Bike Riding Clothes

We are often asked about what type of clothing is best for riding a bike.

The truth is, it very much depends on the weather, the bike, the terrain and the time you’ll be riding.

The only thing that is constant, is the requirement for a Standards Approved bike helmet. And there is a huge choice of those, so check that out at https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/helmets but for now we can discuss your other options.

CASUAL BIKE RIDING CLOTHES

If you only ride now and then, for short fun rides around the neighbourhood, please make sure you have good shoes on, to protect your feet. For the fashion conscious, we do carry a nice range of casual bike wear for on and off the bike including:

T-Shirts https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-legacy-foxhead-ss-tee-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-caveaut-ss-womens-tech-tee-gunmetal https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-youth-legacy-tee-flame-red https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/top-ss-giant-gradient-tee-gry

Hoodies & Pullovers https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-womens-boundary-pullover-fleece-hoodie-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-youth-lindon-zip-fleece-hoodie-blackcamo https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-womens-ridgeway-jacket-blue https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-absolute-fleece-zip-hoodie-heather-graphite

Ivanhoe Cycles has many customers who start this way and then fall in love with the feeling of fun, freedom and fitness that riding brings. They may then start to ride more, maybe commute, at which point some more specific bike clothing becomes necessary. This is because spending time in the saddle can be a little painful without the correct set-up. Your hands can also get sore, so we refer to those two areas as touch points: i.e. saddle and handlebars. Choosing the correct bike clothing makes a massive difference to your comfort level.

BIKE SHORTS

There are two distinct styles of bike shorts. One is made from Lycra, known as ‘knicks’ and clings to your skin to be aerodynamic and protect from abrasions. The other style, more popular among casual and MTB riders, looks like normal shorts or cargo shorts.

Example of Lycra knicks: https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/pearl-izumi-escape-quest-short

Example of MTB Shorts: https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-ranger-shorts-2021-pewter-grey

Both styles are designed to have a padded insert, or chamois, which protects the rider from saddle soreness, chafing and to help absorb moisture. If you intend to spend time on your bike outdoors, or even inside on a trainer or spin bike at the gym, these shorts are a must.

Further, given the different anatomies of the genders, there are specific designs for men and women. The most common questions asked are about fit and price.

Firstly, the contours, cut and chamois shape are very different. The price is very much determined by the quality of the materials and treatments used in production.

There is no difference in price between men’s and women’s bike shorts in the same model, as a rule. Of course, it’s always good to pick up a bargain and Ivanhoe Cycles has plenty!

Here’s a few examples of the women’s shorts, with more available on our website.

Bike Shorts Women https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/azur-womens-cycling-knicks-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/liv-fisso-womens-shorts-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-shy-womens-shorts-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-womens-ranger-shorts-with-liner-bark

Bike Shorts Men https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-basic-mens-shorts-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-ranger-lite-shorts-2022-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/bbb-powerfit-mens-knicks-black

There are more advanced versions of cycling knicks - called bibs or bib knicks - which have a brace that fits over your trunk and shoulders. These are worn by cyclists who spend more time on their bikes. More expensive, but worthwhile for the intrepid rider.

https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/bellwether-endurance-gel-bib https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/castelli-prima-womens-bib-shorts-black

Lastly, there are some great options for cold weather:

Bike Tights https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/pearl-izumi-select-escape-thermal-bib-tights https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/longs-womens-bellwether-thermaldress-with-chamois

LEG WARMERS

Leg Warmers are an attractive choice, as they allow you to wear normal bike shorts, and to remove the warmers as the temperature rises. Here are a couple of examples:

https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/bellwether-thermaldress-leg-warmers https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/sugoi-subzero-leg-warmers-99958u

CYCLING GLOVES

The other touchpoint to protect is the hands. A good pair of gloves makes the world of difference. You can buy short fingered, or ‘fingerless’ gloves, which are ideal in warm weather, or long fingered gloves.

Road Gloves https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giant-race-day-gloves-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/liv-passion-short-womens-gloves-white https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/pearl-izumi-cyclone-gel-gloves-2022-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giro-riv-ette-womens-gloves-tri-split-red-midnight-navy

Most of the above can be used for multiple disciplines, like Gravel riding as well. Let’s have a look at some MTB gloves.

MTB Gloves MTB gloves will typically offer extra protection against branches, and can include more gel in the palms, to absorb the shocks from riding bumpy off-road trails.

Short Fingered https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/pearl-izumi-mens-quest-gel-gloves-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/pearl-izumi-womens-quest-gel-gloves-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-womens-ranger-gel-short-gloves-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/azur-k6-kids-gloves-blue

Long Fingered https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-ranger-gloves-black-31057001 https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-womens-ranger-gloves-violet https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-dirtpaw-gloves-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giro-rivet-ii-gloves-titanium

CYCLING SHOES

‘What about Cycling Shoes? Do they really matter, and how do they work? Will I be able to get my feet out of the pedals?’ You are advised to wear good shoes that protect your feet. Cycling shoes are constructed with a stiffer sole. This means that when you push down on the pedals, more power is transferred. It’s more efficient. It’s science!

You can also buy bike shoes that don’t require specific pedals. The general term for these is Flat Pedal Shoes. They come with a reinforced toe, are durable and you can walk around all day in comfort.

https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-gr501-mtb-shoe-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giant-shuttle-flat-shoes-black-gum https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/leatt-flat-3-shoes-aaron-chase

Road Shoes There are a couple of different types of shoes used for cycling. Road shoes are generally lighter than their MTB counterparts, have a thinner sole and are more concerned with aerodynamics.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on these. If you’re just getting started, or like millions of us, enjoy indoor training at home or at the gym, perhaps in a Spin Class, check these out: https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-rp100-road-shoes https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-ic100-shoes-black

When it comes to shoes the quality of the materials, weight and stiffness are the determining factors. However, let’s be honest, if the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it.

Here’s a selection of amazing value road shoes at various levels for you to consider. With all these, you do need to have compatible pedals. The Ivanhoe Cycles website has compatibility options, so you can match to your needs.

As always, our team are here to help with any questions online, by email, telephone or in-store. https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/flr-f15-road-shoes-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-rc300-road-shoes-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/bont-riot-plus-black-white https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-rp301-womens-shoes-grey https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-rc502-womens-shoes-white

MTB Shoes Tough, rugged, strong, stiff, comfortable and built to last. And they look great! When you’re ready, Ivanhoe Cycles can help you find the right pair of MTB shoes to enhance your riding experience. https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-sh-me100-shoe-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giant-charge-elite-hv-shoes-grey https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giro-terraduro-mid-shoe-shadow-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-wm82-womens-shoes-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/mavic-zoya

Getting in and out of the pedals, requires practice. The staff at Ivanhoe Cycles will show you how and adjust the settings on the pedals to make it as easy as possible.

Once you’ve got it, no problem.

CYCLING SOCKS

Designed for hard, sweaty, long days on the bike, cycling socks are anti-bacterial and will stay in place for extra comfort. Ivanhoe Cycles has a massive range. https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/defeet-cyclismo-wool-socks-white https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-6-ranger-socks-multi-3-pack https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-womens-6-ranger-socks-multi-3-pack https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/castelli-mid-winter-18-socks-bordeaux

Before we finish, bike tops, or jerseys deserve a mention.

CYCLING JERSEYS

The jersey usually has pockets in the back for storage. It will be made of breathable material and be abrasion resistant. There is a huge range, so this will come down to personal choice.

https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-cruze-plus-mens-jersey-fluro-yellow-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giro-xar-mtb-womens-jersey-iceberg-blue https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-ripley-cntr-womens-jersey-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/castelli-promessa-womens-sleeveless-jersey-white-grey https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-sunshield-mens-long-sleeve-jersey-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-sunshield-womens-long-sleeve-jersey-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/pearl-izumi-attack-thermal-ls-jersey-lagoon https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-defend-thermal-long-sleeve-jersey-2023-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-defend-long-sleeve-jersey-2024-black

Lastly, if you choose a short sleeve jersey or t-shirt consider this.

Sunsmart UV Most people are aware these days and take precautions when outdoors. Cyclists have a clever solution for exposed arms: https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-uv-arm-protector-sun-sleeve-white https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-uv-arm-protector-sun-sleeve-black

Thank you for shopping with Ivanhoe Cycles. We appreciate it.