RELATED SEARCHES
Sponsored Bicycle Apparel Results:
Bicycle Apparel
By:
Published: August 17, 2006
Feeling good often correlates with looking good. The same goes for performance; the more modern bicycle apparel a rider wears, the more likely he or she will perform confidently.
The fashion value of vintage wear often fails to apply to athletics, unless it is the classic aesthetics of as basketball shoe or soccer cleat. Major sportswear companies, such as Nike and Adidas, have begun to make new advances in cardiovascular performance clothing, specifically bicycle apparel. These advances rival trendy vintage throwback jerseys or traditional sneakers, while still maintaining the features geared toward improving athletic performance.
Wearing technologically-designed bicycle apparel will not only enhance a rider's cycling professional persona, it can also improve time and comfort.
The following lists an array of necessary bicycle apparel:
Jerseys: The most visible piece of bicycle apparel, the jersey is a piece of sportswear expressing individual personality, whether it depicts a favored cycling club or particular designer. Lightweight jerseys are critical; those made with a sweat absorbing fabric are beneficial to cyclists, especially during the warmer seasons. The best jerseys are composed of small dimples, like the skin of a golf ball, geared toward improving the aerodynamics of a rider's shape on the bike. Tops with zippers also may provide riders with an additional opportunity to cool off. Many top-brand jerseys contain pockets in the back for carrying food, gel packs and other necessary items during longer rides.
Shorts: Sitting on a barely padded, banana-sized, metal seat can cause immediate discomfort and may also lead to later health problems. This discomfort has the capability to ruin a potentially spectacular ride. Thus, comfortable and rear-cushioned protective shorts may be the most critical piece of bicycle apparel, serving as the greatest support system. While some shorts come with an attached bib intended to act like athletic overalls, most cycling shorts reach down to the kneecap with padding on the back to increase comfort and provide protection during long rides. Usually made from Lycra, cycling shorts should be skin-tight, preventing any draft from slowing riders down during intense events.
Socks: In the popular American film Forrest Gump, Lt. Dan claims socks are the most vital elements in surviving the heated Vietnam jungle. While the padded shorts may be the most critical pieces of bicycle apparel, the technologically designed socks can be a saving grace. Comprised of ultra soft fabrics efficiently absorbing perspiration, most cycling socks reach past the ankle bone. Nike claims their Swoosh Socks for cycling wicks moisture like crazy.
Shoes: Symbolically, the shoe may represent the most important piece of the clothing puzzle; it is the extension of a cyclist's power. However, purchasing typically expensive cycling shoes may not be an initial priority for novice cyclists. It is important, though for competitive cyclists to attain the best possible time. In this instance, professional shoes are a must-have.
There are, in fact, two kinds of cycling shoes. One pair, which professionals and competitive cyclists prefer to wear, has a small stud near the toes connecting into the pedals. Bike pedals must be altered to the individual fit of these shoes. Otherwise, novices can purchase another kind of cycling shoe with horizontal cleat-like grips on the bottom. These do not require a change of pedal and allow more efficient pedaling. Some of the top brands of cycling gear include Nike and its highly technologically-savvy Sphere Collection, Izumi Pearl, Adidas and Voler.
Though some of the apparel may be difficult to find at local cycling shops and sporting good stores, the Internet offers a surplus of options (www.nikecycling.com, www.pearlizumi.com and www.voler.com). Just remember, the better the bicycle apparel, the more likely riders will enjoy the fruits of their performance.
The fashion value of vintage wear often fails to apply to athletics, unless it is the classic aesthetics of as basketball shoe or soccer cleat. Major sportswear companies, such as Nike and Adidas, have begun to make new advances in cardiovascular performance clothing, specifically bicycle apparel. These advances rival trendy vintage throwback jerseys or traditional sneakers, while still maintaining the features geared toward improving athletic performance.
Wearing technologically-designed bicycle apparel will not only enhance a rider's cycling professional persona, it can also improve time and comfort.
The following lists an array of necessary bicycle apparel:
Jerseys: The most visible piece of bicycle apparel, the jersey is a piece of sportswear expressing individual personality, whether it depicts a favored cycling club or particular designer. Lightweight jerseys are critical; those made with a sweat absorbing fabric are beneficial to cyclists, especially during the warmer seasons. The best jerseys are composed of small dimples, like the skin of a golf ball, geared toward improving the aerodynamics of a rider's shape on the bike. Tops with zippers also may provide riders with an additional opportunity to cool off. Many top-brand jerseys contain pockets in the back for carrying food, gel packs and other necessary items during longer rides.
Shorts: Sitting on a barely padded, banana-sized, metal seat can cause immediate discomfort and may also lead to later health problems. This discomfort has the capability to ruin a potentially spectacular ride. Thus, comfortable and rear-cushioned protective shorts may be the most critical piece of bicycle apparel, serving as the greatest support system. While some shorts come with an attached bib intended to act like athletic overalls, most cycling shorts reach down to the kneecap with padding on the back to increase comfort and provide protection during long rides. Usually made from Lycra, cycling shorts should be skin-tight, preventing any draft from slowing riders down during intense events.
Socks: In the popular American film Forrest Gump, Lt. Dan claims socks are the most vital elements in surviving the heated Vietnam jungle. While the padded shorts may be the most critical pieces of bicycle apparel, the technologically designed socks can be a saving grace. Comprised of ultra soft fabrics efficiently absorbing perspiration, most cycling socks reach past the ankle bone. Nike claims their Swoosh Socks for cycling wicks moisture like crazy.
Shoes: Symbolically, the shoe may represent the most important piece of the clothing puzzle; it is the extension of a cyclist's power. However, purchasing typically expensive cycling shoes may not be an initial priority for novice cyclists. It is important, though for competitive cyclists to attain the best possible time. In this instance, professional shoes are a must-have.
There are, in fact, two kinds of cycling shoes. One pair, which professionals and competitive cyclists prefer to wear, has a small stud near the toes connecting into the pedals. Bike pedals must be altered to the individual fit of these shoes. Otherwise, novices can purchase another kind of cycling shoe with horizontal cleat-like grips on the bottom. These do not require a change of pedal and allow more efficient pedaling. Some of the top brands of cycling gear include Nike and its highly technologically-savvy Sphere Collection, Izumi Pearl, Adidas and Voler.
Though some of the apparel may be difficult to find at local cycling shops and sporting good stores, the Internet offers a surplus of options (www.nikecycling.com, www.pearlizumi.com and www.voler.com). Just remember, the better the bicycle apparel, the more likely riders will enjoy the fruits of their performance.
Featured Bicycle Apparel Products:
