An Overview of the Best Fabrics for Cycling Tights
Posted on | November 17, 2009 | No Comments
Lycra
This is the bread and butter of typical cycling clothing. Some traditional cyclists (like Lance Armstrong) may swear by if for its fit, moisture-wicking ability, chafing prevention and elimination of bacteria. Lyrca is very stretchable and can last a long time. Nylon spandex which is a brand of Lycra is used in most cycling shorts. Depending on the price and quality of the Lycra you buy, they may be more or less breathable. If you plan on riding particularly long distances, be sure to get tights that fit well and use chamois cream if you need to prevent chafing.
Wool
For awhile, people stopped using wool for cycling clothing. This is puzzling since wool can be one of the most comfortable fabrics for cycling tights. Among its many benefits is its flexibility of temperatures you can wear it in. When it’s cold it will keep you warm, and yet if it’s warm it doesn’t get too hot. Best of all, when it gets wet, it will still keep you warm. One downside is that wool can tend to be on the more expensive end of spectrum, but it will last you a very long time. However, it has the great feature of not getting smelly after you sweat or ride in the rain with it – much unlike some of the synthetic fabics. These days you can usually find wool that is even machine washable, just be sure to follow the care instructions.
Coolmax
Coolmax as a fabric for cycling and other sports has become a trend in recent years. It can be pretty expensive, but depending on what you’re looking for can also be a great investment. Coolmax is great for blocking the wind and being water resistant. Also, it is much more breathable than most other fabrics. Be sure to pay attention to the construction of the layers and also follow the directions when washing your tights.