Cycle Travel Overload has helped over 1 million people find, compare, and decide on their dream adventure bike! Nothing means more to me than getting more people out into the world on two wheels! Reflective logos give you a bit more visibility on a dark commute. 8. Pearl Izumi Men’s Escape Quest Shorts (best lycra waist shorts) Pin The Endura Hummvee Hoodie is a smart leisure option for when you need a warm layer to keep out the chill. It's comfy, not too heavy, and means you can stay loyal to branded bike clothing without standing out on civvy street. Best of all, though, if you need to hop in the saddle, it's built to offer a bit of performance there, too.

A reliable base layer is a must have. Seasoned riders will attest to this, but for newbies - or novice commuters - your choice comes down to synthetic fabrics or merino wool. Classic cycling gear (which really means cycle-sport gear) fits tightly because if you want to go fast, your biggest enemy is the air. To cut through it, you want clothing that flaps around as little as possible, and that hugs your (hopefully) lean and lithe body.

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Windproof material used at the front of the shorts protects you from the wind chill effect that is significant when cycling in the cold. The material is also water-resistant, so you should stay dry under moderate rainfall. Sudden storms can occur in summer, though. On a weekend ride you can take shelter and wait it out, but a 9am meeting doesn't hang around. Bib shorts are far from being a necessity, but they may be more comfortable around the waist and aid diaphragmatic breathing. They also keep the shorts hoisted up and the pad in place. The waistband on these stylish shorts includes Velcro adjusters for on-the-fly comfort tweaks. These are light and breathable shorts that are ideal for summery commutes as well as some MTB action if that’s a pastime. It should go without saying that staying safe on your commute is your primary concern. The best commuter bike helmets, worn correctly, can save your life. If you plan on commuting year-round, choose one that has enough vents for the summer heat as well as room for a winter hat underneath.

And if you’re a mountain biker then you’ll have the choice between shorts or tights. Possibly baggy shorts on top of tights. Comfort in these shorts comes from a 5-panel design and the Velocio Signature chamois. This has an anti-vibration, super-high-density layer. Use of recycled Italian compression Lycra helps reduce muscle fatigue during and after a ride.

Looks-wise, they have the appearance of – and sit like – a classic pair of chinos, but to wear they feel totally different, much lighter and more comfortable with none of the bulk, plus they come with an added element of stretch to make them more suited to physical activity. There’s plenty to consider when buying t-shirts and shirts for cycling, too. Again, though, this depends on what your top priorities are here. Some of the most durable bike shorts you’re ever likely to buy are the Endura Hummvee MTB Cycling Shorts II with Liner. The shorts are made from robust mini-ripstop nylon and have a DWB (durable water repellant) finish. They should last you for years. So, for those who could do with an extra layer of protection against the elements, there’s thankfully a wealth of choice for you. For gravel and even road riding when things are a bit damp, waterproof shorts can be a game-changer, as mountain bikers have known for years. Endura’s MT500 Waterproof Short II is comfortable, well fitted and most importantly, waterproof.