What do you wear when you go for a ride?
Discussion
Just trying to get an idea what people choose to wear when going for a ride. I mean a 'proper' ride on the road (rather than 5 mins down the road for a pint of milk).
Do you just wear a 'normal' long/short sleeve T shirt (cotton type) and 'normal' shorts?
Do have proper cycling (lycra) top?
Padded boxers (or shorts)?
Specific cycling sunglasses (big wrap around type)?
Excluding clip in shoes, do you have specific cycling trainers (rather than any old trainers)?
Is your stuff high viz or are you not bothered about that?
Do you always wear a helmet?
Anything else I may have missed?
Padded shorts/boxers aside (obvious benefits) are there any items that you feel as especially good/helpful/enhance your performance or ride?
TIA.
Do you just wear a 'normal' long/short sleeve T shirt (cotton type) and 'normal' shorts?
Do have proper cycling (lycra) top?
Padded boxers (or shorts)?
Specific cycling sunglasses (big wrap around type)?
Excluding clip in shoes, do you have specific cycling trainers (rather than any old trainers)?
Is your stuff high viz or are you not bothered about that?
Do you always wear a helmet?
Anything else I may have missed?
Padded shorts/boxers aside (obvious benefits) are there any items that you feel as especially good/helpful/enhance your performance or ride?
TIA.
Edited by g3org3y on Wednesday 28th June 08:35
Bib shorts/tights depending on temperature. Proper jersey (has to have pockets for inner tubes/phone/snacks and a long zip on the front for temperature reglation). Gloves. If its cold then merino base layer or arm warmers.
Don't really go for hi viz apart from my winter jacket but always have a front and rear light on the bike.
Helmet is a no brainer.
Proper kit just works better. Function over form
Don't really go for hi viz apart from my winter jacket but always have a front and rear light on the bike.
Helmet is a no brainer.
Proper kit just works better. Function over form
Lightweight T-Shirt (tech/performance fabric rather than cotton), but typically in a bright colour (although not necessarily high-vis/dayglo)
Padded boxer shorts rather than padded cycling shorts
“Normal” shorts or walking trousers (slim fitting) if it’s chilly
Skate style trainers (Adidas Five Ten) with a sticky sole because I have flat pedals
Long finger gloves because I favour gravel trails/canal tow paths and the nettles/brambles are having a great season this year!
Padded boxer shorts rather than padded cycling shorts
“Normal” shorts or walking trousers (slim fitting) if it’s chilly
Skate style trainers (Adidas Five Ten) with a sticky sole because I have flat pedals
Long finger gloves because I favour gravel trails/canal tow paths and the nettles/brambles are having a great season this year!
On the road I'll have bib shorts / tights and cycling specific top (long or short sleeved) depending on the weather. I find riding a sweaty effort and riding in a cotton tshirt just ends up damp and uncomfortable. When on the MTB I'll put a pair of MTB shorts over the top protect the lycra from snagging
I'll always wear a helmet and sunglasses as well, although if it's dark I have clear lenses. This is mainly because I wear contact lenses and I'm a bit paranoid about getting something in my eyes whilst riding. I'll either wear my Oakley Jawbreakers which are cycling specific or if I'm on the mountain bike at night I'll have a pair of clear safety glasses from screwfix.
A good set of lights is always advisable, especially a rear one as I'll have it on all the time.
I'll always wear a helmet and sunglasses as well, although if it's dark I have clear lenses. This is mainly because I wear contact lenses and I'm a bit paranoid about getting something in my eyes whilst riding. I'll either wear my Oakley Jawbreakers which are cycling specific or if I'm on the mountain bike at night I'll have a pair of clear safety glasses from screwfix.
A good set of lights is always advisable, especially a rear one as I'll have it on all the time.
Good question!
I’m new to cycling as earlier this year have bought a gravel bike and tend to get out twice a week on roads/trails for an hour or two.
I’m not keen on the ‘cyclist’ look, nor having to faf around putting on specific clothes to pop out for an hour on my lunch break. I’ve also got no illusion of needing any aero gains!
I’ve been wearing Puma running tshirts with running style shorts. I’ve then got a Morvelo windproof packable jacket if it’s a little chilly, which I got in their sale and is very good.
Temperature wise i’ve been very comfortable but am struggling with chafing downstairs on longer rides! I’ve ordered some cycling/padded underwear to chuck on beneath normal shorts.
I’ve got flats as well so just have a comfy pair of trainers that I use.
No hi-vis but always a helmet, and rear flashing light if riding on the road.
I’m new to cycling as earlier this year have bought a gravel bike and tend to get out twice a week on roads/trails for an hour or two.
I’m not keen on the ‘cyclist’ look, nor having to faf around putting on specific clothes to pop out for an hour on my lunch break. I’ve also got no illusion of needing any aero gains!
I’ve been wearing Puma running tshirts with running style shorts. I’ve then got a Morvelo windproof packable jacket if it’s a little chilly, which I got in their sale and is very good.
Temperature wise i’ve been very comfortable but am struggling with chafing downstairs on longer rides! I’ve ordered some cycling/padded underwear to chuck on beneath normal shorts.
I’ve got flats as well so just have a comfy pair of trainers that I use.
No hi-vis but always a helmet, and rear flashing light if riding on the road.
On the gravel bike I tend to do 40-80k length rides on forestry roads, xc tracks and a bit of road too, and I wear slim fit baggy shorts with padded liners, short and long sleeve cycling/outdoor tops/shirts and various outer layers from a lightweight gilet to a heavyweight waterproof to cover all weathers. I almost always wear gloves for a similar reason to WelshRich, always wear a helmet, and I use SPD pedals with MTB type shoes.
Good thread... I'm just getting into things having not really cycled since a teen.
I don't want to look like a pro, because a) I'm not, and b) the expectation from other road users will be higher and less forgiving.
So far gone for -
-Specialized MIPs helmet
-One of those zip top sports t-shirts with the collars (seems to prevent air entering at the collar and stops it flapping about)
-Cargo style shorts
-Adidas sneakers
-Fingerless gloves
Seems to do the job.. I thought about padded boxers, but haven't really needed them so far on rides less than 10 miles. Will see how things progress.
I don't want to look like a pro, because a) I'm not, and b) the expectation from other road users will be higher and less forgiving.
So far gone for -
-Specialized MIPs helmet
-One of those zip top sports t-shirts with the collars (seems to prevent air entering at the collar and stops it flapping about)
-Cargo style shorts
-Adidas sneakers
-Fingerless gloves
Seems to do the job.. I thought about padded boxers, but haven't really needed them so far on rides less than 10 miles. Will see how things progress.
Shoes - Ride Concepts / Etnies / Five Ten - All clipless
Socks - Usually Banana Industries
Pads - Sweet / IXS / 7idp - Depends what I'm riding
Shorts/pants - Troy Lee Skyline pants or 100% DH shorts in the dry and 100% waterproof pants or shorts in the wet
Upper base layer in the winter or between months
Tee - Anything, nothing technical and never wear proper jerseys
Jacket - DHB softshell or just a plain hoodie
Glasses - Banana Industries Banoptics / PinkEye / Pit Vipers - Depends on my mood cant ride without any sort of glasses at all
Gloves - STUX or 100% full finger
Helmet - Poc Kortal or Tectal usually but sometimes use my Giro Tyrant if I know i'm going to get a bit rowdy
Always always always wear a helmet. It feels wrong not wearing one, like driving without your seat belt on...
That's MTB obvs
Socks - Usually Banana Industries
Pads - Sweet / IXS / 7idp - Depends what I'm riding
Shorts/pants - Troy Lee Skyline pants or 100% DH shorts in the dry and 100% waterproof pants or shorts in the wet
Upper base layer in the winter or between months
Tee - Anything, nothing technical and never wear proper jerseys
Jacket - DHB softshell or just a plain hoodie
Glasses - Banana Industries Banoptics / PinkEye / Pit Vipers - Depends on my mood cant ride without any sort of glasses at all
Gloves - STUX or 100% full finger
Helmet - Poc Kortal or Tectal usually but sometimes use my Giro Tyrant if I know i'm going to get a bit rowdy
Always always always wear a helmet. It feels wrong not wearing one, like driving without your seat belt on...
That's MTB obvs
Edited by bobbo89 on Wednesday 28th June 14:56
Whether I’m riding mtb or gravel bike, off-road or on-road, same kit, and usually wear proper cycling kit as it fits better and it more comfy for cycling…
Short-sleeve lycra cycling top
If it’s a bit chilly, then a long-sleeve running top underneath
If it’s cold, a long sleeved cycling top underneath
If it’s Canberra in Winter then all that, plus a cycling jacket over the top
Shorts - usually Endura Singletrack, no padding. Will wear padded shorts if I’m going to be out for more than about three hours on the road.
Shoes - MTB clipless (currently Shimano, but also like Specialized) with SPD pedals (Shimano XT on every bike)
Gloves - always wear them, usually fingerless mtb gloves, have a couple of pairs of long fingers for the winter
Glasses - always wear something, sunglasses or clear lenses, just stop crap getting in the eyes
Helmet - always wear one, pick whatever fits for whatever you can afford.
None of that is necessarily expensive if you look around.
Short-sleeve lycra cycling top
If it’s a bit chilly, then a long-sleeve running top underneath
If it’s cold, a long sleeved cycling top underneath
If it’s Canberra in Winter then all that, plus a cycling jacket over the top
Shorts - usually Endura Singletrack, no padding. Will wear padded shorts if I’m going to be out for more than about three hours on the road.
Shoes - MTB clipless (currently Shimano, but also like Specialized) with SPD pedals (Shimano XT on every bike)
Gloves - always wear them, usually fingerless mtb gloves, have a couple of pairs of long fingers for the winter
Glasses - always wear something, sunglasses or clear lenses, just stop crap getting in the eyes
Helmet - always wear one, pick whatever fits for whatever you can afford.
None of that is necessarily expensive if you look around.
Just got back from a road ride. Currently wearing :
dhb bib shorts.
dhb short sleeved jersey.
dhb socks.
B'Twin long fingered gloves (I alway wear gloves with long fingers because a) I want to protect my fingers in the event of an accident, and b) I get numb fingers very easily, even when it's fairly warm.
ABUS helmet.
Diadora SPD-SL shoes.
So at age 42 I guess I definitely qualify as a MAMIL...
dhb bib shorts.
dhb short sleeved jersey.
dhb socks.
B'Twin long fingered gloves (I alway wear gloves with long fingers because a) I want to protect my fingers in the event of an accident, and b) I get numb fingers very easily, even when it's fairly warm.
ABUS helmet.
Diadora SPD-SL shoes.
So at age 42 I guess I definitely qualify as a MAMIL...
g3org3y said:
Just trying to get an idea what people choose to wear when going for a ride. I mean a 'proper' ride on the road (rather than 5 mins down the road for a pint of milk).
Do you just wear a 'normal' long/short sleeve T shirt (cotton type) and 'normal' shorts?
Do have proper cycling (lycra) top?
Padded boxers (or shorts)?
Specific cycling sunglasses (big wrap around type)?
Excluding clip in shoes, do you have specific cycling trainers (rather than any old trainers)?
Is your stuff high viz or are you not bothered about that?
Do you always wear a helmet?
Anything else I may have missed?
Padded shorts/boxers aside (obvious benefits) are there any items that you feel as especially good/helpful/enhance your performance or ride?
TIA.
Always cycling specific attire. Bibs, base layer, jersey, jacket/gilet if cold. Always helmet, always cycling glasses, always cleats.Do you just wear a 'normal' long/short sleeve T shirt (cotton type) and 'normal' shorts?
Do have proper cycling (lycra) top?
Padded boxers (or shorts)?
Specific cycling sunglasses (big wrap around type)?
Excluding clip in shoes, do you have specific cycling trainers (rather than any old trainers)?
Is your stuff high viz or are you not bothered about that?
Do you always wear a helmet?
Anything else I may have missed?
Padded shorts/boxers aside (obvious benefits) are there any items that you feel as especially good/helpful/enhance your performance or ride?
TIA.
Edited by g3org3y on Wednesday 28th June 08:35
irc said:
Really? Don't even own a helmet.
They aren't essential you know.
They're not, but then neither is the ability to be able to feed yourself in reality. They aren't essential you know.
Each to their own, I'd never rudely criticise someone for not wearing a helmet, but I'd have died at least twice if I didn't always wear one and do think not wearing one for 'proper' road cycling is foolish.
Julian Scott said:
They're not, but then neither is the ability to be able to feed yourself in reality.
Each to their own, I'd never rudely criticise someone for not wearing a helmet, but I'd have died at least twice if I didn't always wear one and do think not wearing one for 'proper' road cycling is foolish.
I guess you take more risks riding than me then. Half a century riding bikes and no offs where a helmet would have made any difference.Each to their own, I'd never rudely criticise someone for not wearing a helmet, but I'd have died at least twice if I didn't always wear one and do think not wearing one for 'proper' road cycling is foolish.
But I'd never criticise anyone for wearing one.
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