You don’t need a lycra-filled wardrobe to be able to enjoy riding a road bike, but a few cycling-specific garments will make spending time in the saddle more comfortable. And who knows, they may even help you go faster.
- Best road bikes under £2,000
- Best women's road bike: a guide to help you get the right bike for you
- Best road cycling helmets: 8 of our top picks
Colour and design are matters of personal preference and while fit obviously varies from person to person, it is of the utmost importance if you’re purchasing skintight clothing that you’re going to be spending hours exercising in. It’s a well-worn cliché when it comes to buying bike clothing, but trying a garment on before you buy is never a bad idea.
Whatever item of clothing it is it needs to be comfortable, but that can mean different things depending on the garment. Generally speaking, after fit, your main comfort considerations boil down to chafing, temperature, weather resistance, practicality and control.
ADVERTISEMENT
As far as shorts are concerned, they need to have a good, firm pad that’s positioned and sized well so as to provide support without chafing. And the braces on bib shorts need to be long enough to comfortably reach over your shoulders. The same goes for tights, but with the added element of providing some insulation against the cold and resistance to rain. Practicality (in other words access or ease of removal for mid-ride toilet stops) is also worth considering, especially for women.
When it comes to jerseys and jackets, temperature is probably going to have the biggest bearing on the garment you choose — not only the air’s temperature but also yours when you’re riding. A lightweight climbing jersey made mostly of mesh may be great when you’re charging up the Alps in the height of summer, but it’s going to be chilly if all you’re using it for is commuting along shaded bike paths. Similarly, a nice, thick jersey or water-resistant jacket might protect you from the elements but if it can’t deal with the heat and sweat you’re generating, it’s not much good.
Finally, it almost goes without saying that anything that in any way inhibits your ability to control a bike should be avoided. It might seem obvious but it’s easy to overlook, especially when it comes to gloves. More padding in the palm sounds like a good idea, but if there’s so much that it prevents you from gripping the bars or reaching the brake levers then you need to look elsewhere.
Jackets and jerseys
Specialized RBX DriRelease Merino
- Just-right, ‘Goldilocks’ fit that’s neither too tight nor too loose
- Light and soft fabric
- Sweatproof pocket lining and port for earphones cable
Craft Active Extreme CN
- Lightweight, stretchy fabric provides a close fit
- Wicks well and keeps you warm
- Plenty of length in the arms
Rapha Women’s Souplesse
- Exceptional breathability
- Sturdy pockets
- Comfortable with a flattering cut
Gore One Gore-Tex Active
- Featherweight and packs down to a tiny size
- Keeps even the heaviest rain at bay
- Waterproofing remains effective after numerous wash and ride cycles
Endura FS260-Pro SL Thermal Windproof
- Warm enough for late-winter rides
- Close-cut fit
- Double collar to keep draft out whether the zip’s done up or not
Bib shorts, tights and skinsuits
Endura FS260 Pro SL
- Almost tailored feel
- Multi-thickness, smooth-faced pad
- Great panel design
Giro Ride Halter
- Halter-neck design makes for hassle-free comfort breaks
- Lightweight pad supportive enough for long and short rides
- Competitive blend of comfort, performance and quality
Vermarc Antivento bib tights
- Well positioned chamois provides plenty of cushioning
- Tight but comfortable fit
- Windproof panels on the front of the legs
Specialized S-Works Evade GC
- Careful seam positioning and fabric selection for aero advantages
- Pockets sit flat when empty
- Full-length zip
Gloves and shoes
Specialized Grail
- Thin, lightweight construction
- Minimal padding provides a better connection to the bars
- Velcro-free, slip-on fit
Specialized S-Works 6
- Keep a secure hold on your foot when you’re pedalling
- Fantastic on-the-bike fit
- Breathable uppers, stiff soles and roomy toe boxes
Shimano RP5
- Pro-race looks without the pro-race price
- Compatible with three-bolt road cleats and two-bolt MTB cleats
- Secure closure system
Shimano WR84
- A feature-loaded women’s shoe that’s ready for racing
- Its stiff sole is married to a comfy yet secure upper
- Great fit with plenty of room for broad feet
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
via BikeRadar All the latest from BikeRadar.com http://ift.tt/2c9UbhL
No comments:
Post a Comment