Does an amateur need cycling equipment?

Having bought a bicycle, you just want to saddle the “iron horse” as soon as possible in order to feel the speed and experience an indescribable feeling of freedom! Just what to go? The beginner is ready to get on the bike in his old favorite jeans or tracksuit. But it’s not just that manufacturers offer an extensive selection of cycling equipment. It is designed with this type of activity in mind, so it provides maximum comfort and safety on the trip.

Why was cycling invented?

To feel the difference between a regular T-shirt and a cycling T-shirt, just put it on and ride. Some riders compare riding with gear to swimming with special goggles. If, after diving into the water with your eyes open, it is difficult to enjoy, not to mention the impossibility of achieving sports success.

Maybe that's an exaggeration. But the equipment has a special cut, differs in materials of manufacture, manufacturers choose high-tech solutions so that the cyclist moves with comfort and freedom, without feeling constraint and the slightest discomfort.

✅ Soft elastic fabrics are selected for sewing - thanks to this, you can freely rotate the pedals without feeling the clothes on you. She does not rub, does not press, the movements are liberated
✅ In the design of such clothes, ventilation is certainly provided so that a person does not sweat
✅ Tight-fitting things provide streamlined shapes, so there is less resistance to oncoming air flow - fatigue is reduced. In addition, tight clothing will not catch on protruding parts of the bike or foreign objects such as branches or bushes.
✅ Bicycle clothing fabrics are not only soft - the materials absorb and evaporate moisture. In shorts, trousers and overalls, they even make a kind of diaper at the bottom, designed to wick away sweat and soften the seat so that it does not rub
✅ Special elements are additionally built into the equipment to improve aerodynamics
✅ There are things that can even protect against fractures - for this they provide protective plates



Cycling clothing is also thought out in terms of practicality. Jackets and overalls include pockets in which you can distribute a variety of trifles - from a phone to a snack. Therefore, you can not take a backpack or bag with you, which impair streamlining. It is better not to hang anything on the back so that it does not sweat.



Finally, cycling clothes purely psychologically contribute to greater safety. It has been noted that drivers are more respectful of road users on two-wheeled vehicles, if they are equipped as expected.

We equip ourselves with knowledge

If a beginner has decided for himself that he definitely needs high-quality and comfortable cycling clothes, this means that he has a real quest in front of him! After all, you have to understand the whole variety of equipment, understand what is necessary without fail, and what you can refuse. But we will help in solving this difficult issue.

Helmet

This is a key element of cycling equipment, without which it is better not to get behind the wheel! It is a mistake to believe that beginners who drive slowly and carefully do not need it. The head should be protected in any case, even if there is only soft grass around.

The helmet is selected according to the following criteria:

✅ Comfortable to wear
✅ Material strength
✅ Riding features



It is important to try on this element in order to feel how the headdress sits. It should not squeeze excessively, as well as fly off when moving the head. For adjustment, a belt or Velcro is usually provided.



Well-thought-out ventilation is certainly provided in a high-quality helmet. Usually, holes are placed at the edges so that the entire skull is blown.



As for the types of products for different types of riding, there are such helmets:

? For cross-country - light weight
? For dirt and street - in the form of a bowler
? For freeride and downhill - hiding half the face

Inside the helmet there is an insert that softens the blow - usually it is made of polypropylene foam, polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam. Outside, there is polystyrene, polycarbonate or carbon - the latter is the most expensive.



However, many experts claim that any helmet will crack from a strong blow, regardless of cost. Most importantly, he will take a hit on himself. So whether it's worth paying more is up to the cyclist to decide.

Gloves

Another element of cycling clothing that is considered mandatory. This is an effective protection against damage, which increases comfort and safety.

✅ Gloves make it easier to hold the steering wheel when hitting uneven pavement, which is doubly important for beginners
✅ Products prevent friction - this is the prevention of the appearance of corns and abrasions
✅ High-quality gloves have a surface that provides effective grip on the steering wheel
✅ The item of equipment is made of materials that repel moisture, providing ventilation so that the palms do not sweat
✅ Protective plates are provided on the back side, which will hold back the blow in case of a fall - this is a reliable prevention of fractures and bruises



Products are bought according to the season. Summer gloves are sewn with short fingers from light breathable materials. Autumn ones are denser and completely protect the hands, while winter ones are the warmest, but nevertheless comfortable.


As a rule, models for winter are combined from several layers: the top one protects from wind and precipitation, and inside there is a soft lining that wicks away sweat.

Veloform

Cycling clothes are also bought taking into account the seasonality of riding. In summer, preference is given to light things from blown fabrics. You can make a set of a cycling shirt and shorts, or purchase a one-piece jumpsuit.





However, cycling overalls have several valuable advantages:

✅ This product has the most ergonomic structure
✅ The thing sits perfectly on the body, does not ride up, does not slip, does not rub
✅ Properly selected cycling suit helps to reduce muscle vibration, provide compression, ventilation and cooling



If you need to keep warm, buy thermal underwear. It is not available separately for cyclists. Therefore, they select the most comfortable, strictly in size.

Special cycling jackets are sold in a large assortment - from thin and weightless raincoats and windbreakers to very warm models that can even protect from frost. Theoretically, you can wear a regular jacket, but designed for riding a bike is much more comfortable:

? This model fits to the maximum, so it does not impair aerodynamics.
? The clothes have cuffs and a snug fit to the throat - so that the wind does not blow
? Bicycle models feature long sleeves for maximum comfort.



As for the legs, the so-called insulation is convenient in its own way. These are clothes that are worn with shorts, covering the limbs from the ankles to the hips.

Cycling shoes

This element of the cyclist's equipment is perhaps the most expensive. That is why beginners are doubly tormented by doubts - is it worth throwing a tidy sum to buy shoes designed for riding exclusively on a bike? Maybe you can get by with comfortable sneakers or sneakers?

In theory, yes, but in practice it is not so easy to find a model that matches the specifics of cycling.

✅ Properly selected shoes are an increased comfort for the rider
✅ Riding efficiency directly depends on this item of equipment - it increases up to 30%
✅ Cycling shoes contribute to an even distribution of the load, eliminate the wrong position of the feet, thereby preventing injuries



What is the difference between cycling shoes and ordinary sneakers or sneakers:

? In such models, a well-thought-out ventilation system is provided.
? Cycling shoes provide comfort in movement, confidently fixing, but not squeezing the foot excessively
? Special pattern on the outsole for reliable grip on the surface of the pedals
? The material is impregnated with moisture-repellent and antifungal compounds
? Clever design ensures optimal power transmission from foot to pedal



The choice of cycling shoes is especially difficult, as the price range is too wide. Beginners can focus on budget models, but without fail having studied the quality and made sure of the convenience when trying on. If cycling is serious, then you can buy more expensive advanced models.



When it comes to cycling shoes, the difference between budget and premium versions is in quality, durability and comfort level. Luxury models are made from innovative materials that provide the greatest comfort - they are almost invisible in weight, do not feel on the leg, breathe well and wick away moisture. However, if a cyclist sometimes gets behind the wheel just to have fun, inexpensive and comfortable shoes are quite enough.

The choice of equipment is an art that requires care and diligence. But, having experienced specialized clothing, be prepared to get a taste! Once you feel comfortable, you won't want to give it up.