Bike Shorts

Advantages: Hard wearing, smart, practical
Disadvantages: very uncomfortable

I have a pair of Polaris Nexus cycle shorts purchased in 1996 or there abouts, they are comfortable (I have removed the padding) smart and hard wearing. They have covered thousands of miles and are only just starting to show their age. I have another pair identical in all but colour purchased in 2005 which are so tight around the nuts as to be useable only for indoor games. This reflects the review of the other reviewer of these shorts and indicates ... Read review

Advantages: Will enhance riding confort and performance by untold amounts
Disadvantages: Quite expensive at c.£50

...follow recommendations to buy the Endura MT500 short. These may initially seem expensive at around £50, but believe me, for the money you will not be able to find any better. Long climbs become suddenly more comfortable, and you don't get the chafe around the seams as you would with cheaper shorts. The kevlar seams are fully flatlocked, giving the short superb flexibility, and removes the embarrassing worry of the short giving way when the going ...
...Further durability is provided by the dual layer fabric of the side panels in the shorts, again providing support where it is most welcome. You won't find yourself getting too wet and bothered out on the trail either, as these shorts have an incredible ability to wick moisture away from the skin, and to repel much of the crud that hits you from the ground. The leg grippers make sure they don't slip around either, and make for greater comfort when ... Read review

Advantages: warmth, safety, comfort
Disadvantages: price

Cycling can be enormous fun, but it can be an absolute nightmare if the heavens open and you are 50 miles from home, in the pouring rain and the howling winds, with only your mountain bike and your own rapidly decreasing energy to get you back home. The driving rain (and how you wish you had a car to drive at moments like these) quickly soaks through your clothes, leaving you soaked to the skin, shortly after your shoes are reduced to a soggy mess ...
...have no choice other than to continue across the desolate moors, hoping your fingers wont freeze to the handlebars. This happened to me, and the one thing I vowed after that experience, was next time I would be better prepared. It has cost me some money to buy the clothes I will mention, but believe me, they are a very worthwhile investment, they make cycling a much more pleasurable experience, and most importantly give me peace of mind. Gloves ------- ... Read review

Advantages: Comfortable with superb wicking properties
Disadvantages: Creases a bit in the wash.

I spent hours and hours researching which shirt would be the best for long distance running. Having come to the realisation that a cotton T shirt is vile to run in once you start sweating. The majority of comments I read or heard were full of praise for this shirt and rightly so. Its wicking properties are fantastic and although it is a base layer I wear it on its own and find it keeps me warm enough at the moment (and I feel the cold), but with ...
...It does say it is for cooler to cold weather wear though. It removes moisture from the body very efficiently and is very comfortable to wear. All the seams are flat and I haven\'t experienced any chaffing anywhere. It washes well but does come out a bit creased (and stays creased) if you spin dry it (maybe hand washing would be advisable). It is a pain to iron too, but so long as you aren\'t too much of a prima dona about how you look it's not ... Read review

Advantages: Great price, dry and matching shorts available
Disadvantages: none

After the success with the Helly Hansen undershorts I had to try out a base layer jersey. I have tried dri-fit tops before, and whilst they have been good and locking away most of the moisture, I have never tried one which has kept my as dry as the Helly Hansen Lifa. Like the Lifa shorts, the top is made out of 100% polypropylene. As with the shorts tha top is skin tight and seamless to ensure that moisture is kept away from the skin and to ensure ...
...- the lifa is designed to be a base layer and have another top or jersey put over the top. The advert states ideal for warm to cool days - I think that this top is for cool to cold days since it is very warm. The long sleeves ensure that the whole upper body is kept covered and benefits from the stay dry effect. Saying this though the Lifa top could be used on its own. It is stylish so it does not have to be covered up, it just depends on how brave ... Read review