| In the past, cycling gear selection for the | | | | For women, some vests offer a tailored fit |
| average rider was limited. Cyclists were | | | | for a more fashionable look and can easily be |
| restricted to choosing from the same colors | | | | worn on or off the bike. |
| and overall designs. Making a fashion | | | | |
| statement wasn't even considered when | | | | Shorts and bottoms: |
| designing cycling shorts and jerseys. But | | | | |
| now, more and more cyclists are demanding | | | | Cycling shorts all need to have some basic |
| variety in their cycling attire. Today's | | | | elements. The construction and finish of a |
| cyclist looks for designs and colors that | | | | cycling short must be stressed to provide |
| reflect their own unique styles and at the | | | | ultimate comfort for a long ride. A high cut |
| same time maintains their comfort and safety | | | | waist in the back offers protection and |
| level when riding. Cycling gear designers | | | | coverage, and a low cut waist in the front |
| have heard cyclists' calls and are now making | | | | allows for more rider comfort while leaning |
| cycling apparel that is not only more | | | | forward. There are advanced fabrics available |
| fashionable, but adds a level of safety not | | | | such as Leather with LYCRA(R), which provide |
| encountered before. | | | | road rash protection from the leather while |
| | | | maintaining the stretch of traditional Lycra |
| Jerseys and tops: | | | | shorts. Ultimately, the choice of which |
| | | | cycling short to wear is a highly |
| Collegiate cyclists wear their school colors. | | | | personalized one due to different body shapes |
| Pro cyclists wear their sponsors' logos. But | | | | and sizes. The important thing to remember is |
| what about those cyclists who fit into | | | | that comfort and protection need to be part |
| neither of these categories? There is now a | | | | of the buying decision. |
| plethora of styles and designs for cyclists | | | | |
| to pick from. Jerseys are now printed with | | | | Accessories: |
| everything from pop icons to replica Tour de | | | | |
| France team jerseys. Women are now given the | | | | Eye wear and eye protection are essential |
| choice of more feminine graphics and colors. | | | | while biking. Protection from light, glare |
| Vests have also become a popular item for | | | | and road debris help the cyclist concentrate |
| cyclists who want fashion, comfort, and | | | | on what's most important, safety. Some |
| protection. Vests are handy for cyclists who | | | | sunglasses have polarized lenses that help |
| need some additional core warmth in the | | | | reduce glare and come in a wide range of lens |
| colder months with less bulk. A well designed | | | | colors which one can pick from based on his |
| vest may have zippered hand and chest pockets | | | | or her particular needs. Other accessories |
| with the shells being made from nylon or | | | | include bicycle computers to track time, |
| micro-fiber. Laminated wind blocking | | | | distance, speed and heart rate. Cyclists can |
| breathable type fabrics are also becoming | | | | also get some additional warmth in the cold |
| more popular. They come in a variety of | | | | month by wearing arm and leg warmers. |
| colors ranging from sky blue to radiant red. | | | | |