CYCLE CLOTHING
In order to maximise the enjoyment and health benefits of bike riding, it is important to ensure that you are both comfortable and safe whilst cycling.
Cycle wear has benefited from many developments in the world of fabrics and manufacturing processes. As a result we offer an extensive choice of practical clothing that is both stylish and affordable. When you think of cycle clothing you probably imagine riders in the Tour de France wearing tight Lycra and fingerless gloves. However, with modern materials and advanced production methods, you can be comfortably stylish without having to look like a real pro.
Choosing the correct garments for the conditions you are riding in is a very important factor. Being either too hot or too cold can spoil what may have been an enjoyable ride. Luckily, the vast choices available can make cycling enjoyable whatever the weather.
All Weather Cycle Clothing
Clothing manufacturers produce two ranges of clothing through the year. One is designed to cope with summer riding and the other the harsh conditions of winter. The nature of cycling over different terrain also means that the choice of clothing for a ride can be difficult. When the body is working harder when riding up hill it is generating more heat and more sweat which can be very uncomfortable. However, when at the top of the hill and descending down the other side heat is rapidly being lost and the body is susceptible to chills and muscle strains.
Layer Systems
To try and cope with these varied demands, manufacturers have developed layering systems with special wicking materials on a base layer to remove moisture from the skin through to mid layers. This allows air to move both ways (and can be worn as an outer layer when warm) through to the outer garments that allow moisture to leave the body, but preventing the air from passing back through and lowering the bodies core temperature. These outer layers can be windproof and waterproof and are often lightweight so that when warm they can be removed and placed into a rear pocket. This feature is standard design on cycling clothing. These layers can then be easily put back on if the weather turns for the worse or when descending a hill. This layering system is used for MTB riding or road cycling. Even when styles vary, the same technology can be utilised.
Fitted To Suit Your Discipline
With cycling covering a huge range of disciplines and uses, clothing design varies greatly. High comfort is all important for long riding on the road and trail. Lycra serves as the main material for riding on the road and padded shorts ease pressure on the saddle. For XC and trail MTB riding, loose tops and baggy shorts (still with padding) are the preferred choice with plain and simple designs for the tops. Some riders, especially XC racers will use lycra shorts that are similar, if not the same as those worn on the road. For BMX, jump and down hill mountain bikes however, fashion is paramount and loose fitting casual tops and long shorts (often with body armour) are the must have clothing.
Extensive Range of Bike Apparel
Everything in this huge range of cycle clothing can be found on the AW site, along with other hugely important accessories such as gloves and mitts of all types. We have specialist shoes, socks and overshoes to keep your feet dry and full rain trousers and capes to keep the rest of you dry. You can find specially designed hats that fit under your helmet to keep your head warm and many types of eyewear, either specifically designed for cycling or simply as a fashion accessory. For further information and explanations on the technology and its range of uses, take a look through our buyer’s guides.
