Cycling clothes - are they necessary?

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david_swinstead
david_swinstead Posts: 271 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm training for a bike ride for charity. Its 160 miles over 2 days. I started my training on the stationary bike at the gym a month or so ago, and at the weekend just gone I had my first training session on the road, so the training is going well.

But anyway my question is about the clothes I wear. So far I've just been wearing normal gym-type clothes i.e. track-suit trousers and a comfy t shirt (but just a regular t shirt, not a wicking shirt or anything like that). I haven't had any problems when training so do I really need to bother with cycling shorts and t shirts? What will they do for me and are they worth the money?

Also - some shops sell specialist cycling socks. What's that all about? Are they any good?
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Replies

  • R_is_for_Rachel
    R_is_for_Rachel Posts: 381 Member
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    i think cycling shorts are good as they help stop chaffing from your clothes and the wicking thing helps to stop you getting drenched in sweat.
    not an expert tho :)
  • BazAbroad
    BazAbroad Posts: 248
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    Go for comfort, it takes time for your rear to harden up for cycling, why risk it,,, if you sweat and chaff u will regret it and that with 160 miles ahead of you. Yes invest in some gear, u can still use it later, cycling is a brilliant sport or alternative to buses or cars.
    Go for it, I used to cycle to work and back and it was the only why for me to fit in training into my schedule.
    Best exercise ever for that fat on top of your legs... enjoy.
  • Lolli1986
    Lolli1986 Posts: 500 Member
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    Yeah, chaffing and sore butt become a problem even on short rides. The most I've ever ridden is 40km in a day as a commute. I didn't -need- cycling clothes for it, but they sure would have helped to increase the comfort. Good luck! when is your ride?
  • kyle4jem
    kyle4jem Posts: 1,400 Member
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    Get yourself some cycle shorts/leggings to start with as you'll want to protect not only your behind, but the wee boys as well :wink:

    A good cycle shirt will also help control your body temperature - cotton T-shirts get all wet & sweaty and can be uncomfortable over long distance.

    But you don't have to spend a fortune on gear. Some online sites like Field & Track are always selling gear on the cheap or go visit you local Go Outdoors centre.

    Good luck with the training! :happy:
  • skaville1976
    skaville1976 Posts: 52 Member
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    I'd definitely recommend getting a top that can wick the sweat away. These do the trick on even the shortest of rides. You don't have to spend a fortune on these. Keep an eye out on the Sports Direct web site. They often have bargains. If you don't want to get special cycling shorts, you could always put some padding on the saddle, you can get tie-on covers that stay in place.

    Good luck with the training and the ride.
  • JadeRabbit08
    JadeRabbit08 Posts: 551 Member
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    What have your testicles ever done wrong to you that you would do 160 miles with no padding from bike shorts/leggings?
    (your bum will thank you as well).
  • Ant_M76
    Ant_M76 Posts: 534 Member
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    For this kind of time in the saddle, padded shorts are a must, IMHO. You don't have to go for the expensive brands. Not sure where you are based but look around for cheaper versions. I am in the UK and suggest Decathlon (B:Twin brand) or Sports Direct (Muddy Fox brand), where you can get padded shorts for under £10. I have been using the seven quid B:Twin shorts for ages and although their quality is not brilliant I think they are a bargain.

    Similarly for tops, although you may get away with a cotton polo shirt or T-shirt, proper technical clothing will be more resistant to holding sweat and cycling jerseys have handy pockets at the back. Same again - I use cheaper ones from the places I suggested. The Muddy Fox jerseys are awesome value and good quality (about £12 - 15).

    Forget cycling socks, you don't need them. Trainer liners are about £3 for a pack of 5 in Sports Direct and work perfectly well.

    Good luck with it!
  • david_swinstead
    david_swinstead Posts: 271 Member
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    Thanks everyone, and thats for the well-wishes with the ride too.

    The sports direct website was a good tip, I've just had a look and they've got loads of MuddyFox stuff really cheap so I think I will treat myself to some shorts and a couple of t shirts.

    The bike ride isn't until the end of april so I've got plenty of time. It was supposed to be the end of March but the guys I'm doing it with weren't confident enouigh so we pushed it back a month.

    We're going from Mansfield to Skegness on day 1, then cycling back on day 2. Should be fun!
  • sillymesillyyou
    sillymesillyyou Posts: 18 Member
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    If you're riding in cold weather, I would consider getting a long sleeve top and maybe some windproof gloves. Windchill really seems to get to those parts. I mountain bike and have a combination of proper cycling gear and normal sports gear. I think some of the cycling gear helps in some areas, but some of it is a little bit unecessary.
  • Ant_M76
    Ant_M76 Posts: 534 Member
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    You have a couple of months to prep for it but you need to be comfortable at doing 2 days consecutively in the saddle, which will probably be about 6 hours or so, per day. I would get out there on the road and get used to rides of a couple of hours at a time, asap. Don't underestimate it, it's the second day that you will be feeling it ;-)

    Sounds like you will have fun though - enjoy!
  • Ant_M76
    Ant_M76 Posts: 534 Member
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    Dbl post, sorry
  • Monkee_Magic
    Monkee_Magic Posts: 32 Member
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    As per the above, padded shorts a definite. You can get baggier ones if you feel like you don't want em so tight. A snug fitting windproof/waterproof would be another one as you'll get quite a lot of wind chill on that ride, if it's baggy it just catches the wind and causes more grief. As for anything else, you'll work it out as your training goes along, comfort is key. Good luck.
  • Pookylou
    Pookylou Posts: 988 Member
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    Woooo SkegVegas :laugh:
    I've used wiggle.co.uk and alwaysriding.co.uk for clothes before (Always Riding is more expensive) - decent shorts are a must, I have a couple of different weighted tops (summer/winter), oh and a decent pair of gloves the wind chill on the fingers can be nasty.
    When I was commuting to work I used to get the jazziest socks I could find to wear with my shorts, not neccessary but defo fun!
  • trijoe
    trijoe Posts: 729 Member
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    If I were in your shoes, here's what I'd do and/or get:

    Clothes:
    Cycling shorts or triathlon shorts. Something with a pad, that's wicking, comfortable, sweatable, breathable. A cycling shirt, or at least a wicking shirt. Cotton will bog you down, and as you sweat, you'll feel gross as hell. Cycling socks. I know somebody said you don't need these, but I'd wear them just because, again, they're wicking, and they'll help keep your feet comfortable and dry. I can't imagine 80 miles/day in nasty wet socks. Check out Sock Guy socks online. Very funny and cool products. A good helmet, obviously. 2 shorts, 2 shirts, 2 socks - 1 for each day.

    Accessories: A Road ID. I cannot stand - CANNOT STAND - going for a ride without mine. If you're not familiar, it's this little bracelety thing you wear that has pertinent contact and/or health info, incase there's an emergency. I friend of mine actually had hers put to use once. Think of it as cheap peace of mind. Chamois Butter. You rub this on your skin, or on the pad of your shorts, to help combat chaffing. A must. A rear seat saddle bag, complete with tire changing gear, a tube or two, and a copy of your drivers license and insurance card.
  • sagetracey
    sagetracey Posts: 607 Member
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    I used to laugh at the whole cycling lycra thing until I got into cycling myself. The cycling shorts are a must for comfort, and even better apparently if you go commando under them (I quote my DH). The fitted legs reduce wind drag and the champions padding makes for a much more comfortable seat. I chucked my gel seat cover after getting into the bike snorts and I would never go back.

    A cycling top is also good for temperature control, wicking and carrying the snacks you will need along the way.

    My only word of warning is that cycling is addictive and once you start you will never want to stop!
  • ShaneWinston58
    ShaneWinston58 Posts: 159
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    I would follow Trijoe's comments. He was very thorough. You should get cycling shorts, wicking cycling shirt or just a wicking tee shirt, gloves, and socks. The socks DO make all of the difference on your feet. They work just like the rest of your cycling gear. Your feet will thank you after your ride. Wicking socks also help you from getting blisters, so just don't get any old socks. Get cycling socks.

    Make sure to get cycling gloves, as well. They will save your hands and wrists. Believe it or not, you hands and wrists take a pounding, too.

    Good luck with your ride.:wink:
  • skaville1976
    skaville1976 Posts: 52 Member
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    We're going from Mansfield to Skegness on day 1, then cycling back on day 2. Should be fun!

    ...and I wouldn't have too many sherbets in Skeggers either!
  • JadeRabbit08
    JadeRabbit08 Posts: 551 Member
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    Great that your doing the charity bike ride. Let us know how you got on. I am sure I wont be the only person interested to know.
  • ShaneWinston58
    ShaneWinston58 Posts: 159
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    By the way, I'm the one in g:happy: reen.
  • DL121004
    DL121004 Posts: 214 Member
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    Cycling is my exercise of choice (~3300 miles last year), so I'll just add my voice to what's already been said. Yes, cycling specific gear is very helpful. The padded lycra shorts (and yes, you go commando in them -- that is part of the purpose), a wicking jersey and socks, and a decent pair of gloves are musts for a comfortable ride of the duration you are talking about.

    Enjoy the training and the ride!

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