Sun, hot climbs, ice-cold descents, rain, thunderstorms, and storms are just a selection of weather conditions that can occur during a day’s trip. However, clothing for cycling is of great importance even during short trips of everyday mobility. Thanks to modern materials, the body is optimally protected from the elements and the sweat produced is wicked away from the surface of the skin.
If you get wet on a one-day tour, it usually doesn't matter much. On a multi-day trip you may have to cycle a whole day in the rain, for example, to reach a booked hotel. If you don't have functional rainwear, you will quickly lose interest.
Find out about the benefits of clothes designed specifically for everyday cyclists in this blog post.
Fortunately, the importance of functional cycling clothing for electric cycling is not quite as high as on a road bike or mountain bike, for example. Nevertheless, cycling is more fun with special clothing, which, by the way, can be very discreet and not much different from normal, sporty everyday clothing. Since the physical strain is less and our own engine does not throw off as much warmth as it does when ride without electricity, make sure you have sufficient layers of protection, especially in fresh temperatures from 15° C downwards. Consider also that the driving wind and the so-called wind chill effect increases due to the higher speed. This is especially true for fast pedelecs. So, the faster the colder it gets.
Onion-shell principle
The application of the onion-skin principle has many advantages, because several thin layers with different functions guarantee an optimal body climate and the necessary weather protection. In addition, thanks to modern materials, the individual layers are very thin and light. They therefore offer excellent wearing comfort. If a layer is no longer needed, you simply take it off and stow it in the luggage pockets (e.g. wind vest).
In cool weather, the three-layer concept is used. The collection of many major clothing manufacturers is designed for this purpose.
Base layer
On the skin is worn a functional undershirt, if necessary, additionally a pair of functional underpants. The skin remains dry and warm.
Intermediate layer
On top of this you wear an insulating layer, thicker or thinner depending on the temperature. As a rule, fleece fabrics or other loosely woven fibres are used here, which on the one hand reinforce moisture transport from the underwear and form an insulating layer with the trapped air.
Outer Shell
A thin, windproof layer, also lined in cold temperatures, closes off to the outside. It is important for water vapor to pass through so that you don't sweat too much. On the back and sides, fabric inserts are also often used, which let out significantly more water vapor and heat. Zippers can also be used to regulate the temperature inside.
The right clothing for any weather
Finally, clothing recommendations for sportier cycling with special cycling clothes. Everyday cyclists can orient themselves with this.
- > 30° C - jersey (long zipper), cycling shorts, (cycling socks), helmet
- 25° - 30° C - Functional undershirt, jersey (long zipper), cycling shorts, cycling socks, helmet
- 20° - 25° C - Functional undershirt possibly with windbreaker, jersey, vest, cycling shorts, cycling socks, helmet
- 15° - 20° C - Functional undershirt possibly with windbreaker, jersey with sleeves or long-sleeved jersey, cycling shorts with knee or leg warmers, wind vest, cycling socks, helmet
- 10° - 15° C - Functional undershirt with windbreaker, jersey and long-sleeved jersey, cycling shorts with leg warmers or long pants, wind vest, cycling socks, helmet, (long gloves)
- 5° - 10° C - Functional undershirt (long sleeve) with windbreaker, winter jacket and jersey, winter pants, socks, overshoes, helmet, winter gloves
- 5° - 0° C - Functional undershirt long-sleeved with windbreaker, winter jacket and turtleneck, over it possibly windbreaker, winter pants, warm knee socks, overshoes, helmet, helmet cap with ear warmer, winter gloves
- 0° - -5° C - Functional long-sleeved undershirt possibly with windbreaker or wind bib, winter jacket and turtleneck and long-sleeved jersey, over it possibly. Windbreaker, winter pants, knee warmers, warm knee socks, overshoes, helmet, helmet cap with ear warmer, face mask, winter gloves
