Clothes for the first bike rides of spring
Short answer: When spring arrives, many people bring their bike out again. The first rides often mean cold morning air, a headwind and a warm afternoon on the way home. The right clothing makes the ride more comfortable and means you arrive without being soaked in sweat.
Spring can be deceptive
In March and April the sun can feel warm when you stand in a sheltered spot, while the wind on the cycle path is cold. The temperature is often below 10 degrees in the morning. The wind created by riding makes it feel several degrees colder than it really is. At the same time you warm up from pedalling, especially uphill. That is why it is easy either to freeze or to sweat too much if you dress the wrong way, and a little planning in the morning saves a lot of discomfort.
Start slightly cold
A good rule is to dress so you feel a little cold for the first five minutes. After a couple of kilometres your body warms up and your clothing feels right. If you start out fully warm, you end up sweating. A thin base layer, a jumper and a windproof jacket make a good combination. Hands and ears feel the cold most, so gloves and a headband are worth bringing even if you take them off halfway.
Trousers that suit the bike
Your trousers should give you room to pedal without pulling across the knees and hips. Stiff fabrics can rub, especially on longer rides. A soft pair with a little stretch is comfortable on the bike. Have a look at bamboo trousers for women for ideas. Avoid very wide legs that can catch in the chain, or use a trouser clip to keep the fabric away from the gears.
Rain and a change of clothes
Spring showers often arrive without warning. A rain jacket that packs into your bag, and perhaps a pair of waterproof trousers, make a big difference. If you have a long ride, consider keeping a change of clothes at work. A soft pair of trousers to change into after the ride is welcome if you have got wet. Many people wear, for example, bamboo sweatpants for women on the way and change once they arrive.
Being seen in the darker months
In March the mornings are still dark in many places, and the afternoons only become light later in April. Use lights at the front and back, and choose a jacket or bag with reflective details. Dark clothing is hard for drivers to see in rain and twilight. A reflective vest over your jacket is a simple solution if you do not want to change your whole wardrobe for the sake of the commute.
After the ride
When you arrive, take your jacket off straight away so sweat can evaporate. If you have sweated a lot, change your base layer. Let damp clothes hang up to dry rather than leaving them balled up in your bag. In the evening, soft clothing that does not pinch after a day of cycling is pleasant. If you want to see the whole range together, you can look at the full bamboo range for women.
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid sweating on the bike in spring
Dress so you feel slightly cold for the first few minutes, and wear a windproof jacket rather than a thick jumper.
Which trousers are best for cycling
Soft trousers with a little stretch that do not pull across the knees and are not too wide at the hem.
Should I bring a change of clothes
If you have a long ride or rain is likely, keeping a change of clothes at work is a good idea.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
