Jerseys

A good cycling jersey is made from a moisture wicking fabric, has a front zipper for ventilation control, is close fitting and has handy pockets on the back.

Lots of women prefer the fit of Unisex jerseys, knicks and even bib knicks. So don't think that men get all the luck, with many more designs.

Fabric
Cycling jerseys are made from moisture wicking fabric. The material and weave of the fabric work together to wick (move) moisture from your skin to the outside of the fabric, where it evaporates as the wind rushes past you as you cycle.  

If you do not believe me, try cycling on a warm day in a T Shirt, then try a cycling jersey. Your T shirt will be like a wet rag and you will feel hot and wet. Your cycling jersey will be drier on the inside and make you feel drier and more comfortable. 

Double up the benefits of moisture wicking, by wearing a coolmax undershirt under your jersey. White jerseys can sometimes be see-thru – this can be rectified if you wear an undershirt.

The jersey color you choose is up to you, however consider that reflective piping/panels/print and bright colors to make you highly visible to others.

Cut 
Cycling jerseys are made in mens/unisex and womens cuts. Womens' jerseys are shaped to fit curves, have shorter arms and have looser elastic around the waist.

The mens/ unisex cut is for men and women. This cut assumes a straighter shape, with less difference between waist and hip dimensions. Plenty of women prefer the more relaxed fit of the unisex cut.  

Most cycling jerseys come with three handy pockets on the back, which are useful for stowing discarded outer layers of clothing, keys, money or a snack …

We have jerseys to fit men and women with chest measurements up to 120cm. There is no reason why larger men and women should miss out on the benefits of wearing a cycling jersey. 

Cycling jerseys come with a front zip of varying length. Some cyclists prefer the short zip for comfort (no zip down stomach) while others prefer the full length zip for better ventilation control and easy on/off.

Most cycling jerseys come with three handy pockets on the back, which are useful for stowing discarded outer layers of clothing, keys, money or a snack. Some jerseys have a security zip pocket for a key, credit card or money.

Most cycling jerseys have an elastic waist and armbands, to keep the jersey in position and to reduce wind-drag. They are generally close fitting to reduce flapping, or the chance of snagging on a passing branch.

The back of a cycling jersey is longer than the front, so that when you are bent over in a cycling position, your back is not exposed. Some more relaxed fit jerseys have a loose waist or no elastic on the armbands. 

Ultra Violet Protection Factor (UPF)
Many of us are concerned with protecting our skin from harmful UV radiation.

From an Australian government website :http://www.arpansa.gov.au/is_protct.htm

What does a UPF rating mean?

In Australia on clear summer days people with unprotected fair skin can receive enough UVR to exceed recommended exposure limits and cause a sunburn in about 15 minutes. If their skin is covered with a garment, the UVR exposure they accumulate will be significantly reduced.

For example, wearing a well designed garment with a UPF rating of 20 will reduce solar UVR exposure to the skin beneath the garment by a factor of 20.

Another way of looking at UPF ratings is that a fabric with a UPF rating of 15 will only allow one fifteenth of the UVR to pass through it; A UPF 20 fabric will only allow one twentieth of the UVR to pass through it, and so on.

What affects the UPF of a fabric?

·         Different fabrics have different UVR-absorbing properties.

·         Less UVR passes through tightly woven or knitted fabrics.

·         Darker colours usually block more UVR.

·         Heavier weight fabrics usually block more UVR than light fabrics of the same type.

·         Garments that are overstretched, wet or worn out may have reduced UVR protection.

If you are interested in learning more about UR radiation protection you may wish to download the full ARPANSA fact sheet. http://www.arpansa.gov.au/pubs/factsheets/014.pdf

Some of the garments that we stock have had the UPF rating of their jersey tested by Australian authorities. The Netti sunshield range has a UPF of 50, which offers excellent sun protection. The garment has a high collar and long sleeves. A fem and unisex style is available. They are $59.95.

The Netti sunshield range has a UPF of 50, which offers excellent sun protection.

A short sleeve version is stocked too. The Breeze is available in a fem and unisex style, as well as kids sizing in a range of colors. they are $49.95 and $39.95 (kids).

Sleeve Length
Cycling jerseys are available with three sleeve lengths; 

1 Sleeveless jerseys are worn in the height of summer, for a cool result. Some cyclists like that they do not get a tan line. Sleeveless jerseys do not have elastic around the armhole. Wear a sleeveless undershirt for improved moisture wicking and to protect your jersey from sweat stains. 

2 Short sleeve jerseys are most common. They can be worn year round. In winter keep comfortable with arm warmers. Short sleeve jerseys provide better sun protection and better protection if you come off your bike. They generally have elastic around the sleeve. Wear a shortsleeve undershirt for improved moisture wicking and to protect your jersey from sweat stains. 

3 Long sleeve jerseys are worn in summer for sun protection and in winter for warmth. They generally have a full length front zip. They are made from different weight fabrics. The heavier weight fabrics with soft fleecy lining are designed for cool weather. The lighter fabrics are designed to give you sun protection. 

Why wear a cycling jersey?
Cycling jerseys are designed to be moisture wicking. The fabric knit is designed to move moisture from the skin to the out layer, where it can evaporate. Cycling jerseys are designed to keep you drier and more comfortable. Wear an undershirt under your jersey to further enhance your comfort. 

Cycling jerseys are generally designed to be close fitting, to reduce wind drag. Loose fit jerseys are available for cyclists who have a more relaxed outlook. MTB cyclists generally prefer a looser fit jersey. 

Cycling jerseys are generally designed to be close fitting, to reduce wind drag....

The three pockets on the back of a cycling jersey are really handy, for holding food, spare tube or extra clothing. 

Jersey color choice is personal preference. Cycling jerseys are often made from very bright colors and prints for safety and visibility. Some cyclists prefer to have a jersey that matches their bike, their helmet or knicks. Others choose a jersey simply because they like the color or design. 

Who wears cycling jerseys?
Cycling jerseys are worn by men, women and children of all ages. We even have jerseys suitable for 6 year olds. 

Cycling jerseys are worn by ‘roadies’, recreational, commuting and mountain bike cyclists for their moisture wicking properties and convenience. 

There are lots of different designs of cycling jerseys available. Plain colored Netti Breeze jerseys are available to suit a 120cm chest. Trade team jerseys from Italian brand SMS Santini are available so that you can look just like a pro or show your support for Aussie cyclists in Euro teams. You are sure to be able to find something that suits your requirements. 

How should they feel?
Generally, a cycling jersey should be close fitting but not restrictive. If it is uncomfortable to wear with the front zip done all the way up, feel free to wear it slightly undone. There are no hard and fast rules.  

For those who are shy about their various lumps, bumps and tummy rolls, we suggest a looser cut jersey such as the Uno club jersey, the Netti fem Iris or the Netti Breeze. 

For woman, if the fem cut does not look right or feel comfortable, give the unisex cut a try. 

Knicks & bibknicks

Knicks, knix, shorts – whatever we call them, most cyclists wear them. New cyclists ask what are they and why wear them? 

Knicks and bibknicks are generally made from lycra, have a synthetic padded insert and are anatomically cut to follow body shape. Knicks generally have an elastic or silicon leg gripper to keep the leg section from sliding and causing discomfort. Getting a proper pair of knicks should be your top priority.

Fabric
Knicks are made from a variety of lycra grades. Generally, the more you pay, the higher grade of lycra. 

Uno ¾ knicks are also made from lycra. 

Winter tights or longs are made from Roubaix, super Roubaix (a thicker, warmer fabric with a brushed finish on the inside provide extra warmth in winter without bulk.

Make sure you get the grade of fabric to suit your riding conditions. 

Leg Length
Knicks are generally short, with the leg length generally ending at the base of the thigh. This length provides great muscle compression and warmth for the muscles that are doing most of the work. 

¾ length knicks are often preferred by some men and women who like the extra length for various reasons including extra warmth, protection from scratches while mountain biking or even for modesty. 

Full length longs or tights are made from a warm fabric such as Roubaix (pronounced roobay). They generally have an ankle zip or stirrup and a padded insert. They are great to wear on cold days, when it is going to be cold for your entire ride. 

Construction
Knicks are close fitting lycra shorts with padding. Bibknicks have shoulder straps and no elastic around the stomach. Cheaper, poor design knicks are constructed from 6 fabric panels or 4 panel – better designs are made from 8 panels, which means there is no inner leg seam to cause rubbing and their contoured panels provide great fit.

Knicks originally came with a suede chamois, which required hours of care in order to keep nice and soft. Knicks now mostly come with an easy care synthetic padded insert. The insert may be ‘4 way stretch’ to provide extra comfort. Inserts ideally will have different thickness padding (like the 3d coolmax insert in Uno club knicks), to provide more padding where it is needed most.

knicks originally came with a suede chamois, which required hours of care in order to keep nice and soft....

There are fem and mens/unisex designs to choose from. The fem cut is generally lower waisted with a smaller thigh dimension. For men, if the unisex cut is all baggy around the thigh, don’t be shy – try the fem cut. It may be more comfortable. Same goes for women – there is no need to wear a pair of knicks that make you feel like your leg circulation has been cut. Go for the unisex cut, which has a bigger thigh dimension. 

An elastic strip with rubber grippers or a bead of silicon on the inside of the legs holds them in place and prevents them from riding up or causing chafing.

Some designs now have reflective panels or piping for better visibility. 

Undiknix, such as those made by Netti, are designed to be worn instead of underwear, under your normal clothing. They are made from polycotton and have a padded insert. You can still get the benefits of wearing padded shorts while wearing your normal street or work clothes. Strap on some Velcro reflective strips around your ankles to keep your pants out of the chain and hey presto – you are ready to go. 

Why wear knicks?
Knicks are close fitting shorts which feel great on, provide muscle compression where it counts and most importantly don’t get mixed up with chains etc. Stretchy fabric allows great freedom of movement, while the moisture wicking properties draw moisture away from your skin

Knicks come with an antibacterial padded insert which is great for your health and comfort. A padded insert at the crotch, called a chamois or insert. An insert will sometimes have an antibacterial treatment as well as offering moisture transfer properties, most effective when worn without underwear. By not wearing underwear you will prevent chafing caused by friction from the seams rubbing on your skin.

Who wears knicks?
Knicks are worn by men, women and children of all ages. We even have cute little knicks suitable for 6 year olds. 

You don’t have to be a lycra lizard to enjoy the benefits of a good pair of knicks. Recreational, commuting and mountain bike cyclists wear knicks because the padded shorts make the ride more comfortable. 

Traditionally, bib knicks have been worn by cyclists in Europe for many years. They are the garment of choice for most serious cyclists as well as lots of recreational cyclists who choose comfort. Bib knicks are a great choice for larger cyclists, since they are more forgiving around the waist and don’t roll down. Bib knicks ensure that your lower back is never exposed. Best of all they are comfortable!

 UNO club knicks are also great to wear at your spin classes (stationary cycling classes often held at your local gym).

Some cyclists prefer to wear ‘shy’ shorts, which are a normal looking casual pair of shorts with lots of handy pockets that come with a pair of knicks. Padded baggy shorts are great for a casual look, having an inner, close fitting, padded layer and a loose fitting outer layer. Because these shorts have two layers they are hotter than single layered knicks. However, for the lycra shy cyclist, they are perfect.

If you are shy about riding in lycra, you may wish to try a cheaper pair of knicks such as Uno club knicks or Netti undiknix and wear them under your shorts or tracky. 

How should they feel?
Knicks are worn without underwear. Wearing underwear under your knicks removes the antibacterial benefits your knicks offer. Underwear introduces seams which can cause painful abrasions. 

Knicks should feel firm but not uncomfortable. The leg gripper should be firm but not constrictive. 

The waist should be comfortable. You definitely do not want something tight and constrictive around the waist. 

Try on several different designs of knicks, to find one that suits you. For some men, the fem cut may be more suitable. The opposite is true for many women.  

Unisex knicks - see more knicks for both men and women, to sizes XXXL (Australian sizing)
Fem knicks - see our range of fem knicks
Shy Shorts
 

Arm and Leg Warmers

Arm and leg warmers are close fitting garments that are easily put on to add warmth and taken off once you have warmed up.  

Fabric
Arm and leg warmers are generally made from Roubaix (say roobay) which is a soft and warm fabric. 

Cut
Arm and leg warmers have been designed for an anatomical fit. They are fitted and shaped garments, contoured so they fit correctly and look and feel great. 

Features
Arm warmers have good quality grippers made from elastic or silicon rubber designed to keep the arm warmer secure at the top of your arm, just under the sleeve of your short sleeve jersey. 

Leg warmers also have an elastic or silicon rubber gripper to keep the leg warmer secure on your leg, so that they do not fall down while you are cycling. 

Arm and leg warmers have flat stitched seams for comfort.  

Ankle zips on the leg warmers allow you to remove them without removing your shoes.  

Some arm and leg warmers have reflective logos for visibility in low light conditions. 

Arm and leg warmers are available in a range of sizes, generally from XS to XL. 

Arm and leg warmers are generally black, although we do try to stock white and royal blue arm warmers. White arm warmers give great visibility. Give the netti ones a go.  

Why wear arm or leg warmers?
Arm and leg warmers are a must for any cyclist. They are worn to give added warmth and protection from the wind and rain. They will not keep you dry, but they will keep you warmer. When you have warmed up, take them off and stow them in your back pocket. 

Who wears arm and leg warmers?
Arm and leg warmers are worn by ‘roadies’, recreational, commuting and mountain bike cyclists for their convenience and comfort. 

How should they feel?
Like most cycling clothing, arm and leg warmers should be close fitting but not restrictive. The elastic gripper should be firm yet comfortable. Like any elastic fabric, they will eventually stretch to some degree.

Mitts

Cycling mitts are fingerless gloves. Cycling mitts will relieve some of the pressure on your hands while riding, as well as providing protection (if you fall off).

Mitts will have:

• Padded palms.
• Grip to provide better grip on handlebars.
• Fingerless design, giving better dexterity for changing gears etc, and to increase ventilation and cooling.
• Long fingered design for winter.

Fabric
Cycling mitts are made from synthetic moisture wicking fabric and synthetic suede. 

Uno has three grades of mitts, offering a range of fabric grade and degree of padding. 

The club mitt is the most affordable. It is constructed from a thin, stretchy fabric, making it great to wear in the summer. It provides padding and grip on the palm and towelling thumb fabric which is great for wiping away sweat. 

The intermediate mitt is constructed from a thicker fabric and has thicker padding and grip. It too, has thumb fabric made from towelling for wiping away sweat. 

The progel mitt is constructed from the same thicker fabric. It has thick gel inserts on the palm, shaped to provide great grip and sweat removal. The progel mitt also has a towelling thumb. The progel mitt has reflective piping for visibility. 

Cut
Fingerpulls’ allow easy removal of the gloves. When you are hot and sweaty, they can feel like they are glued to your hand. These handy fingerpulls allow you too tug the gloves off with relative ease. 

Why wear cycling mitts?
Cycling mitts are worn to protect your hands from vibration, cold, wind, sun and the tarmac. Mitts with padding absorb vibration. Mitts provide protection for your hands if you fall or are knocked off you bike, or scrape past trees etc while riding. 

Who wears cycling mitts?
Cycling mitts are worn by men, women and children of all ages. 

Cycling mitts are worn by ‘roadies’, recreational, commuting and mountain bike cyclists for comfort, warmth and safety. 

Would you believe that cycling mitts are also worn by weight lifters, gym enthusiasts, rowers and yachties? 

How should they feel?
Cycling mitts are available in a huge range of sizing. They should be firm yet not restrictive. They should not form folds across the top of the hand when your hand is flat.

Shoes, Helmet and Bike

Softer-soled shoes and sneakers can cause foot pain, toe-tingling, or numbness through pedal pressure on the foot. Stiffer-soled shoes minimize possible foot pressure problems. Wearing cycling shoes increases the efficiency of energy transfer between your legs and the bike. Your bikes pedals may have clips, so you will need to buy cycling shoes designed to be used with cleats.

A well designed, close fitting helmet is essential. In Australia all cyclists are required by law to wear bicycle helmets when riding in public places such as roads, bicycle paths, bicycle lanes, shared and separated footpaths, recreational parks and car parks. Research shows bicycle helmets greatly reduce the risk of head injuries, which are the major cause of death and injury to cyclists.

When selecting a bicycle helmet be sure that:

• it has the Australian Standards Mark TM AS 2063, AS/NZS 2063.
• it fits firmly and comfortably on your head and cannot be tilted in any direction.
• the straps can be adjusted so there is no slack when they are fastened.
• it has plenty of vents to allow air flow over the head, providing coolness and ventilation.

Be sure to replace your helmet ever 4 to 5 years, since the protective layer of foam deteriorates over time.

Find a good bike shop near you, with knowledgeable, friendly staff to help you choose the right bike for you. A good bike shop will be staffed by regular riders, who know what makes a good bike, to ensure your rides are comfortable and safe.

Accessories  

New cyclists are amazed at the number of and variety of accessories that are available to make their hobby, exercise or mode of transport more comfortable and enjoyable.

Spray jacket

A lightweight spray jacket that you can screw up into a tiny ball and stuff in your back pocket on every ride is a must. Useful to keep you dry for short periods in light rain, a light spray jacket will also help keep you warm and protected from the wind if surprised by a change of weather.

Spray Jacket - see UNOs range of spray, shower and rain jackets. There is one for every occasion, starting at just $29.95 for the spray jacket pictured.

Ear warmer

This close-fitting Roubaix® ear warmer is designed to fit snuggly under your helmet over your ears, helping to keep you warm and comfortable, while allowing heat dissipation through the top of your head. Ear warmers are also great to wear while walking, gardening or doing other exercise.

Features:

Made from Roubaix®
Keeps you warm and comfortable

Colors available: black
Sizes available: one size

Shoe covers, Lycra  

The Uno Lycra® shoe covers keep out about 80% of the cold and are designed to fit road shoes of most sizes. Made from the best quality DuPont Lycra®, the aero-dynamic design not only looks great but also keeps your feet warm and comfortable.

Features:

Made from DuPont® Lycra

Colors available: red, black, white, blue, dark blue, black with yellow binding
Sizes available: one size fits most

Shoe covers, Windstopper

For the cyclist who just has to ride - no matter how cold or wet - the Windstopper offers high-end performance, warmth and comfort. Our design team has made a winter shoe cover that keeps your feet dry and warm, using three-layer Windstopper® material, a Velcro strap at the top for a snug fit around the ankle, and a full zip for ease of taking on and off. Although these wind-proof shoe covers are not water-proof, they will keep your feet warm even after they get wet.

Features:

Made from three-layer Windstopper®
Full separating zip for easy on and off
Velcro strap at top for snug fitting
Cut away sole exposes cleat and heal
Not intended to be worn walking – only for use while riding!

Colors available: black
Sizes available: standard shoe sizes

Under helmet skull cap

This close-fitting Roubaix® accessory is designed to fit snuggly under your helmet, helping to keep you warm and comfortable. One size fits all.

Colors available: black
Sizes available: one size

Bandana pantani

The summer bandana is manufactured from quality Air Flow material which removes the sweat, keeping you cool and dry. Worn under the helmet, the bandana also helps prevent sunburn of the back of the neck. Looks great, feels great and one size fits all. This was one of the most popular items on the Great Victorian Bike Ride! One size fits all.

Features:

Made from quality AirFlow material
Prevents sunburn on the back of the neck

Colors available: orange, red, black and white
Sizes available: one size

Socks cycling, UNO

Cycling Clothing Care

Cycling clothing can be made from delicate fabrics that can be damaged by harsh treatment, such as washing with rough velcro.

Washing Care 

Turn garment inside out 

Close any zips 

Close any velcro – best separate such garments from the rest of the wash by using a washing bag 

Use a gentle washing cycle 

Use a gentle soap e.g. Woolmix 

Do not tumbler dry nor hang in direct sunlight