The Professional Cyclists Riding Uniform – Engine of the Rider

Like many sports, professional bicyclists wear a self-fashioned uniform consisting of a cycling jersey, cycling shorts, cycling shoes, gloves and a helmet. When you hear the word cycling, most people conjure up an image of Lance Armstrong and the Tour de France. He wears the traditional cycling uniform.

The cycling jersey is fashioned using prominent colors from the cycling event, like the yellow jersey from the Tour de France, or from the cyclist corporate sponsor, like the famous teal Bianchi racing team. The jersey is longer in the back than in the front and fits snuggly to offer air resistance. It is made from quick-drying, lightweight, polyester material. In addition, pockets have been placed on the back of the jersey for easy access.

The cycling shorts are often referred to as bike shorts. The padded portion of the shorts is called the chamois. Certain shorts are referred to as bib shorts. These shorts actually have suspender like shoulder straps that help hold them in place. Most people wear cycling shorts without underwear, so some shorts are treated with an anti-bacterial matter and others with a moisturizing lotion to help reduce chaffing. In either case, the shorts themselves are traditionally made from a spandex material.

Originally, cycling shoes were actually affixed to the bicycle pedal. However, today, many cycling shoes attach to the pedal with a cleat on the shoe. The clipless pedal shoe is a stiff-soled shoe that actually clips to the bike pedal. It offers the most energy efficiency. There are two different versions; one for mountain bikes and one for road bikes. The other option is a toe clip. This is actually not a shoe, but a clip that can be attached to any shoe. The toe clip is a more economical method than purchasing clipless pedal shoes.

There are two other accessories that are vital to a cyclist success: gloves and a helmet. The gloves serve several purposes. First, they offer a more stable grip. In addition, they help absorb shock and sweat. Finally, during colder weather they can keep a cyclist hand’s warm or offer skin protection in the event of a fall. The other critical accessory is the helmet. Today?s helmets are shaped to offer maximum aerodynamics while providing a measure of safety for the cyclist. These newer helmets actually cradle the head and can be adjusted to fit snuggly. Unfortunately, these new helmets provide most of the protection toward the front of the helmet so they are not useable for other sports like skateboarding or inline skating.

Professional bicycling outfits are as unique as the cyclist themselves. They offer style, comfort and protection for the cyclist and act as the engine of the rider.

write by Jesus CruzGarcia