Ireland’s varied and beautiful landscape makes it one of the best countries for cycling in the World. From hill climbs in Wicklow to lake trails in Leitrim, there are cycle routes to suit everyone. Not to mention endless, winding, country roads with stunning scenery and fascinating historical sites.
For leisure cyclists, Ireland has hundreds of kilometres of greenways. You can find these reclaimed off-road scenic routes in Mayo, Meath, Westmeath, Waterford, Limerick, Kildare and Louth. More cycling greenways are being built every year as they grow in popularity.
Road cycling is safe and popular in Ireland and, during cycling season, you will spot cycling clubs out en masse. For those who prefer the thrill of off-road cycling, Ireland has plenty of options. From cross country tracks to mountain bike friendly slopes, you will be spoiled for choice.
For any cyclists committed to getting out on their bike regularly, then it’s important to have the right gear. Cycling is more enjoyable when you’re not overheating, freezing and don’t have blisters. To help you get the most enjoyment out of your next ride, we’ve put together the ultimate summer cycling gear guide.
- Cycling jerseys and tops for warm summer months
Getting too hot too quickly can bring a planned cycle to a premature end and risk you becoming dehydrated. Appropriate summer cycling jerseys are a must for safety and enjoyment.
At minimum look for short sleeve jerseys for warm weather. The ideal summer jersey will have breathable fabric that helps to regulate your body temperature. Quick-drying fabrics will wick sweat away from your skin to help keep you cool and comfortable.
To avoid chafing underarms in the warmer weather, opt for sleeves with open edges and jerseys with flat seams. If long climbs and endurance feature regularly on your rides, you might like the versatility of a full zip summer jersey. These jerseys zip up at the front so you can adjust for more ventilation when the going gets tough.
We always recommend that your wear suncream on a cycle, even when the sun can’t be seen. For added sun safety, summer cycling jersey’s now come with built in protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Look for UPF, UVA and UVB protection.
For added safety, look for cycling jerseys that have built in reflective qualities for evening and morning rides. When the sun is causing glare for other road users, reflective gear can also help them see you better.
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- Cycling sunglasses
For anyone spending time outside, sun protection for the eyes is essential. Sun damage can happen even on overcast days and lead to cataracts and affect your vision.
Protect your eyes whilst you ride with some quality eyewear. Sunglasses for cycling need to have a few key qualities including UV protection and lightweight frames.
Look for glasses that are vented or designed with an airflow system. These glasses are less likely to fog up on you as you cycle, keeping you in full control. From time to time, glasses will get dropped or lost in the bottom of a kit bag. Anti scratch lenses will last longer by staying blemish free.
Good vision means better awareness when cycling both on road and off. That’s why most cycling and sports glassed have a half frame design that keeps the lens free of obstructions. The wrap-around style of these specially designed shades means you have increased peripheral vision compared to regular glasses.
You need to trust that your sunglasses will stay in place as you cycle and that they won’t irritate you. For this reason, always use glasses that have a built in antislip nose grip. For an extra secure fit, select frames that also have anti-slip frames for the ears.
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- Cycling socks
When it comes to socks for cycling, there is a huge range of benefits on offer. The days when socks were just for keeping your feet warm are long gone. Now, the humble sock has been reinvented to provide weather protection, air-flow, blister prevention and arch support, amongst other things.
At the very least, cycling socks will regulate temperature to keep your feet cooler in summer. Available in both ankle and knee length options, cycling socks offer a breathable, sweat-wicking experience.
For when you are cycling anywhere that could throw up obstacles in your path, there are socks with added shin protection. Perfect for cross-country and off road. Also great for avoid the inevitable pedal strike. Shin guard socks have a slip in foam insert and secure fit to stop them sliding down as you pedal.
Given the changeability of Ireland’s weather, you will be relieved to know that there are waterproof socks for cyclists. Made from a breathable, waterproof membrane and lined with a soft yarn these socks wick away sweat and keep the rain out.
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- Cycling gloves
A good grip is a necessity for cycling, so keeping your hands cool and dry is a must. Good summer cycling gloves will help you maintain your handlebar grip without letting your hands get hot and clammy.
Fingerless gloves are the most popular choice for summer cycling. Most now come with moisture-wicking qualities that take away sweat. Depending on your preference, you can select gloves with padding, or not, or with light padding. If you find that hand blisters are an issue for you, then some padding can help prevent them.
Extra grip can also be added with the addition of gloves. Look for gloves with added grip on the mitt. Usually in the form of silicon surface texture. While many glove designers have added tabs to the fingers to make it easier to remove gloves.
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- Cycling shorts
Comfortable and streamlined are the two words most used by our customers when describing their perfect cycling shorts. It makes sense that you would want shorts that are comfortable around the waist and that don’t dig in. Here’s how to find your ideal shorts.
For leisure cycling where speed is an option but not a prerequisite, lightweight shorts will keep you cool. There are all-road shorts that are loose with padded inner shorts which are a versatile choice. These baggier, more functional shorts, are great for touring and, more often than not, have built in stash pockets.
If streamlined is more your style and speed is your goal, then look to the fitted shorts for options. The added bonus is that many of the tighter style shorts are padded with gel. Something that makes log road rides a lot more comfortable. They also offer ease of movement thanks to the flexibility of the fabric used and are designed to be chafe-free.
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Cycling offers a freedom to explore your surroundings whilst testing your endurance and strength. With the right gear, you will go further for longer and enjoy your ride even more.
Make sure you are ready for summer cycling. Check out our wide range of cycling products and clothes on our online store.
