Things Not To Wear When Cycling

If you are new into cycling, or have gotten back into cycling after a hiatus - be that mountain biking or cycling on the roads, it’s easy to find the experience a little more uncomfortable than you had done previously. Failing to prepare to get back into cycling, or heading out on long bike rides without the proper gear - is the quickest way for you to never cycle again. 

In this post, we look at some of the items NOT to wear on a bike over any kind of distance - and a few different things to avoid. 

Avoid Dark Clothing

Although this one sounds really obvious, you would be surprised at what some people wear cycling. Cycling on the roads can be dangerous, and it’s important to be seen in the most obvious way, by as many people as possible - especially motorists. Regardless of whether you are commuting or riding recreationally, avoid wearing dark clothes - especially during the darker hours on a morning and an evening. Instead, choose high visibility cycling clothing which helps you be seen, and safe. 

Avoid Denim

Although jeans may look great off the bike, they do not feel anywhere near good on the bike. Jeans are a hard material, and whilst they may provide a higher level of protection in a crash than bare skin - they are difficult and uncomfortable to ride in. Restricted movement and uncomfortable seams can be a real pain when moving your legs as much as required on a bike. Jeans also struggle in coping with bad weather, and once wet - they become incredibly heavy. If you want to wear full leg coverings when cycling, you can choose between tights and cycling trousers, such as Troy Lee Trousers. 

Avoid Bare Hands

Although this does not exactly tie in with the title of this post, it’s important to never ride any sort of distance without wearing gloves. As well as protecting your hands from the discomfort of the handlebar grips, cycling gloves also soak up the vibrations passed through the handlebars - helping prevent long term damage, including Carpal Tunnel syndrome.

If the worst is to happen and you fall off your bike - it’s likely that your hands are the first thing to hit the deck as you put them out to prevent your fall, gloves help protect your hands from damage in a crash. 

Avoid Wearing a Parachute

Although you may not like the look of lycra, it’s important for comfort and performance, as well as safety - to wear relatively tight fitting clothing. Baggy clothing will blow about on a bike, and can mean that your bike becomes unstable - putting you and others at risk. As well as a safety concern, baggy clothing will also slow you down and can potentially get caught in the moving parts of the bike. Jerseys provide the perfect, fitted top for cycling in. 

Avoid Wearing Old Trainers

As with any activity, it’s your extremities which can cause most discomfort when out riding - hands and feet. We have mentioned hands above, and now it’s time to cover what not to wear on your feet. Old trainers will let water in, and become uncomfortable as the longer ride pans out - loose laces can also cause problems - getting caught in the chain and causing an accident. 

You don’t have to worry about wearing the very latest cycling shoes, but good quality, waterproof or water resistant shoes are advised for cycling - helping you stay safe, and able to ride in comfort for longer. 

Avoid Wearing Underwear with Bib Shorts

Bib Shorts are designed to be designed without underwear - and wearing underwear with bib shorts can cause chafing and discomfort - as well as preventing the padding from doing its job. Remember to use Chamois cream if you are struggling with saddle sores. 

Cycling Clothing & Apparel

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply a fantastic range of cycling clothing and apparel - meaning you stay comfortable and looking your best on your bike. Much of this range is very affordable, and can make a massive difference in the enjoyment of your riding. 

Working with different clothing manufacturers, we offer a range of cycling clothing and protective equipment to suit all different budgets.