Question:Is there a difference between biking tights and running tights? How does
one know what size jersey to wear? I wear my clothes baggy. How about
the gloves? Is all this too much for a guy just starting or what? Do
people ride in cold/cool weather?
Answer:
Are you referring to tights or to shorts? If tights, I am sure there must be,
but I have used Nike running tights just fine for several years.
If shorts, the biking shorts have padding, running shorts do not.
Jerseys generally run quite small. I take at least an XLarge, and sometimes an
XX large, while a normal Large to XLarge other type shirt will fit me. There
is a tremendous difference between the "cuts" of different Jerseys, depending
on the manufacturer and style. You just have to try some on.
A good pair of riding gloves is well worth the cost. They will give you
padding, protect you in a fall, and, most importantly, that little oval in the
glove gives you a tan spot on the back of your hand that readily identifies you
as a biker :;).
Is all this too much for a guy just starting or what?
People ride in all sorts of weather - just a matter of
having decent attire for the temp and precipitation. Some of the best riding
is in temps of 40 and 50. I havew had great rides in the rain.
You should do some rides in whatever you have on hand to get a sense of what
you might need. Generally, cotton is problematic in cold weather because you
still sweat under your clothes, but the cotton retains the moisture and
makes you colder. Most habitual cold-weather riders try to dress in layers
of lightweight synchetic fabrics.
Some cycling tights have a chamois (pad) sewn in. Some have zippers at the
ankles to make them easier to get on and off without removing your shoes.
Personally I wear light, unpadded, zipperless tights (same as running
tights) over padded cycling shorts. Helpful when it warms up later in the
day. Some people prefer leg warmers. If it's real cold I wear two pairs.
Cycling clothes tend to run small, and are usually designed for a snug fit
to minimize fabrics flapping in the breeze. Their moisture-wicking
properties are probably more effective if they're in actual contact with
your skin, too. And they'll keep you warmer if air can't circulate between
your skin and the fabric.
In general, it's been my experience that you won't know if a particular
brand of cycling clothes will fit until you try them on, so if you mail
order allow for a cycle of returns. Or go to REI or your local bike shop and
try stuff on. Or order from a place like www.gekkogear.com that makes things
true to size, and even in custom proportions if needed.
Gloves are good. Padding helps reduce fatigue. "Glove liners" are handy for
cool temperatures; you wear them under your regular cycling gloves. Or you
can just wear whatever gloves you have if it's cold.
The more comfortable you are the more you'll ride, so it's all good. I
commute into Philadelphia year-round, and have no problems with temps down
into the high 20's. Get a balaclava and/or ear warmers and/or a skull cap --
whatever you need for conditions to keep your face and ears warm.
Cycling specific tights sometimes have a padded chamois and the waistband is
longer in back so you don't show your crack when you're hunched over. That
being said, you can always wear a pair of running tights over cycling
shorts.
A jersey is very nice. Wicks moisture away and all that. If you don't want
something skintight, you can buy t-shirts made from CoolMax. I bought some
at http://www.performancebike.com . They work fine, plus you can wear them
for other athletic activities. I wear them to the gym so I don't get quite
so drenched.
Gloves are a necessity. Again, check with your local bike shop or break out
your credit card and go to Performance or Nashbar. Performance has good
prices on their house brand stuff.
