Popular Cycling Apparel

What you wear when you are on a bike needs to function, but it is fun and stylish, too. Take a look at what you should wear when you take to two wheels.

Chamois

In biking terms, a chamois is a pair of tight, padded shorts that make long rides much more comfortable. The padding is specific to either male or female needs. Depending on the type of riding you do (mountain vs. road, recreational vs. competitive, etc.), you can get different thicknesses of padding. Sport cyclists, such as triathletes, typically prefer a thinner chamois while beginners and ultra long-distance riders typically choose thicker padding.

Jersey

A jersey is not nearly as essential to biking comfort as a chamois, but it is still a handy piece of apparel to have. Jerseys come in sleeveless, short sleeve and long sleeve styles. Typically, they zip up the front -- convenient for getting some air without having to totally remove your shirt. Another nice feature of a biking-specific jersey is the gear pockets in the back. These pockets provide easy-access storage for gear such as water bottles and energy supplements.

Shoes and socks

Shoes and socks for riding are largely a matter of personal preference. Serious road riders and mountain bikers prefer shoes that attach, or clip, into the pedals, allowing them to use more of the power in their legs. Beginner riders are better off starting out in tennis shoes or some other type of closed-toe shoe until they are comfortable with the mechanics of riding a bike.

There are a multitude of choices in biking gear that fit your needs both technically and stylistically. If in doubt about what you need, ask the clerks at your local bike store -- they are probably bikers themselves and are more than happy to share their knowledge.