Indoor cycling gear to keep you cool

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:

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Le Col x Wahoo indoor training bib shorts

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

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 Core cargo shorts

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