In competitive cycling, the kit (or uniform) is the standard equipment and attire worn specifically by athletes participating in the

sport Sport pertains to any form of competitive physical activity or game that aims to use, maintain, or improve physical ability and skills while providing enjoyment to participants and, in some cases, entertainment to spectators. Sports can, ...

. The outfits differ from other forms of cycling, such as commuting and recreational cycling due to the need for technical and performance materials and features to improve efficiency and comfort. The

UCI UCI most commonly refers to: * University of California, Irvine, a public university in Irvine, California, United States * Union Cycliste Internationale, the world governing body for the sport of cycling UCI may also refer to: * Uganda Cancer I ...

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. It is a polyether- polyurea copolymer that was invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont's Benger Laboratory in Waynesboro, Virginia, US. ...

, 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, 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 A helmet is a form of protective gear worn to protect the head. More specifically, a helmet complements the skull in protecting the human brain. Ceremonial or symbolic helmets (e.g., a policeman's helmet in the United Kingdom) without prote ...

: 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 Pads (also called leg guards) are a type of protective equipment used in a number of sports and serve to protect the legs from the impact of a hard ball, puck, or other object of play travelling at high speed which could otherwise cause injuries t ...

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. Some types of shoes or boots are typically worn over socks. In ancient times, socks were made from leather or matted animal hair. In the lat ...

, 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 Layered clothing is a fashion technique that is utilized by dressing many garments that are worn on top of each other. Using more or fewer layers, or replacing one layer but not others, allows for flexible clothing to match the needs of each situ ...

: 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 A jacket is a garment for the upper body, usually extending below the hips. A jacket typically has sleeves, and fastens in the front or slightly on the side. A jacket is generally lighter, tighter-fitting, and less insulating than a coat, whic ...

: 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: *

Sunglasses Sunglasses or sun glasses (informally called shades or sunnies; more names below) are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can ...

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 phy ...

: which can be connected to and displayed on an

activity tracker An activity tracker, also known as a fitness tracker, is a device or application for monitoring and tracking fitness-related metrics such as distance walked or run, calorie consumption, and in some cases heartbeat. It is a type of wearable com ...

or a

smartphone A smartphone is a portable computer device that combines mobile telephone and computing functions into one unit. They are distinguished from feature phones by their stronger hardware capabilities and extensive mobile operating systems, whic ...

Gloves A glove is a garment covering the hand. Gloves usually have separate sheaths or openings for each finger and the thumb. If there is an opening but no (or a short) covering sheath for each finger they are called fingerless gloves. Fingerless gl ...

/mitts: offering additional grip and comfort and generally half finger in summer, full finger and/or insulated for winter

Gallery

Cycling kit full body.jpg, Example of a summer cycling kit comprising a helmet, short-sleeved jersey, mitts, bib shorts, socks and shoes. Cycling kit full body rear.jpg, Rear view of the summer cycling kit, featuring a

jersey Jersey ( , ; nrf, Jèrri, label=Jèrriais ), officially the Bailiwick of Jersey (french: Bailliage de Jersey, links=no; Jèrriais: ), is an island country and self-governing Crown Dependencies, Crown Dependency near the coast of north-west F ...

with back pockets and bib shorts with

padding Padding is thin cushioned material sometimes added to clothes. Padding may also be referred to as batting when used as a layer in lining quilts or as a packaging or stuffing material. When padding is used in clothes, it is often done in an attempt ...

. Cycling kit full body spring autumn.jpg, Typical spring/autumn cycling attire comprises the summer kit with an additional insulated vest and arm warmers. Also worn is a pair of sunglasses resting on the helmet vents. Cycling kit full body winter.jpg, Typical winter cycling attire comprises head and heck warmers, gloves, jacket, bib tights and booties.

References

Cycling jerseys Clothing_by_function Sportswear {{Fashion

Equipment for the cyclist

Basic equipment

Accessories

Gallery

See also

References