Essential Cycling Clothing Bike Wear.

In this review we are going to be looking at essential cycling clothing gear that all cyclists and mountain bikers require. Where you live, how much cycling you do, and the weather will play a big part of any cycling clothing choices you make. Mountain bike shoes and other accessories are in a separate reviews.

Cyclists wear the clothing they do for specific reasons,

a) cycling clothing brands are generally made to fit the body contour, the reason for this is to reduce drag and temperature control. This also helps your body to transfer away the moisture that has built up as your temperature increases.

b) A cyclist doesn't want any clothing to become entangled in the mechanism-gears, brakes or wheels.

All the items in this review come recommended and will have cycling clothing design and performance built in to each garment.

The Pearl iZUMI range of women's clothing is both stylish and functional. The vest tops are brathable to help transfer body sweat away from your body. You can choose from two styles, one is a sleeve less vest and the other is a ¾ zip top with a small collar. Both the tops are fitted at the waist, are an ideal length and have selected features stated below.

Before buying your next top make sure it has a ¾ zip, as this is the most advantageous for women cyclists. The Pearl iZumi is made to wick sweat away from your body which helps keep you cool. Make sure also that it fits your body but not overly tight, as this allows air to circulate.

• SELECT Sensor-Transfer fabric keeps moisture at bay
• Comfortable, stylish cap sleeve
• Elastic gripper on back hem
• Three back storage pockets
• Reflective element on center back for low-light visibili

Women need to feel comfortable when they are on their bike. Wearing fitted cycling shorts does the job perfectly, you may want to keep some longer trainer trousers in your backpack in-case the weather turns.

An essential piece of cycling clothing for women. Made to contour the body, keep you warm and comfortable. Some shorts have padding fitted to give extra comfort. Cycling shorts are made so that they do not ride up when wearing them.

Most cycling shorts are made from four way stretch material for freedom of movement. All come in differing sizes from small to X- large.All these shorts offer style, fit, durability and performance, all for a modest price.

• Short sleeved shirts are ideal during sunny warm days while out on your bike. You can keep an extra layer should you need it in your backpack. Short sleeved tops are ideal for changing in to after a stop. I always change my top then it just makes me feel more comfortable for the second leg of the journey.
  
• Cycling tops come in all styles, colours and fitting. There an ideal base layer to have next to your skin. The materials are made to help wick moisture away from the body. All have additional pockets at the back to help you keep essential bits and pieces in them. All have a zip fronted design to help control temperature.
  
• Designed to make you comfortable on your bike.
• Features reflective elements on each jersey.
• Three rear pockets are easy to reach.
• High quality cuffs and superior stitching details.
• Technically designed polyester wick-away fabrics.

Long sleeved top give extra warmth for when the nights turn chilly. You really need to have a long sleeved shirt in your cycling equipment. They have some very useful advantages, not only are they good at keeping you warm when the nights turn a bit chilly but they are also very good at keeping the sun off you during the hottest time of the day. Some have half zips and others have three quarter zips which are very good for venting when on long up hill sections.

• 92% high performance Top Cool Polyester with 8% lycra
• 3/4 front zipper opening
• Flat lock seams with Lycra and bottom elastic tape ensure a smooth fit
• Neck collar for extra warmth
• three back bottom compartments with one middle reflective zipper pocket.

• Men need comfort and fit from their cycling shorts. Men are very choosy when it comes to buying padded cycle shorts. These offer the best method of having a comfortable ride. They should also be stretchy material, so I can recommend this pair as I have three pairs of them to endorse this product.
  
• Spandex/Nylon Tricot knit with four way stretch
• Men's Top Shelf cycling shorts are anatomical design, with padded crotch for comfort on the bicycle
• Ride Longer and Feel Stronger with our quality Spandex fabrics that stretch in four directions
• Elastic leg grippers are smooth and comfortable with high quality five thread surged edges
• Crotch pad's surface is smooth, cool max microfiber, that is laminated to foam and tricot.

Gloves are essential, firstly they keep your hands warm. Because the fingers are missing the gloves allow you to select gears and feel the brakes more dexterously. Cycling gloves padded sections on the palm side, so should you fall off your bike the padded sections will protect your hands and act to break your fall. I have first hand experience because this has happened to me.

Cycling gloves also protect your hands while there resting on your handle bars, staying in one position for any length of time will put pressure on your hands, wrists and arms.

In winter time use full fingered gloves to help keep the cold, wind and rain away from your fingers.

The type of socks you wear plays a very important role in cycling. The first thing the socks must do is to keep your feet comfortable. They should act as a barrier between your shoes and feet. Capable of removing moisture away from the foot.

Socks should be seamless, you don't want to have to keep moving the sock because it starts to rub on your foot. Socks also help you stop getting blisters. Your socks are made to keep your foot in good shape allowing them to breathe without restriction.

Men's cycling socks are made to exactly the same standards as womens and for the same reasons.

• 37% Ultraspun Polyester 30% Polyester 28% Nylon 5% Lycra Spandex
• Ultra Spun gives socks a fresher, softer, and noticeable cooler feeling.
• Mesh knitting construction on the top and bottom of the foot provides enhanced ventilation and moisture transfer.
• Machine wash warm, Tumble dry low.

The best essential cycle clothing brands offer clothing for all seasons and they do a brilliant job and will exceed your needs and expectations, all have good basic design features, all are made to the highest standards and at a affordable priced.

So if you are wanting to buy or upgrade your gear or are just starting out in the mountain biking field you will find something here to suit you.