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The Best Cycling Apparel For Hot Climates
Author: Cycling Deal Date Posted:26 September 2016
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Any kind of exercise, including cycling, can be particularly difficult in the heat or lead to dehydration. Here are some ways to prepare for riding a bike in the Aussie heat that you’ll experience much of the year.
Moisture-Wicking Apparel
Wearing the right materials can make all the difference in your comfort level exercising in the sun. Fabric that passes perspiration from the skin onto it will keep you dry and wearing shorts made from spandex and nylon will be much more comfortable than cotton, which retains moisture and keeps sweat on your body.
When choosing jerseys, go with short sleeves and light colours. Black fabric tends to retain heat more than white or colourful fabric. Shorts with a medium inseam will help prevent chafing as you sweat.
Moisture-wicking socks will also keep your feet dry as it moves the sweat from your skin outwards. Compression socks are recommended for sports as they help increase circulation to the feet. This is known to reduce fatigue and leg cramps, which are especially common in summer.
Arm covers are designed to protect your skin from UV rays and keep them cool in the heat. These arm covers are made especially for wearing in the sun because, like compression socks, they help increase circulation to your extremities and prevent swelling.
Water Bottles
If you normally ride shorter distances, you might not have bothered to attach a water bottle cage to you bicycle in winter. When it gets hot, you should always have water easily accessible while riding. Getting a refillable sports water bottle to attach to your bike is the first step in preventing dehydration in the summer heat.
Sunglasses
This summer, keep the direct sun out of your eyes with approved UV protection. Wearing sunglasses will help keep your eyes healthy and make it easier to see your surroundings. Bicycle sunglasses are designed to stay on and ensure maximum peripheral vision.
Monitoring Vital Statistics
One of the biggest dangers of cycling in the heat is dehydration. Using a bicycle computer or other tool that measures heart rate and intensity is a good way to monitor that you are not straining to the point of exhaustion. If you prefer to wear it instead, consider a watch monitor. Slow your normal pace in the heat as to not over exert your heart, which is already working extra hard to keep your body cool.
Bicycle Bags
If you normally wear a backpack, switching to a bike bag may be especially useful in summer. Instead of carrying the heat trapped from a rucksack against your back, you can keep your torso cool by reducing the amount of added weight attached directly to you.
Always monitor the weather before heading out on a hot day. If your local authorities have issued extreme heat warnings, it is not recommended to cycle during the hottest part of the day.
Wearing the right kind of gear will keep you cool this summer so you can enjoy your ride in the sun.
