There are a number of key factors that need to be considered when entering into
the manifold world of men's cycle clothing. We want you to be as happy as
possible in the saddle, so we've put this guide together to help you make the
right decisions in what to wear.
Basic Men's Cycle Clothing
First, when picking your clothing, consider the weather. A cotton t-shirt would
be of little use on a wet Wednesday in Burnley, in much the same way that full
waterproofs may become a hindrance when it's 28ºC in the shade. When it does
happen to be wet (and with 52% of British days being overcast, it is a
possibility), then perhaps some full-length, non-Lycra trousers might be
advisable. We stock many mens varieties from brands like Endura and Northwave,
all of which come in a choice of colours and five different sizes and are cut
specifically for men.
For those rare occasions when the sun shines and the roads, parks and trails are
dry, you may wish to consider one of our range of casual t-shirts, perhaps
coupled with a choice from our wide range of shorts, which range from the
trend-setting baggy mountain bike shorts from industry leading companies like
Endura and Fox Riders, to the professional Lycra road shorts manufactured by
forward-thinking companies like Campagnolo and Colnago.
The second consideration is twofold: terrain and route. A screaming thrash
through the New Forest will require radically different attire from a gentle
punt to and from work. Tight, rugged clothing would be preferable if you're the
kind of guy who enjoys throwing your bike down a verdant Welsh valley, but
something sturdy and more comfortably baggy maybe the better option for the
daily work-run. Either way, you can benefit from the versatile fabrics and
materials that are being manufactured by some of the biggest industry names;
fabrics like the ultra-modern polyester weave produced by Fox, or the highly
aerodynamic materials used in the more professional, fitted all-in-one body
suits.
Stylish Cycle Accessories
Often overlooked when it comes to picking cycle clothing are the items that
complete the outfit while providing subtle comments about your sense of style.
Your choice of eyewear is of utmost importance for your visibility, but they
also decide just how cool you look. High-street sunglasses have a tendency to
fall off your face when you go over humps and bumps, so specialist shades are
essential. In fact, if you want to guarantee your eye protection does indeed
stay on your face, you may want to have a look at the goggles that are
currently being produced by companies like Zeal, which also come in handy in
heavy rain.
Men's Cycling Shoes
Next, and perhaps most importantly: shoes. Making the right choice in footwear
is absolutely essential. If the sole is too thin for your tastes then pain may
result from applying pressure to the pedal, which will, in turn, result in a
reluctance to put much force into your down-stroke, costing you significantly
in terms of speed, and probably generally ruining your day. Therefore, you need
to match your shoe both to your bike and to your riding style, not to mention
ensuring you select the right size.