Bike Riding Clothes

We are often asked about what type of clothing is best for riding a bike.

The truth is, it very much depends on the weather, the bike, the terrain and the time you’ll be riding.

The only thing that is constant, is the requirement for a Standards Approved bike helmet. And we have a huge choice of those in our Helmets area but for now we’ll stay on topic and discuss bike riding clothes.

CYCLING JERSEYS (THE TOP HALF)

If you only ride now and then, for short fun rides around the neighbourhood, please make sure you have good shoes on, to protect your feet. For the fashion conscious, we do carry a huge range of casual bike wear for on and off the bike, such as:

Casual Riding Jerseys

For those who are just riding for leisure, these casual cycling jerseys will be a MUCH more comfortable option than riding a normal t-shirt. Normal tees, will get clogged with sweat and start to smell due to odour and bacteria.

We’re going to recommend a bunch of Fox clothing below because they cater to casual riders the best. The Ranger-line is their most casual active-wear with a comfortable relaxed fit.

• Fox Ranger Dri-Release Long Sleeve Jersey - Blue. This jersey blends casual looks with Fox's dri-release cloth that wicks away moisture and does dry really fast.
• Fox Ranger Short Sleeve Jersey - Black. This jersey has a really light active wear feel to it.
• Another long sleeve option is the Fox Ranger Switch Jersey in Black or Light Grey.

Performance MTB Jerseys

Next we have a range of performance mountain bike jerseys. These are part of Fox’s Defend range. They are still have a relaxed fit but they differ in the use of materials. The material is tougher; it’s less likely to rip and tear. Plus the sleeves, neck line and overall “feel” seems more robust. Here’s are some examples:

• For cooler temperatures, consider the Fox Defend Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey in Black or Emerald.
• Fox Ranger Short Sleeve Jersey - Black. This jersey has a really light active wear feel to it.
• Or just a plain black performance jersey, like the Fox Defend.

Road Jerseys

These are more fitted than the casual or mountain bike jerseys above. You can still get road jerseys that are more relaxed though.

• A relaxed jersey is the Netti Cruze that available in Fox Defend Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey in BlackBlack</a> and High-Viz Yellow.
• Next there's the Bellwether Distance jerseys that are a semi-fitted garment. The Distance is available in Black/Citrus or Royal Blue
• For higher-end performance jerseys, we stock Italian brand Castelli. These guys have a jersey called the Endurance Pro. And it's available in either Bordeaux or Light Black/Grey.

THE BOTTOM HALF

There are two distinct styles of bike shorts.

One is made from Lycra, known as ‘knicks’ and clings to your skin to move with your legs and minimise any excess material. The other style (more popular among casual and MTB or Mountain Bike riders) looks like normal shorts or cargo shorts.

Example of Lycra knicks are the Pearl Izumi Quest.

Example of our most popular MTB short is the Fox Ranger Shorts - Black.

Both styles are designed to have a padded insert (or chamois) which protects the rider from saddle soreness, chafing and to help absorb moisture.

If you intend to spend time on your bike outdoors, or even inside on a trainer or spin bike at the gym, these shorts are a must.

Further, given the different anatomies of the genders, there are specific designs for men and women.

The most common questions asked are about fit and price.

Firstly, the contours, cut and chamois shape are very different. The price is very much determined by the quality of the materials and treatments used in production.

There is no difference in price between men’s and women’s bike shorts in the same model, as a rule. Of course, it’s always good to pick up a bargain and Ivanhoe Cycles has plenty!

Here’s a few examples of the women’s shorts, with more available on our website.

Bike Shorts Women

Here are just some of our popular womens bike shorts and knicks:

• Netti Cruze womens knicks are suitable for up to 2 hour rides.
• Netti Pronix womens knicks are an excellent mid-range option.
• Fox Ranger - Black womens shorts look casual and are perfect for recreational bikes rides with family or friends.

Bike Shorts Men

And some examples for the guys out there on bikes:

• Netti Cruze mens knicks are suitable for up to 2 hour rides.
• Bellwether O2 mens knicks are an excellent mid-range option.
• Fox Ranger Lite - Black mens shorts look casual and are perfect for recreational bikes rides with family or friends.

There are more advanced versions of cycling knicks - called bibs or bib knicks - which have a brace that fits over your trunk and shoulders. These are worn by cyclists who spend more time on their bikes. More expensive, but worthwhile for the long distance rider and someone who loves spending time on their bike.

• For the guys, a place to start is the Bellwether O2 bib knicks and <a href+
• Bellwether O2 mens knicks are an excellent mid-range option.

https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/castelli-prima-womens-bib-shorts-black

Lastly, there are some great options for cold weather:

Bike Tights https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/pearl-izumi-select-escape-thermal-bib-tights https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/longs-womens-bellwether-thermaldress-with-chamois

LEG WARMERS

Leg Warmers are an attractive choice, as they allow you to wear normal bike shorts, and to remove the warmers as the temperature rises. Here are a couple of examples:

https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/bellwether-thermaldress-leg-warmers https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/sugoi-subzero-leg-warmers-99958u

CYCLING GLOVES

The other touchpoint to protect is the hands. A good pair of gloves makes the world of difference. You can buy short fingered, or ‘fingerless’ gloves, which are ideal in warm weather, or long fingered gloves.

Road Gloves https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giant-race-day-gloves-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/liv-passion-short-womens-gloves-white https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/pearl-izumi-cyclone-gel-gloves-2022-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giro-riv-ette-womens-gloves-tri-split-red-midnight-navy

Most of the above can be used for multiple disciplines, like Gravel riding as well. Let’s have a look at some MTB gloves.

MTB Gloves MTB gloves will typically offer extra protection against branches, and can include more gel in the palms, to absorb the shocks from riding bumpy off-road trails.

Short Fingered https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/pearl-izumi-mens-quest-gel-gloves-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/pearl-izumi-womens-quest-gel-gloves-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-womens-ranger-gel-short-gloves-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/azur-k6-kids-gloves-blue

Long Fingered https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-ranger-gloves-black-31057001 https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-womens-ranger-gloves-violet https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-dirtpaw-gloves-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giro-rivet-ii-gloves-titanium

CYCLING SHOES

‘What about Cycling Shoes? Do they really matter, and how do they work? Will I be able to get my feet out of the pedals?’ You are advised to wear good shoes that protect your feet. Cycling shoes are constructed with a stiffer sole. This means that when you push down on the pedals, more power is transferred. It’s more efficient. It’s science!

You can also buy bike shoes that don’t require specific pedals. The general term for these is Flat Pedal Shoes. They come with a reinforced toe, are durable and you can walk around all day in comfort.

https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-gr501-mtb-shoe-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giant-shuttle-flat-shoes-black-gum https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/leatt-flat-3-shoes-aaron-chase

Road Shoes There are a couple of different types of shoes used for cycling. Road shoes are generally lighter than their MTB counterparts, have a thinner sole and are more concerned with aerodynamics.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on these. If you’re just getting started, or like millions of us, enjoy indoor training at home or at the gym, perhaps in a Spin Class, check these out: https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-rp100-road-shoes https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-ic100-shoes-black

When it comes to shoes the quality of the materials, weight and stiffness are the determining factors. However, let’s be honest, if the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it.

Here’s a selection of amazing value road shoes at various levels for you to consider. With all these, you do need to have compatible pedals. The Ivanhoe Cycles website has compatibility options, so you can match to your needs.

As always, our team are here to help with any questions online, by email, telephone or in-store. https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/flr-f15-road-shoes-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-rc300-road-shoes-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/bont-riot-plus-black-white https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-rp301-womens-shoes-grey https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-rc502-womens-shoes-white

MTB Shoes Tough, rugged, strong, stiff, comfortable and built to last. And they look great! When you’re ready, Ivanhoe Cycles can help you find the right pair of MTB shoes to enhance your riding experience. https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-sh-me100-shoe-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giant-charge-elite-hv-shoes-grey https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giro-terraduro-mid-shoe-shadow-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/shimano-wm82-womens-shoes-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/mavic-zoya

Getting in and out of the pedals, requires practice. The staff at Ivanhoe Cycles will show you how and adjust the settings on the pedals to make it as easy as possible.

Once you’ve got it, no problem.

CYCLING SOCKS

Designed for hard, sweaty, long days on the bike, cycling socks are anti-bacterial and will stay in place for extra comfort. Ivanhoe Cycles has a massive range. https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/defeet-cyclismo-wool-socks-white https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-6-ranger-socks-multi-3-pack https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-womens-6-ranger-socks-multi-3-pack https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/castelli-mid-winter-18-socks-bordeaux

Before we finish, bike tops, or jerseys deserve a mention.

CYCLING JERSEYS

The jersey usually has pockets in the back for storage. It will be made of breathable material and be abrasion resistant. There is a huge range, so this will come down to personal choice.

https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-cruze-plus-mens-jersey-fluro-yellow-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/giro-xar-mtb-womens-jersey-iceberg-blue https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-ripley-cntr-womens-jersey-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/castelli-promessa-womens-sleeveless-jersey-white-grey https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-sunshield-mens-long-sleeve-jersey-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-sunshield-womens-long-sleeve-jersey-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/pearl-izumi-attack-thermal-ls-jersey-lagoon https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-defend-thermal-long-sleeve-jersey-2023-black https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/fox-defend-long-sleeve-jersey-2024-black

Lastly, if you choose a short sleeve jersey or t-shirt consider this.

Sunsmart UV Most people are aware these days and take precautions when outdoors. Cyclists have a clever solution for exposed arms: https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-uv-arm-protector-sun-sleeve-white https://ivanhoecycles.com.au/products/netti-uv-arm-protector-sun-sleeve-black

Thank you for shopping with Ivanhoe Cycles. We appreciate it.