Buy cycling clothing online: how do you put together your outfit?

Do you love cycling and regularly spend time on two wheels? Then it’s important to wear the right outfit on the bike. The cycling clothing you wear depends on the ride, the duration, the season, the cycling discipline, and of course the season. There are so many different types of cycling that it’s important to make sure you have the right cycling clothing to match what you do. Whether you cycle to work every day, head out with your cycling group at the weekend, or ride competitively.

What makes cycling clothing different from regular clothing?

cycling clothing is designed to provide extra comfort when you’re on the bike. For example, a cycling jersey is longer at the back than at the front. This keeps your lower back covered when you lean forward over the handlebars. A bib shorts often has a fit or chamois pad between the legs. This provides extra comfort when you’re riding on a firm saddle. For safety, it’s wise to always wear a helmet while road cycling. This can help prevent serious injury if you crash. There are also useful accessories that make cycling more comfortable. Think of a base layer that you wear underneath your cycling clothing. It helps wick away moisture effectively. Good socks also add extra comfort. In short, cycling clothing is designed for both form and function: to keep you comfortable and looking good, whether it’s raining or sunny.

What does a cycling kit consist of?

A good cycling outfit consists of several pieces of cycling clothing. In this article, we take a closer look at a basic outfit for a road cyclist. While riding, a road cyclist needs the following clothing:

• Helmet
• cycling jacket
• cycling jersey
• bib shorts
• cycling socks
• Cycling shoes
• cycling gloves

Choosing the right cycling helmet: fit and sizing

When selecting a new helmet, the right fit is absolutely crucial. A helmet only offers optimal protection when it fits your head properly. It’s important that the helmet fits securely but comfortably; a helmet that’s too large can compromise your safety, while one that’s too small can cause discomfort and distraction while riding. A useful tip is to measure the circumference of your head just above your eyebrows to determine the right helmet size. 

When trying on the helmet, also pay attention to the correct positioning. Place the helmet level on your head, with the front about 1 to 2 cm above your eyebrows. The helmet should sit horizontally and run just above your ears toward the back. If you notice the helmet tilting forward or backward, this may indicate the wrong fit for the shape of your head.

Buy a cycling jacket: for cool summers and cold winters

A cycling jacket or cycling jacket is an essential part of every cyclist’s kit. Cycling jackets offer more protection and warmth than long-sleeved cycling jerseys, making them ideal for cold days and changeable weather conditions. For cold winters, there are winter jackets with good insulation. In summer, windstoppers, also known as gilets, are an important part of the outfit. 

Windstopper for summer

A windstopper or gilet offers windproof protection against cold wind. The Windstopper Gile t of Acelera is made with a special front layer that protects your upper body from cold wind. A breathable mesh on the back helps wick away sweat effectively. This is useful when a cold wind suddenly picks up. But also when you're riding in the mountains abroad. After warming up properly from the effort of climbing, you can cool down quickly on the descent. A gilet or windstopper helps prevent you from cooling down during descents. 

cycling jacket for winter

In winter, it's important to have a solid protective layer against the cold and possible rain. A good windproof jacket has a fleece lining on the inside and a waterproof outer layer. Ride in cold conditions with our versatile cycling jacket. The windproof layer protects you from cold gusts, helping you stay comfortable, even on descents.

Cycling shorts, bib shorts, cycling tights in all shapes and sizes!

The bib shorts may well be the single most important piece within cycling clothing. Why is a cycling short so important? When you're riding, you're mainly using your legs, of course (duh!). Whether you're a dedicated road cyclist, love spending your weekends on the mountain bike, or simply enjoy relaxed rides through the city, the right bib shorts can significantly improve your riding experience. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the perfect bib shorts for your needs? Let’s explore the different types of cycling shorts and discover what makes each one unique.

Types of cycling shorts

Waist shorts: waist shorts have a waistband around the waist. This keeps the shorts in place. These cycling shorts provide a cooling effect. This type is often used for road cycling, spinning or rocycle.

Bib shorts: are cycling shorts with bib straps that run over the shoulders, helping keep the shorts in place without a tight waistband. This offers extra comfort on long rides, as it reduces pressure points around the waist. The Intermediate bib shorts is cut from a single piece of fabric. This helps prevent irritation while riding.

Long cycling tights: perfect for colder conditions and early morning rides. These tights provide full leg coverage and sometimes even a waterproof or windproof layer. A good lining helps keep you comfortable and warm. Like the Acelera Long Bib.

What should you look for when buying a bib shorts?

Chamois: a good bib shorts should have padding, also known as a chamois pad, between the legs. This is a foam insert that provides comfort and absorbs shocks while riding. When you're sitting on the saddle, all the weight of your upper body is pressing on this area of the saddle. So it’s extremely important to have the right material between your body and the saddle. Pressure points are relieved by a combination of foam layers in the chamois pad. The padding or chamois pad in a bib shorts helps reduce friction and prevents chafing or irritation in sensitive areas such as the seat area and the perineum. It also adds comfort and support during long rides by reducing the impact of vibrations and uneven road surfaces.  

Material: good breathable material is essential for comfort on long rides. Look for fabrics that wick moisture away from your body to keep you dry and comfortable.

fit: the shorts should fit close without feeling restrictive, to minimize friction and irritation. A good fit also provides optimal support for your muscles.

Ventilation: for warm days or intense rides, make sure your shorts have ventilation features, such as mesh panels that offer extra airflow.

Reflective elements: for those who often ride at dusk or in the dark, reflective details on the bib shorts are a must for safety and visibility.

Comfort is highly personal, especially when it comes to longer distances. Choosing the right bib shorts is an essential step towards comfortable and enjoyable rides. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first pair or an experienced rider wanting to upgrade your kit, remember that the best bib shorts is the one that fits your body and your rides best.

cycling socks

There’s nothing wrong with paying a little attention to the smallest piece of kit on your body: your cycling socks. Key qualities of socks are moisture management, fit, but above all compression and lasting support. In this blog, we take a closer look at the facts about cycling socks. 

cycling gloves

Why should you wear cycling gloves? They help improve comfort and add an extra element of safety. All cycling gloves include some form of padding, and this is essential for a comfortable ride. Gloves add friction and improve your grip, especially in warmer weather when sweat may run down your arms onto your hands. Your gloves absorb that moisture and help you maintain a stable grip, especially over bumps where your hand can easily slip off the handlebars. Check out the cycling gloves from Acelera.