Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just a beginner, choosing the right cycling kit can make a great difference to your comfort, performance, and overall riding experience. With so many clothing options available, it can be a little overwhelming to decide what is best for you, particularly for those that are new to the sport. Here, we break down how to choose the perfect cycling kit tailored to your riding style, temperature, and personal preferences.

Cycling Clothes for Beginners

For new cyclists it’s important to invest in a few essential pieces. Here are some basics to start with:

Cycling Shorts: Comfort is key, so prioritize padded cycling shorts with a high-quality chamois, at Velotec our go to option for the chamois pad is the elastic interface brand. The chamois helps reduce friction and prevent saddle sores, keeping you comfortable for longer.
Cycling Jerseys: Opt for jerseys made from breathable, moisture-wicking material, more often than not this is polyester .Make sure to pick one with three rear pockets, great for storing snacks, keys, and your phone.
Cycling Gloves: Gloves can often be overlooked, even some professionals won’t wear them. However, padded gloves provide cushioning for your hands and reduce numbness during long rides, and in the case of a crash they will add an extra layer to protect your hands. Trust us when we say it is not nice losing skin from your hands.

Starting simple allows you to get a feel for what works for you without overinvesting in gear. As you gain experience, you can expand your wardrobe to suit specific needs.

Cycling Clothing by Temperature

Dressing appropriately for the weather is crucial for comfort and performance. Here's a breakdown of cycling clothing recommendations based on temperature ranges:

Hot Weather (25°C and Above):

Lightweight Jerseys: Look for short-sleeve jerseys made from lightweight, breathable fabrics with UV protection.
Shorts: Stick with lightweight bib shorts with ventilated panels.
Base Layers: A sleeveless base layer can help wick away sweat and keep you cool. On the hottest days, avoid the baselayer altogether.
Accessories: Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must when the weather is hot. Hours in the sun can turn into days of agony, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to parts of the body not protected by clothes.

Mild Weather (16–24°C):

Long-Sleeve Jerseys or Arm Warmers: Add lightweight arm warmers to a short-sleeve jersey for adjustable warmth. If temperature increases they can be easily removed.
Layering: Use a thin, windproof vest or jacket for early morning rides, once temperature rises this can be removed and easily stored in one of your back pockets.

Cold Weather (0–15°C):

Thermal Jerseys and Jackets: Choose insulated layers that retain warmth while remaining breathable.
Tights or Leg Warmers: Cover your legs with thermal tights or add leg warmers to your regular bib shorts.
Base Layers: Long-sleeve thermal base layers are essential.
Accessories: Use a neck warmer, thermal gloves, and shoe covers to protect extremities from the cold.

Freezing Temperatures (Below 0°C):

If you are brave enough to even go outside, you will need most of your wardrobe for this. Our advice would be to ride the home trainer instead, however to brave this kind of weather you will need some of the following.

Heavy-Duty Jackets: Opt for windproof and waterproof cycling jackets. This will need to be layered over a thermal undershirt and long sleeve jersey.
Thermal Bib Tights: These provide full coverage and insulation for your legs.
Balaclavas and Insulated Gloves: Protect your face and hands from extreme cold.
Winter Shoes or Overshoes: Keep your feet warm with insulated shoes or neoprene overshoes. An additional hack is to wrap your shoes in glad wrap, or wrap your feet in foil before putting your shoes on.

Best Cycling Bib Shorts

Bib Shorts are probably the most important piece of clothing you will have in your closet. A great pair of bib shorts is the staple item that every cyclist needs. Bib shorts are essential in maintaining comfort on the bike.

Fit: These need to be skin tight, like a pair of leggings or compression clothing, baggy shorts will more than likely be a cause for chafing.
Material: Look for technical fabrics like polyester and elastane. These materials wick sweat, offer excellent breathability and help maintain an optimal fit.
Chamois: The best chamois’ on the market are those that are well padded without being cumbersome or hindering movement on the bike. However not every person is built the same, and as such, it can take a bit of trial and error before you find the right chamois for you. At Velotec we proudly use Elastic Interface Technologies, they are a market leader in chamois pads and we can confidently recommend them, whether used in a Velotec product or not.

Best Cycling Jerseys

The jersey is one of the most important pieces of your cycling kit. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best cycling jersey:

Fit: Jerseys come in three main fits: race (tight and aerodynamic), club (semi-fitted), and relaxed (loose and comfortable). Your choice should depend on your ride style and comfort preferences.
Pockets: A good jersey will have at least three rear pockets for essentials like snacks, a multi-tool, or a spare tube. An additional 4th zipper pocket is great for storing a phone or keys.
Zipper: Full-zip jerseys allow for better ventilation in summer, and also a better fit. We would not consider anything other than a full length zipper.
UV Protection: Many jerseys now come with UPF ratings to protect your skin from harmful UV rays during long rides, a sunburn after a long ride is not an enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect cycling kit depends on your ride style, the weather conditions, and your personal preferences. For beginners, start with essential items like padded shorts, a breathable jersey, and essential accessories like gloves, arm warmers and base layers. Over time you can slowly grow your wardrobe which will help you be better prepared for any and all weather conditions. By investing in the right cycling clothes, you’ll not only ride more comfortably but also enjoy your time on the bike to the fullest.

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