Cycling Clothing
Road cycling clothing from Zoot: jerseys, bib shorts, vests, jackets and base layers, cut close for long hours in the saddle. Our bib shorts and aero jerseys are made from Italian fabrics. Below you will find what a road kit needs, what to wear at which temperature, which kit suits road, gravel and triathlon training and answers to common questions.
What a road cycling kit needs
Two pieces do most of the work: a jersey and padded shorts. Everything else depends on the weather. Our cycling clothing comes in men's and women's cuts; you will find them on the pages for men's cycling clothing and women's cycling clothing.
- Cycling jerseys: close-fitting tops in breathable fabric with three or four rear pockets for food, a pump and a phone, and a full-length zip for venting on climbs.
- Bib shorts and cycling shorts: the chamois is the most important part of your kit. It cushions the contact points with the saddle and reduces friction. Bib straps keep the shorts in place without a tight waistband.
- Vests and jackets: wind and rain protection for descents, early starts and changeable days.
- Base layers and arm and knee warmers: small pieces that extend your summer kit into spring and autumn.
What to wear at which temperature
Layering works better than one thick garment: you can open a zip, roll up a vest or take off arm warmers as the day warms up. As a starting point for road rides:
| Temperature | Kit |
|---|---|
| Above 20 °C | Short-sleeve jersey and bib shorts. On long rides in strong sun, a Sun Stop long-sleeve jersey with UPF 50+ and a cooling interior. |
| 14 to 20 °C | Add a base layer, arm warmers and a vest for the descents. |
| 8 to 14 °C | A thermal jersey, knee or leg warmers and a vest or jacket. |
| Below 8 °C | The Elite Hallocore thermal jersey with Hallocore bib tights and the Elite Cycle Jacket on top. |
Our vests and jackets combine a wind- and waterproof front with a mesh back, so heat can escape on the climbs. A two-way zip lets you reach your jersey pockets without opening them fully.
Road, gravel or triathlon training
- Road: aero jerseys and bib shorts with a close, race fit for fast group rides and long weekends in the saddle.
- Gravel: the Recon range and our cargo bibs have pockets on the legs and on the bib upper, so you can carry food and tools for long days on mixed surfaces.
- Triathlon training: most bike training happens in a jersey and bib shorts, because the thicker chamois is more comfortable over several hours. On race day you switch to a tri suit with a thin chamois that works for the swim and the run as well.
How Zoot cycling clothing fits
- Our LTD and Elite garments are cut race fit: close to the body so nothing flaps in the wind, with silicone grippers at the hem and on the legs.
- If you prefer less compression or are between two sizes, choose the next size up.
- The Core shorts and the Core+ jersey are cut more relaxed and are a good start if you are new to cycling clothing.
FAQ
Do you wear underwear under cycling shorts?
No. The chamois is designed to sit directly on the skin. Underwear adds seams in exactly the places where the saddle creates pressure and friction.
What do you wear under a cycling jersey?
On warm days nothing, or a very light base layer that moves sweat away from the skin. In cooler weather a base layer keeps you dry, which is what keeps you warm on the descent.
How often should you wash bib shorts?
After every ride. Wash them inside out on a gentle cycle without fabric softener and let them air dry. That keeps the chamois hygienic and the fabric elastic.
Is road cycling clothing different from mountain bike clothing?
Yes. Road clothing is cut close to the body to reduce drag and is built for long hours in one position. Mountain bike clothing is looser and tougher. For gravel, our Recon range sits in between.
