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Cycling Gear & Clothing: Shoes, Socks Gloves And Helmets
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Published: February 20, 2007
These days cyclists need two things: a bike and appropriate cycling gear. Some think cycling gear is only for the pros, but those people are wrong. From pros to beginners cycling gear is meant to keep the rider as comfortable as possible during rides.
The most important part of cycling gear is the cycling helmets. Nobody likes to think of bike wrecks, but they do happen. Cycling helmets can greatly reduce the amount of injury sustained if worn properly. Helmets should be worn snug and on top of the head, not pushed backward. It should cover the back of the skull as well as the top and front. This essential cycling gear can be purchased at big chain stores like Target and at local bike stores. The price range for this cycling gear is between $20-$45.
Another essential type of cycling gear is cycling gloves. There are a couple of options when considering a glove purchase. The best gloves are those composed of fabric that reduce moisture. Also, the backs of the glove should be soft enough so, if need be, it can be used to wipe the face. As for fingers, most cyclists prefer fingerless gloves in the summer and lined gloves with fingers in the winter for extra insulation.
Although it's important that gloves fit, they shouldn't be too snug. The reason is that the hands tend to swell a bit when riding because of all the grabbing activity. There's also a choice of gel padding on the pad of the gloves. This is purely a personal preference; some people love it while others hate it. This piece of cycling gear can also be purchased at big chain stores like Wal-Mart and Target, but its best to go to a bicycle store where the store associates can be of more help. The price range for this cycling gear ranges from $6-$17.
The most exciting purchase in cycling gear, or cycling clothing, is definitely cycling shoes. No matter male or female, cycling shoes tend to complete the outfit. When purchasing this kind of cycling gear, make sure the cycling shoes fit the bicycle pedals. They need to fit snug, but not too snug or the feet could go numb after a long ride. In order to avoid this dilemma, cyclists should choose a shoe that is a half size down from their normal walking shoe size. Furthermore, the soles of the feet should be molded and not flat. This allows for a better fit with the pedal.
Long Velcro straps are recommended for easier opening and closing. Also, try to avoid excessive padding that can weigh a cyclist down in questionable conditions, like rain or snow, because the shoes would take a longer time to dry. Lastly, the sole of the shoes should be curved up at the toe to allow maximum movement. A purchase of this cycling gear costs between $40-$150 at any local bike store.
The final necessity in cycling gear is cycling socks. Most people think that any old pair of socks will do, but this is incorrect. This kind of cycling gear needs to be worn in the summer and the winter. Socks need to be close fitting in order to avoid bunching up when the cyclist is riding. However, make sure that the socks are not so bulky that the shoes fit too tight. This kind of cycling gear cost between $4-$10 per pair.
No matter what the weather or season, cycling gear is a necessity for any rider. Cycling socks, shoes, helmets, and gloves will keep a cyclist warm and safe during those long rides. Make sure to understand the differences between each piece of gear and why it's important for maximum knowledge. Be safe and have fun!
Sources:
Driemeyer, Thomas. “Bicycle Maintenance Guide: Bicycle Clothing.” Thomas Driemeyer. 10 June 2004. 14 Feb. 2007 <http://www.bitrot.de/bbook_clothes.html>.Cycling Gloves. REI-Outlet.com. 1996-2007. REI. 14 Feb. 2007 <http://www.rei.com/outlet/category/29356250.ht m>.
“Why Wear Bike Clothes?” About: Cycling. 2007. About Inc. 2007. 14 Feb. 2007 <http://bicycling.about.com/od/clothes/a/bikecl othes.htm>.
The most important part of cycling gear is the cycling helmets. Nobody likes to think of bike wrecks, but they do happen. Cycling helmets can greatly reduce the amount of injury sustained if worn properly. Helmets should be worn snug and on top of the head, not pushed backward. It should cover the back of the skull as well as the top and front. This essential cycling gear can be purchased at big chain stores like Target and at local bike stores. The price range for this cycling gear is between $20-$45.
Another essential type of cycling gear is cycling gloves. There are a couple of options when considering a glove purchase. The best gloves are those composed of fabric that reduce moisture. Also, the backs of the glove should be soft enough so, if need be, it can be used to wipe the face. As for fingers, most cyclists prefer fingerless gloves in the summer and lined gloves with fingers in the winter for extra insulation.
Although it's important that gloves fit, they shouldn't be too snug. The reason is that the hands tend to swell a bit when riding because of all the grabbing activity. There's also a choice of gel padding on the pad of the gloves. This is purely a personal preference; some people love it while others hate it. This piece of cycling gear can also be purchased at big chain stores like Wal-Mart and Target, but its best to go to a bicycle store where the store associates can be of more help. The price range for this cycling gear ranges from $6-$17.
The most exciting purchase in cycling gear, or cycling clothing, is definitely cycling shoes. No matter male or female, cycling shoes tend to complete the outfit. When purchasing this kind of cycling gear, make sure the cycling shoes fit the bicycle pedals. They need to fit snug, but not too snug or the feet could go numb after a long ride. In order to avoid this dilemma, cyclists should choose a shoe that is a half size down from their normal walking shoe size. Furthermore, the soles of the feet should be molded and not flat. This allows for a better fit with the pedal.
Long Velcro straps are recommended for easier opening and closing. Also, try to avoid excessive padding that can weigh a cyclist down in questionable conditions, like rain or snow, because the shoes would take a longer time to dry. Lastly, the sole of the shoes should be curved up at the toe to allow maximum movement. A purchase of this cycling gear costs between $40-$150 at any local bike store.
The final necessity in cycling gear is cycling socks. Most people think that any old pair of socks will do, but this is incorrect. This kind of cycling gear needs to be worn in the summer and the winter. Socks need to be close fitting in order to avoid bunching up when the cyclist is riding. However, make sure that the socks are not so bulky that the shoes fit too tight. This kind of cycling gear cost between $4-$10 per pair.
No matter what the weather or season, cycling gear is a necessity for any rider. Cycling socks, shoes, helmets, and gloves will keep a cyclist warm and safe during those long rides. Make sure to understand the differences between each piece of gear and why it's important for maximum knowledge. Be safe and have fun!
Sources:
Driemeyer, Thomas. “Bicycle Maintenance Guide: Bicycle Clothing.” Thomas Driemeyer. 10 June 2004. 14 Feb. 2007 <http://www.bitrot.de/bbook_clothes.html>.Cycling Gloves. REI-Outlet.com. 1996-2007. REI. 14 Feb. 2007 <http://www.rei.com/outlet/category/29356250.ht m>.
“Why Wear Bike Clothes?” About: Cycling. 2007. About Inc. 2007. 14 Feb. 2007 <http://bicycling.about.com/od/clothes/a/bikecl othes.htm>.
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