Cycling Clothing FAQ

Do you need padded shorts for cycling?

Yes! Although it’s possible to do some short journeys without cycling shorts and remain comfortable - we always advise purchasing and using a good quality pair of cycling shorts. This is because cycling shorts contain a chamois, which is a padded piece which sits below the crotch - covering the contact point between your body and the saddle. This pad provides many important functions, including comfort, preventing chafing and minimising road vibration.

What is the point of cycling shorts?

Cycling shorts are not only designed to look good and perform well, providing comfort in the full range of motion - they also feature a chamois, which adds vital comfort. A chamois is a padded piece of material which sits below the groin, and protects the impact point of your body and the saddle. This pad provides many important functions, but mainly ensuring you remain comfortable on the bike for long periods of time, or across rough terrain.

Do cycling shorts make a difference?

Yes! All cyclists benefit from wearing cycling shorts - not just the pros. Cycling shorts provide much needed comfort on each ride, comfort and protection from soreness from the bike's saddle- thanks to a chamois pad, as well as a cut and design which provides comfort across the full range of cycling motion.

Can I cycle in jeans?

A short journey in jeans is fine, but jeans are too restrictive to be comfortable for any length of journey on a bike. Jeans are also restrictive, meaning they do not flex and adjust to the full range of cycling motion.

Why do cyclists wear tight clothes?

Cyclists, both recreational cyclists and professional cyclists wear tight fitting cycle clothing for the same reason - the tighter and more figure hugging cycling clothes are, the more aerodynamic they are, this lessens wind resistance.

Do I need to wear a cycling jersey?

Cyclists can wear what they want! But there are clear and definite advantages to wearing a cycling jersey - cycling jerseys look fantastic for a start off, are made from a wicking fabric to help regulate temperature across your full journey, and jerseys are also fitted - providing an aerodynamic performance to lessen wind resistance.

Should I wear something under my cycling jersey?

A lot of cyclists do not feel the need to wear anything under their cycling jersey, with the jersey acting as the only layer that is required, to keep you protected from the elements, cool & dry as well as aerodynamic. On colder days - many cyclists choose to wear a cycling base layer to provide extra warmth. There are a few cases where other clothing is worn underneath a jersey, such as a sports bra, or the straps of bib shorts.

What should a beginner cyclist wear?

This depends largely on budget! As a minimum, a new cyclist needs some padded cycling shorts and a helmet. As you ride more and learn what you need to ride comfortably, we recommend gloves, sunglasses and a cycling jersey. This will either be road bike or mountain bike dependent too.

What should I wear when commuting on a bike?

High visibility clothing is important when commuting on a bike, and although not strictly clothing - bike lights are important. A good base layer should be worn, which can be a jersey - a long sleeve jacket for adverse weather is important, as are padded shorts.

How much difference do cycling shoes make?

Cycling shoes allow you to feel more connected to the bike, specialist cycling shoes have been designed to work with different pedals - and some will clip you into the bike. With cycling shoes, you can feel more stable on the bike, remain on your pedals more - and pedal more efficiently.

Can I wear normal clothes when cycling?

Yes, you can! But it may become uncomfortable. Specialist cycling clothing has been designed to wick sweat away from the body, keeping you at the right temperature. Cycling clothing has also been cut and designed to be comfortable across the full range of motion, and has been designed to fit a cycling position on a bike.

How tight should a cycling jacket be?

Ideally, a cycling jacket should be quite tight fitting - it should allow room for base layers and a jersey underneath - but not be so loose that it flaps about in the wind, adding extra wind resistance and difficult to a ride.

Why are mountain bike shorts baggy?

Mountain bike shorts are baggy, because they look cool! They also offer an important range of motion too - and the longer design, provides a good level of protection against strikes against bushes and foliage found off road.