Apparel

Cycling apparel

Bad weather isn’t a big deal if you’ve got the right clothes! Even if the quote from Johannes von Müller is old hat, there is a lot of truth in it. With the right cycling clothing, you can have fun in any weather: It ensures optimum temperature regulation, keeps you dry - even from the inside -, protects you from cooling down and, last but not least, increases comfort in the seating area.

Cuts of cycling apparel

Posture when cycling differs considerably from other sports. The bent-forward upper body and shoulders require a specific cut of cycling clothing so that the back and sleeves are not too short or you feel constricted by too much tension in the shoulder blades and shoulders. The sportier your riding position on the bike, the more specific the cut should be to prevent these "problem areas" from becoming a problem in the first place. So when trying on your new cycling outfit, don't forget to imitate your cycling position and check that everything fits well, isn’t too tight, too loose or too short. Incidentally, this applies to all layers, starting with the underwear, the so-called base layer, to the jersey, the vest and/or jacket.

You should also note that there is specific cycling clothing for men and women. In addition to a gender-typical cut, this can be seen in the different types and designs of chamois in the seat area of high-quality padded pants.

The thing with temperature regulation

On the bike, you are travelling at frequently changing and generally higher speeds than in other sports. Temperature regulation is therefore particularly difficult when cycling: You shouldn't get too warm and sweaty on the way uphill and not too cool on the way down. This is where the good old layering comes in handy, especially for cycling apparel in winter or generally in wet and cooler conditions. With the help of different layers of clothing, you try to keep your perceived temperature as optimal as possible throughout the whole ride. A tight-fitting base layer, a jersey as an intermediate layer - the so-called mid layer - and an outer layer, which can be a rain jacket or simply a wind breaker depending on the weather, are the classic structure.

When wearing rain gear on the bike, you should make sure that the jacket (and pants) have plenty of ventilation openings, especially on long and intense rides, to prevent you from getting completely soaked with your own sweat. The ventilation openings should also be sensibly positioned. For example, if you only have one front zip to open, there is a risk of the neck and chest area cooling down quickly due to wind and rain. Find out more about rain and wind protection when cycling here.

Style question: road, gravel or mountain bike apparel

Depending on the cycling discipline, the requirements for your cycling clothing differ due to speed, riding position and suitability for everyday use. On a road bike, you are usually travelling at the highest speed in the most aggressive riding position, so it makes sense to choose a close-fitting, well-cut outfit that doesn't flap in the wind and prevents you from cooling down quickly. On the MTB, the speed is usually somewhat lower and varies greatly. Here you can choose wider clothing that allows better ventilation at slower speeds uphill. Just don't forget the wind breaker for the descent! Of course, despite all the theoretical background, the personal preference of the clothing style plays a major role and ensures variation.

Other bike-specific clothing

Other nice things that make it easier for us to feel comfortable when cycling are glasses, hats and gloves - but also accessories such as arm, knee and leg warmers. Their small pack size makes them easy to take with you and you are super flexible if the weather changes during the ride or if it was still a little too cool for your short-sleeved jersey at the start.

Everything for the feet

Special shoes for cycling are a good idea. Our normal shoes are designed for walking and thus the rolling movement of the foot. When cycling, however, you don't want your shoes to bend around the pedals. For this reason, cycling shoe soles are reinforced to reduce this movement, depending on the pedal system and intended use. If you are looking for a performance shoe that is used exclusively for cycling, the sole should be very stiff in order to transfer the power optimally to the pedals. If you are looking for a hybrid shoe with which you can comfortably tackle walking sections during your tour or which you can simply keep on after your ride to work, the sole should be a little softer. Our shop filters help you to narrow down the shoes that are suitable for you based on their intended use.

Bicycle items deserve care

With the right care, you can enjoy your cycling clothing for longer. Dirt, sweat and body fat are the three main enemies and can have a negative impact on the functionality of your clothes in the long term. Clean and maintain your functional textiles at sensible times. You can find out more in our blog post.