its to warm as it’s breathable and can keep you warm during the cold season. You should also get a base layer for really cold winter days to ensure you get the best experience from your bike ride.

Arm warmers

Arm warmers should be the second item on your cycling gear list. Arm warmers have many benefits for cyclists. Arm warmers offer protection from the harsh environment such as wind, pests and sun exposure. In summer, cyclists experience harsh sun exposure so arms can act as an additional form of protection while cycling.

Arm warmers are perfect for winter as well. Winter is a season where all you would like to do is snuggle up and have a warm beverage. But for a bike fanatic, chances are you might want to go cycling regardless of how cold the weather is.

Arm warmers allow you to do that, and they also help maintain your body temperature during the cold season. Cyclists can often suffer from stiff or aching muscles, which is why compression sleeves are helpful as they reduce muscle aches and stiffness, allowing you to enjoy your cycling without worrying about muscle cramps.

Gloves

Gloves aren’t just a cycling accessory, but are actually as helpful as arm warmers and cycling shoes. Gloves are ideal during the summer season. Because it gets hot and  we tend to sweat a lot especially when exercising,gloves offer a breathable layer that also prevent your hands from being sweaty, allowing you to have a better grip on your bicycle.

The pads on the gloves also create comfort while riding your bike, this is especially important for people who enjoy riding for long hours. It’s always important to seek things that are comfortable to ensure you enjoy your ride during and afterwards.

Cycling socks

You’re probably wondering why would you need cycling socks. You could always wear regular socks however, they won’t be as breathable as cycling socks. And cycling socks are designed just for that, cycling. They are lightweight and breathable and are perfect for those hot days in summer.

Cycling socks are lightweight and are made from polyester. Polyester makes them breathable and doesn’t hold odour so you won’t have to worry about sweaty smelly feet, or extra moisture which is likely to cause blisters

Cycling shoes

The key benefit of cycling shoes is the firm sole. The shoe soles fit perfectly when you’re riding making it easier for you to pedal and have a balance on your bicycle. Riding with normal shoes can be an uncomfortable experience, especially when you’re cycling long distances.

There are different bike shoes, including road bike shoes, mountain bike shoes, and city bike shoes. Road bike shoes are designed specifically for road biking – they have a smooth outsole, but you can’t walk in them as they will be uncomfortable. They have a stiff shoe sole and their pedal style has three holes.

Mountain and city bike shoes have a sole that is stiffer than road biking,and typically have two holes for their pedal style. They have a thick rubber sole compared to road bikes. There are many benefits of cycling shoes, so always make sure you choose the right ones.