Indoor Cycling Kit & Clothing Guide

Increases in training technology, now allows cyclists to have a realistic and immersive cycling workout in the comfort of their own home. Years ago, one of the only options of a home cycling workout would be staring at a blank garage wall, with very little in the way of motivation and challenges to stay engaged and pushing yourself hard. Today, there is a massive array of smart indoor cycling trainers, including Smart Turbo Trainers which allow the rider to ride with friends, and others around the world - in a range of settings and backgrounds, allowing the rider to experience different routes and cycling challenges, all from home.

Although some riders are OK using their normal cycling kit for an indoor workout, the reality of cycling indoors, is that without wind and weather conditions - indoor cycling can become a sweaty affair, and a range of specialist lightweight clothing can help make each workout as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Specialist turbo training clothing, including turbo training jerseys are now available on the market.

Do you need Indoor Cycling Clothing?

Although some riders may be cynical about the requirement for indoor cycling clothing, it cannot be denied that cycling indoors is a completely unique environment compared to cycling outdoors - so specialist kit is required. The air in your home, or your garage is never going to match a wind speed of 20mph, which you can experience whilst cycling in the ‘real world’.

The requirements of indoor cycling clothing differs from outdoor cycling clothing - but there are two main functions, cycling clothing needs to keep you comfortable when cycling, whilst regulating temperature. The right cycling clothing keeps you cool when you are warming up, and keeps you warm when you are cool. When these two requirements are met, a rider can spend hours in the saddle, getting the most out of each workout.

Indoor cycling training clothing will typically use mesh to keep the design of the clothing lightweight as possible, and these items of clothing will also miss out on outdoor specific requirements - such as bib straps.

One of the biggest changes when cycling indoors, is not having a requirement of a helmet - meaning that a sweat cap should be used to keep sweat away from your eyes, whilst keeping your head cool. Again, mesh sweat caps are the most popular types.