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With the surge in popularity of indoor cycling, it’s no surprise that brands have been releasing gear specifically designed for this purpose.
The kit uses lighter fabrics with improved moisture management - an unfortunate necessity when there’s no cooling breeze - as well as extra comfort for increased time in the saddle.
Here are some key pieces to look out for from top British brands Le Col and Rapha:
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Designed in Britain and made in Italy, Le Col’s gear is undoubtedly some of the best you can buy in terms of fit, material and build quality. These bib shorts are part of their recently released line of indoor cycling gear which has seen them partnering up with Wahoo, one of indoor cycling’s hottest brands. Made from a very lightweight fabric, they also incorporate tiny perforated holes around the thigh region to facilitate heat escape. The thick chamois pad compensates for a rider typically being more stationary on an indoor bike, and a wicking bib strap helps draw sweat away from the body. They feel great and certainly perform as hoped during high-intensity indoor training.£150 from Le Col
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Rapha sweat cap
The head and face are also prone to perspiration during indoor training - a problem that can be relieved by Rapha’s sweat cap, which is far better suited to the rigours of indoor cycling than a conventional cycling cap. It is made from a spongy kind of mesh, perforated with holes which help capture some of that excess sweat before it cascades down your face, dissipating moisture and taking heat away from the body.£30 from Rapha
Rapha’s cargo shorts offer a great alternative to bib shorts, offering most of their benefits in a more relaxed form. The classic chamois pad is very comfortable, as is the low-cut front, which won’t cut into your stomach. The back is higher, with a silicon grip to hold them in place - which means you can take them on and off without worrying about layering the shoulder straps. Uniquely, they’re fitted with stretchy mesh pockets, positioned on the outside of each thigh which are very handy for storage. A great option if bib shorts aren’t your thing.£95 from Rapha
Le Col x Wahoo indoor training jersey
Intended to be paired with Le Col’s indoor bib shorts (see above), the matching jersey is equally at home in the heat of indoor cycling. Its highly breathable lightweight fabric - almost semi-translucent thanks to its snazzy 3D mesh fabric - provides a particularly quick transfer of heat and sweat away from the body. It’s practical for outside use too, with three pockets of the kind seen on road going equivalents - ideal for summer riding in the hills.£120 from Le Col
Rapha merino mesh base layer
Merino wool has long been used in premium sportswear. Naturally breathable, it’s soft, moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, odour-resistant and elastic. Here, Rapha has turned it into a highly versatile base layer, which can be worn on its own inside or in summer - and under other layers for winter rides out. The blend of polyester in the material brings quick-drying qualities and makes the fabric more durable.£55 from Rapha
Fergus Scholes is a freelance journalist covering adventure and the great outdoors, with a focus on travel, gear, automotive, and health and fitness. A contributing editor at the Financial Times’ HTSI, he also writes for The Week, The Independent, The Standard, easyJet’s magazine and T3.com. His writing is driven by a passion for endurance; Fergus has rowed the Atlantic Ocean, completed multiple 250km-plus multiday ultra-marathons and regularly takes on ultra-distance cycling challenges, with training part of his daily life. Based in London, he’s a father of three with a particular affinity for Switzerland, where he spends summers and winters exploring the mountains with his family.
