Cycling Tips For Beginners: Essential Clothing To Get Into Cycling

[@gcn]

What's your favourite bit of cycle clothing? 🚴

[@CreativeFishDesignsCharlotte]

Bib SHORTS 100000000000000000000000000000000%

[@gcn]

@@CreativeFishDesignsCharlotte Have you got a favourite brand?

[@atlantaswelder]

I like a pair of gloves when on the trainer. I also have shorts and haven't made the leap to bibs, but should i just skip the bibs and go straight for a skin suit? Whats the difference between a skin suit and a tri suit?

[@MonkeyKing1969]

My Perfetto long-sleeve top is rather special. As is the ShakeDry waterproof jacket. Especially with the rubbish weather we've had

[@markcowell8096]

I was saved by my base layer on Saturday when I turned up for our local 200km Audax expecting a warm (25C) cloudless Cape Town day, as per the forecasts....all of course after the morning fog lifted. It never lifted all day and the 6am start in thick fog and drizzle and 12C was miserable. But once the legs were rotating, the base layer kept my core warm, albeit with frozen arms sticking out of my summer shortsleeve top!

[@seattlegrrlie]

Gloves are my #1 must have after cycling specific shorts. It protects the back of your hands from sunburn, windburn, scratches from a bush, and impact going down. I also prefer to buy them in a bright color for signaling to cars

[@cruachan1191]

Running/gym tops work fine as a base layer too if you already have them. I'd add that gloves (IMO) need a nice soft back on them for wiping away sweat in summer or (more often in the UK!) dealing with a runny nose due to the cold.

[@gcn]

Hi! thanks for the comment! And we agree those soft bits on gloves are a great little addition! 🤧

[@Thezuule1]

Snot rockets are the only way to deal with nose goblins.

[@ebikescrapper3925]

A windproof is a good investment, also look at outdoor clothing not just cycling clothing.

[@gcn]

That's a great point! If you don't want to wear lycra there are lost of outdoor brands that offer great kit for cycling 🙌

[@VictorElGreco]

The rain-jacket-qua-windbreaker is the best dual purposing IMHO. Worn over a gilet, it will serve you well in all but the coldest conditions.

[@west8723]

I appreciate your take guys - here’s my $.02: Most cycling kits are polyester. While it does wick moisture nicely it also STINKS to high heaven. Especially after you’ve worn it a few times. Go the better route and invest in wool. Biking shorts - I used to wear biking shorts every time I rode but I haven’t worn them for years now (well except for when I ride my horses bareback). Instead spend your money on a really good saddle. I ride only Selle Anatomica saddles now. I can ride all day for multiple days without padded shorts with no problem whatsoever.

[@johnstrac]

Good bibshorts for the win. No need for the cycling specific base layer though, a Primark vest works fine.

[@gcn]

No better feeling 👌

[@davezzzz172]

Although bibshorts may be more comfortable, they make relieving yourself a challenge. I know there are work-around techniques (which I haven't tried), but I just end up having to take off my jersey, which is a bit of a pain.

[@johnstrac]

@@davezzzz172 maybe just try popping over the top of the shorts ?

[@davezzzz172]

@@nathaneley6486 I'm sure there's another joke in there somewhere, but I'm not clever enough to come up with one.

[@Dv-ye5sd]

Finally a GCN video that's new and is what i actually need

[@gcn]

We do something for everyone 😉 Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@Dv-ye5sd]

@@gcn gotta say tho i kinda like the feel of unpadded shorts😅 it just feels so..... ✨Pure✨ ✨Free✨ ✨ Unhinged✨ like there is nothing holding me back when i sprint on my 26er mtb in my opinion hhahahaha (No Homo)btw

[@aljaliah6868]

@@Dv-ye5sd 😂

[@whatwelearned]

You're kidding right?

[@Dv-ye5sd]

​@@whatwelearnedno sir i am not✨

[@EasterBunny325]

Smartwool shirt against my body, I don’t leave home without it, in warm weather. Headsweats head cover, under the helmet. They have one design that covers the ears. I also use wool compression knee socks in cold weather. Knee warmers are also essential in cold weather.

[@seattlegrrlie]

Smartwool is my favorite. It's great in a huge range of temperatures and is the best base layer in cold weather.

[@grahamriley8124]

Longer trousers and higher socks apart from summer. So often caught out with cold winds between my shoes and bottom hem of trousers!

[@donaldoutterson3071]

A "do rag" type head cover that is adjustable (for changing conditions and comfort) and fits underneath the bike helmet. Reflective bright clothing, rechargeable bike lights, 50 SPF sunscreen (I know you are in the UK). A bandana for the neck. Booties and bright colored Winter gloves for cold weather cycling. First aid, kit, bike repair tools, telephone. Bright colored MIPS bike helmet with rechargeable back light. Compass/Thermometer handlebar mounted. USB Battery charger dual port. Yellow glasses for dark overcast days. Extra money and food.

[@matthewbaynham6286]

I would also strongly recommend in the winter using a cover over your helmet, it'll keep your head warmer and drier. I use a luminous yellow helmet cover over the top of my luminous yellow helmet, just the right colour scheme to antagonize Si.

[@gcn]

Interesting! Have you ever thought about getting an aero helmet that might offer more cover and less vents?

[@Krismarkussen]

Scandinavia edition: Thermal bib tights over regular bib shorts, Long sleeve wool baselayer, long wool pants. Toe warmers Over a pair of regular shoe covers. Thick long finger gloves. Just to name a few😂

[@fenbops]

Bibs and a windproof top of any kind (jersey/gilet) are my favourite kit, especially here in the UK when it’s always bloody windy.

[@user-cu6hu2rb6o]

Reflective stripes and /or bright yellow colour very essential to get visibility in poor light conditions.

[@gcn]

We've done a whole video on this 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWSqoZmKjMmebrc - We think you would love it 🙌

[@markrskinner]

Just a shame that doesn't work when drivers aren't looking.

[@grahamriley8124]

Reflective in poor light and night, bright colors during the day.

[@peterwillson1355]

​@@gcnAnd yet so many geared -up cyclists wear black....

[@steveholland7686]

@@peterwillson1355 Yes it is slimming and it looks cool but it just not safe.

[@narutodayo]

Those are good clothes for a serious bike workout but for casual rides of a few miles to visit your favorite cafe or whatever, I would say helmet, gloves, maybe glasses, and maybe padded shorts but with normal shorts on top of them so you don't look silly when you're hanging out in that cafe or in the shops running your errands.

[@ross-morozov]

Don’t give a shit about what others think

[@davidvestey6014]

It’s really important to wear black in the dark. Well done for demonstrating that.

[@sueregan2890]

Well said.

[@steveholland7686]

☺Could not agree more,stay safe.

[@GuidoPeters]

Sun screen. Not actually a clothing but verry important during those summer rides when it is hot and sunny. You will not feel the sunburn until it is to late because of the refreshing wind when riding. I personally even use a long sleeved jersey even in summer and gloves to prevent sunburn. There are also specific uv protective jerseys on the market. At least over here in Brasil

[@kippen64]

Could we please have a how to dress video for people who commute to work? After watching that, I feel a bit weird. I wear my work clothes. Steel cap boots, work trousers and hi-vis top with reflective stripes. I also have a have a hi-vis gilet and raincoat (both with reflective stripes).

[@gcn]

How long is the commute? That'll really make an impact on what sort of clothing you wear 🙌

[@hendrixinfinity3992]

I recommend a loose fitting baselayer and a windproof gilet. Mountain bike shorts or waistband lycra shorts. Add a rain jacket and leg warmers. I'll only wear one other layer in winter.

[@ebikescrapper3925]

Mountain bike stuff is good as it is loose fitting. Also look at smocks, the fleece / pretext combination ones.

[@Ed.R]

You shouldn't feel like you have to dress up like a cyclist to ride a bicycle. This video is geared towards cycling for leasure not using a bicycle as a useful form of transport. I ride around and commute to work in work clothes and steel cap boots to.

[@peterwillson1355]

Me too. I've never worn cycling specific clothes​ and probably do more miles than your average lycra-wearing type with all the gear.@Ed.R

[@matthewardern5072]

Now a video following up on what not to wear?! I wanna see Si and Matt in a suit with champagne haha!

[@gcn]

👨‍✈️🍾

[@jamespurchase4035]

They need to enter the Brompton World Champs! Returning to London for summer 2024. Jacket and tie obligatory

[@TheAttyjace]

Its so hot here right now (heat index is 47degrees celcius) i wear bib shorts and a tank top while riding

[@elizabethpoley6882]

Went for a 20 mi ride on my old GT Saturday in a tank top and cuffed stretch denim shorts. Didn't have any trouble. Before I broke my ankle during Covid, I used to ride my stolen carbon 50 mi in them. Not everyone has hundreds of dollars to drop on specific kit. Also, the last person to wear suspenders in my family was grandpa on the farm. Shorts w/a good waist shouldn't need suspenders to hold them up. Someday soon, I do hope to purchase a nice deep yellow short sleeve jersey...only because it's my favorite color and is at a good price. The cycling industry needs to come down out of the clouds to reality! Most of us aren't millionaires!

[@TwiinStar1224]

While GCN kit is expensive (and I'm surprised they didn't plug it more in the video tbh) along with other brands like Rapha, I've gotten full jersey & bib short sets for ~$60 Canadian from a website (Google RSSC sports). I'm sure there are lots of others similar, but I love their designs and have come back for more. Also, you don't need to splash out on everything at once. Shoes and helmet are mandatory so get those first along with 2 bib shorts and jerseys. After that, slowly build up your wardrobe over years. I live in Canada but investing in cold weather and rain gear isn't entirely necessary off the bat. Ride spring (okay we don't really get spring) to fall on days when it is warm. Also, I tend to just wear regular tights above my bib shorts instead of getting leg warmers.

[@LushmanGB]

I would like to see some more protective gear especially some hip protection after breaking my hip recently

[@davezzzz172]

No sooner does Hank sing the praises of cycling gloves for comfort and injury-prevention, than he appears riding (as usual) without them -- @4:13!

[@candystink]

I add white sun sleeves for summer riding under that burning sun. They’ll last your whole ride unlike sunscreen.

[@treyquattro]

but which is the correct way to wear a jersey? Zip in front or back?

[@adamgould1370]

Two things not mentioned; 1, you can use a thin layer balaclava to keep the worst of the cold off and it fits under a helmet, 2, for when it gets cold and wet use waterproof thermal builders gloves. It genuinely keeps the rain out and your hands warm but costs less than a tenner.

[@Sivah_Akash]

My favourite cycling clothing is what I already own! Might not be aero, but don't mind being 5% slower :)

[@questgivercyradis8462]

1) Why are cycling specific socks important? 2) What about cycling shorts with no padding? On my commuter bike, I've not had issues with lightweight trousers (meant for summer hikes), or yoga pants. On my brand new road bike, same trousers, the combination of going 10mi off-course due to failed GPS, dehydration from lost water bottle, and pants chafing led to a damn UTI!! New bike seat has a matte finish and had no slip regarding fabric when I shifted positions. I'm reluctant to have padding.... just want to have bottom clothes that won't chafe, preferably multipurpose (runner shorts look similar, eh?)

[@Vokunos]

looking back its unbelievable to me but when i started wearing lycra i was kinda ashamed. i did use bib shorts because of the padding but would war an t-shirt on top... i am so glad there arent any pictures of that phase...

[@questgivercyradis8462]

Would add another set depending on where you live: Rain gear! Pants, jacket, waterproof shoes, waterproof gloves, and gators around your ankles.

[@petef15]

Could you do one for how to fasten the velcro on your shoes?

[@cb6866]

Thanks JLW and crew...cameos by many ... at what age does the brim of cap come down ? Yeah...I'm OAF

[@nxtstride.sponsorships]

Oh I would have never thought about getting some sleeves. Or you called them arm warmers? Anyways, we used those in American Football, makes perfect sense. Also if you take a fall, its cheaper to replace just the sleeves, rather than a long sleeve.

[@dgro3471]

I swear by a cycling hat (to keep sweat from the head and insects in the helmet), a buff to keep the a warm neck and overshoes or even toewarmers to save my toes from freezing.

[@BikewithCelo]

Any tips for wearing glasses during winter when you also need to wear a face mask to keep your face from freezing during cold rainy rides? Mine just fog up the first second

[@audiodoctor100]

If you’re on a budget but still want to get out there prioritise a helmet, bib shorts and a decent pair of cycle shoes. You don’t need to spend a fortune but you get what you pay for. You can get away with no leg warmers or arm warmers or sun glasses. The core is all you need to start and the rest will come BIG TIP: All helmets are rated to the same safety standard, what you’re paying for is aero advantages and tech. Spend only what you can and keep your head safe!!!

[@peterwillson1355]

Normal cotton shirts with the sleeves rolled up,when it's warm.

[@davezzzz172]

Cotton is a terrible performance fabric -- when wet, it doesn't keep you warm in the cold, or cool in the heat.

[@peterwillson1355]

@@davezzzz172 Performance?! I have cotton sheets: ask my gf.

[@andrewbird57]

Fortunately, for me, I live in California so I don't need to layer up much, even in the "winter," which is like summer in the UK. I can't imagine what it's like cycling in a Speedo, and I don't ever intend to find out.

[@radfordbean2164]

The last thing I didn't need to see were you guys riding in Speedos. That's an image I won't be able to get out of my head.

[@Alfthecyclist]

I'd love to see you review prescription sunglasses, it would really help speccy gits like myself. They're quite an expensive investment, especially when you factor in that 2 years down the line your prescription might have changed!

[@jamespurchase4035]

That's why I use contact lenses for most sport then just standard sunglasses when needed.

[@Alfthecyclist]

@@jamespurchase4035 i tried monthly lenses, and could see better than I ever have with glasses. I just got fed up with having to take them out to watch TV (gave me headaches) and after getting in from work (my usual trick is to fall asleep as I park my backside to take off my boots). I tried daily lenses a couple of years ago. I didn't like them. I could see alright, but they would tear, fold, or just dry out my eyes quickly and become difficult to remove.

[@henrikvandborg2317]

Please show me how to undo your leg warmers I have trubbels getting mine off

[@MrNotCameron]

A real beginner here: are base layers a must in real warm weather (it's often over 25 where i ride). Can you ride with just the jersey? And won't the straps be uncomfortable straight on the skin? Cheers to anyone who can help!

[@diq5386]

Apart from the usual shorts and my windproof jacket it's funky socks for me 😂

[@dorianblue4229]

Hey but you didn't mention the small "ciclostorica" style caps you're wearing even in this video? All i know i had to call a couple friends to know whether that visor will keep shield the sun or i might just as well keep my fishing/military one... :)

[@J0SH_04]

Can i use pedal straps in a road bike? Please notice my question

[@thomasbezencon2121]

Do you need a base layer? I've gotten into cycling last year, and never wore one. I'm always warm, and can't imagine another layer helping out with that.

[@SweetappleC]

Shoe covers in the cold? Cold feet is not good. Also, warm hat under helmet for the cold, and a cap in summer. The cap protects your scalp from the sun's rays that come thorough the air slots in the helmet.

[@gigibit2060]

What about the hat? Doesn't it add up to watt count?

[@michaelplantarich3375]

Nahhhh, you don't need all that. You were correct 20 seconds in. Nothing more aero than a speedo 😁

[@jamespurchase4035]

Flat cap and pipe. And Hank needs to work on his handlebar moustache (boom boom)

[@chrisduffill5248]

Need a good cycling shop for those shoes though and not many around …

[@gcn]

Do you not trust buying shoes online? 💻

[@chrisduffill5248]

@@gcn I have wide feet and some shoes can be too tight , so like to try them on ……

[@ianlaker9161]

...aaaand, you go commando under those shorts. A revelation that came as a shock to a workmate who was just getting into cycling. Why do you think they're concentrically seamed?

[@stefancent7052]

That's all well and good for fancy-pants presenters - but if only there was somewhere that us normals could buy all this funky GCN kit.

[@gcn]

Oh but there is 👉GCN.eu/shop 😉

[@majorgeek]

Okay, I’m impressed! I can’t even ride a bike without holding the bars. Hank’s here getting dressed, while taking a round curve in the road! 😳 I want to see a video with Hank learning to do Trials like Danny McCaskill.

[@gcn]

He's a man of many talents! Now that would be a fun video! Could he do it?

[@sabbyo]

@@gcn I'm not sure Danny could take on Hank.

[@petertillemans2231]

And what about a cycling cap? I never see Hank without the red cycling cap under his helmet.

[@CreativeFishDesignsCharlotte]

OMG he did that shot that toooooo funny

[@wheelfree]

Riding with a polo shirt--buttoned up with upturned collars, nerdy Elvis style. Prevents sunburn on the back of the neck.

[@jam6875]

I dont get the baselayer wicking away the sweat argument.. isnt that what a cycling jersey is designed to do? lol

[@EMC2Scotia]

I'd have gloves in the essential category, but I might be in a minority here. If and when you crash, your hands are almost guaranteed to be cut up. Not so nice when you get back to work, or when you're dealing with recovery and keep bumping the wounds.

[@108kitsune]

Next video should be how to take on and off leg warmers while riding.

[@davezzzz172]

There actually is a video on that -- filmed a couple of years ago.

[@KonstantinTorkhov]

Castelli stopped supporting GCN? =(

[@jontylewis7301]

2:26 hmm what incredibly small hand-shaped leg warmers you have there hah

[@gcn]

Your arms lead to your hands ... right... it's all connected 😉

[@blakebullock9656]

Play dividends? Or pay dividends…. Lol😂

[@RadioBirikinaShortsautismo]

Which one do you Like? The rock or ASMR water?

[@RadioBirikinaShortsautismo]

I choosed the rock

[@Thezuule1]

Just buy GCN’s $450 kit. Problem solved. 😂

[@PedroTD]

Don’t do like I just did and forget your winter gloves at the office… 15k at -6 c is not pleasant 🥶🥶🥶

[@gcn]

Oooof sounds cold! 🥶 Do you have to ride home?

[@PedroTD]

@@gcn yes, but the ride back is from the office (with my gloves) !

[@MatejKavcic17]

Sunglasses for me it mostly because of the bugs because its really awfull when it gets in your eye

[@peterwillson1355]

I carry a mirror at all times. Obviate the need for glasses, which slip down your nose when it's warm and are a disaster for visibility when it's raining. Frankly, they are bad for visibility at any time.

[@MagicM66]

Forgot the cap… you were wearing one!

[@Junkpilepunk]

i don't know what to think when you tell me about getting cycling specific socks before using a helmet

[@StevenLeiby]

The black jerseys are such a bad idea. We need to be seen!

[@steveholland7686]

This is so important the Black is really cool but they cannot be seen in certain conditions.😀

[@joelapointe771]

If cars don't see you, this means they are not looking in front of them. The colors don't matter.

[@sofia_zxc]

I am saving for a good road bike have no money for all of that (

[@_J.F_]

Protective eye wear should be mandatory on every ride. And not just because of insects, which can be bad enough, but if you have ever seen what a little stone propelled by a fast moving car tyre can do to a windscreen, then think about what it could do to your eye.

[@peterwillson1355]

So pedestrians should wear it too? We really don't need any MANDATORY clothing etc. I choose not to wear a helmet and it'll stay that way.

[@odin2823]

here's a plug for you

[@Millicente]

My question is: why can’t we just have saddles that are more padded so we don’t have to have a whole extra industry for padded shorts?

[@gcn]

It's actually not that simple, Ideally you want a saddle holds you in place comfortably. An ultra padded saddle can lead to more discomfort. The padding is also there to reduce chafing when riding 🙌

[@markrskinner]

Decent shorts make more difference than any saddle.

[@krissk77]

More padding on saddles is very uncomfortable for long rides... those are meant for someone going to shop to buy something small...short distances only.. try it..😢

[@jamespurchase4035]

One word: frottage! (Look it up if you need) 😂

[@nickthebeer]

Despite wearing one you forgot to mention your cap 😊

[@gcn]

He's never not in the cap, must have forgotten 😉

[@user-ve3gh5xg9q]

Manon in 👗😇

[@matthewbaynham6286]

What?

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

Black kit looks cool but you might not be seen. Now I know some will say they have a right to wear whatever they like, but studies show that bright colours get noticed. The limitations of human vision and brain functioning means bright colours are more likely to be seen. As both a car driver and cyclist, I want cyclists to wear bright kit.

[@jamespurchase4035]

What you say would seem to make logical sense. I'd like to see some research backing it up though as many "common sense" ideas don't hold up in real life. I suspect "hi-viz" clothes are one example. Another would be daytime running lights on cars which Scandinavia has used for much longer than other places, we've all now adopted it on the whim of some justify-my-job-bureacrat but with scant evidence for any benefit. Now don't start me on helmets...😂

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

@@jamespurchase4035 It's about making yourself ''an event'' on the road to snap people out of their distraction. I'm not placing all the responsibility on cyclists, but, to use a cliche, it's a jungle out there. I'd like to see an end to mobile phone, drug, and alcohol use, and a strict competence test at regular intervals for all drivers, and super harsh penalties for law-breaking.

[@grahamriley8124]

It is, though, hard to prove whether hi-vis makes any significant impact on cyclists’ safety, and there is very little convincing evidence to support the argument that it does. Research suggests that hi-vis may help drivers spot cyclists more readily, but it appears that spotting is one thing and driving safely around them another. One academic study, for example, found that whether a cyclist is wearing hi-vis or not makes very little difference to how closely motorists overtake them.

[@peterwillson1355]

Knickerbocker

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

Wear clothing to suit the bike. If its a vintage tourer, wear liners under your flannel shorts. If it's a vintage tourer or sports bike, get a traditional saddlebag for PRK and lunch. Helmet. If helmets weren't around in the year of your bike, don't wear a helmet. It looks stupid. Hair net hat.

[@Laurie-Kirk]

DHaRCO

[@stevocanuck]

$180 Canadian for a good cycling jersey…

[@DaylanTheAngrySauerkraut]

At the risk of sounding like a dirty filthy pervert woman, ive kept rewatching the speedos bit. That is all. ❤

[@Markus_M-y8p]

Boring

[@jjpmoolman58]

GCN is running out of ideas if they are starting to redo videos

[@lc9935]

I just got into cycling...so this is perfect content!

[@aljaliah6868]

NICE 5 minute advert for a brand that is NOT Castelli Santini or MAVIC clothing !!!! Still not buying !!!

[@gcn]

This video isn't an ad but we are very fortunate to be supported by such amazing brands like AGU. We hope you can learn something from this video 🙌

[@aljaliah6868]

@@gcn You just confirmed it , that three letter word was so apparent in the clip I had to put my 100% sunglasses on 😎 😂………..I think MAVIC (King Kelly) is still the best clothing brand for cycling. As tough as the Irishman himself and not too overmarketed like some brands that have 150 different jerseys ! 😉

[@aljaliah6868]

@@offsitearchive Link ?