Why buy special clothing for a racing bike?
Of course, you could just set off in your street clothes. However, it will quickly become uncomfortable on the saddle – and your T-shirt will be soaked through after the first few kilometers. You don't need to equip yourself completely to begin with, but it's worth investing in basic gear for road cycling beginners . The right cycling clothing not only looks good, but also offers noticeable functional advantages.
Here's why:
- Comfort: On a bike, especially over longer distances, comfortable clothing is crucial. Our road cycling apparel is designed to fit snugly, prevent chafing, and allow complete freedom of movement – without slipping. This ensures an all-around great riding experience.
- Moisture management: Cycling can quickly lead to sweating. That's why our jerseys and shorts are made from functional materials that efficiently wick moisture away from the body and dry quickly. This keeps your skin dry and you feeling comfortably cool, even in changeable weather.
- Temperature regulation: Whether it's summer heat or cool spring mornings, special fabrics ensure the right climate on every tour. Lightweight, breathable materials keep you cool in summer, while insulating layers provide warmth in winter without overheating. Many products feature practical details such as double-sided zippers for customized ventilation.
- Performance: Close-fitting cuts improve aerodynamics and reduce air resistance – saving energy on longer rides. Padded cycling shorts further increase comfort, reduce chafing, and protect against impacts, allowing you to fully concentrate on your performance.
- Durability: Road cycling apparel is designed for intense use. If you care for it properly, it will last you for many seasons. You can find tips for optimal care in our cycling apparel care guide .
Road cycling outfit: This is the equipment you need as a beginner
Especially at the beginning, the question often arises as to which items are truly necessary and how to get started effectively. With our bundles , you get a perfectly coordinated road cycling outfit : they include the most important road cycling basics , such as padded cycling shorts and a matching cycling jersey. Supplemented with a base layer and socks, you're immediately ready for your first ride and benefit from a basic set of equipment that covers everything essential.
Road bike essentials at a glance
Perhaps you already have some of the first pieces of your road cycling outfit in your wardrobe. In this overview, we'll show you which other road cycling basics might be useful and how you can complete your gear step by step.
The right cycling shorts for road cycling beginners
Bib shorts are standard equipment for road cyclists. They ensure freedom of movement and breathability and are usually made of lightweight, quick-drying materials.
Our chamois pads consist of multi-layered, soft foams covered by a breathable surface. They are also antibacterial and moisture-wicking. While it might feel unusual at first, cycling shorts with a chamois pad are worn directly against the skin without underwear. Otherwise, unnecessary friction occurs, and the pad's functionality is compromised. Unsure which model is right for you? Our blog article on the different types of bib shorts provides a helpful guide with all the essential information.
The perfect jersey for your road cycling outfit
A good cycling jersey is a crucial part of your road cycling outfit . It's made from lightweight, breathable materials that effectively wick sweat away from the body and dry quickly. The fit is specifically designed to reduce wind resistance while still allowing sufficient freedom of movement, ensuring the jersey fits snugly without pinching or slipping. You can find more information about our cycling jerseys and a guide to help you choose the right one in our detailed blog article .
Road cycling clothing by season
Choosing the right cycling apparel for the season is crucial for comfort and performance. In spring and summer, breathable, moisture-wicking materials keep you comfortably cool. In autumn and winter , layering is the best approach.
- Base layer that wicks moisture away from the body
- Insulating intermediate layer for heat
- Windproof and waterproof outer layer for protection against cold and wet conditions.
This way you'll stay productive in all weather conditions and can enjoy your rides. Feel free to also read our guides for warm days and cold weather .
Cycling clothing to protect against wind and rain
When you're battling wind and rain on your road bike, the right clothing is crucial to staying dry, warm, and performing at your best. Weatherproof jackets like windbreakers and rain jackets for road cycling are specifically designed to protect you from the elements. Our windbreaker is lightweight and breathable, yet provides effective protection against cool breezes by blocking the wind without causing you to overheat.
Our rain jacket, on the other hand, is waterproof and features thermally taped seams to keep you dry even in heavy rain. It offers greater breathability than conventional rainwear to prevent condensation inside: it has a double-sided, waterproof zipper and zippered side vents at the front, allowing you to easily regulate warmth.
Frequently asked questions about road cycling clothing for beginners
Safety equipment and emergency supplies should never be overlooked when road cycling. A helmet is essential to protect your head in case of a fall. Always wear appropriate clothing that is suitable for the weather and also increases your visibility. A repair kit for punctures, including a spare inner tube, tire levers, and a small pump or CO2 cartridges, should always be with you. Sufficient water and snacks are also important to ensure hydration and energy on longer rides.
Weight plays a role in cycling, especially when it comes to performance and speed. Lighter bikes, equipment, and clothing can make riding more efficient and are particularly advantageous on climbs. However, for beginners, it's more important to focus on riding technique, endurance, and enjoying the sport rather than weight. As experience and interest in competitions increase, weight can become more relevant, and targeted upgrades can be considered.
Advanced road cyclists typically wear specialized cycling shoes that connect to the bike's clipless pedals. This improves pedaling efficiency and offers greater control. However, they aren't absolutely necessary for beginners. Many new cyclists start with platform pedals and sneakers to get used to road cycling. Cycling shoes and clipless pedals can be a worthwhile investment once you feel confident on the bike and want to improve your pedaling efficiency. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with clipping in and out before riding on open roads to avoid crashes.
We're happy to help—just write to us at support@straede.cc . We'll get back to you promptly and personally.