GUIDE – Bike Clothing

goRide specialising in Bike Clothing for you

Get the clothing solutions & support you need to be comfortable & safe on your bike

SMILE when you ride

Feeling comfortable in the clothing you bike in is really important to your riding enjoyment. What clothing are you going to ride in? There are many factors to consider when choosing your riding clothing.

Often your clothing will reflect the purpose of your ride. For example your clothing choice may be different if you are off on your bike for a short ride to do a job/go to the library or visit friends versus a longer ride for fitness. Whatever the purpose there are some common things to consider to help keep you safe, comfortable & confident on the bike

  1. Comfort on the Bike Seat
  2. Clothing to keep you comfortable in the weather conditions
  3. Clothing that is visible to help you be seen
  4. Features of clothing suitable for riding

Comfort on your Bike Seat

The majority of riders choose to ride with some padding for their bottom so they can be comfortable on their bike seat no matter where or how long they are riding for. If riding for more than 30 minutes padding is a must for your comfort.

One of the key decisions that will determine what you wear when you ride is whether you have your padding in your underwear (Bike goUnders) or in a specific riding garment such as lycra bike pants or bike shorts.

Bike goUnders (Padded Bike Underwear) or Lycra Bike Pants – what is the best option for you?

Bike goUnders – for Women, Men, Kids & Youth

Bike goUnders (Padded Bike Underwear) – offer you the greatest flexibility in choosing what to wear. With your padding and comfort sorted in your underwear your riding clothes can be everyday or recreation/activity clothes. You get to choose clothes from your wardrobe that suit the weather, your destination, your level of activity or your mood. You have the ability to always be well prepared and safe.

What to wear over your Womens Bike goUnders – Padded Bike Underwear

goRide has a movement clothing brand called LiveLifeMove that designs and manufactures NZ made clothing that is stylish, flattering and comfortable to move in.

Pants designed to be worn over Bike goUnders so you can look and feel good on the bike. Wear with Active goUnders for all other movement.
Tops that are stylish, flattering and comfortable to move in. Unique designs that are bright & colourful with pops of contrasting fabric to help you be seen on the bike.
riding clothing guide
Lycra Bike Pants/Shorts

Padding is sewn into these biking specific lycra pants that we have in a 3/4 length. Lycra pants offer the benefit of a tight fitting long lasting garment that moves with you. In contrast to goUnders that offer you flexibility and choice in the clothing that you wear over them, you may need to have multiple pieces to cover all weather conditions if you choose a lycra bike pant/short.  

The Weather

Match what you wear to the weather conditions so you are safe and comfortable when you ride.

For cool conditions you will want to consider layering. Choosing the type of base, mid and outer layer and the number of these layers you wear will depend on the temperature and conditions.  Try to make the layers easy to get on and off, zips & wide openings.

Learn More: Riding in Cooler Weather

If riding in warm conditions you may want clothing that provides air flow to help keep your body cool. Consider garments with zips and openings. Breathable fabrics will help reduce moisture retention and wicking fabrics will pull moisture away from your skin.  To minimise risk of sunburn choose clothing that is lightweight but covers your upper body.

Learn More: Summer Riding

Riding in wet conditions requires you to have a waterproof outer layer to keep yourself dry and comfortable. A jacket is essential but having waterproof over trousers can also be a great idea for commuters and those doing multi day rides.

Learn More: Riding in Wet Conditions

womens endurance goUnders

Visibility

If you are riding in, near or around traffic then it is important you consider clothing that supports your visibility. Ways to make yourself visible include bright coloured clothing and/or clothing with reflective strips/tabs. An option can be to wear a reflective vest over your clothes then you know you will be visible every time you ride.

Learn More:  SHOP – Be Visible on your Bike, Be Visible Buying Guide, 

Live pant - movement clothing

Clothing Features

Allows Movement

Clothing will need a bit of stretch or a bit of ease/space to allow movement.  What moves when you ride – your legs (hips & knees) so whatever you choose to ride in needs to allow your legs to move freely. Your upper body, although it doesn’t move much, will need ease and space across the shoulders and upper back.  This will allow your hands to grip the handlebars in a relaxed position.

Avoid clothing that can get caught in the bike 

Loose clothing can get caught up in moving parts of your bike.  This includes long flowing skirts, trousers that are flared, anything with cords or tassels that could hang down.  If you choose to tie a jacket or sweatshirt around your waist be aware that it could hang down onto your rear wheel.

Coverage for Protection

Clothing can offer a layer of protection if you have a fall from the bike. Having skin coverage will minimise skin abrasions and bruising. This is more important when biking in situations that you are more likely to have falls. eg off road terrain or when you are new to riding.  By simply choosing length in your tops or shorts and covering your knees and elbows you will have extra protection.  Bike Gloves provide protection for your hands.

Is breathable, wicks moisture and promotes air flow

To help regulate your temperature and keep you comfortable when you ride, bike in clothing made from performance fabrics Performance fabrics will breath and wick moisture. Where certain fabrics are positioned in the garment can assist with moisture control. 

You look and feel great in

Feeling comfortable with how you look in your riding clothing helps you to enjoy your riding and ride more

For Women

bike riding clothing guide

Womens Clothing for Biking – Options from base layers to outer layers

For Kids & Youth

Kids & Youth Clothing for Biking – Options from base layers to outer layers

For Shapely Riders

Bike Path Rider - New to riding

Bike Clothing for Larger Sizes – A great range of size options

For Men

shop multi-day bike path

Bike Clothing for Men – Tops, jackets & over trou

What are the successful Bike Clothing solutions for you?  Your success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.

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