Essential clothing for cycling

"We took too many clothes" is a lesson that most cyclists learn after their first trip! What's essential depends on you, your equipment and your budget.
The thing you dread most when cycling is being too hot or too cold. Whether you're travelling in hot weather, riding in the rain or battling the cold, it's not always easy to plan clothing for all weathers! In our clothing lists, we recommend a multi-layer system that can be adapted to suit the season and the type of trip: sport or leisure cycling.

So instead of taking the right outfit for every situation, playing with layers allows you to adapt and regulate the temperature to suit each situation.
 

• A base layer: try to aim for light, technical clothing such as cycling T-shirts, although running T-shirts are also very suitable.
• A middle layer: for colder seasons, add a second, thicker breathable layer to suit the temperature and the effort involved: a jacket or long-sleeved technical T-shirt.
• An outer layer: this will protect you from the elements (wind and rain). Choose a water-resistant garment such as GoreTex to prevent you from sweating.

You don't need to spend a lot to be well equipped!

Competition cycling shorts cost around €250, so you can buy a complete outfit for beginners at this price.

• Goggles: €15
• Helmet: €50
• Cycling jersey: from €20 to €40
• Gloves: €10
• Cycling shorts: from €30 to €50
• Socks: €10

You can invest as you go along, depending on your needs and how much you ride. At the start, if you only ride in the summer months, you can set off with just your helmet, a running T-shirt and a good pair of padded shorts.