C-Sig Training Series
Below is a list of clothing and accessories that cyclists use to keep themselves warm when it�s cold, cool when it�s hot, and comfortable on long rides.� For those new to this sport, the idea of wearing brightly colored shirts and skin-tight shorts may seem downright odd, but there are serious reasons behind these �funny looks.�
Bike helmet, required for all club rides;� prices vary, but ones sold today all provide required level of protection; price difference reflects ease in which helmet would slide when it (and your head) come in contact with a hard surface; once a helmet is worn in a crash, it should be replaced
Balaclava/headbands (thin, fit under helmet) keep head & face warm, protect ears from wind chill; the Headsweat scarf protects against sunburn & allows sweat to drip down ties at the back of the neck
Cotton cycling cap or painters� cap has small front brim to protect eyes from glare and rain; thin so fits under helmet; to use as rain hat, spray with Scotch Guard
Base layer, worn next to skin, wicks away sweat; women put it over a sports bra
Ahort and long-sleeved shirt, has 2-3 pockets in back to store snacks, keys, money; long front zipper preferred, to open when hot; choose bright colors for visibility to cars when riding
Arm warmers, fit over arms to reach the short-sleeved shirt; easy to take off and store as temperature warms up during ride
Jacket (some come with detachable hood for rain); use as windbreaker; newer ones �breath� even though rainproof, to allow some heat and perspiration to escape; choose bright colors for visibility
Sleeveless vest has windbreaker front only, so perspiration escapes from back
Bike shorts should ideally be 8-panaled; more panels better protect skin from rubbing; seams are placed to avoid friction; women should not buy the cycling shorts advertised for spinning class, such as sold by DKNY�their padding is too thin for rides on the open road; most shorts are available in different inseam lengths; if you hate the Lycra look, there are mountain bike shorts with hidden spandex leg panels and good padding; shorts are worn next to your skin; never wear underwear beneath your bike shorts
Winter-weight long bike pants have wind-breaker fronts, and backs that �breath� to allow perspiration to wick away; best have ankle zippers, to pull on/off over shoes
Tights/Capri-style bike shorts/leg warmers; are worn over shorts, to protect the knee joints in weather colder than 65 degrees
Clipless bike shoes accept a mechanism that allows the cyclist to clip on to his pedals, so leg muscles can pull up as well as push down, to save strength; mountain bike shoes have more interior cushioning and a recessed clip, for easier walking off the bike; both kinds have hard soles to redistribute energy (heat) from the pedal area to throughout the foot
Booties fit over road bike shoes to protect against wind chill and cold
Cycling gloves are fingerless, for dexterity, and� padded on the palm near the upper thumb and fingers to protect hands from constant jarring while riding; also helps to relieve pressure of putting body weight onto the hands while cycling; there are winter-weight gloves (full fingers) and thin glove liners, which fit under regular cycling gloves for extra warmth
If I had to choose where I�d spend my money, I would buy the best shorts I could afford.� If catalogue sources are cheaper than local stores, go in to a store and try them on first, so you know what size fits.�� (This is the exception to the no-underwear-under-shorts rule!)
Wrap-around sunglasses protect eyes from glare and road dust; should be shatter-proof and fully UV coated to protect eyes from sun exposure; always wear UV-coated glasses on rides
Lip balm (example: Blisstex) with high SPF; carry in outside pocket and apply frequently
Sunscreen, with titanium dioxide as active ingredient (so-called �non-chemical� sunscreen because it blocks rays from penetrating); doesn�t break down as fast or irritate skin as other sunscreens can; look for them in health stores; also good for taking off chain grease while on rides
Bag Balm, applied to bike shorts or, for women, can be applied directly on vagina area, to lubricate sensitive areas in contact with bike saddle; especially for women, its mild medicinal properties help heal small cuts and abrasions that occur during long rides; found at Agway and other country stores (originally developed to heal ulcers on cow udders!); other lubricants include Vaseline and products specifically for shorts (check your bike shop); apply all sparingly
Grabber Mycoal Toe Warmers fit between sock and shoe for 6 hours of warmth
Exfoliating soap can�t be beat for getting road dirt and grease off in the shower; many types, from lavender stems to oatmeal
cycling catalogues are good sources for bike clothes, accessories and equipment; some to try are Bike Nashbar www.nashbar.com; Colorado Cyclist www.coloradocyclist.com; Performance Bicycle www.performancebike.com; Terry (for women), www.terrybicycles.com; Title Nine Sports (for women), www.title9sports.com