Over the years there have been many items of clothing that I have discovered and wish someone had told me about. I just wish someone had taken me aside and given me a list of the most important items to have. This isn’t a brand endorsement for a group of companies but my thoughts of the items that any serious cyclist should have hidden away in their wardrobe. Hopefully you will be able to invest wisely in your kit, and so equip yourself for any weather condition.
Shorts
More than maybe any product that is used regulary by cyclists, the short has changed the most over the last 30 years. I for one have never ridden in wool shorts, and I find it hard to imagine what life must of been like before the widespread use of the Lycra short. Moving forward to today there is a vast amount of choice based both on cost, fit and comfort.
Over the years certain brands have proved to offer good bib shorts with the likes of Assos, Castelli, Gore, Endura and Campagnolo offering excellent examples. That list is by no means exhaustive as there are many good shorts made now, i just haven't had time to test them all. The major point of reference is Assos as they are probably still the market leader, but only just.
While we are covering Shorts I need to bring into the equation both Knee and Leg warmers. These items are a God send as they bridge the gap between seasons and so extend the usefulness of your shorts. Fit is key so try before you buy as some Warmers can be simple panel offerings which can work well. The best ones tend to use panels as they deal with the bodies ergonomics better. The usual suspects make good warmers but I will have to give special note both to Rapha and Gore as their examples of Knee warmers are excellent.
Baselayers
These are a vital piece of kit and not just for the winter months. The basic remit of a baselayer is to remove sweat and in so doing assisting the body in regulating the body temperture. Lots of companies make this garment, but the best ones are cycle specific and have a longer tail piece. My favourites, both old and new, are DeFeet, Craft, Howies and Helly Hansen. The three main styles are Tank, T-Shirt and Full Sleeve. You will find use for all types depending on the time of year. Fabric wise, synthetics are the most popular, but over recent years natural fibres like Merino Wool have gained popularity (and rightly so in my book)
Jerseys
Until recently a jersey was the least advanced bit of cycling kit. It somehow managed to bypass the technological revolution. Thankfully in recent years this has been addressed. You can still buy a basic jersey mad out of a polyester type fabric, these work fine for your normal everyday commuting use. But when either a heavy work load is unleashed or the high mountains are calling, a jersey of a different flavour is called for, the Climbers jersey. In recent years I have seen the rise of this jersey with nearly every manufacturer worth its salt producing their take on what they believe the archetypal version.
Multi panelled jerseys are now common place, offering a better fit. Where once the Raglan sleeve was only found on high end jerseys, it is now commonplace. Fabrics have improved with the addition of silver thread by some manufacturers and also the re-emergence of Wool, but thankfully not the itchy stuff you knew as a child but the velvet like softness of Merino, the most sort after crop coming from New Zealand.
The standard three pocket design is the reserve of the cheaper garments with five pockets now appearing on top end jerseys. In my opinion I'd go for a full zip jersey every time as it offers the best ventilation options, and it also copes better with weight fluctuation throughout the season.
With all the options now available you can expect to pay anything from £30-130 for a Summer jersey. You may end up with a whole mix of price ranges depending on your needs. As I mentioned in my recent Rapha Classic jersey review I said that I have rarely worn a jersey out from use, so with this in mind I am happy to pay around £50-100 for one.
. . . . more to follow in Part Three
