When bike riding, we recommend riding in what makes you feel comfortable, however we have a few tips below on how to protect yourself from the elements.
1. Comfort
Your everyday clothing is completely ok for bike riding.
We do recommend:
- Enclosed shoes over they have laces that they are tied, so they won’t come undone or snag on the bike
- Avoiding clothing or accessories that could get caught in the tyres or chain
If you are planning for a longer ride, exercise gear is also completely fine. If padded lycra is what makes you feel comfortable - go for it!
2. Preparing for Weather
If you are riding in hot conditions:
- Wear a long-sleeved, collared shirt to protect your skin from sun
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare
If you are riding in rainy conditions:
- Wear rain gear, eg. a fitted rain jacket and rain pants
- Wear gloves that won't slip in the wet
- Or, if you don't get too cold - wear clothes that dry quickly!
If you are riding in the cold:
- Layer up! You may start off cold but when you start riding, your body will quickly warm and layers are easy to remove.
- Invest in windproof gear such as a vest / gilet - often the wind is the factor that makes you cool
3. Cycling equipment
In Australia it is the law to wear a helmet at all times when you are riding.
We also recommend wearing a pair of riding gloves. These can protect your hands from chafing and blisters on longer rides, scrapes and cuts, or sunburn. You can get a variety of glove features (full fingered vs fingerless, finger grips for shifting, and touchscreen fingers for still using your phone).
If you’re riding on the road, in dusty areas, in the rain or where there is foliage at face height, sunglasses or eye protection is a good idea.
Riding at night requires a good white bike light on the front, and a good red light on the rear. The front light should be solid (not flashing) and pointed down slightly, to avoid blinding other oncoming road and path users.
4. Visibility
When riding on the roads, we also recommend riding so you can be seen.
This means, riding in primary or secondary lane position. British Cycling have a good video on How to position yourself on the road correctly when cycling.
If you wish to increase your visibility through clothing, check out our retail partners' offers including:
- High visibility jackets
- Reflective clothing
Bright colours or bright patterns (especially on your moving feet and legs) - can also increase visibility.
5. Have Fun With It!
You CAN ride a bike in a dress or skirt, pants aren’t compulsory
You CAN ride a bike in heels
You CAN colour coordinate with your bike or your riding friends
There are all sorts of fashion accessories to make riding stylish and fun for all ages, and decorating your helmet doesn’t just have to be a magpie deterrent.
