Cycling Tips For Beginners: Essential Clothing To Get Into Cycling

Do you need cycling-specific clothing? While regular clothes work fine, cycling-specific gear really steps up your comfort and performance. Join Hank and Manon as they take you through the must-have kit in every cyclist's wardrobe!

0:00 What to wear when cycling
1:31 Cycling-specific jersey
1:57 A long sleeve
2:14 Leg warmers, arm warmers, and knee warmers
2:33 Cycling-specific socks
2:44 A helmet
3:01 Sunglasses
3:20 Cycling shoes
3:34 Bonus: Gilet
3:56 Bonus: Cycling gloves
4:14 Bonus: Thermal jacket or cape

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What do you wear on the bike? 👕

Let us know in the comments below! 💬

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[gcn]

What's your favourite bit of cycle clothing? 🚴

[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

[ebikescrapper]

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

[cruachan]

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.

[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.

[west]

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.

[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.

[Dv-yesd]

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

[EasterBunny]

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.

[grahamriley]

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

[donaldoutterson]

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.

[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.

[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😂

[cuhurbo]

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

[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

[matthewardern]

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

[treyquattro]

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

[LushmanGB]

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

[kippen]

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).