Cycling is an intense sport with many rewards. If you would like to seriously compete in cycling events, you must wear the best cycling gear for your body and your style of cycling. Here are a few things to consider if you are beginning to get into competition cycling:

• Cycling Helmet - A cycling helmet is your most important piece of cycling gear. Your choice of cycling helmet depends on the right combination of aerodynamics and ventilation. Choose a helmet that has a simple chin strap, keeps you cool with padding that wicks away moisture from your head, and has no drag to slow you down when in cycling. Also, choose a helmet that will hold a personal identity tag in case of an emergency during competition. 

• Cycling Shorts or Bib Cycling Shorts - The choice to wear cycling shorts or bib cycling shorts is personal preference. Cycling shorts are easy to get on and off and give you extra freedom in the waist and abdomen. Bib cycling shorts are as flexible as standard cycling shorts and you do not have to worry about your cycling shorts creeping up or down while you are on your bicycle. Cycling shorts are great when you are competing in warm weather and bib cycling shorts offer you extra warmth when competing in a cooler climate. If you buy both kinds of shorts, you can test each of them out in your practice runs before you get into completion in a specific location. 

• Cycling Jersey - A cycling jersey is worn to keep you cool or warm in different cycling locations and climates. Some cycling jerseys are vented for maximum breeze and cooling. Other cycling jerseys are padded for maximum warmth and protection from the wind or other weather. One or two cycling jerseys can be worn during competition and then taken off or put on while on the road. 

• Cycling Gloves - Your cycling gloves are your second most important pieces of cycling gear. Choose cycling gloves that pull on and do not have velcro straps or buckles to stay on your hands and wrists. Make sure your gloves give you adequate padding and stretchability for your particular hand grip and are flexible in any position. Also, look for gripper dots on your glove palms that help you to hold on to the hand grips on your bicycle when competing. 

• Cycling Accessories - You can always add extra gear during a competition when the weather changes or road conditions change. Arm and leg warmers can be added to protect your arms and legs from sun or wind burn. Elastic at the top and bottom of arm and leg warmers keep them in place while riding. Both arm and leg warmers can be easily stashed in a pocket to put on as needed while on the road. 

As with any active wear, you must be so comfortable with your cycling gear that you completely forget that you are wearing cycling gear. This will give you the freedom to concentrate on your body and your cycling. Whenever possible, wear layers of cycling clothing that can be put on or taken off as you work up to full competition exertion or the climate and weather changes during your ride. Try out different clothing and gear (from outlets such as Sarasota Cyclery Inc) during your practice runs on location to customize what you will wear during competition. Above all have fun and ride like the wind.