The last couple of weeks of May have given us the perfect taster of the British summer that we’ve all been waiting for. Sure, temperatures have yo-yoed from single digits one day, to over twenty the next, and we’ve also had a reasonable amount of damp weather – so kit choice for cycling has remained a slightly awkward topic. Club rides this month will have resembled a mismatched fashion show exhibiting a full array of winter through spring and summer kit. Some riders standing stoically ignorant of the goosebumps covering every bit of bare skin, and others wearing a thin film of sweat, head to toe in hi-vis black lycra.
For the most part, we can just rely on our favourite items at this time of year, but it is still very easy to get caught out. We have put together a list of five essential pieces of kit to think about as we head into summer proper.
{Lightweight jersey:33671,33879}
The switch to summer nearly always necessitates a new jersey, with lightweight fabrics typically replacing the more warming merino options of the winter. For men, we think this Endura FS260jersey takes some beating, while for women love this stylish option from Liv, which boasts high-performance moisture-wicking fabrics and Factor 30 sun protection.
{Sock choice: 30754}
It is nearly impossible to get the perfect foot temperature on the bike. We all have stories about frozen feet during winter, or swelling and sweaty feet in the summer. Our advice is to work on a scale of ‘thin and white’ for the hottest days, down to ‘thick and black’ for the coldest. A comfortable, well-fitting pair of breathable white cycling socks should keep your feet as dry and cool as you could wish.
{Gilet: 37032}
There is never any guarantee that the British summer will be rain-free, so a lightweight gilet tucked neatly into a back pocket will be a valuable asset. If not for shower-protection, most gilets provide some wind proofing – which will keep the chill out of the breeze or simply provide an extra layer in the early evening cruise back from the pub.
Arm warmers are one of our most used pieces of kit. A good quality pair such as the Endura Pro-SL, which has wide grips to improve comfort, will serve any cyclist well on crisp early mornings. They are easy to roll up and tuck in a back pocket, or even fold down to your wrists. The habit of carrying arm warmers is like carrying a security blanket. They’re always there if you need them.
Cycling caps are a very versatile piece of kit. While the peak can’t really be said to provide any sun protection, if you choose a white cap like this one from Specialized it will keep your head cooler, particularly if you have dark hair. Let’s not overlook the fact that wearing a cap under your helmet will make you look cool too!
{Sunglasses:26278,34770,34768}
It is a special day when we get out our actual polarised sunglasses for the first time, it means summer is, at least, on its way. Tifosi do a great line of sunglasses to suit every cyclist and budget, and many of their frames come with multiple lenses. Comfortable and robust sunglasses will offer not only sun protection and the cool factor, but bug-protection too.
The great thing about summer is that the weight and bulk of kit is significantly lower than at any other time of year, so you can either wear all the kit listed here straight from the off, or fit into a single rear pocket for access later. Summer is the best season for cycling, and this year, make yours even better by always being prepared.
