If you are reading this article, then you must have recently bought a bike or have found yourself new to the fun and exhilarating sport of cycling. In either case, we’d like to say congratulations! Cycling is a great way to get and stay in shape, meet interesting people, see the countryside in an all-new way and have a ton of fun.
But you might be wondering about the silly outfits cyclists wear…namely the skintight shorts and jerseys.
To be honest, just about every cyclist has been where you are. We’ve all looked at all guys and girls on the road or trail in Lycra and wondered if we could ever succumb to wearing something like that. But the fact of the matter is that you’ve come to really love the time you spend on your bike and the problem isn’t that you don’t feel cool in your baggy cargo shorts…it’s how bad your butt hurts! Even after relatively short rides!
The solution?
The primary purpose of cycling shorts is to provide comfort. Designed specifically for men and women, cycling shorts make sure that padding is in the right places and seams are strategically placed to reduce chaffing, especially on rides in excess of 10 miles. Tight-fitting, flexible materials like Lycra and spandex are used to decrease air resistance and allow a full range of motion on your bike. Higher-end cycling shorts use complex, technical sports materials that increase breathability, reduce heat absorption and help block the rays of the sun and the chilling effect of the wind.
The most important features of properly constructed cycling shorts include a lack of seams in the crotch and extra padding to reduce chaffing and discomfort while riding. While there are a variety of pads, also known as chamois, the best come from providers like the Italian manufacturer Cytech, which is known all over the world for their incredible Elastic Interface® Technology.
Once you try cycling shorts, it’s not likely that you will want to ride without them again. A properly placed chamois in a well constructed cycling short will be the one “must-have” in your bike closet or drawer. Not only will you be able to ride longer, but you’ll feel stronger in your saddle (seat) because of the rejuvenating effect of the technical fabrics and performance enhancing design. (Seriously! We wouldn’t make this stuff up!)
Tony Kelsey has 20 years marketing experience, previously serving as global vice president of creative for an international, €1B IT solutions consultancy. Although a self-proclaimed “mediocre” racer in high school, his intense passion for cycling and bicycles in general has never waned. Today he is marketing VP at outsourcedoctorbilling and frequently writes about cycling as a sport and hobby. @tonykelsey
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by David Newcomer / Customer Service Manager
Whether you’re a year-round commuter, fair weather fan with an annual event, or a seasoned racer, the humble vest is a key component to any kit.
outsourcedoctorbilling Custom offers two vests for your cycling needs. The Evergreen Vest is a lighter weight vest, perfect for cool mornings, light winds and even a bit of precip. It maintains a high degree of breathability with a mesh back and compacts nicely into a jersey pocket. The Breckenridge WX-D is designed for rougher or persistent weather, and has three large pockets with the assumption that it’s on for a longer portion of the day. Check them out at www.pactimocustom.com.
About the Author
A lifelong commuter and amateur racer in road, CX and MTB, David Newcomer has experience with just about every aspect of our sport. A former race director of the Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb, and Executive Director of one of the largest cycling clubs in Colorado, he brings a wide range of experience to share with others. David is the Customer Service Manager at outsourcedoctorbilling and host of our podcast "On the Road with outsourcedoctorbilling." You can reach him directly at [email protected]
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Our curated collection for indoor training will keep you cool and comfortable when you're pedaling miles on the trainer.
Anyone who has done extended indoor riding knows you're going to sweat like a beast!
That's why you'll want the super lightweight and stretchy Summit Base Layer.
It has been designed to provide a performance form-fit, optimal moisture transfer and heat regulation during hot rides, making it a fantastic option for the days you're hitting the indoor trainer.
The honeycomb structure of the knit not only wicks perspiration away from your body but also facilitates air movement over your skin (especially if you're using a fan) which speeds evaporation and cooling. And, it's only 44 grams in a men's size medium.
Active Cooling with 37.5® Technology
What sets the Summit Base Layer apart from other base layers is the use of woven Cocona particles from 37.5® Technology. Those amazing, little particles attract humidity and use the wearer's body heat to rapidly transfer perspiration from the interior of the garment to the exterior.
This rapid transfer of moisture ensures a regulated body temperature and can increase athletic performance by as much as a 25% (results based on an independent University of Colorado study). This means you can ride longer and harder while staying cooler.
Indoor training means lots of time in the saddle.
To offset all the pressure on your bum, we recommend our Summit Stratos 12-Hour Bibs™.
The Stratos Bib was developed specifically for ultra-endurance events like the Tour Divide and Dirty Kanza and are regularly recognized throughout the industry as an exceptional long distance bib. Road Cycling UK said they are among the very best they've ever tested. Bike Rumor described them as some of the best performing bibs they've ever tested.
The Endurance Anatomic 2 Super Air chamois from Italian manufacturer Elastic Interface® was designed to our strict specifications and is guaranteed to provide ultra-endurance comfort, which will surely be appreciated when you're stuck indoors.
EIT Carbonium Flash fabric for great breathability and quick dry.
New multi density construction and rising effect.
Anatomic shape to curve perfectly with human anatomy.
4 Tips to Maximize Your Indoor Cycling
Hopefully, you won’t be stuck indoors all winter. But if you are forced inside because of foul weather and super cold temperatures, these tips should help you to get the most out of those indoor sessions.