July 11, 2013
News-Press "Go Coastal" BikeWalkLee Column
You can usually tell the serious cyclists in the crowd (or on the road) by their attire. But is that just a fashion statement, or is there some practical reason for what they wear?
While looking the part may come into play, let us assure you that practicality is the primary reason for how long-haul cyclists dress. These clothing choices are driven by three very simple (and essential) concerns: Safety, comfort and functionality.
Consider each part of the cyclist's basic outfit:
• Helmet: Not only is this serious protection for the one part of your body you do not want to injure (skin heals and bones mend, but brains may not bounce back as well), but materials keep it light and venting keeps it cool.• Bike shorts: While spandex may not be the most flattering fashion for people of a certain age (or weight), the thin material vents off heat and sweat while limiting the chance of loose-fitting fabric getting caught on passing obstacles. And the padding? Well, if you’re pedaling for more than an hour on a road (or almost any) bike, you’ll certainly appreciate a little something extra between you and the seat.
• Bike gloves: Padding keeps your hands from getting sore or going numb while holding the handlebars, while the leather grip enables you to hang on more securely. And when you stick out a hand to break your fall, a decent glove can be the difference between healthy hands or a bad case of road rash you’ll be reminded of every time you reach for something.
• Bike jersey: The quick-dry fabric keeps you comfortable in the heat (or can be layered to allow for easy adjustment to a changing temperature). The back pockets give riders a place to store stuff where they can reach it during a ride. And the bright colors make cyclists more visible to other traffic (motorized and otherwise) with which they’re sharing the road. A jersey’s design is also a way to belong (say, to a bike club whose members all wear the same jersey) or stand out (since riders will often collect jersey from places they’ve been or events they’ve ridden).
• Bike shoes: They’re durable so they can handle whatever you throw at them. They’re very rigid to keep the rider’s foot from getting tired, and to allow all the driving force of the legs to come through to the pedals. They have the metal or plastic attachments on the bottom so they can clip in to the bike’s pedals, which allows riders to pull as well as push the pedals for a more efficient ride. And they’re usually held on by a hook-and-loop strap design that’s easier to adjust and quick to remove.
All this doesn’t mean you have to dress the part to enjoy your bike, or that every rider has adopted the entire ensemble as their preferred cycling couture. It’s not even a comprehensive collection of what the best-dressed riders might need … some might add a sweatband in the summer, a waterproof jacket for the rain and a windproof and lined jacket (plus additional layers) when the temperatures drop below an acceptable level.
But understanding what each piece adds to the overall ride helps to explain why “serious” riders make sure to put them on every time they climb on their bikes. And seeing what function they fulfill might help you decide to try one (or more) of them out the next time you ride… to make the experience a little more comfortable, a lot more safe – and to make those other people not on their bikes wonder why you’re wearing that particular get-up.
Only thing I wish is there were more options for bike clothing to be worked into normal clothes. I commute in every now and then for a 45-50 minute ride. It would be great to have dress pants with built in compression/padding so I didn't have to carry them along.
ReplyDelete