Читать книгу The Lancashire Cycleway. The tour and 17 day rides онлайн

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Cycling is healthy, sociable and above all fun

Clothing

Having just discussed saddles, let’s consider the bit that sits thereon. In warm weather shorts are great, but neither everyday nor running shorts are designed for cycling. Proper cycling shorts are cut for comfort when riding, and have padding in the crucial area. You can also buy padded inner-shorts which you can wear under ordinary trousers or tracksuit bottoms. Close-fitting, stretchy tracksuit bottoms are OK but baggy ones will catch on chains and gears and make your life a misery. In fact, baggy clothes in general will flap infuriatingly at speed and act like a sail when the wind’s against you. Cycling shorts (or those padded inners) go next to the skin. Do not wear underwear beneath them: this grievous faux pas is potentially painful.

Shoes are equally important. A firm sole unit ensures that effort is transmitted to the pedals, and that the pedals don’t feel like they’re cutting into your feet after an hour or two. Trainers are not necessarily better than traditional shoes: it can be worth going through your wardrobe with an open mind. Cycling shoes are, of course, made specifically for the job. Out-and-out racing shoes can be difficult to walk in: mountain bike or touring shoes are better.