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I Love Bicycling is a website that is geared towards cycling for beginners with road cycling tips, training articles, nutrition tips, weight loss, how to’s and bike repair articles.

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Choosing Cycling Socks – 10 Great Options

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cycling socks

Cyclists and their socks! Who would have ever thought cycling socks would be such a big deal? It makes perfect sense though. Most riders wear the same cycling kit or with little variety every day, so changing up ones sock game is a fun way to add some style and variety to the everyday outfit. But to choose which socks requires a lot of thought and consideration. First, lets get to know several cycling sock companies and then we can break them down and figure out which model is best for you!

So Many Brands of Cycling Socks

With so many brands of cycling socks it may be difficult to choose which ones you like best. Hopefully these brief descriptions of a few of the larger brands will make the decision easier. Swiftwick socks are made in the USA and focus on comfort and quality. Their socks feature managed compression, chemical-free wicking, blister-free, and anti-odor, these are the four pillars they build each pair of socks to. Defeet International socks are also made in the USA and prioritize operating at a higher level to produce one of the best cycling socks on the market. Pearl Izumi yields not only great cycling socks, but also other clothing to keep you matching from head to toe! Sock Guy is the go to sock company when looking for custom socks, they have a 4-5 week turn around and are manufactured right here in the USA. Now that you know a couple of the featured brands, lets get into the actual socks!

Racing Socks!

These cycling socks are designed with performance in mind; they offer breathable material and an attention to performance over style! The Swiftwick Aspire socks have a thin cushion bed, and offer compression to different anchor points in the foot. The Louis Garneau Men’s Coni Cycling Socks are made from Coolmax fiber, and are supposed to wick moisture and increase the speed they dry out. Pearl Izumi’s Elite Socks feature the ELITE Transfer material to also dry out quickly, and have “compression for a performance fit”. All of these racing style cycling socks have two things in common. One, they are super good at drying out quickly to keep your feet cool while competing. Secondly, most of these socks come up one-quarter of your calf to give you that pro look.

Swiftwick Aspire Socks

 

Louis Garneau Men’s Coni Cycling Socks

lg sock

Pearl Izumi’s Elite Socks

 

 

Wool Cycling Socks!

Wool socks can be a real lifesaver in the winter months, keeping your feet warm and dry. DeFeet makes some of the most popular wool cycling socks on the market. They are called the Woolie Boolie sock. They are durable and provide a great deal of warmth; these socks are made out of almost 50% American Merino Wool. These socks come up six inches to provide you with a great deal of warmth. The Sockguy wool cycling sock is twelve inches high and features a mesh upper panel above your feet to allow your feet vent out and breath. Giro also makes a six-inch sock out of merino material. Giro offers these socks in very stand out patterns and colors.

DeFeet Woolie Boolie

Sockguy Athletic Cycling/Running Wool Sock

SockGuy Wool Crew 12in Red Eye Skull Cycling/Running Socks (Red Eye Skull - L...

Giro New Road Merino Seasonal Wool Sock

giro sock

Compression Cycling Socks!

Compression socks are nothing new in the world of endurance sports, but finding the right pair may not be so easy. Compression socks are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), the larger the number the more compressed the socks will feel. The Swiftwick Twelve is 15-20mmHg and features their anti-odor technology and will help to reduce swelling during recovery. The Louis Garneau R-Compression cycling socks decrease recovery time between workouts and have “stretch zones at the heel and toe”. The Mojo Coolmax recovery cycling socks offer 20-30mmHg, a bit more compression than competitors, although more is not always better with compression. VeleChampion compression cycling socks are not as well known as competitors, but provide the same great benefits other cycling compression socks provide. They are made from 75% nylon and 25% lycra and aid the recovery process by helping to push blood back to the heart.

Swiftwick Twelve

Louis Garneau R-Compression

Louis Garneau R-Compression Socks Size: SMALL BLACK

Mojo Coolmax

VeleChampion Compression Cycling Socks

 

What A Cargo Bike Is And How Functional They Are

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cargo bike

A cargo bike can open your world. You can haul things you thought you never could by human power and leave your car parked (or even get rid of it!). You will avoid gridlock, get secret training miles, save money, and become a local celebrity.

Cargo bike is a loose category of bike; there are many variations of cargo bikes. There are cargo bikes with carrying capacity in the front, others in the back and some on the sides. There are also additions for your current bike to allow it to carry a larger load. Find what cargo bike suits you and get to hauling your groceries, kids, building materials, furniture, pets, camping gear, whatever you desire.

Cargo Bike Typologies

Long Bike

Green

Long bikes are the most common cargo bikes you will see in North America. They look like a normal bike up front with an extended tail to the rear wheel. The tail accommodates larger panniers and seats for kids. The wheelbase is extra long, making for an extra stable bike, although you will not be able to carve the turns like a standard bike. Depending on the bike and cargo configurations, you can carry up to two or three small humans and four or five bags of groceries.

You can also convert your current bike into a long bike. It may be the economical choice if you already have a bike around that you are not using. Putting a few hundred dollars into a conversion kit will get you a cargo bike and save you a significant amount of money.

Utility Bike

A utility bike looks very similar to a standard bike except that the frame is beefier to handle heavy loads with racks integrated into the design, be they front, rear or both. The benefit of this design is that it maintains most of the agility of a standard bicycle. The downside is that it will not be as adept at carrying heavy loads as some other designs.

Bakfiets

CETMA cargo bike

A bakfiets, or box bike, is a Dutch design that puts a box (or platform) between the rider and front wheel. It creates a long wheelbase and a low center of gravity, making the bike incredibly stable once it is up to speed. Below that threshold it can be a bit cumbersome, but fortunately the speed of stability is generally very low. It is the gold standard for hauling anything. An additional benefit is that kids sitting in the box get an unencumbered view of their ride and they can easily pass things to you from their comfortable seats.

Trailers

A trailer is another inexpensive way to convert your standard bike into a cargo hauling machine. It easily attaches and detaches from your current bike. It will dramatically alter your ride, though. You will feel like you are getting pulled back when climbing and pushed forward when descending.

What to Expect

Be aware that due to the extra weight you should temper your speed expectations. Give yourself extra time to travel; pedaling a seventy pound bakfiets is quite a different experience than an eighteen pound road bike. The same goes for stopping too; it takes a bit longer to stop so much weight. Give yourself a bit of a cushion.

Handling is also different. With the longer wheelbase of long bikes and bakfietsn come wider turning radii. Look out for curbs and anything else you need to get around and make sure you can get your rear wheel past whatever it is.

If you are riding with kids, remember that it is not only your skin on the line. Dial back any risk taking and be a good role model for proper cycling behavior.

Expect drivers to give you more room, or at least strange looks. People do not know what to make of a cargo bike because they are currently quite rare (although that is changing, and who would not want to see even more?). If it was in the sky, it might as well be classified as a UFO. Some people think it is cool, others not. Know that you will draw attention.

Electric Assist?

An option that comes on many models of cargo bikes is electric assist. This could be very helpful in hilly areas or if you are carrying large loads. That extra boost should get you over whatever difficulty you encounter without having to get off the bike. It will add more weight to the bike, but should be more of a help than hindrance.

Carry that Weight

Cargo bikes are a great way to haul whatever you need around town. The initial investment may seem like a lot, but when you factor how much less you will depend on a car along with how much time you will save not stuck in traffic and the bonus miles, it is a clear win.

What is a Gravel Bike?

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The newest trend in bicycles is the gravel bike. It is a combination of a road bike and cyclocross bike. The gravel bike is the best of both worlds and is ideal for the person who wants to do some off-road exploring yet prefers to ride to the trailhead rather than drive. Gravel bikes are intended for dirt and gravel roads as well as trails that aren’t too technical and rocky that would require a mountain bike. This bike opens the door for endless adventures and countless miles exploring new areas. With that said, what exactly makes a gravel bike different from a mountain bike, cyclocross bike, and road bike?

gravel bike

More rubber!

Gravel bike frames are designed to accommodate a wider tire for more comfortable riding. The larger tire will soak up a lot of the vibration from the road or trail compared to a road bike tire that would shock your hands so much you would feel it through your entire body. Running a wider tire will also give more control in the corners whether on loose dirt or tacky trails allowing you to ride smoother and faster. Perhaps the biggest advantage to larger tires is the lower chance of flatting. Many riders avoid dirt roads because of the risk. With the right setup, you don’t have to worry. Tire choice is endless for gravel bikes as depending on how much off-road riding you plan to do, you can get anything from a slick tire for smoother dirt roads to tires reminiscing a mountain bike tire. Clinchers allow you to change tires in a matter of minutes, but they lack the ability to run a low pressure due to the risk of pinch flatting. A tubeless setup is the best choice for a gravel bike as it allows for a lower tire pressure for a more comfortable ride while the sealant in the tire quickly stops any small punctures. And then if you do flat a tubeless tire, you can simply install a tube for the rest of the ride.

Gravel Bike Geometry

A gravel bike’s purpose is to make off road riding more relaxed but still fast and exciting. The geometry is reflective of this goal as it is much more relaxed than a road bike but obviously not as relaxed as a beach cruiser. Many companies have began designing their gravel bike with a longer wheel base than a cyclocross bike to make road riding more steady. Gravel bike’s headtubes are longer than a cyclocross bike, and the bottom bracket is also lower.

Disc Brakes

Almost all cyclocross and several road bikes are now featuring disc brakes. You’ll find both cable actuated and hydraulic disc brakes but what you’ll find the most on a gravel bike is hydraulic. This gives the rider much more stopping power when off-road and will be more consistent when riding in challenging weather conditions. This Tektro Hydraulic Disc brake set for example is lightweight, yet will provide all the confidence a rider needs to rip down some single track or fast fire roads!

So Many Options!

Almost every major company in the bicycling market is releasing a gravel bike. There have also been new brands created entirely around this market. Specialized has released the Diverge line for this market; Cannondale has the Slate, and Giant has the Revolt. These are certainly well engineered bikes and have a name that will back them for quality. A few of the less well-known gravel bikes are the Ridley X-Trail, Niner RLT, and the Raleigh Talus. Even smaller companies have begun manufacturing gravel bikes that’s specific to a riders wants and needs. Some companies are offering custom geometry, and almost all smaller companies allow you to customize the wheels, drivetrain and groupset.

Gravel bikes are the perfect option for a rider looking for something different and looking to get out and explore! These bikes are also great for riding in the winter in less desirable conditions and sure beat riding inside. There are many gravel bike specific events popping up and becoming the new trend in racing. Most of these events provide a more fun, stress-free environment than traditional road racing and are less daunting to attempt. Yet, some events such as the Dirty Kanza, which is a 200 mile dirt road event, feature riders with road backgrounds to mountain bike. Even with all these newly found events, the main draw to the gravel bike is the challenge and exploration the bike allows for and is less about racing or exercise even.

5 Best Bike Computers from $17-$500

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best cycling computers

Quantifying your riding is a great way to track progress, fitness, and satisfy your curiosity for statistics. It is always fun to be able to say that you rode ten, twenty-five, fifty, or even 100 miles. A bike computer will track your ride metrics, from time and distance on the most simple computer to location, power, and far more on the most powerful and best bike computers. This review is of some of the best bike computers around will help you choose what is right for you.

Best Bike Computers – Keep it Simple

A simple bike computer  should be just that; easy to use without too many functions to complicate its operation. Look for a sturdy cable between the sensor at the wheel and the computer itself. A big display that is easy to read is a necessity.

The Cateye Velo 7 is the most basic bike computer from a venerable manufacturer. Cateye has been making computers since 1981 and their reputation shows in their products. They are easy to use and functional. The Velo 7 has one button operation with current, average and maximum speed, trip and total distance, clock and elapsed time. It covers all of the basic functions a simple computer should without the clutter of additional metrics. And the best part of it is that you can find it for less than $25.

Cateye Velo 7

Price: $17

BPMs – Heart Rate Cycling Computer

Gauging your effort beyond time, distance, and speed requires physiological metrics. The most simple way to do that is with heart rate. Of course you will want all the other functions of a cycling computer too. Time will be the most important feature so you can track your time in a given heart rate zone for your workout. Along with that, you will get a wider range of functions from a computer that receives heart rate.

The Cateye Strada Wireless with Heart Rate has all of the features of a basic computer plus heart rate functions and wireless sensors and set up. Wireless speed sensors mean no wires to attach to the frame or fork of your bike, leaving a cleaner and easier set up. Heart rate is always wireless and the computer comes with an upgraded cloth strap that is more comfortable. Additionally, the sensors and computer are coded to avoid interference in transmission. For $100, this is a good deal for a reliable computer plus heart rate package.

Cateye Strada Wireless with Heart Rate

Price: $100

Easy GPS Cycling Computer

A computer with GPS will both give you directions so you can follow a route on a ride and give you a map upon return so you can see where you have been. If you often get lost or like to explore new places, this is a powerful function on a bike computer. Additionally if you like to Strava  your rides, this is the simple way to do it without using your phone.

The Bryton Sports Rider 100 is a simple and affordable GPS cycling computer. Bryton Sports is a newer company in the cycling world but has long been in the automotive world so knows its stuff. The computer also has the handy feature of automatically detecting heart rate and configures the screen for easy viewing. Bryton Sports also has their own platform to upload your rides to as well as to map future rides. At a price of $66 it can’t be beat.

Bryton Sports Rider 100

Price: $66

Cycling Computer with Power

If you have a power meter, you will want to pair it with a bike computer that will display all of the metrics you find useful. Multiple customizable display screens give you flexibility with the data you want to see at a given point in your ride. The ability to recognize both ANT+ and Bluetooth protocols gives you flexibility with the devices you pair with the computer – power meters, heart rate monitors, speed sensors, your phone, etc.

Garmin cycling computers are the gold standard for full functions cycling computers. The Garmin 520 is the latest version of their compact full function cycling computer. The display is upgraded for easy viewing in all light conditions. There are many new advanced functions that go beyond basic metrics that were once only available with analysis software upon return home from a ride. It also pairs with your phone to give notifications on the computer screen, along with potential Strava segment notifications. All of this can be yours for a touch under $300.

Garmin 520

Price: $300

All the Bells and Whistles

The most complex cycling computers are nearly as powerful as a smartphone, with device pairing, diverse metrics, easy to read screens, and detailed mapping. The mapping features are what sets a full function, full size computer apart from a computer focused on displaying ride metrics.

The Garmin 1000 has a large display and fully detailed maps along with all of the features of the 520. The mapping is tuned to bike specific routes to keep your riding safe. It has a three inch screen to make sure the powerful maps are easy to see while you are riding. If you need detailed navigation with every possible metric, this is the computer for you. It costs a bit under $500.

Garmin 1000

Price: $475

 

5 Best Cycling Water Bottles and How To Clean Them

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Cycling requires you to drink water. All of that aerobic (and anaerobic) activity will elevate your core temperature, causing you to sweat. You need to replace that sweat with water. The good news is that bikes are cleverly equipped to carry cycling water bottles in cages. Those cycling water bottles are often an afterthought, but like anything else, can be optimized to perform well.

Shape of Cycling Water Bottles

The shape of cycling water bottles is critical to ensure that it remains in your water bottle cage. An ejected bottle can spell doom for a ride; you could be out of water sooner than you thought. Make sure your bottle and cage have a deep enough indentation and tab to retain your bottle well. The shape will also affect how easy it is to return the bottle to the cage. There should be a little bit of taper on the bottom to ease entry. Shape also determines volume. Carrying more water is great, but if a bottle gets too big it can be cumbersome. Carrying less water can be fine if you do not need so much and it could make the bottle easier to handle for shorter rides.

Material of Bottles

Material affects two aspects of cycling water bottles – how easy it is to squeeze and what chemicals it exposes you to. A very stiff bottle will make it harder to squeeze when you need it most along with making the bottle more brittle, possibly affecting its durability.

Science has exposed more and more chemicals recently that detrimentally affect the body. This is after years of use when no one knew what the effects were. Some cycling water bottles tout their lack of certain chemicals in the hope that they will be safer. The most common chemical to drop is BPA, a known endocrine disruptor.

The Nozzle is Key

The nozzle where the water comes out is your closest contact point with cycling water bottles. It can color your entire experience. If the nozzle is hard with a small opening, it will be uncomfortable and will make it difficult to drink. Try a few different bottles to find a nozzle that works for you.

A newer feature of some cycling water bottle nozzles is that they lock. If they end up in the bottom of a bag, they should not leak. When they are unlocked, they are always ready to squirt water with a squeeze.

The top of your cycling water bottle should be a screw-on cap. A pop-on top is asking for it to pull off when you open the nozzle, dumping the contents all of over you.

Cleaning Water Bottles

Cleaning cycling water bottles is critical. If a bottle sits around long enough with water inside it, it will grow all sorts of organisms – bacteria, mold, and mildew, especially if it has left over sports drink mix. How quickly those things grow depend on a few factors: temperature, amount of water, how many organisms were in there to start and what you add to the bottle. The best idea is to clean more often than you think.

The best tool to use is a conical brush. It will be able to reach all of the interior surfaces of the bottle so organisms cannot hide. Use regular dish soap and water. A trick to keep mildew at bay is to use translucent bottles – mildew does not like light.

5 of the Best Cycling Water Bottles

Purist 22 oz Water Bottle by Specialized Bikes

This bottle is the newest gold standard in bottles, after Specialized held the crown for years with their Big Mouth bottles. It has all of the highest tech features: a locking nozzle, BPA free, and a slick surface inside that does not allow organisms to grow and makes it easier to clean.

Price: $16

Gemful Bottle With Dust Cap 

best cycling water bottle

Gemful are one of the few bottles that consider the dust and mud that can collect on the nozzle. They include an attach dust cover that is easy to remove while riding. This one is the perfect water bottle for mountain bikers.

Price: $17

CamelBak Podium Big Chill

CamelBak were the originators of the locking nozzle. The design still works well. An insulated bottle like this will keep your water cooler and more refreshing deeper into your ride. Conversely, if it’s cold out, adding warm water will keep from freezing for longer.

Price: $29

Pro Bike Tool Soft Bottle

Pro Bike Tool bottles use flexible HET (High Elastic Technology) material which delivers ‘More Fluid with Less Effort. BPA free and dishwash-safe – this is a great go-to for most rides.

Price: $19

Polar Insulated Bottle

These Polar Bottles are the most popular insulated bottle. They are also BPA and Pthalate free to keep you from ingesting unhealthy chemicals. They can keep contents both cold and warm. They also come in a huge variety of colors as you can see above. Their are over 30 options for you to choose from.

Price: $10-30 on average.

Bottles Matter

By thinking a little about the cycling water bottles you use, you can optimize your riding a little bit more. It may mean being able to drink more, carrying more, or being more comfortable.

Lantern Light – An Innovative Multifunctional Light With Bike Capabilities

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lantern light

Ever wish you could have one light that does it all? A light you could use like a flashlight, one you could take camping to light up an area, and one you could put on your bike and have a strong beam for the road or trail. If you happen to find a light like this it probably can do all of those things but not at the greatest of abilities. That’s why you probably have a light for each discipline. With a Lantern Light you can get strong lighting capabilities in each realm, particularly with riding.

What is the Lantern Light?

The Lantern Light is a multifunctional flashlight that has a removable diffuser on it to disperse light evenly and brightly over an area. The diffuser can then be removed which focuses the light into a beam that can reach 785 feet (240m) with the 1000 lumen output setting. The Lantern Light uses a recharcheable battery via a USB and can also be used to charge other devices such as your phone. The Lantern Light is also water proof and impact resistant as well as features a strobe light setting for emergencies.

Bike Function

The Lantern Light comes with an adjustable handlebar mount that can be rotated 360 degrees. The mount gives it great functionality on the bike along with its four settings of brightness: 1000, 400, 180, and 90 lumens. If you’re going camping with your bike you would be hard pressed to find a more suitable light. You could use this and only this light for your entire trip.

How You Can Get One

The Lantern Light is in its final two days of funding on Kickstarter (ends on June 24th) to help fund the initial order of lights as well as the moulds and tooling of the lantern diffuser. You can help back the light on their Kickstarter Page and get a light for doing so. Otherwise after August when they ship the initial batch to Kickstarter backers, they will be available. We will also have them available in The I Love Bicycling Shop when they are ready.

5 Great Women’s Cycling Rain Jackets

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women's cycling rain jacket

A great cycling rain jacket is hard to come by especially for a descent price. Finding one specific for women can be even more of a challenge. Women’s cycling rain jackets are similar to that of men’s but are typically cut to better fit a woman and are typically colored or accented with a purple, pink, light green, or baby blue to some rider’s like and others dislike. Regardless, finding a good jacket is key for staying comfortable when the weather turns bad.

Changing Weather Conditions

If you are heading out in variable weather you should carry a women’s cycling rain jacket in your pocket. Variable weather covers not only rain moving in where you are now, but also elevation changes along with riding at dusk when the temperature drops quickly.

Riding in the mountains where temperature can fluctuate greatly and weather can move quickly requires a cycling rain jacket almost every day. Climb to the summit and you will be overheating but on the way down you are likely to get chilled to the bone because you are covered in sweat and not working very hard while coasting.

Heading out for a ride that will go past dusk is also a great time to have a cycling rain jacket. Once the sun moves below the horizon, expect temperature to drop, especially if you live somewhere that does not retain heat, like the desert or coast. You will be glad you packed it for the ride home.

A cycling rain jacket will also prove useful if you have to stop to change a flat or for some other unforeseen circumstance. Standing on the side of road and shivering is no way to quickly change a flat. Put on your jacket and you can stay comfortable until it’s changed or your ride arrives.

Necessary Features In A Women’s Cycling Rain Jacket

Needless to say, the most important feature of a women’s cycling rain jacket is that it is waterproof. If it is not waterproof, it is a mislabeled wind jacket. Read reviews and talk with people that are familiar with a specific cycling rain jacket to determine how waterproof it is. Many are water resistant which can get you by depending upon the severity of the rain and temperature drops you experience.

When riding in the rain and other low light conditions, it is nice to have extra visibility for drivers. A cycling rain jacket should have reflective patches to make you more visible to traffic. This does not replace having good lights but additional help is always a plus as if it’s raining, visibility is also reduced for drivers.

The rear of a cycling rain jacket should extend down past where a normal jacket would to cover your backside from road spray. You will still get wet because your bibs are not waterproof; the tail is there to protect you from direct spray from your rear wheel.

A quality zipper goes a long way to making your cycling rain jacket easy to use. When the rain comes pouring down or you are wearing full finger gloves, a good zipper will make it easier to get your jacket on quickly and easily.

Storing your cycling rain jacket in a jersey pocket is a must. The jacket has to compress down and be light enough that it is not cumbersome otherwise you won’t want to take it with you on a regular basis. Bonus points to the jacket if it is small enough to go in your pocket and still fit other essentials in the same pocket.

A Note On Breathability

Cycling is an energy intensive activity; ideally your cycling rain jacket will allow your sweat to evaporate so you can stay dry inside. It is a tough balance to strike. Your expectations are too high if you expect to be perfectly dry and cool inside your jacket while keeping the precipitation at bay. Claims of cycling rain jackets (or any rain jacket) being waterproof and breathable are usually overblown.

The bottom line is expect to get clammy inside your women’s cycling rain jacket, but remember that it will not be nearly as bad as if you were riding without a jacket at all.

5 Great Women’s Cycling Rain Jackets

Here are a range of 5 women’s cycling rain jackets that may work for your needs and budget.

GORE BIKE WEAR Power Lady Gore-Tex Active Jacket

Price: $113 to $357 depending on supply but mostly about $113

This Gore Bike Wear Active Jacket  is great for those days where it’s going to rain all day and be slightly chilly. It’s a little bit thicker so is one you wouldn’t want to try and stuff into a jersey pocket. It’s Gore-Tex material is both wind and waterproof yet the jacket is still breathable which is nice when riding harder, say up a climb.

Craft Women’s Active Bike Light Rain Jacket

Price: $95.35

The Craft Bike Light Rain Jacket doubles as both a wind and waterproof jacket. It has a flap over the zipper as well as fleece on the collar to keep you warmer as well. An intermediate jacket indeed with an intermediate price.

Louis Garneau X-Lite Jacket – Women’s

Price: $71.00

This jacket is incredibly versatile as well as small enough to fit into your jersey pocket. It can be used as a rain jacket or wind breaker without leaving you clammy underneath. It does this with high-tech fabric under the sleeves. It also has more of a race cut so it doesn’t flap in the wind.

Pactimo Women’s Ultra-Lite Breathable, Packable Cycling, Bike Rain Jacket

Price:$60-$70

This jacket covers it all for a descent price. It’s wind and water resistant and even though it’s not fully waterproof, it will do the job when you need it and it’s stuffed in your jersey pocket. It is also breathable and also has reflective accents to help keep you safe and visible.

Canari Women’s Microlyte Shell Jacket

Price: About $15. Depends on color and size.

This is your cheap, simple jacket that will keep the wind out and rain to a limited extent. The fabric is water-resistant, not water proof, but would be suitable as a jacket to carry with you if you think it might rain or get a little chilly. It’s a price you simply can’t beat despite not having some of the qualities of the higher end jackets.

Cycling Rain Jacket – The Best 5

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cycling rain jacket

A cycling rain jacket is an indispensable garment that will keep you comfortable and on your bike when the weather goes bad. It is not only rain that a cycling rain jacket can protect you from, but wind and cold too. It is a convenient garment that you can slip into a jersey pocket and keep there in case of emergency.

Changing Weather Conditions

If you are heading out in variable weather you should carry a cycling rain jacket in your pocket. Variable weather covers not only rain moving in where you are now, but also elevation changes along with riding at dusk when the temperature drops quickly.

Riding in the mountains where temperature can fluctuate greatly and weather can move quickly requires a cycling rain jacket almost every day. Climb to the summit and you will be overheating but on the way down you are likely to get chilled to the bone because you are covered in sweat and not working very hard while coasting.

Heading out for a ride that will go past dusk is also a great time to have a cycling rain jacket. Once the sun moves below the horizon, expect temperature to drop, especially if you live somewhere that does not retain heat, like the desert or coast. You will be glad you packed it for the ride home.

A cycling rain jacket will also prove useful if you have to stop to change a flat or for some other unforeseen circumstance. Standing on the side of road and shivering is no way to quickly change a flat. Put on your jacket and you can stay comfortable until it’s changed or your ride arrives.

Necessary Features In A Cycling Rain Jacket

Needless to say, the most important feature of a cycling rain jacket is that it is waterproof. If it is not waterproof, it is a mislabeled wind jacket. Read reviews and talk with people that are familiar with a specific cycling rain jacket to determine how waterproof it is.

When riding in the rain and other low light conditions, it is nice to have extra visibility for drivers. A cycling rain jacket should have reflective patches to make you more visible to traffic. This does not replace having good lights but additional help is always a plus as if it’s raining, visibility is also reduced for drivers.

The rear of a cycling rain jacket should extend down past where a normal jacket would to cover your backside from road spray. You will still get wet because your bibs are not waterproof; the tail is there to protect you from direct spray from your rear wheel.

A quality zipper goes a long way to making your cycling rain jacket easy to use. When the rain comes pouring down or you are wearing full finger gloves, a good zipper will make it easier to get your jacket on quickly and easily.

Storing your cycling rain jacket in a jersey pocket is a must. The jacket has to compress down and be light enough that it is not cumbersome otherwise you won’t want to take it with you on a regular basis. Bonus points to the jacket if it is small enough to go in your pocket and still fit other essentials in the same pocket.

A Note On Breathability

Cycling is an energy intensive activity; ideally your cycling rain jacket will allow your sweat to evaporate so you can stay dry inside. It is a tough balance to strike. Your expectations are too high if you expect to be perfectly dry and cool inside your jacket while keeping the precipitation at bay. Claims of cycling rain jackets (or any rain jacket) being waterproof and breathable are usually overblown.

The bottom line is expect to get clammy inside your cycling rain jacket, but remember that it will not be nearly as bad as if you were riding without a jacket at all.

The 5 Best Cycling Rain Jackets

Here are a range of 5 cycling rain jackets that may work for your needs and budget.

Showers Pass Men’s Spring Classic Jacket

Price: $289

Showers Pass is a relatively recent arrival on the cycling scene but they have made a great impression with their rain gear. Their Spring Classic Jacket sets a high bar that other cycling rain jackets should aspire to. It has all of the necessary features mentioned above packed into a well tailored cut. As you would expect from a nearly perfect jacket, this is the top end of the price range.

Castelli Sottile Due Jacket – Men’s

Price: $38 (sale item) – $90

The Castelli Sottile Due Jacket is a very lightweight package that will prove itself useful while allowing you to forget it’s even there with its small size. At just under six ounces, it is easy to tuck in your pocket in case of bad conditions. An bonus feature of the jacket is a zipper at the back so you can access your jersey pockets.

Louis Garneau Men’s Commit Waterproof Cycling Jacket

Price: $85 – $150 depending upon size/color

Louis Garneau’s Commit Waterproof Cycling Jacket has more features than the average cycling rain jacket. It has additional pockets and adjustment points to tailor the jacket to your needs. It will not pack down as tightly as the previous two jackets, but if you are going to spend a lot of time in the rain, this is a good choice.

Pearl Izumi Men’s Pro Barrier Lite Jacket

Price: $65 – $125 depending upon size/color

Pearl Izumi’s Pro Barrier Lite Jacket is what you expect when you think of a cycling rain jacket – translucent, lightweight and not quite waterproof. It will keep you warm and dry under light precipitation, but once it starts pouring, you are going to get wet. It has a race inspired cut to keep the jacket from flapping while you are ripping down the mountain. 

Cannondale Men’s Clear Rain Shell

Price: $15

Cannondale’s Clear Rain Shell is about as basic as a cycling rain jacket gets. Until recently, jackets like this were all that existed. It makes no claims of breathability but it will shed the rain. A nice feature to keep the bulk down along with making it easier to put on is instead of using a zipper it has a velcro strip.

Now that you know a bit more about cycling rain jackets, you can head out in less than ideal conditions and still have a comfortable ride.

If you’re looking for Women’s Specific Cycling Rain Jackets check out our article – 5 Great Women’s Cycling Rain Jackets

How To Wear A Cycling Cap – Silly Look Or Pro

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cycling cap

A cycling cap is for both function and style. It keeps the sun out of your eyes as well as the rain, keeps your balding head from baking, and keeps you warm on a chilly day. It can complete the look to a cyclist particularly when wearing other cycling gear and are involved in a cycling related activity. There are a host of ways to wear a cycling cap both with a helmet and without. Wearing it at inopportune times or wearing one the wrong way leaves you looking silly and potentially not getting the best benefit from one.

First – When Is It Appropriate To Wear a Cycling Cap?

The first thing to know about wearing a cycling cap is that it’s not always appropriate to wear one. If you are riding, are about to embark upon a ride, are mid-ride, say at a coffee shop, or have just finished a ride, then it is appropriate to wear one. Away from cycling you should never wear one. The best style is the one that both looks good and is functional. A cycling cap away from the bike is not functional and you’re just trying to look the look. Also, if you are riding and it’s hot out, you should not be wearing a cycling cap. For one it will be too hot and two it’s not functional unless it is to keep the sun off your balding head or out of your eyes.

Getting The Right Fit

The second thing you need to know about wearing a cycling cap is that you need to get the size right. It is not one size fits all even though a lot of hats say that. The cap should not be sitting high up on your head nor all the way down to your ears. It should sit slightly above your ears and have a small bit of loft above your head but not too much. Additionally, you will want a brim size that correlates with the size of your hat; not too big but not too small either. And make sure it’s flat or has a slight curve when you wear it. It should not have any folds or creases in it and it should always, always sit straight on your head whether forward or backwards.

Styles Without a Helmet (When NOT Riding)

When you’re not riding, say you just stopped at a coffee shop or are stepping onto the podium, there are a number of ways to wear a cycling cap. Again, this is when you’re not riding. While riding you should always have a helmet on regardless of if you think it’s stylish or not. In some countries in particular (Belgium for example) cycling caps are worn a lot as a style while riding instead of a helmet. Don’t do this. You don’t want to pay for it with your life.

Forward-Brim Down

cycling cap forward brim down

This first style is largely the original and intended way to wear a cycling cap. It has the brim over your eyes which is what the cap is made for. If the cycling cap doesn’t sit straight on your head, it will be pretty apparent in this position so make sure it’s straight.

Forward-Brim Up

cycling cap forward brim up

This is the more hipster/I’m cool look. There is no real reason for the brim to be flipped up unless you’re riding, but you wear a helmet while riding so this is a non-issue. This look can also be used while riding with a cycling cap under your helmet and when you stop and take your helmet of, at a coffee shop for example, you flip it up.

Backward-Brim Down

cycling caps backwards down

The guy in the photo above is riding with a cycling cap and no helmet. This is a no go but he has the backward-brim down look down to a T. This is the I’m cool look but not too cool, just out doing my thing the way I want. With a backwards hat, one thing to make sure of is that the hat isn’t to high up on your forehead or too far down over your eyebrows. Again, having the right size hat will help to get the fit right.

Backward-Brim Up

cycling cap backwards brim up

Velominati is the maker of the cyclist’s Rules. This is a list of 95 rules for a cyclist to follow and properly wearing a cycling cap is one of them (Rule # 22). Wearing a cycling cap backwards with the brim tipped up is an I’m cool and serious look. Again, make sure the cap is at the proper spot on your forehead and make sure it’s straight.

Wearing a Cycling Cap With a Helmet

The above ways to wear a cap are for function since you’re cool and only wear a cap without a helmet when your’re not riding. The function of the cycling cap comes into play (besides of course to keep the low hanging sun out of your eyes while enjoying an espresso or beer) while riding. The first thing with wearing a cap under your helmet is that it will keep your head warmer. A perfect addition to your kit when it’s around forty to sixty degrees F (4.5-15.5 degrees C). Outside of this you’re going to be either too cold or warm with one.

Forward-Brim Down

cycling cap forward down with helmet

The forward-brim down look while riding is the most functional style on the bike. It will keep the rain (or mud in this case in the photo above) and wind out of your eyes as well as bugs if you are riding into the evening. Also, if you’re riding at night, it is a great way to keep the blinding headlights from the other direction out of your eyes.

Forward-Brim Up

cycling cap forward up with helmet

With the brim-down style above, if you wear the cap too low or you’re head is tucked down to stay more aero, you are likely going to have a difficult time seeing the road ahead. When this happens, flipping the brim up will give you the sight you need while keeping the brim right there to flip back down when needed. This style can also be used when wearing a cap to keep your head warm.

There Are No Other Ways

The above ways are the only way you should ever wear a cycling cap. It should never be worn sideways or partially crooked on your head. It should only be worn while cycling or around a cycling situation such as before, after, or during a ride but off the bike.

The Fall of The Cycling Cap

Cycling caps used to be the thing you would wear while cycling because at first, helmets didn’t yet exist and weren’t worn like they are today. Today, cycling caps are much less popular and tend to be worn by the more serious cyclist and the ones attempting to capture the style while getting function out of them. Cycling caps are worn less all the way up to the professional ranks even. Podiums are often outfitted with riders wearing baseball caps with their sponsors on it instead of cycling caps. However, there are some that try and preserve tradition and keep wearing them.

cycling caps downfall
Most professional podiums have gone the way of the baseball cap. However, some try to preserve the tradition and the look.

A Few Cycling Caps to Consider

Castelli Retro Cap -$14.99
Prestige Team Cycling Caps – $15.99
Girodana Brooklyn Cycling Cap – $12.80

How to Wear Cycling Sunglasses

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how to wear cycling sunglasses

Are you wearing your cycling sunglasses the correct way? Or do you just put them on whichever way and go? Knowing how to wear cycling sunglasses properly will prevent your from looking like a noob and look like an experienced cyclist. Functionally is there much difference? Not really but ease of use and style are two big sticking points as a cyclist.

The Wrong Way to Wear Cycling Sunglasses

Putting your sunglasses on the inside of your helmet straps is incorrect. This often happens if you put your glasses on before your helmet or if you slide them on close to your head, typically with two hands. Wearing sunglasses this way looks goofy along with being more difficult to take them off when needed, say going up a long climb.

The Correct Way to Wear Cycling Sunglasses

The correct way to wear sunglasses while riding is to strap your helmet on and then put your sunglasses on over the outside of the straps. This looks best as you can see the outside of the glasses. You can also put them on and take them off much easier and with one hand as they won’t be constrained by the helmet straps depending on how tight you have them.

How to Wear Cycling Sunglasses – Some Exceptions

There are some exceptions to this rule however. If you are wearing prescription glasses that rest more snugly to your head and wrap around the back of your ear, you should wear them on the inside of your helmet straps. Wearing them on the outside could flex them and break them not to mention look funny. Also if you have sunglasses that have thin temples (the frame arms) such as a pair of glasses like Aviators, you should wear these on the inside or your helmet straps.

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