What to wear when you bike
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.
Learn More: Riding in Heat
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.
Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.
Stories and Support Bike Clothing
View the full range of goRides Bike Clothing stories and support, all on one easy to navigate page.
Bike Clothing Guide
Get advice and support for choosing the right bike clothing for the riding you do.
goUnder Style Guides
Padded Bike Underwear by goRide. What is the right style for you?
Bike at a comfortable temperature - use layers
Layering your riding clothing helps you achieve a comfortable temperature when you ride. Understand base, mid and outer layers.
Bike Jackets - What are your options?
Understand what bike jacket options there are. Match a jacket to your biking needs.
Size and Fit Bike Jacket
For a Bike Jacket to work well for you, you need the correct size and fit.
Stories and Support Bike Jackets
View the full range of goRides Bike jacket stories and support.
Be visible on the bike Buying Guide
Being visible on the bike can help keep you safe. Understand how you can be seen.
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Women
Padded Bike Underwear
Pants for Biking
Tops for Biking
Jackets & Over Trousers for Biking
Riding Clothing for Larger Sizes
Warmth Accessories
Bike Saddles
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Bells
Hydration
Handlebar Grips
Kids & Youth
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Riding Clothing
Jackets for Biking/Outdoors
Protective Padding
Bike Gloves
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
Handlebar Grips
Bike Saddle
Bike Locks
Hydration
Family
Ride with a baby/ 1 year old
Ride with a 2-6 year old
Ride with a 4 + year old – on their own bike
Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed
Create a Family Biking Holiday
Ride More Places with Kids
Men
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Saddles
Bike Tops,Jackets & Over Trousers
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Handlebar Grips
Bike Bell
Be comfortable & confident
Successfully Ride an E-Bike
Beginner Rider
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Be Comfortable on your Bike Seat
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
Be Visible on the Bike
Enjoy a Biking Holiday
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
Clothing & Bags
Padded Bike Pants & Underwear
Pants & Shorts for Biking
Bike Tops
Bike Jackets
Over Trousers for Biking
Headbands & Neck Warmers for Biking
Bags, Baskets & Panniers for Biking
Rider Safety & Protection
Bike Helmets
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Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
First Aid & Personal Care
Hydration
Bike Tow Ropes
Bike Parts & Care
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Bike Locks
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Be Comfortable & Confident
Comfort on your Bike Seat
Be Visible on the Bike
Beginner Riders
Get Started – Ride with a baby
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
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Multi-Day Guide
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Ride more Multi-Day Rides
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First Aid & Personal Care
Gear & Care for Bikes Buying Guides
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Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
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Comfort on your Bike Seat
Clothing for Biking
Family Biking
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Care for ‘you’
Care for your Bike
Ride More Places
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Riding Gear
Bike Helmets
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Padded Bike Underwear & Pants
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Bike Jackets
Protective Padding
Bike Locks
Bike Lights
Bike Tools to Carry
Handlebar Grips
Bike and Chain Cleaning
Kids Bike Seats & Bikes
Kids Bike Trailer
Towing kids who ride their own bike
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seats
Balance Bike
Types of Riding
Bikepath Riding
Family Riding
E-Bike Riding
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.