By PAGE Editor

You’ve got to admit that whenever you see pro cyclists on TV, they have a distinctive look that oozes sportsmanship, slenderness, and power, set off by the state-of-art piece of equipment beneath them. This might look like typical cycling wear to the common eye, but it is anything but for those interested in the sport. 

Though many cyclists will claim that cycling is much more than the gear you wear and that it’s about the physical activity, feeling the wind in your hair, seeing more of your neighborhood, the fleeting socialization – your wardrobe also matters. From the polarizing lycra shorts to the position of your legwarmers, what you wear while you’re on the road says much about you as a cyclist. 

Yet only some are blessed with the stylings of Brian Holm. Therefore, we’ve saved you the trouble of test-driving (or should we say cycling?) every piece of cycling gear on the market and compiled this list of fashion tips for looking your best while on the road – keep reading to start embracing your inner Tadej Pogacar or Remco Evenepoel. 

Bike Helmet 

Though this piece of cycling gear may seem apparent on a list about how to look like a professional cyclist to a non-cycling folk, if you are among the cycling community, you’ll know that there is a wide range of helmets on the market. And often, the more ‘weirder’ looking ones are the most sought after! Typically, most professional cyclists wear top-spec road helmets, but this isn’t to say that you can’t find cost-effective helmets that also come with a range of excellent safety features. Modern helmets have various features depending on your budget, from built-in Bluetooth speakers and rear lights to integrated sun visors and ventilation. 

Yet don’t let this distract you from the primary purpose of a helmet, protection. Safety is the essential accessory a cyclist can have alongside bicycle insurance, so alongside purchasing a good helmet, don’t forget to ensure you and your equipment are insured. You can find insurance for electric bicycles and others from providers like Velosurance, who provide customizable policies for both traditional and electric bikes. Choose from features like liability protection and medical gap coverage, or consider contacting them directly for more information. 

Waterproof Jacket 

Once you’ve covered the safety aspect and secured insurance for electric bicycles, you can start looking at the aesthetic part of your wardrobe, like your clothing. Another essential piece of cycling gear you’ll need is a waterproof jacket, as not all states are as sunny as Florida; one day, you could be cycling in a blanket of heat, the next in the rain. 

While you might think that any weatherproof jacket will do the job, a better choice is cycling-specific waterproofs, as they are specifically designed for cyclists, with long sleeves and back so that they are protected against the elements when in a forward-facing position. However, if you don’t have the budget for some of the best waterproof jackets on the market, a traditional one should suffice. 

Waterproof Trousers Or Lycra

We’ve all been stuck in a rain shower and know how uncomfortable you feel afterward with your wet clothes sticking to you and a permanent chill running throughout your body. Avoid feeling this way by purchasing a good pair of waterproof trousers or lycra leggings/shorts to accompany your waterproof jacket. 

Although you might be put off the look of lycra leggings/shorts due to their tightness and often eccentric coloring, the material provides many benefits for cyclists, with one of the main ones being watertight. Plus, since the material is so thin, you could layer up underneath your everyday clothes when the weather is a little nippier. 

Alternatively, you could purchase some waterproof trousers, which are available in varying styles and have additional features like fully-unzippable legs or reflective details. This cycling gear is beneficial for keeping you warm and dry while on the road and can be stored away in a rucksack if you want to change into another pair of clothes when you reach your destination. 

Cycling Shoes 

Another way to mimic a professional cyclist's style is by wearing the correct footwear. Most cyclists tend to wear a pair of trainers that they don’t mind wearing or purchase overshoes that act as a weatherproof barrier between their shoes and riding conditions. 

Although if you’d like to look as pro as possible, you could invest in a pair of cycling-specific shoes like clipless pedal systems, which make for a more effortless ride. There are various reasons you should consider switching from flat pedals to clipless ones, but one of the main reasons is convenience. 

Mainly if you use your bike to commute to and from places, you will be familiar with its stop/start nature. A clipless pedal system makes this stop/start nature easier as you can quickly get your foot on/off the pedal.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT FASHION?

COMMENT OR TAKE OUR PAGE READER SURVEY

Featured