1. Cycling top
A cycling top or a bike jersey is an essential part of your kit.
Most are in a form fitted design, which sits close to your skin. It’s designed
to reduce drag and helps you perform. Purchasing one that wicks sweat away from
your body and keeps you dry is also a good idea. A stand up collar can protect
your neck from the summer sun and the winter chill. A top designed for cycling
will have a longer back and will be designed to support you as you lean forward.
If you are able to buy something with a zip – you’ll be able to better control
your own temperature.
2. Cycling shorts
Cycling shorts can really enhance your comfort on the saddle. They
are an essential! It is best to use shorts designed for cycling as you’ll
benefit from the many of the design features – for instance:
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Shorts with a padded crotch and built in chamois will help protect
you from getting saddle sore. This is so important as it will help you enjoy
your cycling holidays so much more.
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Shorts that are made from material that wicks sweat and moisture
away from your body will keep you warm and dry and prevent chaffing.
-
Cycling shorts are form fitting and longer in the leg – this means
that they will stay in place and protect your legs against chaffing.
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You’ll also be able to find shorts that are specific to the type
of cycling you’ll do – eg. mountain biking shorts and shorts that are designed
for men and for women.
3. Bike tights
If your cycling holidays are in the colder months – then think
about purchasing some bike tights too. They will cover your leg, protect you
against the elements and most now have reflective detail to enhance your
visibility.
4. Jacket
A cycling jacket is essential to keep you dry
on your cycling route. But make sure it doesn’t keep you too warm – so go for thin
layers that you can use to control your temperature. Do make sure your new
jacket is waterproof – this is a useful component of any cyclists’ wardrobe. Other design features to look for are a lower
backed design to make sure you are covered when in cycling position. Also
making sure your waterproof fabric is also breathable will be useful to you. And
an oversized hood is optional but can be good for fitting over your helmet
during wet weather.
5. Shoes and socks
Bike shoes have stiffer soles and are
designed to enhance your performance and energy as you pedal. For cycling on
roads – you want something which is aerodynamic and lightweight. For mountain
biking, you would benefit from designs that are specific to mountain bikers and
have a more durable sole and grip.
When you exercise your feet will sweat a lot.
So bike socks are a very good idea as they have the added advantage of being
able to wick sweat and moisture away – ensuring you don’t get blisters or too
cold! Merino wool is a popular choice for bike socks because it works hard to
wick moisture away, whilst at the same time as being fast drying and
insulating.
6. Gloves
If you are embarking on a summer cycling
holiday, then fingerless cycling gloves need to be on the top of your packing
list as they will help you maintain a good grip on the handlebars when your
hands get sweaty and will protect against blisters.
If you are doing any cycling routes in the
winter, then full finger, wicking and breathable bike gloves are a good idea
for maintaining grip and warmth. Check
out Europe
Active’s cycling tips blog on buying gloves and helmets that our
cycling and adventure travel experts pulled together.
7. Helmet
Never, ever get on a bike without one! At Europe Active, we have put together a set of cycling tips on buying a
helmet, which may be useful to you. When selecting your helmet, remember to
check it carries a European CE EN 1078 sticker to
show it is of the best quality and has been rigorously tested.
On top of this – you will need to buy a
helmet that suits the type of cycling that you’ll be doing, is the correct fit
(try before you buy!) and is comfortable. Our in-house experts at Europe Active’s buying guide on helmets is in our
blog section and it’s well worth a read.
We hope that this guide on buying the right
cycling kit for your cycling holiday and / or your commute has proved useful
and above all, will help you find comfort on the saddle.
And, if you would like to find out more about Europe
Active’s adventure cycling holidays in Europe, visit europe-active.co.uk
You can also visit our blog which is full of cycling tips from our cycling experts on
everything from the best locations to visit for a
cycling holiday through to what to pack and how to train prepare before you set
off. We are a font of knowledge of bikes and holidays!
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