Generations of cyclists have already had to deal with this problem: in our latitudes, the weather is constantly inconsistent for most of the year. Sun, clouds and rain showers change frequently, and temperatures fluctuate just as much. This presents cyclists with the challenge of combining jerseys and shorts with a waistcoat or rain jacket as well as the appropriate arm and leg warmers in order to be equipped for every situation. For some time now, a new trend can be observed among professionals - especially during the spring classics with their capricious weather. Waistcoats and rain jackets are disappearing more and more from the peloton and are being replaced by weatherproof, jacket-like jerseys. Water-repellent trousers along with arm and leg warmers, which hardly look any different from the usual kit, complete the professional outfit.
This new, weatherproof clothing, which protects against moisture and cold and at the same time transports sweat away from the skin, offers further advantages: The stressful and dangerous process of getting dressed and undressed during the race is no longer necessary - along with the back and forth between the support car and the race pack. But racers without a support vehicle also benefit: What you don't have to take with you doesn't clog up your jersey pockets. Another aspect that counts on long distances and in competition is the better aerodynamics compared to waistcoats and jackets that slow you down, whose sometimes loud flapping is annoying and disturbs conversations.
Proven principle
In the pursuit of maximum function with minimum use of materials, all the items in our buying guide follow a similar construction plan. Whether jersey, trousers or cuffs for arms and legs - the fabric is always impregnated with a durable water-repellent finish, known as DWR (Durable Water Repellency Treatment). This lasts for several washes and can be refreshed with appropriate products if necessary. Additional membranes are only found in jerseys and arm warmers, as the material is less elastic and would restrict freedom of movement in trousers or leg warmers.
SHORT & SHORT
New, weatherproof jerseys make wind waistcoats and rain jackets unnecessary on many occasions. There are also water-repellent trousers, arm warmers and leg warmers to match. So far, however, almost only men have benefited from this trend because most manufacturers have neglected the women's target group. The new high-tech clothing is not cheap, but offers plenty of weather protection and practical benefits.
You can find the complete buying guide with these products as a PDF download below:
- Jerseys & arm warmers from Endura, Gore Bike Wear, Löffler, Santini
- Complete sets from Castelli, Craft, Rapha, Sportful
- Jerseys & jackets for women from Castelli, Löffler, Santini, Sportful
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