Cycling Clothing

Padded Cycling Shorts

• • Having a crease in the wrong place can cause some serious problems on a long or extended ride

  • Nylon spandex

    • Tight fitting fabric that hug your skin

    • Reduces friction and limits chafing

    • If Scouts don't like this look, they can wear shorts over them

    • Lengths:

      • Short

        • 3-5"

        • "Hot Pants" length

        • Designed for cross-training, spinning and triathlons

      • Medium 

        • 6-8"

        • Average cycling short length

      • Long 

        • 9-11" (Past the quadriceps)

        • European-cut racing length

      • Brands:

        • Specialized

          • specialized.com

          • More affordable option

        • Pearl iZumi

          • pearlizumi.com

          • Performance clothing - not as expensive as high end brands

          • Examples:

            • 10.5" Attack Cycling Shorts - Excellent Shorts

            • 9" Quest Cycling Shorts - Excellent Affordable Shorts

        •  High End Brands

          • Rapha and Assos

  • Padding (Chamois)

    • Pads are not just of cushioning, they distribute pressure and protect your skin and soft tissue

    • These are built into Cycling Shorts (skin hugging and traditional shorts)

  • Pants

    • Pants can be worn on colder days or when protection to the leg is desired 

    • Pants need to be flexible to allow for efficient riding and to avoid chafing

    • Bottoms of legs can get caught in chain

      • A pant leg caught in the chain will not only ruin your pants but can cause a serious crash

      • Specialty designed pants will have fitted legs without too much or any loose fabric

      • Pants can be rolled up, but are at risk of unrolling during your ride

      • Pants protectors or duct tape can be used to secure loose pant legs

    • Bike tights are preferred

      • Minimize Friction

      • Great Aerodynamics

      • Some Scouts won't like this look

      • Shorts can be worn over them

    • Cargo Cycling Bibs

      • These are really great and quite practical 

      • It may be really difficulty to talk a Scout or Adult into wearing these

      • They are still great

Cycling Gloves

• • Discussed in our Cycling Safety Gear Page

  • Protects fingers and palm in case of accident

  • Insulated ones keep hands warm and functional in cold

  • Reduces slippage when hands get wet

  • Avoid bulky glove that prevent you from easily shifting or braking

  • Recommend:

    • Go to REI and bike shop and try on different pairs

    • Gloves MUST fit

    • This one works fine - amazon.com/gp/product/B08SBTK 

Cycling Shirt

• • Material depends on weather

    • Cotton may be fine on hot summer days

    • Bike Jerseys are preferred

      • Tight fitting

      • Less flapping in wind

      • Aerodynamic

      • Wicks moisture

      • Scout may not like this style, especially if the jersey is extra bright

      • Example:

        • amazon.com/dp/B07C7VKVP9 

  • Bright colors are highly recommended

    • Neon yellow seems to be a favorite

      • More noticeable in urban settings

    • Neon orange is more noticeable when the background is green

    • Reflective clothing or strips preferred when riding in the dark

Cold Weather Gear

• • Weather may necessitate insulated layers and/or waterproof layers

  • Tights are preferred over pants

    • Move easier

    • Don't get caught in chain

  • Rain Jacket /  Wind Breaker

    • You will need to have one most of the year at least packed away

    • Keep a small one rolled up in your Frame Bag

  • Overboots and Overshoes

    • Warn over cycling shoes in cold weather

    • Keeps feet warmer and drier

      • Examples

        • Can get pricy for performance overshoes

        • Dexshell Heavy Duty

        • Amazon has economy options

          • amazon.com/dp/B0834CZ12C

        • DIY Overboots

          • Wool socks? youtube Q1jC5Acrt7Y 

          • Plastic waterbottles have been used

          • Custom leather covers have also been done

Cycling Shoes

Specialized cycling shoes are designed to lock a cleat into the pedals.  This has a significant impact on riding efficiency and performance, especially on long distance rides or races.

Like any other specialized athletic shoe, these can be very expensive and Scouts tend to grow out of them within a year.

Some of our Adult Leads and Scouts use these and they do provided a significant performance gain.  We are happy to discuss the pros and cons of getting specialized shoes for your cycling adventures. 

Cycling Footwear is discussed on our Cycling Footwear Page.

We discuss pedals separately.