On the road in the early morning of the weekend, some people are covered in sweat after riding in loose T-shirts, while others rely on professional cycling clothes to stay dry and neat; When off-roading, some people complain frequently because of their clothes, but some people can focus on every steep slope. What seems like a simple cycling suit actually hides university questions that affect the cycling experience. Whether you are a beginner or a senior rider who is pursuing results, choosing the right cycling clothes can double the fun of riding. This guide will break down from all dimensions such as type, technology, fabric, etc., to help you find the one that suits you best.
1. Understand first: What kind of cycling clothes should be worn in different scenarios?
The core value of cycling clothing lies in “scene adaptation”, and choosing the right type is the first step. I once met a rider who went to a road race in an urban commuter suit, but the result was that the fabric had a high wind resistance, and the lack of support was uncomfortable. Here are the common types of precise targeting:
Types of riding | Recommended style | Core needs matching |
|---|---|---|
Road racing | Cycling skinsuits, one-piece cycling suits, and competition version short sleeves | Aerodynamics first, fabrics are lightweight and breathable |
Mountain cross-country | Windproof cycling suits, split cycling suits, long-sleeved jackets | Wear-resistant and anti-fabrication, with < thickened > reflective night vision </bold > design to ensure safety |
Urban commuting | Casual version of cycling clothes, cycling vests, and detachable straps | Comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, with a hidden zippered pocket for your phone |
Special needs | Maternity cycling clothes, children’s cycling clothes, plus-size cycling clothes | Adjustable latitude, < thickening> 3D three-dimensional cut</thickening> avoiding oppression |
The seasonal dimension cannot be ignored: in summer, < choose > bold, icy and cold </bold > quick-drying cycling uniforms, with < bold> UPF50+ sunscreen </bold > functions; In winter< a fleece cycling suit with a thickened > heat reflective inner </thickened > is preferred, and then a windproof jacket is superimposed; In the rainy season, you must prepare a style with < thickened > waterproof and breathable membrane </thickened > and < thickened > DWR water-repellent treatment </thickened >.
2. Technology empowerment: These features make riding easier
The “black technology” of cycling clothes is hidden in the details, and the problem of “grinding crotch and shifting” complained by many riders is essentially not choosing the right functional configuration. Taking the pants that professional riders are most concerned about as an example, I have compared products with different processes: ordinary cycling takes a single-layer sponge pad, and the pressure on the buttocks is concentrated after long-distance riding; The high-end model uses < thickened > multi-density pant pads </thickened >, the gel layer disperses the pressure, and with < thickened > antibacterial treatment </thickened >, there will be no odor after 8 hours of riding.
Core function technology inventory:
- < thickened> comfortable to wear</thickened>: < thickened> four-way stretch </thickened> fabric ensures freedom of limb movement, < thickened> hot-pressed seamless </thickened> and < thickened> flatlock stitching </thickened> avoid stitching rubbing against the skin, < thickened> YKK zipper </thickened> smooth and not jammed, < thickened > Camlock hem </thickened > prevents the hem from shifting.
- < thickened > environmental adaptation </thickened >: < thickened > breathable mesh </thickened > design accelerates heat dissipation, < thickened > windproof coating </thickened > resists cold wind, < thickened > reflective strip design </thickened> improves night riding safety, and the data shows that cycling clothing with reflective design can reduce the risk of night accidents by 80%.
- < thickened> health and hygiene </thickened >: < thickened > antibacterial and deodorant </thickened > fabric inhibits the growth of bacteria, < thickened >quick-drying perspiration </thickened> functions allow sweat to evaporate quickly and avoid colds.
Here is a little tip: When purchasing, focus on the “process logo”, such as < bold> four-needle and six-thread process </bold> which is stronger and more durable than ordinary sewing, and the pattern of < bold> sublimation transfer/bold <> is not easy to fade, these are the guarantee of quality.
3. Fabric revealed: not the more expensive the better, only choose the right one
Fabric is the soul of cycling clothing, and different materials determine the wearing experience and functional attributes. Many novices will blindly pursue imported fabrics, but in fact, domestic high-quality fabrics can already meet most of the needs. Here’s a comparison of mainstream fabrics:
< thickened > polyester </thickened >: the king of cost performance, quick-drying and sweat-wicking ability, suitable for daily training and commuting, the disadvantage is that the breathability is slightly inferior to professional fabrics.
< Bold > Coolmax </Bold >: Professional sports fabric, moisture wicking 5 times faster than cotton, suitable for long-distance endurance riding, medium price.
< Thickened >Merino wool </thickened >: Natural fabric, antibacterial and warm and not stuffy sweat, suitable for autumn and winter riding, the disadvantage is that it is easy to deform slightly after washing.
< Bold > graphene fabric </bold >: black technology fabric, good heat conduction and heat retention, suitable for extreme sub-zero environments.
Under the trend of environmental protection, < thickened > recycled environmentally friendly fabrics </thickened > (such as Recycled PET) are becoming more and more popular, which are BLUESIGN certified or OEKO-TEX certified, which are both environmentally friendly and safe. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to avoid polyester cationic fabrics and opt for natural materials such as bamboo fibers.
4. Fit and matching: wearing the right is really professional
The same cycling clothes, some people wear comfortably and stylishly, some people are uncomfortable, and the problem lies in the choice of version. Asians generally have narrow shoulders and thin waists, so avoid European and American versions, and give preference to < bold >Asian version </bold >: Men’s models pay attention to < bold> three-dimensional cut</bold > to avoid overly tight chest and buttocks; The women’s model focuses on < thickened > waist design </thickened >, while ensuring space for thigh movement.
Accessories can also enhance the riding experience, details that beginners tend to overlook:
Core accessory combination: cycling suit + cycling helmet + cycling lock shoes + cycling glasses, these four pieces are called the “Cycling Safety Four-Piece Set”. When riding long distances, it can effectively relieve fatigue with < thickened > cycling buttock protection cream </thickened > and < thickened > cycling compression socks </thickened>; Night riding must be < bold> riding headlight </bold > and < bold > LED armband </bold >.
5. Brand and pitfall avoidance: How can novices buy without stepping on thunder?
Different brand positioning is very different, and novices do not need to blindly pursue big names:
- < bold> high-end professional line </bold >: Castelli, ASSOS, suitable for competition-level riders, with Italian imported pants and aerodynamic design as core strengths.
- < bold > cost-effective choice</bold>:D ecathlon (Decathlon), Sendeke, Lampada, suitable for novices, you can buy quick-drying and basic sunscreen functions at a price of 100 yuan.
- < bolding> customization requirements </bolding >: CCN, Meisenland, support team version LOGO customization, using < bolding> digital printing </bolding> process, the pattern is clear and not easy to fade.
Procurement pit avoidance guidelines: avoid “three no products”, focus on checking whether there is a clear fabric ingredient identification and safety certification; When shopping online, give priority to stores that provide size charts and try-on services to avoid the problem of “inaccurate size”; When customizing team uniforms, confirm the MOQ (minimum order quantity) and delivery time in advance, and generally the delivery time for small batches is 15-20 days.
6. Procurement perspective: Yigu’s professional advice
As a senior purchasing agent, I have found that the core of cycling clothing procurement is “balancing cost-effectiveness and demand”. When purchasing in bulk, give preference to factories that can provide ODM services, which can not only customize the fit, but also control costs. Pay attention to check the supply chain details: Taiwanese pants are better than Italian pants in terms of cost performance, suitable for the mid-range market; The four-needle and six-thread process is 5%-8% more expensive than ordinary sewing, but the durability is increased by 30%, making it more cost-effective in the long run. Cross-border e-commerce procurement should pay attention to compliance, and the Amazon platform has strict requirements for reflective strips and safety certification of cycling clothing, and the test report must be confirmed in advance. It is recommended to choose spot wholesale channels for small batch purchases to avoid the risk of inventory overstock.
7. FAQ: Answers to the questions that riders are most concerned about
- < bold> Q: What should I do if the cycling suit is deformed after washing? </Bold >A: Avoid machine washing and drying, hand wash in cold water, lay flat to dry, and choose fabrics with the “anti-deformation” logo (e.g., polyester with spandex added).
- < Bold> Q: Is the crotch of the pants a size problem or a product problem? </Bold > A: Both are possible. First confirm whether the size fits, if the size is no problem, it is a problem with the design of the pants, it is recommended to change to a < bold> 3D three-dimensional cut </bold> or < thickened> integrated panther </bold> style.
- < bold> Q: How to choose children’s cycling clothes? </Bold > A: Give priority to bright colors (improve recognition), the fabric should pass OEKO-TEX certification to avoid small accessories falling off, and the fit is slightly loose and easy to grow.
- < bold> Q: Can waterproof cycling clothing really protect against heavy rain? </Bold > A: With < bold> TPU membrane </thickened > and < bold>fluorine-free environmental protection waterproof </bold > style, which can resist moderate to heavy rain, it is recommended to wear a raincoat in heavy rain weather, and pay attention to breathability to avoid stuffy sweat.
The core logic of choosing cycling clothes: first clarify your riding scenario and core needs (commuting or racing?) Is it summer or winter? ), then focus on fabrics, functions and fits, and finally choose the right brand based on your budget. A good cycling suit is not a luxury, but a “right-hand man” that allows you to enjoy cycling.