Cycling clothes for men: what happens and how to choose the right one?
Special cycling clothing makes riding a two-wheeled vehicle not only more comfortable, but also safer. Experienced cyclists can no longer imagine cycling without the use of cycling suits. However, manufacturers each year show a wider range of sports equipment, and it can be difficult to find the right quality cycling clothing.
Peculiarities
Usually, the choice of special elements of a man's suit is determined by the type of riding, terrain, climatic conditions. Cycling clothing is made only from high quality raw materials in compliance with certain technologies. The seams of most models are glued with ultrasound, due to which the inner lining does not chafe or irritate the cyclist's skin. The upper cycling garment is equipped with a ventilation regulator and lined zippers. In addition, summer models are made of hygroscopic material that protects the athlete from insect bites.
Also, a feature of the men's cycling suit is its bright color - such a rider is always visible on the road, which means that the risk of getting into an accident is reduced. In addition, the special fabric has ventilation properties, wicks away sweat, and protects from the wind. In the rain, the materials dry out quickly, which provides comfort to the cyclist.
The advantage of the material is its lightness, which saves the strength of the cyclist. This is always a tight-fitting clothing that does not cling to foreign objects and does not fall into the chain.
Varieties
Conventionally, clothes for cycling can be classified into the following types.
Summer
These suits are made of lightweight, breathable fabric that fits snugly around the body. Mainly used in production synthetic raw materials, since natural materials cannot cool the body and prevent heat release.
In summer, in special equipment, the cyclist feels light, comfortable, free, his clothes do not hinder movement.
Winter
Often the inner layer is made of dense brushed fabric, and the outer layer is made of breathable fabric. All models have long sleeves. When you go out into the street in these clothes it should be cold, and the warmth is already felt during acceleration when working with the pedals.
If in special winter clothing a man experiences warmth even before he gets on the bike, then he has an increased risk of overheating.
Winter cycling clothing is multi-layered, because there is no technology that makes it possible to produce a suit that would simultaneously warm, remove moisture, and provide ventilation. The first layer of clothing during a winter walk - thermal underwear. It has the ability to remove moisture, however, the removed sweat that settles under the outerwear will cause discomfort during stops, moreover, it will provoke the development of a cold.
To avoid this, For winter cycling, it is important to purchase a membrane jacket. The outer side of such a product is made of a material that does not allow wind and rain to pass through, and the inner part easily allows moisture to pass through.
Cycling clothing is a complex of different pieces of equipment, which may include the following elements.
- Cycling jersey or cycling T-shirt. This is a part of a cycling suit for summer riding. Experienced cyclists know that regular sports jerseys cannot be used as alternatives to special products that provide comfort and safety while riding.
- Cycling shorts, cycling shorts, cycling pants... The main purpose of this type of clothing is clear from the names.A special feature of cycling shorts is the presence of a special diaper, which protects the skin from chafing, makes the trip more comfortable and pleasant. It softens the blows that fall on the buttocks and perineum.
In addition, the cycling amp helps to remove the accumulated sweat in the groin area.
- Jackets. As already mentioned, for a winter walk, you should choose a product made of membrane fabric. The male copy differs from the female not only in design, but also in the peculiarity of the cut, although there are also unisex models.
How to choose?
When choosing a cycling suit, study each of its elements separately. Start with cycling shorts:
- give preference to models with diapers;
- for a high level of cushioning, buy items with a range of silicone inserts;
- make sure the pants fit snugly to the body - this property reduces friction and reduces the likelihood of getting caught on something while walking;
- if a man is “in the body” and his stomach is in the way, then choose models with shoulder straps;
- so that the shorts do not slide out while riding, buy products with suspenders or elastic bands.
If you need exactly cycling pants, which are an elongated version of cycling shorts, then the same requirements are imposed on them. Cycling pants can be used as a standalone item or can be slipped under the main pants during a winter cycling race.
Also, they differ from cycling shorts or cycling shorts by the presence of an elastic band in the lower leg area for a better fit to the body.
Having chosen cycling shorts or pants, you can start choosing a cycling jersey. Pay attention to the following criteria.
- Examine the seams on the selected item... They should not be rough, sloppy or consist of dense threads, otherwise this instance will become unusable after a few washes, and during operation it will cause discomfort and chafe.
- For added safety, opt for biker shirts or bicycles with reflective shirts. The reflective element will reduce the risk of being hit by the wheels of the car during a night bike ride.
- Pay attention to the cut at the shoulders and lower back... In the process of cycling, a man keeps his arms outstretched forward, and therefore, in this position, the product should not cause inconvenience to the skin or hinder movement.
Before the winter season, each cyclist begins to select his own thermal underwear. There is no special underwear for cycling, thermal underwear is standard for any type of outdoor activity.
True, in the case of choosing for a cycling trip, it is important to pay special attention to the size of the product, because it will be used under tight-fitting elements of cycling clothing.
Next, you have to choose a cycling jacket:
- for better warmth, give preference to models with fleece inside;
- products with a hood are considered very comfortable;
- warm options are options with elements from a multilayer thermal fabric;
- if the jacket will be used not only for cycling, but also for walking, then select the appropriate design, as well as a cycle jacket with pockets.
Here are a few more general guidelines for choosing cycling clothing.
- Be sure to try on all types of cycling equipment... Moreover, during the fitting, it is not enough to study the outfit visually in front of the mirror, you should definitely sit down in it, walk around, take a position in which the buyer rides a bicycle. It is important to make sure that the clothes do not press anywhere, do not press, do not chafe.
- It is best to buy clothes from shops that specialize in selling bicycles and bicycle accessories, as cycling suits from supermarkets may not always meet all requirements and are often made from low quality materials.
For information on how to choose cycling clothing for men, see the next video.