Summer Bike Clothing Guide: 13 Items to Keep You Cool on a Long Ride

The key to performance is keeping the body dry and comfortable in all conditions, no matter how fast they change. The geniuses over at 37.5 Technology have pushed the envelope to deliver a fabric that breathes well and dries quickly by actually controlling the microclimate around your body. Because when your body is at its perfect core temperature (37.5 degrees Celsius), it runs at its peak.
Embedded inside the fibers are minerals from volcanic sand and activated carbon particles derived from coconut shells that attract moisture and then expel it through an electrostatic reaction that vaporizes it almost instantly, keeping the skin cool when it’s hot, and warm when it’s cold. Since it’s part of the actual material, it’ll never peel, flake, or wash out either.
And this isn’t just marketing hype, an independent 2016 study at the University of Colorado proved that clothing made with 37.5 fabric not only dried exceptionally fast, but also extended athletes’ output at lactate threshold, increased their efficiency, and decreased both core temperature and the rate of temperature build up during exercise. In fact, some of the cyclists in the study showed a whopping 26 percent increase in performance just by changing their shirt.
37.5 technology is licensed to the top clothing companies in the sporting world to produce the best apparel for pros and serious amateurs alike. These pieces keep their cool, no matter how hot the action or the day gets.

Bontrager

Bontrager has been outfitting Trek’s winning pro cycling team for years, so they know a thing or two about how high-tech clothing has to perform in warm weather, but also about fit, comfort and function.
A good baselayer regulates the body’s relative humidity in all temps allowing better athletic performance. The B1 Baselayer is crafted from Bontrager’s lightest fabric and comes with or without sleeves and in both men’s and women’s styles. Wear it every day under your jersey to keep a perfectly regulated microclimate next to your skin.
The streamlined Velocis Jersey is their pro-level top for men and women. It features a full zip for ventilation on long climbs, a drop-tail design for a cycling-specific fit, and a Powerband gripper on the bottom hem to keep it in place during those blistering attacks. It’s got the classic three back pockets with a zipped sweatproof pocket for a phone and reflective details for low-light visibility.

Craft

Craft’s Verve XT is a free-flowing, loose-fit jersey that is perfect for the trail. It features a zipped back pocket with a hole for headphones as well. The jersey’s casual good looks go from the saddle to the street easily, too.

Mavic

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Mavic has been synonymous with cycling for decades, so when they jumped into apparel, people took note.
The Cosmic Pro Bibs for men are sleek, ultralight, and made for the hottest rides. The Ergo 3D Pro chamois boasts memory foam that reduces road vibration by 20 percent when compared to a standard pad. The main body is cut from Mavic’s Skin Power compression fabric that stabilizes muscles while riding to reduce fatigue and enable faster recovery. It’s also permanently antibacterial so it doesn’t get the post-ride funk. An 11-inch inseam and reflective accents round out the details.
The matching Cosmic Pro Jersey is a fitted top with key features that pros demand and everyday riders love. It’s made from three different materials for a perfect fit, extra ventilation, and superior moisture management. You’ll get UV protection on the shoulders and back, silicone grips on the arms and bottom hem to keep it in place, and reflective accents to enhance visibility. Three ergonomic back pockets with cord management prove that Mavic is really paying attention.
Mavic took 37.5 technology and applied it to an overlooked place: helmet padding. The Ksyrium Pro Helmet uses a 3-point fit system, because if a helmet doesn’t fit right, not only is it uncomfortable, it’s less safe. That fit is enhanced by memory foam padding that instantly adjusts to the head with no gaps or hot spots. Then, that padding is covered with 37.5 fabric to keep sweat away from the eyes no matter how hot it is. Reflective accents all around up the safety and 22 huge vents provide ventilation.

Katusha

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The Katusha pro team was wearing a kit with 37.5 technology in the recent Tour de France, but they also have a line sold commercially.
The Allure Shorts and Bibs from Katusha have all the features that pro racers require, but are designed from scratch for women. On the bibs, the cross straps are cleverly designed for the female anatomy for the ultimate in functionality. The “V” construction on the waistband doesn’t cut into the stomach and eliminates that restrictive feeling that narrow elastic bands can have. Same with the wide elastic band on the legs. A women’s specific chamois is made from several layers of padding for the perfect balance of support, comfort, and breathability.
The Icon Bibs are the men’s version, with the same supportive fabric and 3D chamois, just cut for men with 37.5 inserts on the lower front and back. Instead of the “V” waistband, a standard men’s waist is there.
The Aero Jersey for men is the product of intensive wind-tunnel testing with the Katusha pro team. Aerodynamic fabric on the shoulders and side panels reduce drag, while 37.5 superlight mesh is placed under the arms for temp control. The lower neck line and laser-cut sleeves eliminate key wind traps. It’s like this jersey is painted on.
The Allure Jersey for women is constructed with a mix of premium technical fabrics for comfort and performance without compromises. There are 37.5 panels on the front and side for perspiration management, and mesh fabric on the back for extreme breathability. Even the stitching on this is high tech, the stretch-round stitch across the shoulders has extra give for freedom of movement. All the standard features are there as well: full zip with a chin guard, reflective accents, three back pockets, and a silicone grip on the bottom hem.

Point6

Anybody who has taken off their shoes at the end of a long, hot ride know that feet sweat, a lot. Point6 takes high-quality New Zealand Merino wool, already a wonder fiber, and enhances it with 37.5 fiber. The quality is unmatched, crafted from imported premium wool and made in the USA.
For those who like the no-see-em look, check out the 37.5 Extra Light Micros. These ankle socks have extra-light padding and are comprised of 62% wool, 3% spandex, and 35% nylon. Next up on the calf are the 37.5 Light Crews. They have a little extra padding and are made with 63% wool, 7% spandex, and 30% nylon. They’re perfect for every day, too.
Featured image provided by 37.5 Technology

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