Choosing the Best Bicycling Jerseys and Shorts - By: David Lidor

Choosing the best bicycling jerseys and short is essential if you're going to make cycling a serious pursuit. That's because biking jerseys and shorts serve several specific purposes, namely comfort and the ability to wick away sweat. This will allow the sweat to evaporate safely away from your skin. The wicking away of sweat does two things. Number one, this keeps you cooler on hot days, but number two, it also helps you stay warm on cold days. The latter situation happens because you stay dry, and therefore comfortable.

How do you choose good quality biking jerseys and shorts?

Material Selection

There are lots of different colors and styles on the market, but the most important thing is that the jerseys and shorts you choose should be made of materials that wick away sweat efficiently. CoolMax is a popular material that is comfortable and has excellent wicking properties.

Short or Long-Sleeved Jerseys?

It's up to you, but you can wear short-sleeved jerseys or even sleeveless ones during warm-climate rides, and long-sleeved ones when the weather is colder. You may also opt instead for short-sleeved jerseys regardless, and then use arm warmers that you can put on her take off as you need to, for "all weather" riding. (Make sure as well that the arm warmers have wicking capabilities just as the rest of your clothing does.)

Getting a Proper Fit?

The fit of the jerseys and shorts you wear will depend on the type of biking you're doing. It should have some stretch and ease of movement regardless, and women and men should buy clothing that are specific to them. Although women may be tempted to buy smaller sized men's jerseys and shorts, this clothing is constructed specific to the genders, in that women's selections are tapered at the waist, and wider at the hips and chest.

The snugness of the fit will depend on the type of riding you are doing. For example, if you are going to mountain bike, you'll probably want slightly looser fitting jerseys, while if you are doing competitive racing, or will be biking on smoother terrain, you may want a fit that is more snug.

What about Biking Shorts?

The type of short you buy is important as well, depending on the activity you going to do. Mountain biking will require a different kind of biking short than that meant for smoother terrains. In general, the longer you ride, the more expensive your shorts will be. Considerations are weight, length, breathability, comfort and padding. If you are a downhill rider, for example, you'll want shorts that give you extra knee protection and padding, such as the Race Face Indy Short. However, these aren't suitable for long rides, in general, because they can get hot for long trips. The Mavic Helium Cycling Bib Short is a "bib short" that is a good all-purpose biking short.

Price is important, but when you're looking at jerseys and shorts made by the various manufactures, make sure what you buy is meant for the specific purpose you're going to use the clothing for, whether it be cross-country biking, mountain biking or other. The longer you spend "in the saddle," the more expensive the shorts you'll buy in general. The more expensive brands will have extra features, like extra padding, that make long rides bearable. Consider price, but only after you consider what you're going to be wearing the clothing for.

The right shorts and jerseys can be an investment, in that they'll make your biking pursuits much more comfortable -- and therefore fun.

About the Author

About Author
David Lidor, an avid bicycle rider, shares his knowledge of biking and world bicycling tours at Bike-Riding-Guide.com. Learn more about choosing the best bicycle jerseys and shorts by going to his Web site.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/David-Lidor/161368

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