If you're a woman who loves to bicycle, you may enjoy mountain biking or scenic touring. You might also be dedicated to racing or long distance round-trip rides. Regardless of your preference, you'd like to be prepared for the weather. Specially-designed women's bicycling apparel allows your body to stay warm or cool, and creates a streamlined and colorful silhouette as you pedal along.
Types of Togs
Women's bicycling clothing includes tops, bottoms and single-piece cycling suits. For example, you can find sleeveless or short-sleeved jerseys for warmer weather. Other dual-purpose tops function as outer layers for hot weather, or base layers for cooler weather. Bottom layers include bike shorts and capris, along with all-in-one bib suits with no constricting waists. You can find layering jackets and vests, along with hats and gloves for cold weather, notes Team Estrogen. Note that bicycling clothing is typically form fitting to prevent entanglements with your bike wheels. In addition, note that high-tech fabrics result in upper-end prices.
Raingear
Sooner or later, you'll be riding in the rain. If you want more comfort than a plastic poncho can offer, consider three other options. Water-resistant clothing has been treated with a special coating, and will work for light rain conditions. For true downpours, purchase a jacket or suit made from a waterproof fabric with seams that have been taped to exclude water. Finally, breathable fabric can help body heat escape while preventing rain from soaking your clothes, states The Bicycle Chain. Prices increase when special fabrics and treatment methods are used.
Comfort Considerations
If you ride your bicycle regularly, two parts of your body will experience constant wear and tear. To protect your buttocks from the bumps and pounding, the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, recommends you wear well-padded biking shorts. In addition, AAFP notes that padded gloves will help you avoid blisters and can reduce the potential for hand injuries from flying road debris.
Warmth Considerations
Regardless of the season, you might experience chilly breezes or hot temperatures as you whiz along. To stay warm without overheating, MayoClinic.com recommends that you dress in layers appropriate for the season. Wear a light synthetic garment, such as a polypropylene shell, next to your skin. This fabric helps to route moisture away from your body. Add an insulating fleece layer and, finally, an exterior layer that blocks wind while still allowing your skin to breathe. Remember to protect your hands, feet and head as well.
Sources
You can purchase women's bicycling clothing from several sources. Some specialty bicycle shops feature a selection of ladies' cycling clothing. You may also find a limited inventory at general sporting goods stores that sell bicycles. Online retailers cater to specific women's cycling submarkets. For example, some retailers stock expensive ladies' bicycling clothing made from newer fabrics such as Gore-Tex. Other online dealers stock lower-priced mountain biking apparel, while other retailers feature ladies' commuter bicycling wear.
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