This post is aimed at beginners, so seasoned cyclists, please refrain from criticism! For novice cyclists embarking on long-distance rides, one of the primary concerns is how to dress on the road and what clothing to bring. Here, I’ll break down the essentials for five key areas: Head, Hands, Feet, Upper Body, and Lower Limbs.
Head:
- For warmth, a fleece headscarf is recommended, providing comfort without the worry of slipping down during long descents.
- To shield against sunlight, a hat with a brim (such as a duckbill hat or fisherman’s hat) and one or two thin headbands or headgear are advised.
- The use of sunscreen is also crucial for facial protection. A hat with a brim can shield against front-facing sunlight, and sunglasses are a must for eye protection.
- Head protection list: Hat with a brim (duckbill or fisherman’s hat), 1-2 thin headbands or headgear, a fleece headscarf, cycling glasses, and a helmet rain cover.
Hands:
- For 5 to 9 months: A pair of half-finger cycling gloves and a pair of fleece gloves. Additionally, a pair of rubber gloves for rain and wind protection.
- From October to March: Add two pairs of quick-drying autumn gloves, replace half-finger gloves with thin full-finger gloves, and consider removing rubber gloves unless facing heavy rain.
- Hand protection list: A pair of half-finger or thin full-finger gloves, a pair of fleece gloves (or skiing gloves for colder months), and optional rubber gloves.
Feet:
- Low-cut hiking shoes are recommended, complemented by rain shoe covers for protection during rain or descents.
- Ordinary socks (slightly longer) are suitable, and it’s advisable to change socks daily during long rides for comfort.
- Footwear list: Low-cut hiking shoes, rain shoe covers, and three pairs of ordinary socks.
Upper Body:
- From May to September: A spring-autumn jacket, a thin down jacket, a set of lightweight separate rain gear, a cycling jersey, and one set of quick-drying short sleeves with sun protection sleeves (optional).
- From October to March: Add two sets of quick-drying autumn jackets and pants, a thin down vest, remove the spring-autumn jacket, and replace short sleeves with long sleeves.
- Vest is optional but recommended; it may not be used often, but it’s essential to have in case of sudden drops in temperature.
- Upper body clothing list: Spring-autumn jacket, thin down jacket, lightweight separate rain gear, cycling jersey, one set of quick-drying short sleeves with sun protection sleeves (optional), and a skin-windproof jacket.
Lower Limbs:
- From May to September: One pair of sports pants, one pair of cycling shorts, two pairs of quick-drying seamless underwear, and knee protectors.
- From October to March: Add two pairs of quick-drying autumn pants, and consider replacing sports pants with cycling pants.
- Knee protectors are crucial for protecting the vulnerable knee area.
- Lower limb clothing list: One pair of sports pants or cycling pants, one pair of knee protectors, and two pairs of quick-drying seamless underwear.
Additional Tips:
- For females, consider adding extra clothing items as needed.
- Always carry a clothesline and a few clips for easy drying and securing clothes at guesthouses.
- Once the clothing is sorted, the rest of the equipment is straightforward: helmet, rack, panniers, rain cover, handlebar bag, bungee cords, pump, tire repair tools, chain oil, front and rear lights, inner tubes, mudguards, and optional tools like a chain breaker, magic buckle, phone mount, and a spare derailleur hanger.
This comprehensive clothing and equipment list should prepare you for a comfortable and well-equipped long-distance cycling journey. Safe travels!