You have done a bike tour and now are interested to develop your passion for cycling. If you are considering commuting by bike and have no idea about what to wear, use our recommendation as your starting point!

Here are 7 essential things you need to wear every time you are bike commuting:

Bike helmet

Whether the law in your country obliges the use of a helmet when cycling or not, there is no disadvantages by wearing it. A major study of bike helmet use around the world from more than 64,000 cyclists has found helmets reduce the risks of a serious head injury by nearly 70%!

Make sure you get a helmet that met the safety standards and fits you properly, because you’re the one who going to wear it comfortably

Pic cr: blog.katusha-sports.com

Waterproof/ windproof jacket and waterproof trousers

Cycling in the rain is a fun activity to do when you are being playful with your family or friends, but it is not when you are going to work – your suit is wet and damp, and as soon as you enter your workplace, you catch a cold. We’re not trying to frighten you, but it’s better to be prepared for the worst, right?

Another tip is to check the daily weather forecast so you can decide what type of jacket you will wear on that day: waterproof/ windproof.  It also depends on how long is your commute. However, if it’s near enough and you’re okay with the weather in your city, not wearing a jacket is totally okay!

Pic cr: cyclingweekly.com

Shoes and/ or overshoes (shoe cover)

You could simply use a pair of training shoes that you don’t mind getting ruined overtime or you could invest in a pair of cycling shoes because they are designed to be light and stiff for efficient pedaling Also, prepare your waterproof overshoes to prevent the rain and puddle absorbed into your shoes!

Pic cr: isadore.com

Backpack/ Pannier bag

Having the option to carry your daily essentials such as laptop, phone, wallet, and lunch box is important. Bring a backpack if you don’t mind about the sweat patches that it may leaves on your back and shoulder However, consider a pannier bag if you want to carry your load on the bike instead. A tip from us: use two small panniers rather than using one big pannier, so your bike will be balanced better!

Pic cr: mensjournal.com

Other cycling accessories

You may also consider using other cycling stuff, such as gloves, socks, face mask, or padded underwear. After all, you are the one who knows the condition and situation of your commute more than anyone else! You may use a pair of gloves if your hands get cold easily, or you may use padded underwear as it adds extra comfort to your ride, it all depends on you!

Pic cr: seniors.lovetoknow.com

References

Glass, A. (2018). What to wear on a bike ride. Retrieved from https://www.bikeradar.com/features/what-to-wear-on-a-bike-ride/

Farrell, P. (2016). Bicycle helmets reduce risk of serious head injury by nearly 70%, study finds. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/sep/22/bicycle-helmets-reduce-risk-of-serious-head-injury-by-nearly-70-study-finds

Bags for Commuting by Bike. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/community/round-ups/round-up-bags-for-commuting