Pedelec bike riders before were stigmatized as pseudo cyclists who have no reason to wear cycling clothes, as their pedalling doesn’t create friction or steam. Yet years later, ebikes became popular for that very reason; of not having to arrive looking all spent and sweaty after several miles of pedalling. Although most ebikers prefer not to wear Lycra sportswear, many are taking tips on what to wear for longer rides since riding in the cold on pedal-assisted bikes is not the same as conventional cycling.
Wearing regular street clothes is okay for short trips and when the weather isn’t nasty. Yet riding in the cold with an electric boost isn’t the same as cycling for fitness. While layering is the most recommended way to go, how does one do it to avoid looking like an overstuffed blob.
Some Tips On How to Layer Outfits Smartly When Riding an Ebike
Cycling clothes are different because they have to fit like a second skin to allow for freer movement. To achieve the same effect when layering for ebike riding, wear a long-sleeved base layer made from polyester fabric to keep the garment snug without being sporty tight, while capable of drawing away moisture from the skin. Put on a long-sleeved crew-neck, merino wool shirt as a second layer, preferably with an offset shoulder seam as this prevents backpack straps from chaffing the skin. A smart cut is the boxed underarm, which eases out layering tightness in the area.
When it’s extremely cold outdoors, a turtle neck merino wool shirt over a crew-neck merino base shirt will provide better protection against a biting cold temperature.
Merino wool is the best type of material for layering not only because it’s softer and finer than ordinary sheep’s wool. When worn next to the skin, the fibers naturally convert sweat into vapor, which in effect regulates body temperature and cancels out body odor. When worn in two layers, each layer of merino wool will work toward drawing away moisture while sweat is still in vapor form, keeping the body warm and dry.
Ideal outer layers for wet weather also use fabrics designed to shift sweat away from the body. Breathable fabrics keep rain out, but also allow water vapour to get out before it turns into sweat. Wear jackets especially designed for layering. Usually they come with high protective collars, longer sleeves that don’t hunch up in the armpits or ride up when arms are extended toward the handle bars.
The best ebike jackets for layering especially when needing to ride in snow, are those with double-insulation that use synthetic downs with durable water repellent (DWR) finish. The synthetic down keeps the body warm as it breathes when the body generates natural heat.
An ebike rider doesn’t have to worry about chafing if he or she is not wearing Lycra cycling shorts. Canvas pants have gusseted crotch, and are made from a blend of cotton and polyester or spandex with DWR finish. The moist repelling nature of the fabrics keeps the pants dry enough so the ebiker can wear them straight to work.
Guide for Buying an EBike
The new generation of ebikes doesn’t do all the work, as riders still need to pedal in order to get the two-wheeled vehicle moving. Choosing could be difficult since there’s a broad array of brands and models that come with designs and features to suit different users, including older adults. While the highly advanced and fashionable techno-looking electric bicycles come with high prices, the most popular are those affordably priced under $1000.
Review website ponfish provides comprehensive reviews that buyers can use as a guide when looking for a smart and stylish pedelec for under $1000 and for whatever purpose is in mind.
