How to dress for comfortable cycling

 Knowing what cycling kit to wear and when, especially as we come into summer can be a tricky thing to get your head round. The main thing to remember is that as long as you’re comfortable and you’re enjoying being outside then that’s all that really matters. 

That being said, we’ve pulled together some of our top tips with the help of rh+ cycling clothing to help guide you through what can be a confusing topic to hopefully increase your comfort, your speed and maybe even help win you some style points out on the road.

Long days: rh+ Aero Jersey and Code Bibshorts

For those longer days in the saddle when you want to stay as comfortable as possible whilst maintaining practicality, wearing a short sleeve jersey with as few seams as possible with good size pockets makes for a great pairing. The lack of seams will create a sleek looking cut, reduce any potential irritation spots and also aid with aerodynamic efficiency. Large pockets like these with internal binding help ensure that none of your valuables will fall out. Wearing a jersey with a good gripper at the bottom like the one on the rh+ aero jersey will make sure it stays in position while you’re out riding meaning it doesn’t slip around. We also recommend having a bit of reflectivity on you so, on the back of the rh+ aero jersey we have some stylishly incorporated reflective wording. 

As we all know, a good set of shorts is paramount to dressing like a cyclist but there are a few things to look out for. To demonstrate, rh+ have produced the Code bibshorts in absolute blue - a great pairing for the jersey. First up are the grippers, these have been raw cut at the bottom to provide a smooth transition from fabric to skin, however, on the other side we have a large silicone gripper which ensures the shorts stay in place. A comfortable set of straps really makes the difference between feeling supported and not. So rh+ have made them seam free and have laser cut them from the same piece of fabric so they sit nice and flush to your skin. Lastly and most importantly, the chamois. A good chamois will set you free, like this one here that has been designed around the male anatomy to improve blood flow which reduces pressure and numbness. Visibility has been enhanced through the use of stylish reflective writing. 

rh+ have also got some matching gloves which will increase comfort and protect your hands in the event of a tumble. To complete the look, rh+ also made some matching socks to complete the collection. 

rh+ Aero jersey: see it here

rh+ Code bibshorts: see them here

Kit for hot days: rh+ Super Lightweight Jersey and Code Bibshorts

As the temperature ramps up as we head towards summer, staying cool on the bike is very important, but how’s best to go about it? Well, super lightweight clothing is one of the best places to start. The rh+ super lightweight jersey comes in at less than 100 grams yet still maintains those essential rear jersey pockets and even a zipped one for valuables. 

Even more breathable mesh fabrics located in the armpits help with expelling perspiration and wicking moisture away from the skin. rh+ have made a burgundy colourway of the jersey which can easily be paired with black shorts for a classic look or some light green ones for a more modern take. 

A lot of cyclists like to wear socks with a high cuff, in reality you can wear whatever you want, it won’t make any tangible difference but I quite like the look of the green rh+ socks. They’re made with an antibacterial and sweat wicking fabric which will keep your feet feeling dry and fresh. The elasticated band around the middle stops them from slipping and creates a snug fit. 

Protecting your head by wearing a helmet is important. rh+ have made it easy to use one helmet for all disciplines with their 3in1 design. With two different peak options or the ability to run without one entirely you can match your helmet to the conditions and the kit you’re wearing. Easy to adjust straps guarantee a flush and comfortable fitting. 

rh+ Super Light jersey: see it here

rh+ Super Light Women's jersey: see it here

rh+ Code bibshorts: see them here

Kit for off-road days: Torus Terrain Jersey and Gravel Bibshorts

 For all those who love a bit of adventure gravel riding, this kit is for you. Finding places to put all the essentials you need to carry with you isn’t always easy. So, if you’re heading out for a day on the rough stuff, a jersey with plenty of pockets, like the rh+ Torus jersey, is a must. 

You’ve got the standard three pocket set up with one of them being fully zipped. We’ve also got an extra mesh pocket on the side. rh+ have prioritised the breathability and UV protection credentials as the sun and heat can be menacing opponents when you’re out in the wilderness. Most of this jersey is also made of recycled materials so, you can truly feel at one with nature.

Onto the shorts and you have more pockets, this time down on the side of the leg, an ideal place for stashing some easily accessible food. Again, breathability is a priority so a mesh back has been included to help moisture dissipate faster. The extra benefit of using gravel specific shorts is that the chamois has been switched out to something more purpose built. This being the ability to absorb more of an impact and increase airflow for more breathability. 

rh+ finds innovative ways of bringing colours though the different garments meaning it’s easy to style a look and wear kit that performs. rh+ aren’t just about clothing though, they also create sunglasses with frames made from recycled plastic. They feature a modern design with a large lens for unrestricted vision. These make for an easy pairing with all kits with the timeless and subtle colourway.

rh+ Torus Terrain jersey: see it here

rh+ gravel bibshorts: see them here

Elite Evo Women's Jersey

 As temperatures increase, wearing a jersey that keeps you cool is incredibly important. The rh+ Elite Evo jersey has mesh fabric on the arms and sleeves for extra breathability. There are three pockets to the rear, with an extra zipped pocket for your keys or phone. 

These match really nicely to the shorts which are built for gravel. They feature a gravel specific chamois, designed to improve comfort and absorb impacts while maintaining a high level of breathability. The strapless design makes impromptu nature breaks quick and easy. While riding, they’re held firmly in place with silicone grippers. Both jersey and shorts have reflective strips to increase visibility. 

rh+ produces some handy gloves which continue the same design theme. They’ll help provide grip, cushioning and breathability with the ventilation holes. Pair all of this to some of their socks made of anti-bacterial and sweat wicking fabric and you’re all set for a day in the saddle. 

rh+ Elite Evo Women's jersey: see it here

Well there we have it, those are our tips on how to dress like a cyclist and ensure you stay comfortable on the bike. The key thing to remember is that as long as you’re comfortable and enjoying being outdoors then that’s all that really matters.