About Me

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Whether it's five miles or five hundred miles, riding a bicycle is more fun than anyone ever told me! My New Year's Resolution to cycle 10 miles a day or 40 minutes on a spin bike has meant that by the end of May I have cycled 2,600 miles! Because of my cycling wardrobe the weather has not stopped me from cycling (unless it really is -5 degrees or with wind gusts of 25 mph). Cycling in style and in comfort is really important to me as I don't really want to be covered in logos looking like a Ninja as I buy groceries or attend meetings. I have found some things that work for me but am always looking for new pieces. For me, Evans Cycles and Cycle Surgery for the basics. My two favourite brands for my wardrobe are www.velorution.com and www.velovixen.com but I am always looking for new pieces. I would love to know what works for you and why. Happy cycling!

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Lingerie and Baselayers

With an eye on BBC weather and weatherspark the next step for me in terms of wardrobe is underwear.  We are all unique and for me, wearing a correctly measured sports bra makes a real difference to how comfortable I am when cycling.

www.rigbyandpeller.co.uk

Many shops including M&S, John Lewis, Top Shop along with department stores offer a measuring service although not all of them are accurate.  Rigby & Peller are worth the extra cost and I have found them to be the most accurate.

The next layer I wear is a baselayer.  I am a real fan of Merino wool baselayers as they have a very effective and efficient way of absorbing any body sweat created whilst riding.

Endura are great Merino baselayers available from most bike shops and Helly Hanson for the summer as they wick away the sweat.  In the winter if you are wearing two baselayers and one of them becomes wet with sweat, remove the bottom one and put on a dry layer rather than cycling in wet clothing.   Evans and Cycle Surgery stock Endura.  Assos do a thicker baselayer which is more top of the range but worth the investment.

For the lower part of the body, making sure that everything fits correctly and there is no rubbing which will result in blisters and sores in sensitive places.  Whilst modern technology in fabric design means that it is possible to wear cycling shorts as underwear I prefer to wear seamless underwear available from M&S.

 
Socks depends on the temperatures, heavy merino in the winter, sealskinz if it is going to be very wet and lighter pairs in the summer.  As with everything else they need to fit so that blisters and rubbing are not created by wearing socks that are too big.  I often carry a spare pair - in a plastic bag so that they stay dry!