The most stylish cycling kit you need to shop if your bike is your new best friend
I’ve never been an avid cycler. In fact, pre-lockdown, I could’ve counted the times I’d sat on a bike as an adult on one hand. I couldn’t quite grasp why anyone would want to spend an hour on a bike of a morning when they could hop on a tube and be at their desk in ten.
Enter: Coronavirus - the virus which single handedly changed my mind. In fear of stepping foot on sweaty public transport any time soon, I began considering cycling as a feasible option for getting just about anywhere. And now I’m hooked. I’ve been cycling around parks most evenings after work, and I plan to use my bike in the city when I finally return to work. Take it from the most unlikely cycler of them all: it’s really good fun.
And I’m not alone in my new obsession. Brompton, the UK’s largest bike manufacturer who make almost 50,000 folding bikes every year have seen a staggering fivefold increase in online sales since the beginning of April. Halfords reported a 23% increase in share price, while the Association of Cycle Traders reported that up to 20,000 bikes which have already been sold are awaiting building and delivery. You can't argue with stats like those.
Collette Clensy, European Marketing Manager at female-dedicated cycling brand Liv told us: “We've seen unprecedented demand for cycling since lockdown; understandably people are looking at alternative ways to commute, exercise and get fresh air and cycling is the perfect solution.
“We think people will be motivated to embrace cycling as a better way to move for themselves and the environment. We're optimistic that demand will remain strong, with government investment to improve infrastructure for cycling and walking, people might just fall in love with two wheels.”
With the renaissance of cycling in mind, we’ve already paid homage to the best women’s bikes that money can buy, plus the best bikes for women under £300. We’ve also rounded up the best cycling helmets for women to keep you safe as you ride. (So important). Now? It's time to round up everything else that goes with it. We're talking water bottles, cycling shorts, genuinely stylish cycling jerseys and lights to keep you safe. If you’re as obsessed with cycling as many other millennial women now are, there’s a lot you can invest in to make your cycling experience that little bit more enjoyable.
In this edit you'll find a polka dot cycling jersey that wicks moisture off your skin as you sweat, our favourite ever cycling shorts from Girlfriend Collective, a stylish white cycling helmet from Kask and Nike's indoor cycling shoes in case you're avoiding the outdoors.
Here, we’ve rounded up all of the most stylish cycling accessories that money can buy - with a little bit about why you need them.
Best cycling jersey for women
Women's ELEMENT PRINT Short-Sleeve Cycling Jersey,
£50£34.95, OdloWhy you need it: Search far and wide and you won't find a cycling jersey as stylish as this one. It's currently in the Odlo sale, is designed to increase visibility in low-light situations and provides excellent moisture management. Read: it soaks up sweat as you go. Lovely.
Best padded cycling shorts
Women's ZEROWEIGHT CERAMICOOL PRO Cycling Shorts, £90, Odlo
Why you need them: Every cyclist needs a pair of padded cycling shorts if they're going to be embarking on long rides. They'll keep you comfortable as you go. But that's not all! These are the best padded cycling shorts for women because their Ceramicool technology actively cools your skin by up to 1°C so you can perform at optimal levels when temperatures are on the rise.
These are the best cycling shorts for women - loved by influencers and celebrities whether they're exercising or not.
Best cycling jersey for women
Women's ELEMENT Short-Sleeve Cycling Jersey, £50, Odlo
Why you need it: Not only does this cycling jersey look great, but it's breathable fabric allows you to cool naturally, while excellent moisture management wicks away any precipitation quickly and efficiently.
Best sustainable cycling shorts
Girlfriend Collective High Waisted Cycling Shorts in Foam, £40, The Sports Edit
Why you need them: Girlfriend Collective is the diverse, sustainable activewear brand that every influencer is obsessing over right now. These shorts are stylish, made sustainably and super high-waisted.
Best cycling shorts
Jordan Moto Women's Cycling Shorts, £37.95, Nike
Why you need them: Designed with a high-vis graphic from MJ's professional motorcycle racing team, the Jordan Moto Bike Shorts by Nike offer form-fitting comfort and support. They're durable, crafted from high-stretch fabric and in a length that's perfect for warmer weather.
Best bike helmet
Kask Rapido Road Helmet White, £68.99, Rutland Cycling
Why you need it: You need one of the best cycling helmets for women to keep you safe when you're riding your bike. No questions asked. This is one of the best, because the quality is exceptional but it is priced accessibly. The Kask Rapido was designed using the same in-moulding construction methods as Kask's premium road helmets to guarantee a maximum level of performance is delivered at all times. What's more, large air vents have been featured to optimise both aerodynamics and air flow. Read: keep your head nice and cool.
Check out our full edit of the best cycling helmets for women, which features a guide to buying a cycling helmet online.
Best cycling jacket
Women's DUAL DRY WATER RESISTANT Cycling Jacket, £120, Odlo
Why you need it: This cycling jacket is great for spring and summer cycling. It has visible reflective trims improve your visibility in lower-light conditions, and the fabric will keep you cool and dry.
Best indoor cycling shoes
Nike SuperRep Cycle, £104.95, Nike
Why you need it: If you prefer cycling indoors (on a spinning bike), these indoor cycling shoes are great. They have adjustable straps secure your foot during intense movement as you push forwards.
NB Rhythm N Run Bra, £35, New Balance
Why you need it: This sleek and stylish sports bra will not only add a welcome pop of colour to your cycle-to-work wardrobe, but wick away moisture in an instant - so you'll be dry by the time you reach the office. There are breathable mesh panels to keep you comfortable, while the high neck will ensure you feel covered and supported. New Balance, we applaud you.
The GLAMOUR-approved edit of the best sports bras for working out in.
Best water bottle for cycling
Elite Supercars Biodegradable Bottle, £4.99, Amazon
Why you need it: To stay hydrated! It's the best large volume water bottle around, meaning you can cycle for hours and stay hydrated. And we all know how good water is for our skin...
Best bike lights
Bookman LED Light, £9.99, Amazon
These Swedish designed bicycle lights are not only sleek and stylish, but rechargeable and surprisingly bright, too. You get one for the front and one for the back of your bike, to help keep you safe as you cycle.
Best gloves for cycling
Giro Women's Monica Gloves, from £38.75, Amazon
Why you need them: If you're cycling long distances, particularly in the summer, a pair of gloves will soak up sweat, meaning you can maintain a safe grip on your handlebars at all times. This is the best pair for women.
Best trainers
Fresh Foam Tempo, £110, New Balance
Why you need it: If you're on the hunt for a pair of trainers which you can run in, do a HIIT workout in, walk in and cycle in - these are it. They're one of NB's bestselling styles for a reason, engineered for responsive lightweight comfort and support from your heel to your toe.
These are the best running shoes to buy now and wear forever.
Best cycling hip pack
Why you need it: To carry your essentials, wherever you're riding. It's ventilated, adjustable and comfortable to wear. Oh, and it's bigger than it looks - three litres, to be exact - and can carry two full-sized water bottles if you don't have a bottle cage.
Best cycling socks
RU4 Cool Short Women Running Socks, £18, Falke
Why you need them: Great for running and cycling, the RU4 socks by Falke are available in seven different colours. They're padded, breathable and have mesh zones at the instep for maximum cooling properties. They're also moisture-wicking and moulded perfectly to the shape of your foot.
Best bike lock
Hiplok SPIN Wearable Chain Lock, £33.42, Wiggle
Why you need it: There are lots of different kinds of bike locks, from cable locks to chain locks, but there's one thing that sets this product apart: it can be worn around your waist, so you don't actually need to carry a bag or waist pack.
Best triathlon cycling shoes
Shimano Women's TR5 Triathlon Cycling Shoes, £98.99, Wiggle
Why you need them: Serious about cycling? Normal trainers won't cut it. This pair of triathlon cycling shoes offer a high-level performance at any accessible price. And they're surprisingly comfy even without socks. They support optimum peddling, won't slip as you cycle and, in short, help you go faster.
Best bottle cage
Zefal Spring Bottle Cage, £3.25, Wiggle
Why you need it: You've gotta stay hydrated as you cycle. That's a given. But if you don't want to carry a rucksack, where can you hold you water bottle? This bike cage is the answer. It's strong and flexible and, at only 46g, one of the lightest bottle cages on the market. It can be fitted to most bikes.
Best base layer
Drynamo Cycle Sleeve Base Layer, £49.95, Megmeister
Why you need it: It goes beneath your cycling jersey (or can be worn alone in the summer) to keep you comfy. It is made from a moisture wicking fabric and boasts light insulation and a comfortable seam free fit.
