Warming Accessories

It’s strange, but cyclists perfer to use socks that are made specifically for the sport. Newcomers to the sport may ask, ‘What’s the difference?’ There are two answers for this: the thin sole of the sock and the upper design. The sole needs to be thin to provide an optimal fit for cycling shoes - these shoes need to be as fitted as possible on the feet, more so than normal shoes. The upper of cycling socks are normally quite high and constructed using a hard-wearing fabric that maintains its elasticity. Most other socks use a soft upper whereas cycling socks needs to withstand varying conditions that may include rain and road grime.

As their name suggests, shoe covers are worn over shoes to protect from wind and rain. They take different forms – from reinforced socks (oversocks) to booties using thermal, wind and waterproof fabrics. Light, lycra versions are also used during time trials to assist in aerodynamics.

Arm, leg and knee warmers are tubular garments designed to wrap around each of these body parts respectively in order to keep an exposed area of the body protected. Great for changing weather conditions or during ‘transitional’ seasons, they are normally constructed using the polyamid/polyester Roubaix fabric. The top sections sit underneath either the jersey or shorts and add warmth to an outfit.