The Basics of Cycle Clothing for New Cyclists

If you’re the only one taking this journey, and there’s no one able to guide you to the gear you need, picking up the right shoes and shorts can be complicated. What should you look for? Does cheap stuff hold up? Why on Earth are all of these shirts neon? Fear not, we’ve got the answers for you!

Cycle Shoes: Flat-Foot vs. Clip-In

The pair of shoes you pick should be based on the kind of cyclist you are. If you’re more of a newbie, then you’re better off starting with a pair of flat sports shoes rather than clip-ins.

Clip-ins are designed to latch onto the pedals of certain models of road bike. More experienced cyclists tend to gravitate toward these, as they’re more likely to have practiced keeping balance at red lights. To avoid this kind of issue, just start out with a standard cycling shoe. These are strong and lightweight so as to protect your feet, and give you more freedom of movement.

Cycle Shorts: The Bib-Short

A bib-short is a very practical option for cyclists everywhere, but we have to admit, they can look a bit funny. Imagine a pair of Lycra shorts which have suddenly sprouted suspenders, and you’ll have some idea of how they look.

Aesthetics aside, these are great for cycling because they are lightweight and hug the body, which is great for aerodynamics. Dropping a few more dollars on a high-quality bib short will help you to feel more comfortable on a ride, as they also have padding around the saddle area for your protection.

Cycling Jersey: Neon or Bust

A cycling jersey is a fairly typical article of cycle clothing, with a few interesting features that make it a necessary part of the sport. Firstly, the fabric on good-quality articles is designed to be breathable and moisture wicking, so they’re worth spending a little more on in order to keep cool.

They zip tight to hug the body, and have pockets in the back to carry snacks to refuel while cycling. This is great for long rides, as you will most likely not want to stop every single time you need to take a bite of that energy bar.

A lot of these cycle jerseys are a bright neon colour to make it easier for road cyclists to be seen, especially at night!

Ready to start shopping for quality cycling clothing?

Head on over to the Bike Barn website and buy cycling clothing pieces today!