The sort of clothing you wear while cycling greatly impacts how your ride feels. Cycling-specific clothing helps keep you more comfortable on longer rides than compared to conventional sports clothing. You would have seen the professionals sporting skin-hugging jerseys and shorts. They also wear sports bra from Ryderwear. This kind of clothing enables them to stay cool, comfortable and makes them marginally faster. Cycling jerseys, shorts, and other cycling-specific equipment are carefully designed taking into consideration the requirements of a cyclist. The riding kit you decide to buy should match your riding style specifically. On longer rides, however, you will benefit from wearing cycling apparel.

A bike jersey made of spandex or any other form-fitting material reduces drag when you ride. These technical fabrics enhance performance by wicking away sweat to keep you drier.

TOP 3 REASONS TO INVEST IN CYCLING APPAREL

1.FIT

You don’t need to be dressing up like Bradly Wiggins every time you’re out on a ride but cycling gear is specially cut to fit properly when you’re leaning forward over the handlebars on your bike.

That means shirts and jackets have a longer back to keep your lower back covered, and legwear has a higher waist at the back too. To stop your wrists being exposed, sleeves are a bit longer on long-sleeved shirts and jackets, and legwear is shaped with bends at the waist and in the knee so it doesn’t impede pedaling. Cycling gear also differs from normal sportswear primarily with added stretch for full freedom of movement.

2.SWEAT CONTROL

Cycling gear is made from fabrics through which water can move away easily and evaporate, a feature usually referred to as ‘wicking’ in the clothing industry. Breathable fabrics ensure you are well ventilated on the go and even when it gets particularly hot.

3.COMFORT

It may seem strange having a lump of gel hanging off your rear but the padding provides an extra layer of shock absorption. Modern shorts pads have at least one layer of foam inside them, often more with different thickness and density. 

SPECIALIZED APPAREL

MADE FOR RIDERS, BY RIDERS. Specialized is the United State’s fourth-largest maker of high-end bicycles. They’re also the leading innovators in the bicycle industry, consistently striving to create new and better bicycle technologies. Alongside their bikes, Specialized has also earned fame in the bicycle industry thanks to its apparel lineup and innovation. Many professional riders swear by Specialized apparel simply because of how comfortable and performance-enhancing they are

SPECIALIZED JERSEYS

SPECIALIZED RBX SERIES

The RBX series of jerseys are constructed with a four-way stretch woven fabric on the front, collar, and stash pockets. This ensures that the jerseys are comfortable and lightweight. The compact structure of this stretch woven fabric is incredibly soft against the skin for all-day comfort out on the road. 

  • Full-length front zipper for easy ventilation when your efforts heat up.
  • Cold Fabric technology reduces surface temperatures on dark colored fabrics to keep you cool without sacrificing style.
  • VaporRize™ knit fabrics are used throughout to provide muscle support and accelerated moisture transfer.

SPECIALIZED SL SERIES

The Specialized SL jerseys stretch very well on the body and the aero fit assures great performance as well as comfort. The sleeves are designed without cuffs for an aerodynamic purpose as well. The sides, back and the sleeves are mesh liners that aid ventilation. On hot days you can also open up the front of the jersey via the full-length front zip provided.

  • VaporRize fabric construction tackles moisture management while remaining soft against the skin and supportive in all the right places
  • Three standard pockets and one sweatproof pocket provide ample storage spaces to securely house all of your ride essentials and electronics
  • The full-length front zipper gives you the power to manage ventilation under hard efforts.
  • Tall sizing offered for riders, to accommodate the additional body length.

SPECIALIZED CYCLING SHORTS

RBX SERIES SHORTS

Made of lightweight, breathable, and highly durable materials, the RBX shorts are all about the long hauls and comfort even during the most taxing of rides. The chamois included, is the Body Geometry insert that can be characterized by its ample padding. 

  • Articulated design ensures the perfect fit while in the riding position.
  • Fold-over leg cuff w/ silicone print prevents pinching and discomfort by providing an even, low-volume, and compressive hold over the leg.
  • Body Geometry RBX chamois features plenty of padding to keep you comfortable over the long haul.

A Women’s specific short is also available that comes with Women’s-specific 3D Chamois that pre-molded to match the shape of the female body for superlative comfort. A Women’s-specific Slim Fit with an 8″ inseam is available for a precise fit.

MOUNTAIN LINER SHORTS WITH SWAT™

One of the most comfortable MTB liner shorts in the market that also allow for stowage inbuilt thanks to the SWAT pockets on the shorts themselves.

  • Patented & integrated SWAT™ pockets house all of your trail essentials, putting everything you need right where you want it.
  • 3D Chamois is pre-molded to match the shape of the body for exceptional comfort.

RBX SERIES BIB SHORTS

Made from a knit version of the VaporRise fabric technology, the RBX bib shorts are incredibly durable shorts that do not sacrifice any breathability or moisture-wicking capabilities. The materials are also extremely soft against the skin, which is a sensation that’s furthered by the fold-over leg cuff. A slight silicone lining around the hem ensures the hem does not shift under heavy pedaling.

  • Articulated design ensures the perfect fit while in the riding position.
  • Fold-over leg cuff w/ silicone print prevents pinching and discomfort by providing an even, low-volume, and compressive hold over the leg.
  • Body Geometry RBX Comp chamois features ample volume and support to keep you comfortable on long rides over rough roads.

UTILITY/MTB SHORTS

The perfect shorts for bike packing, grocery trips, or casual rides around town. The utility shorts are made with wind and water-resistant VaporRize fabric technology.

They’re not your typical adventure shorts – a cycling-specific cut that moves purposefully with the motions of cycling. Add to this all the bells and whistles, like six pockets and convertible reflective trim, and you have a pair of shorts that are ready to take on whatever you deem as an adventure.

ATLAS MTB SHORTS

The Atlas shorts deliver exceptional comfort, a high-quality feel, and a trim fit. It’s a nice, clean, minimalist look while still retaining some functional features making it an excellent choice for everyday trail riding. The Atlas breathes well and is pedal-friendly as the hemline sits just above the knee.

  • VaporRize™ moisture transfer stretch woven fabrics
  • Two cargo pockets
  • Integrated liner with Body Geometry Mountain Chamois
  • Deflect UV 50+

Apparel by a brand that’s as well-engineered as their bikes – If you’re in the market for cycling apparel that is comfortable and serves its purpose, Specialized apparel is the way to go.

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About the Author

Shaun George

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CYCLING I'm an avid mountain biker and I like riding fast and flowy singletrack. As I keep riding, I continuously work on honing my riding skills. I like to ride whenever possible, especially with friends. I also like to influence folk into getting to ride more often. Working on bicycles has also been a keen interest of mine for quite some time. DISCIPLINE: Mountain biking and Road biking CURRENT BIKE: Merida One Twenty 9.600 & Specialized Allez Elite DSW DREAM BIKE: Santa Cruz 5010

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