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In competitive cycling, the kit (or uniform) is the standard equipment and attire worn specifically by athletes participating in the
sport Sport is a physical activity or game, often Competition, competitive and organization, organized, that maintains or improves physical ability and skills. Sport may provide enjoyment to participants and entertainment to spectators. The numbe ...
. The outfits differ from the clothes worn in other forms of cycling, such as commuting and recreational cycling (for which people are likely to wear ordinary street clothes,, , perhaps with a coat or rain cape). Competitive kit uses technical and performance materials and features to improve efficiency and comfort. The UCI specify the kit and the design the riders use. Cycling kits have evolved significantly since the early days of the sport when participants wore wool jerseys. Recent advances in manufacturing and technology have enabled lighter, more comfortable, colourful and complex designs to be made. Cycling kits nowadays are made primarily with synthetic materials, such as
Lycra Spandex, Lycra, or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity (physics), elasticity. It is a polyether-polyurea copolymer that was invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont. Name The name ''spandex'', which ...
, which conforms to the body, thereby reducing drag by eliminating loose fabric as well as increase in comfort. Made-to-order custom kits with tailored cuts made to order are becoming increasingly common for individuals, clubs and teams to produce kits with custom designs. Notable brands include Adidas, Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Rapha and Santini SMS. Cycling kits in professional races are usually featured with sponsor logos and advertising, and specific colours and/or patterns signify certain position or a leader in a race. In a race, cyclists pin number tags of the race on the back of the jersey (and another on the bike). To generate revenue for the professional teams, replica kits are generally made available for fans to purchase.


Equipment for the cyclist


Basic equipment

The basic equipment set out in the UCI technical regulation guide (Section 3: riders’ clothing) includes a jersey with sleeves, a pair of shorts and possibly a skinsuit. Generally speaking, the typical summer cycling kit (whether racing or not) consists of: * Helmet: head protection in case of a fall *
Cycling jersey A cycling jersey is a specialised jersey for cycling. The cycling jersey used to be made of wool since the inception of cycling as a sport in the early 1900s, while contemporary jerseys have evolved into technical sportswear that is lightweig ...
: covering the torso * Bib shorts or shorts for the lower half of the body and often includes pads for added comfort * Skinsuit, an alternative one-piece combining the jersey and shorts commonly used in time trials *
Socks A sock is a piece of clothing worn on the feet and often covering the ankle or some part of the Calf (leg), calf. Some types of shoes or boots are typically worn over socks. In ancient times, socks were made from leather or matted animal hair. ...
, typically medium length * Cycling shoes: specialised shoes with stiff soles for efficient power transfer with cleats: to attach to the pedals and in spring/autumn the additional pieces: * Gilet: often thin and packable in the back pocket for colder or windy days * Arm warmers: sleeves that can be worn separately * Leg warmers: similar to leggings offering additional warmth * Baselayer: worn beneath the jersey and the straps of the bib shorts for additional warmth and in winter the additional pieces: * Head warmer or cap: added protection from wind and rain, which may also cover the ears * Neck warmer: protection for the neck, instead of a scarf (that may fall off) * Jacket: jackets can be thin or insulated, windproof and/or waterproof for chilly days * Bib tights instead of bib shorts and leg warmers: insulated/lined, full length versions of the bib shorts * Booties (overshoes): neoprene or rubber shoe covers that keeps the shoes dry by preventing water ingress from sprays and/or rain


Accessories

The following optional pieces can be worn by the cyclist for additional comfort or performance monitoring: * Casquette: traditional cycling cap with a short brim that can be worn under the helmet * Sunglasses or transparent glasses for darker days *
Heart rate monitor A heart rate monitor (HRM) is a personal monitoring device that allows one to measure/display heart rate in real time or record the heart rate for later study. It is largely used to gather heart rate data while performing various types of ph ...
: which can be connected to and displayed on an activity tracker or a
smartphone A smartphone is a mobile phone with advanced computing capabilities. It typically has a touchscreen interface, allowing users to access a wide range of applications and services, such as web browsing, email, and social media, as well as multi ...
* Gloves/mitts: offering additional grip and comfort and generally half finger in summer, full finger and/or insulated for winter


Gallery


See also

Cycling in general *
Cycling Cycling, also known as bicycling or biking, is the activity of riding a bicycle or other types of pedal-driven human-powered vehicles such as balance bikes, unicycles, tricycles, and quadricycles. Cycling is practised around the world fo ...
Cycling as a sport *
Road bicycle racing Road bicycle racing is the cycle sport discipline of road cycling, held primarily on Road surface, paved roads. Road racing is the most popular professional form of bicycle racing, in terms of numbers of competitors, events and spectators. The ...
* Road cycling Exercise clothing and fabrics * Exercise dress * Performance fabrics * Spandex * Sportswear


References

Cycling jerseys Clothing by function Sportswear Sports uniforms {{Fashion