There are other details that mark a dual-purpose garment, such as ways of cinching the trouser cuff to keep it out of your chain, and vents in jackets to keep you cool in warmer weather. Dual-purpose trousers are similarly tweaked, with high waistbands, a built-in bend in the knee and often a strengthened crotch to cope with wear from the saddle. That means jackets and shirts with longer sleeves, cut to fit when you're reaching for the handlebars, and a longer back. To cut through it, you want clothing that flaps around as little as possible, and that hugs your (hopefully) lean and lithe body.ĭual-purpose gear is less figure-hugging, though careful tailoring usually means the fit is more sharp-suit skinny than grunge-band guitarist you still want as little flapping in the breeze as possible, especially round the ankles.Įven though dual-purpose gear isn't skintight, it's still cut and shaped to fit properly when you're on the bike.
FitĬlassic cycling gear (which really means cycle-sport gear) fits tightly because if you want to go fast, your biggest enemy is the air. That's where dual-purpose clothing comes in: you can ride bike comfortably while wearing it, and you'll still be comfortable at work, the pub or even at a nice restaurant.ĭual purpose gear differs from both regular clothes and sportier cycling gear in a number of ways. Meeting friends at a country pub, say, or a longer ride to the office on a Spring day.
For a ride of up to around five miles any old clobber will do unless you're determined to crack Strava segment records on the way.īut there are plenty of situations where you want to ride for longer but not have to faff about changing clothes. If you're nipping to the shops, or riding any fairly short distance, then whatever you're wearing will be just fine. Let's get this out of the way: you don't need special clothes to ride a bike.
Welcome to the latest edition of ’s buyer's guide to urban and commuting cycle clothing in which you’ll find everything you need to know to find the right urban cycling gear for you, plus our pick of 26 pieces of the the best urban kit.