Cycling is a great form of exercise that can be practiced in many ways. Just jump on the saddle and get to forest trails, for a long-distance bike ride or. However, certain things should be taken into account when dressing for cycling to make the ride as comfortable and smooth as possible. We've put together a few things to think about before hopping on your bicycle.

Like bikes and equipment, cycling clothing comes in a wide variety of forms and uses. Mountain biking, commuting and road cycling require variable clothing features due to the different environments and exercise intensity. So, the first thing to consider is where you're cycling to and what kind of terrain you'll be cycling on. If you cycle in varied conditions, it can be useful to have different types of clothing and equipment to suit each purpose. You can easily order cycling clothing from Rukka's online shop, where you'll find waterproof jackets and trousers, cycling shorts and a range of breathable cycling shirts, accessories and shoes. The features and details of Rukka Bikewear products are designed for weather resistance, functionality and optimal suitability for the sport in question.

In road cycling, the most important features of clothing are a firm fit and minimal air resistance. A good fabric is sleek and technical, ensuring a snug fit and effective breathability. The best cycling clothes are also water-repellent or waterproof, which makes it possible to ride in different weather conditions. Pockets are often positioned on the back, allowing both good mobility and streamlining. Padded cycling shorts are also a good choice, as they reduce chafing and even out the pressure from the saddle.

In mountain biking, various technical features such as water resistance are more important than tight fit, but both should still be paid attention to. In forest trails clothes get easily dirty and muddy so dirt-repellency and easy-care properties are also a big help. Technical features such as water and wind resistance as well as flexibility are particularly important in mountain biking, as they allow cycling in a wide range of conditions. In rough terrain, it's also a good idea to protect yourself from scratches caused by branches and pebbles with long sleeves and thicker fabrics. Padded cycling pants also increase your comfort when mountain biking.

Bicycle commuting is a great way to be more active in your everyday life. It's not so much about performance but about moving from one place to another. In terms of clothing, the most important thing to consider is the weather and, of course, how you want to dress for the day or whether you might change your outfit when arriving at work. If your workplace doesn't have a shower or a possibility to change clothes, you can wear a pair of breathable shell pants, for example, to protect you from rain, wind and possible dirt. Commuting often takes place in an urban environment where other traffic can slow down your journey, so it is a good idea to consider possible stops in addition to sweating in your clothing. Technical clothing that also keeps you warm when needed is a good option for commuting cyclists.

Spinning and esports cycling are both indoor stationary cycling, where the environment is standard and weather conditions do not affect your choice of clothing. The most important features of clothing are lightness, breathability and comfort. Breathability is an important property for sweating, as temperatures indoors are often quite high and there is no breeze to cool you down. Short-sleeved shirts and shorts are good choices when cycling indoors, but above all, choose clothes you feel comfortable in.

When cycling outdoors, the weather and temperature naturally play a big role in what you should wear. It’s good to be prepared for both rain and sunshine, as well as temperatures from heat to frost depending on the season. Winter cycling is a specific sport that requires different characteristics from both the bike and the equipment, but summer cycling can also take place in a wide range of conditions.

The cold is a challenge for cyclists, as air resistance increases with the increase in clothing. In cool weather, you can wear a jacket designed for cycling over your technical shirt to protect you from the weather and keep you warm. If needed, a breathable base layer can also be placed in between to provide extra warmth. A helmet hood, headband or beanie that fits well under the helmet will keep the head area warm. Cycling gloves are also an essential piece of equipment in cold weather, as your fingers are exposed to the harsh breeze and get cold easily. Gloves should be practical so that changing gears and other manual activities while cycling are as easy as possible. Most sports gloves are suitable for this purpose, as they also provide protection from the wind. Thicker socks and leg warmers specially designed for cycling can add extra warmth to your feet.

In summer, cycling clothing should be lightweight and breathable. However, especially on road cycling, you should also be well protected from the sun. In addition to sunscreen, this can be done with longer sleeves, but also with special fabrics that protect against UV rays. In addition to a helmet, you can also protect your head with a thin hat or a scarf, which can be conveniently placed under the helmet. Even if the weather looks clear when you set off, it can change unexpectedly also in summer. So, especially for longer bike rides, it's a good idea to pack a light jacket or shell pants that you can quickly put on over your clothes for warmth and protection from the rain.

When choosing cycling shoes, it is important to pay attention to the grip of the sole. When cycling, the power comes from your own body moving the pedals, so if your foot is constantly slipping off the pedal, cycling is slow and inefficient. This is also influenced by the firmness of the shoe, as a more rigid shoe stays tighter on the pedal, making the movement more efficient. Special cycling shoes, which are attached directly to the pedal, maximize the transfer of energy from the movement of the foot to the bike. These shoes are equipped with separate cleats that allow the shoe to be attached to the pedals.

Although your shoes may not come into contact with the ground at all when you're cycling, it's still a good idea to choose them with the weather in mind. In cold weather, you should choose thicker and high-cut shoes to bring warmth, and lighter footwear in summer. Especially in mountain biking, technical and waterproof shoes are a good choice, because water can splash onto your feet while riding. Occasionally, it may also be necessary to get off your bike, in which case water and dirt repellency will come in handy.

A helmet is a cyclist's number one piece of equipment, which can even be a lifesaver. It is an essential accessory for all outdoor cycling, whether in the woods, on the roads or in the city.

Cycling goggles are both a safety and comfort accessory, suitable for a wide range of cycling activities. They protect your eyes from, for example, bugs, water splashes, branches, excess sunlight and wind.

Reflectors and lights are absolutely essential, especially during the darker seasons. Quality cycling clothing often comes with reflective elements, but reflectors can also be added to your outfit to make sure you are not overlooked by drivers. When cycling, various types of dangling reflectors can be a hindrance to performance, so a reflective harness or reflective arm band, for example, may be better options. Lights of various kinds also increase the visibility of the cyclist in the dark and also act as illuminators of the road and direction.
As with sport in general, you should ensure that you are sufficiently hydrated when cycling.

Especially on longer bike rides, a separate hydration vest or backpack can be useful.

With these tips, your cycling hobby will be comfortable and efficient regardless of the weather. High-quality clothing is very important in terms of speed, efficiency, and safety, so it’s worth investing in it as well. In Rukka’s bikewear collection and wide selection of accessories, you’ll certainly find some products to suit your cycling style.