Getting the Right Cycling Clothing for Long Rides
                     Getting the Right Cycling 
Clothing for Long Rides
If you're just jumping on your bike
to run to the local grocery store, 
it's probably not necessary to get 
outfitted in all your cycling gear. 
However, if you're heading out for
a long Saturday afternoon ride, it's
in your best interest to make sure you're wearing the correct cycling clothing.
Why is proper cycling clothing so important?
Cycling is one of those activities that is not naturally comfortable. Sitting on a narrow seat for hours 
at a time and pedaling continuously can cause some serious discomfort - especially in the wrong 
clothes. There's a reason you don't see any serious cyclists wearing jeans, baggy sweatpants or bulky
sweatshirts. This kind of clothing simply doesn't work well on long bike rides.
So what should you wear instead? Read through our checklist below to find out.
Cycling Clothing Checklist
1. Spandex/Lycra shorts. They may not be the most flattering, but skin-tight shorts are hands down 
the most comfortable thing to wear on long bike rides - especially if they have the padded seat insert
known as a chamois. Spandex shorts also support your muscles, increase blood flow while you're 
riding, and lead to less chaffing and irritation. What's not to love?
2. Cycling gloves. The act of cycling can be tough on your hands and wrists. Carpel tunnel syndrome 
is one of the most common repetitive stress injuries cyclists face. However, by wearing cycling gloves
that have a good amount of padding and proper ventilation, you can reduce your risk of 
experiencing this injury. Cycling gloves will also protect your hands from cold, dry air in fall and 
winter.
3. Sunglasses. You want to protect your eyes from the sun but also from insects and other debris 
that are flying through the air. Cycling specific sunglasses have the advantage of a wraparound 
design which keeps any unwanted particles from getting anywhere near your eyes.
4. Cycling Jersey. Although some people are just as comfortable in a basic T-shirt, many serious 
cyclists find that bike jerseys do wonders to keep them comfortable while riding. Most are made 
with some combination of polyester, Lycra and microfiber which allows them to wick moisture away 
from your body and facilitate evaporation. Good cycling jerseys will also have front zippers for 
ventilation and back pockets to hold your keys, cell phone and other essentials.
A helmet and cycling shoes are two more items you definitely want to have with you on long bike 
rides. In the instance of a fall, your helmet is a necessary safety precaution, and cycling shoes that 
attach to your bike pedals through a clip-in system will greatly improve the efficiency of your pedal 
stroke.
As you can see, cycling clothing can play a significant role in the kind of ride your have - especially if 
you're going any kind of distance. Outfitting yourself with the proper cycling clothing will help make 
sure you ride in comfort and style on every ride.
Discover the difference the right cycling clothing cycling clothing makes on your next ride. Find the 
perfect bike jersey.