Tips for the cycling season

Helmet

Helmets are the most important part of any cyclist's safety. There are lots of different models of cycling helmets and the models vary for different types of cycling, this is because different amounts of protection are needed depending on whether you are cycling on the road, MTB or downhill.

The most important thing when choosing a helmet is that it is the right size to fit your head and that it is comfortable. Many helmets are adjustable, which means that the fit can be customised to fit your head perfectly.

Today, many helmets are equipped with MIPS. This is a design specifically developed to reduce damage to the cerebral cortex during a fall by creating protection against the rotational violence that often causes severe concussions. In a helmet with MIPS, there is an additional free-floating shell that can move frictionlessly if the helmet is subjected to severe rotational violence.

A common question is how long a helmet actually lasts. If it has been subjected to violence, such as a crash or dropped on the ground, you should replace it as the helmet may have sustained damage that is not visible.

Protection

If you're hurtling down a steep slope on a downhill bike, it's a good idea to wear a little more protection than just a sturdy helmet. Helmets are required on the slopes, but how much of the rest of your body you want to protect is up to you. The most commonly recommended protections for downhill are upper body protectors that protect the back, chest and shoulders, knee pads and elbow pads.

Glasses and goggles

A pair of glasses fulfils several functions when cycling. In addition to improving visibility with different coloured lenses, they also protect your eyes from dirt and branches when cycling in the forest.

When choosing your glasses, think about when you will use them. For road and mountain biking, it is common to choose a pair of sports glasses that fit well on the face with the help of rubberised nose pads and temples. Those who cycle downhill usually choose a pair of glasses that are more like goggles, they provide more protection against dirt and sit better on the face when going downhill. If you cycle in really dirty terrain, you should consider getting tear-offs. These are a kind of plastic film that you put on your goggles and pull off wherever it gets muddy to improve visibility.

Many goggles have interchangeable lenses, which is good because you'll probably be cycling in different weather conditions. A light-coloured, high-contrast lens is good when it's bad weather and dark outside. A darker lens with a mirror is good for the eyes when it's sunny.

Gloves

Most cyclists wear gloves when cycling. Gloves fulfil several functions, mainly providing better grip on the handlebars and dampening vibrations thanks to the padding that is often placed on the inside of the hand. They also protect your hands from scratches in case you get knocked over. Some cycling gloves also have protective padding on the top of the hand. Tougher terrain simply requires a larger glove with more protection. If you're cycling when it's cold outside, you can choose a cycling glove with long fingers, which will give you a little extra warmth in your hands that are otherwise quite exposed to the elements.

When buying cycling gloves, make sure you get the size right. Choose a glove that fits tightly without choking the blood supply in your hand, almost all gloves stretch a little when you use them.

Cycling trousers

To be able to sit on your bike for a long time, a pair of cycling trousers is a given investment. There are many different models of cycling trousers and there are a few things that are good to know, regardless of which cycling trousers you buy.

In a pair of cycling shorts, there is a padding in the crotch that ensures that you sit comfortably on the saddle and do not get sore from cycling for a long time. You could say that the padding acts as a shock absorber, it can vary in thickness and size on different models, you have to try out to find a model that suits you. It is also important to keep in mind that women and men actually look different, women's models have a pad adapted for girls and men's models have a pad suitable for guys. Again, try it out.

There are cycling trousers with and without braces, or bib as it is usually called. The bib makes the trousers stay in place without chafing the waist or pressing on the stomach. Many people find it a bit awkward to pee with cycling trousers with bibs, but today there are several models that have solutions for this, super easy!

Many cycling shorts with padding are tight in the model and you may think that tight trousers only belong on the road bike, but there are also more loose-fitting shorts with padding. If you're one of those cyclists who likes to ride in loose-fitting clothing, you can also look for really thin cycling trousers with padding that are more like underwear, which you can wear under any trousers.

While we're on the subject of trousers, here's a smart tip: leave your underwear at home.
It may sound a bit strange, but padded cycling shorts are designed to sit close to the body. If you put on a pair of knickers or underpants underneath, you're almost guaranteed to get blisters. These days, almost all padded cycling shorts are treated with an antibacterial agent to keep them fresh.

Shoes

What characterises a cycling shoe is that the sole is hard and that it can be tied or tightened so that it really fits on the foot, all for maximum power transmission to the pedals. When choosing a cycling shoe, the big question is usually to get stuck or not to get stuck in the pedals. Sticking to the pedals gives you better control and greater power transfer when pedalling. It also allows you to use more of your leg muscles by pushing and pulling as you pedal.

Cycling shoes that are adapted to be attached to the pedals have mounts under the sole that attach to the pedals. There is a difference between the attachments commonly used on MTB/downhill shoes (SPD) and road shoes (SPD-SL). Remember to check that the shoes you buy fit with the pedals on your bike.

When choosing the size of your cycling shoes, make sure that the shoe fits snugly on your foot but without numbing your toes. Keep in mind that you want to be able to wear your shoes for a long time.

Backpack

A big part of the charm of cycling is that you can cover long distances in a short time, however, it can be less charming to get a puncture far from home or far from the nearest road when you are out with your bike. A small and flexible backpack is therefore perfect to take with you on the trip. You'll have a reinforcement garment, some small tools, a tube in case of a puncture and a first aid kit. When you do get a backpack, it can be useful to choose one with a built-in hydration system. That way, you'll always have fluids close at hand and won't have to stop or let go of the handlebars to drink.

However, if you're cycling on the road, a backpack is not ideal because it creates more air resistance in that position. For the road cyclist, a small saddle bag for tubes and tools and a water bottle holder on the frame are recommended instead.