Road bike clothing for beginners - jerseys, shoes, helmets for getting started in the world of road cycling

Helmets

Helmets helmets are available from Aldi & Co. for around twenty euros. In theory, these provide just as much protection as expensive models, as no helmet may be sold in Germany unless it bears the EN1078 test mark of the helmet standard applicable in this country and fulfils the minimum requirements for impact protection. In practice, however, very inexpensive helmets are usually quite massive and you sweat quickly underneath them. This is often exacerbated by thick inner padding made of inferior foam. In addition, these inexpensive helmets are usually only available in one shell size, meaning that they do not fit well on heads at the upper or lower end of the specified size scale. This is a shortcoming that can be life-threatening in the event of a fall. You should invest at least 60 euros in your helmet. If you add a little more, you get a good compromise between price and function.

Glasses

When it comes to protecting your eyes from the wind, sun and insects, goggles must first and foremost have wide lenses and a good fit. This can be found in all price ranges. However, you may have to search a little longer for a suitable model with cheaper models, as they often cannot be adjusted to the shape of your head and nose. Temples and nose pads are rigid, sometimes not rubberised and can pinch. The Glasses should have a CE mark proving that it fulfils the basic safety requirements of European directives and has UV protection. Both frames and panes should be made of break-proof plastic. Metal and glass can cause serious injuries in the event of a fall.

Jersey

The standard material is polyester. Different materials are often used: Polyester on the front and back, elastane on the sides for a better fit, airy mesh under the armpits. There are different qualities which influence the price. Very cheap jerseys are usually made from a simple type of polyester. Where more moisture is produced, the material is thinner, where you hardly sweat, it is thicker. The standard should be: close-fitting cut, long back, three open pockets at the back and a zip at the front that extends over three quarters of the jersey or goes all the way through. However, the latter can rub the trousers open. Good value Jerseys are often cut a little loose, which is not a bad thing for beginners. But the jersey shouldn't flap or crease.

Trousers

Almost all Cycling shorts are made from polyamide and elastane. The more densely the threads are woven, the higher the quality of the fabric. However, this does not say much about durability, as the trousers usually break at the seam first. Cheaper models often only have one padding model for all sizes, which is made of foam and has a smooth surface. Voluminous pads can be more uncomfortable than thin ones: the sit bones slowly dig through and press on the saddle. Heavily pre-shaped multi-component pads made of different hard materials in more expensive trousers are designed to cushion the sit bones and relieve pressure on the perineal area. The bib and crotch should be slightly taut when standing, then the trousers will sit correctly in the cycling position.

Shoes

Regardless of the price, a Cycling shoe The main aim is to transfer leg power to the pedals without any losses. To do this, it must not deform and must sit without slipping. Both would cost energy and can cause painful blisters. You can be happy for many years with shoes costing less than 100 euros. However, for cost reasons, the upper material is often not as supple as that of more expensive shoes, the padding is thicker and the pedalling feel can be spongy. For around 100 euros, there are shoes made of firmer material and with thinner soles. In addition to the classic three-hole pedal systems, some models are also designed for MTB cleats, which some beginners prefer due to the lower release force.

Gloves

Their main task is to protect the hands from blisters and falls. To do this, they must fit wrinkle-free and have a robust palm. Genuine leather is very abrasion-resistant, but expensive. Alternative: synthetic leather. It can almost keep up with real leather. For a little more money, you can get models that are equipped with practical details such as pull-out tabs on the fingers. Most also have a towelling insert on the thumb - as a sweat dryer or handkerchief substitute. Suppliers also use gel as padding, which some people who don't suffer from hands that fall asleep find annoying. You can find a large selection of road bike gloves, for example, at Rosebikes.