Bike wear fashion gets hip
It used to be that you could walk into your spin class at the gym or even your local coffee shop and spot the serious cyclists. They were the ones dressed in the second-skin Lycra that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. While those outfits are still appropriate for racing purposes because of their wind resistance, they really aren’t so great for those noncompetitive riders, and they certainly aren’t appropriate dress for lunch in a restaurant. Fortunately, there is a growing trend in casual cycle clothing that looks as good off the bike as it does on.
“Bike wear is moving from traditional to more urban in style,” explains Ciindi Snell, general manager of BikeWorld on Broadway. “It used to all be derived from the racing world, but now, although it is still technical in nature, it looks like regular clothes.”
For those new to the sport of cycling, the term “technical” simply means that the clothing is made from wickable, lightweight fabric. When you perspire, moisture is wicked away, and the fabric stays cool, loose and dry. Wickable fabric is in everything from shirts to socks and makes a big difference when you are biking in the San Antonio heat. Some wickable fabrics even include SPF to give you that added level of sun protection — another must in our area.
As for the styles, Sneed says anything goes, from loose baggy shorts to capri-length pants (once called “pedal pushers”) and even bike skirts for the women.
All of these come with either a built-in or a removable chamois (pronounced “shammy”), which is the padding that keeps you comfortable in your seat (so to speak). If you don’t want to invest in a pair of bike shorts, you can purchase a shorts liner that will transform any pair of shorts you own into comfortable riding attire. Designed to wear under your own shorts, these liners are made with a built-in chamois for that extra bit of cushion.
Bike jerseys range from fitted and sleeveless to loose and short-sleeved. There is also a shirt with a 3/4-length sleeve that is ideal for the off-road bikers who want to protect their arms from scratches and errant branches.
Shirts and jerseys are available in colorful and whimsical prints that allow the biker to express his or her personality. Some jerseys include extras such as built-in zippered pockets for an MP3 player. Almost all of the clothing is available in a wide range of sizes (including plus sizes) to accommodate every body type and make the prospect of suiting up a little less daunting.
“Not everyone has to wear Lycra anymore,” laughs Snell. “There is more entry-level and casual riding clothing than ever before, and women have their own specific fit now.”
Whether you go for the traditional or the urban cool, Snell says there a few “musts” every cyclist should have for safety purposes:
• A helmet.
• Gloves.
• Visibility or reflective clothing.
• A good pair of bike shoes, either with or without clips.
Snell notes that it is also a good idea to get a small bag that straps on to the front of the bike bar to accommodate snacks, cell phones and other necessities.
With the beautiful San Antonio spring in full bloom, there is no better time to suit up and hit the road. And with so many fashionable options, there is no reason not to do it in style.
