The number of people cycling is increasing, but many of them only get their bikes out when the sun is shining. With specialised clothing, you can go out cycling more frequently, and in any weather.
Synthetic base layer
Synthetic base layers such as polyester, nylon and stretch fabric dry quickly and offer plenty of freedom of movement. If you’d rather use natural materials, go for merino wool underwear. Cotton is not recommended in cold weather as it dries slowly. If cotton gets wet against the skin, your body will need to produce a great deal of heat to compensate.
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex clothing is recommended for spring, summer and autumn weather. It has a microporous layered membrane that makes the fabric waterproof but allows it to breathe too. The pores are too small to let the rain in but big enough to let sweat evaporate. Gore-Tex products are windproof and offer protection against chilly gusts. They don’t protect you from the cold, though, only wind and rain.
Ventilation
Cycling, by definition, requires some physical exertion. So choose a material that can breathe and clothing with ventilation holes. The ability to breathe efficiently is good for your body but also vital for your cycling clothing!
Finally, a few interesting links for anyone who is looking for new cycling clothing.
