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Guide 2 Cycling
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Cycling Jackets - What To Wear When Riding Your Bike
Unless you're lucky enough to live in an area with year-round sunshine, you're going
to need clothes to keep you warm and dry when riding your bike. Clothing is of course
not just about keeping warm - if you're actually going somewhere on your bike, you'll
want to wear something that you aren't embarrassed about wearing once you get to your
destination.
In terms of clothing to wear when cycling, your jacket is one of the most important
items. It serves to keep you warm and dry, and may also include reflective markings,
which are an important safety measure as they make you more easily visible, especially
in bad weather conditions or at night, to other road users. On the whole, if you can,
it's best to get a jacket that is specifically designed to cycling - you won't regret it.
If you choose a jacket that has been specifically designed for cycling, you'll notice
some unusual things about it as compared to "normal" jackets. One of the main
features of cycling jackets is they are generally longer at the back so that they cover your kidneys from
the wind, and your bottom from road spray - the latter being something that you'll sure appreciate if you ride a
road bike without mudguards. You'll also notice that cycling
jackets are generally shorter at the front (to facilitate movement of your legs), but have long sleeves
(so that your wrists are covered when reaching forward to the handlebars).
Cycle jackets are generally designed to be draught-proof, and most feature toggles so that you
can adjust the balance between ventilation and warmth depending on the weather and your personal
preferences. Of course, draught-proofing is very important, as whenever you cycle you're moving
through air, and so can get cold very quickly.
Another thing to think about is the features of the jacket and how they tie into your convienence.
For example, it's great to have pockets, but pockets at the front weigh you down, and can even create
a big draughty inside your jacket when riding - for this reason pockets at the back may be preferable.
Likewise little extras like extra zips and optional hoods may seem like a good idea, but they also
made your jacket a lot more bulky and a lot more awkward to deal with on those days when you're
not too sure what the weather will be like.
Fabric should also play a part in your choice of fabric. Ideally you want something breathable
so that you never get too hot and sweaty. Additionally, you will need to choose between
a water-proof fabric (such as Gore-Tex which can keep you dry for a full day) or water-resistant
(which will keep you dry for about 20 minutes in heavy rain or 40 minutes in a shower). If all
other things are equally betwen two jackets, you'd probably simply choose water-proof, but given
that they're not, and that a water-resistant jacket may be cheaper, less bulky, better styled, etc.,
the choice is more difficult. One thing to bear in mind is that most commutes are 20 minutes
or less, so water-resistant may in fact be perfectly adequate.
The final (but by no means least important) matter to consider is safety. As already mentioned,
anything that makes you more visible to other road users, especially car drivers, is a big
advantage - especially if cycling on dark days or after sunset. Additionally, it's better
not to get a jacket with a hood, but wear a cycling helmet
instead - a helmet will protect your head, and also not restrict your vision in the way that hoods
can.
Here are some cycling jackets:
See Also:
Disclosure: Products details and descriptions provided by Amazon.com. Our company may receive a payment if you purchase products from them after following a link from this website.
Pearl iZUMi
Midnight Blue/Shadow Grey Apparel
 | List Price: $74.99*
*(As of 01:48 Pacific 1 Aug 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - The Pearl Izumi Zephrr Jacket provides year-round, lightweight core protection from wind and rain for biking
- Comfortable moisture wicking, micromesh lines the inside collar for insulation
- Lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
Product Description:
The Pearl Izumi Mens Zephrr Cycling Jacket feels about as heavy on your body as a gentle breeze and protects you from less-than-ideal weather. When the wind blows and light rain falls, pull on the form-fitting, water- and wind-resistant Pearl Izumi Zephrr, and go ride your bike.
Product Features- Material: Zephrr-Micro (100% polyester)
- Core Venting: No
- Pockets: 1 Back
- Hood: No
- Recommended Use: Road biking
- Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime
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Descente
Apparel
 | | - Incredibly lightweight, compactable, water resistant, wind proof, quiet and breathable
- Fleeced interior collar
Product Description:
The Descente Men's Velom Jacket weighs less than an energy bar, but offers substantial protection for rides in the mountains or in unsettled weather. Fit specifically for athletes with sleeves long enough to allow full coverage while stretched and going hard. Descente Velom fabric is super lightweight, compactable, quiet, water-resistant, wind-resistant and very breathable Fleeced collar Full zip with Custom Descente pull Improved zipper function Less than 3.5 ounces Descente reflective Spirit logo on front Descente reflective Chevron logo on back |
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Pearl iZUMi
Red Apparel
 | List Price: $99.95*
*(As of 01:48 Pacific 1 Aug 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - Randall Scott Company - America's Premier Outdoor Retailer
- Direct-Vent panels provide superior ventilation
Product Description:
A jacket with zip-off sleeves is the most versatile layering piece, and obviously versatility is key for packing light. Wear the Pearl Izumi Men?s Elite Barrier Jacket out on a cool or blustery day?it serves as a great weather-resistant shell and ventilates extra heat through the back panel. When your muscles have heated up to full-throttle mode, zip off the sleeves to make the jacket a vest. The sleeves come off in one piece so you won?t mix ?em up, and they stow neatly in the jacket?s center back pocket ?till you need them again.
Product Features- Material: 100% Polyester
- Fit:
- Center Back Length:
- Core Venting:
- Pockets:
- Hood: No
- Weight:
- UPF Rating:
- Recommended Use: Cycling
- Manufacturer Warranty:
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Castelli
 | List Price: $69.95*
*(As of 01:48 Pacific 1 Aug 2010 More Info)
Click Here | Product Description:
A little weather won't stop the Castelli Men's Velo Jacket. Forcefield fabric resists wind and water when the weather is less than optimal, but still breathes like a champ for those steep climbs. When things clear up, tuck the Velo into your jersey's back pocket and finish the ride in comfort.
Product Features- Material: Forcefield
- Pockets:
- Zip: Full
- Recommended Use: Road cycling
- Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year
- Country of Origin: China
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Canari
* Apparel
 | List Price: $69.99*
*(As of 01:48 Pacific 1 Aug 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - WindShear; 100% polyester
- Water repellent
- Zip-off sleeves to allow for conversion to vest
Product Description:
The Canari Eclipse men's cycling jacket provides a water-repellent, wind-resistant barrier against inclement weather. It's designed with a two-way front zipper, removable sleeves, drop-tail hem with drawstring, and zippered hand pockets. The zippered back pocket converts to a stuff sack with waist belt attachment for easy portability. |
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Descente
Apparel
 | | - Descente Chinook fabric perfectly
- Full zip with reflective tape and custom pull
- Extra-long, tapered sleeves, Contoured collar with fleece lining and a zipper garage
Product Description:
Vented back with reflective piping, Zippered pocket on the back with interior hook, Reflective Chevron logos on sleeves and center back |
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Rain Shield
Yellow Apparel
 | List Price: $35.00*
*(As of 01:48 Pacific 1 Aug 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - High visibility cycling rain jacket
- The wrists are elasticized
- Rolls up and stuffs into a fairly small sack
Product Description:
Rain Shield O2 Hooded Rain Jackets feature: Quality construction with soft, quiet and hypoallergenic 3M™ Propore Fabric Windproof jacket has breathable microporous fabric Compact and lightweight -weighs only 5.5 ounces Ideal for those will-it-or-won't-it-rain days -a must for every golfer Covered full zip front Long sleeves have elastic cuffs Drawstring hood closes tight to keep out windblown rain Generous cut for golf swing Drop tail hem Includes handy stuff pack for easy storage in your golf bag Great alternative to umbrellas |
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O2
Yellow Apparel
 | List Price: $32.95*
*(As of 01:48 Pacific 1 Aug 2010 More Info)
Click Here | - High visibility cycling rain jacket
- The wrists are elasticized
- Rolls up and stuffs into a fairly small sack
Product Description:
O2 Cycling Rain Jackets is made of waterproof, breathable, and lightweight material to keep you dry and cool. Features: Waterproof, breathable, lightweight Packable Performance cut Drop tail |
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Descente
Apparel
 | | - Descente Velom fabric is super-lightweight, compactable, quiet, water-resistant, wind-resistant and very breathable
- Feminine fit
- Improved zipper function, Reflective Chevron logo on back
Product Description:
Packed down to the size of an apricot, you won't even know the Descente Women's Velom Jacket is there, but revel in the wind and water resistance during a long descent or unexpected shower. Descente Velom fabric is super lightweight, compactable, quiet, water-resistant, wind-resistant and very breathable Fleeced collar Feminine fit Full zip with Custom Descente pull Improved zipper function Less than 3.5 ounces Descente reflective Spirit logo on front Descente reflective Chevron logo on back |
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Descente
Apparel
 | | - Descente Chinook fabric perfectly
- Full zip with reflective tape and custom pull, Special `ladies only¿ reflective piping
- Extra-long, tapered sleeves, Reflective Chevron logos on sleeves and center back
Product Description:
Contoured collar with fleece lining and a zipper garage, Vented back with reflective piping, Zippered pocket on the back with interior hook |
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