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What to Wear and What to Bring

Page updated: Friday September 30 2011

Bike clothing

The clothing you wear while cycling depends on the weather, what feels comfortable and the style of riding you want to do. Ideally, you should dress in thin layers.

Dress for the weather

Before you leave, see what it’s like outside and dress properly for the temperature and weather conditions. You can cycle year-round in Ontario once you know how to overcome the weather.

Dress for comfort and safety

Some bikes are built for riding in your everyday clothes with wide seats, chain guars, mud guards and skirt guards to protect your clothes and keep them from getting caught in the chains and wheels.

Bikes that do not have these features may require the rider to spend more time finding the proper gear, such as: straps and clips, bike shorts, etc.

Breathable clothing
Wear breathable fabrics that dry quickly. Heavy fabrics restrict movement and can make you overheat and sweat.

Straps and clips
Loose clothing can get caught in your bike's chain or gears. Use rubber bands, Velcro straps or pant clips to tightly secure your pant legs around your ankles or consider getting a bike with a chain guard.

Bike jerseys
Most cycling jerseys are made of synthetic materials that draw away moisture. Jerseys are long in the back to cover you in a forward-leaning riding posture and usually have pockets for maps, snacks or cell phones.

Bike shorts
Bike shorts make riding for long periods of time more comfortable. The padded shorts contain a “chamois” (a type of porous, non-abrasive leather) that draws sweat from the skin to prevent rashes and chafing. Bicycle shorts are designed to be worn underneath loose shorts or skirts.

Bike gloves
Bike gloves improve grip and can prevent hand numbness, blisters and pain.

Shoes
Your shoes should have good treads on the soles so you don't slip off the pedals. Stiff soles transfer your energy more efficiently when pedaling.

Some cyclists wear special shoes that clip into specialized pedals. There are a few different kinds of clips and pedals; however, they require practice and are meant for more experienced cyclists.

Optional items to bring, wear and attach

These items and supplies aren’t mandatory, but will come in handy in if something unexpected happens during your ride.

Items to bring

• identification and medical information (for emergencies)
• emergency contact information
• map
• cell phone

Items to wear/apply

• mosquito repellent
• sunscreen
• reflective material

Items to attach

• mirrors
• basket
• kickstand
• cycle computer (and/or speedometer, odometer, etc.)
• water bottle and cage