What is safe and practical to wear on a bike? How can you be comfortable and safe when you ride? Let’s take a look at what you need to consider.
What clothing are you going to ride in? Your clothing will often 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 and comfortable on the bike.
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.
Safety
Loose cloothing 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.
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, clothing with reflective strips. 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: Be Visible Buying Guide, SHOP – Be Visibile on your Bike
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. Gloves also protect in this way.
The Weather
Match what you wear to the weather conditions so you are safe and comfortable when you ride.
Riding in warm conditions you may want clothing that provides air flow to help keep you cool. Consider garments with zips and openings. Breathable fabrics will help reduce moisture retention. Choose clothing that is lightweight but will cover up to minimise risk of sunburn.
Riding in 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 conditions. Try to make the layers easy to get on and off, zips & wide openings.
Learn More: Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in wet conditions you will want to have available a waterproof outer layer to help keep you 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
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 they are riding.
One of the key decisions that will determine what you wear when you ride is whether you have your padding in your underwear (goUnders) or a specific riding garment such as lycra bike pants or bike shorts.
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 recreational/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.
With padding as part of a specific piece of riding clothing that acts as your base and outer layer, like lycra bike pants or bike shorts with a liner, you may need to have multiple pieces to cover all weather conditions.
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