How to dress the upper body for cycling in summer, on the road or on the mountain bike?

In summer, a bib short (road and MTB XC) or a short (MTB leisure, All Mountain, Enduro, DH, Freeride) and a jersey are enough to cover the kilometres on a bike when conditions are favourable. However, the weather can turn unpredictable even in the summer season and, above all, current technologies can bring an extra level of comfort where you least expect it. Here are some tips for adapting your outfit to your discipline.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SUMMER UPPER BODY CLOTHING

• The type of garment: technical base layer, jersey, gilet, jacket
• Materials: Merino wool, polyester and its variations, technical membranes

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR THE UPPER BODY IN SUMMER

THE TYPE OF GARMENT

Technical base layer

We do not often think about it, but wearing a base layer in summer can be very useful. The technical base layer will help wick away perspiration and keep the body cool by ensuring good air circulation. Very lightweight, these mesh base layers are generally available in both short-sleeve and sleeveless versions depending on the temperature range.

Jersey

Representing the second layer of the system, the jersey will be more or less thick. With a cut more or less fitted depending on the discipline, it is generally equipped with a zip closure (full-length on road and XC, and ¼ or ½ on MTB) in order to modulate ventilation. It often integrates several practical details, such as rear pockets (including a zipped one on top-of-the-range models) on road bikes, and a square of microfibre fabric to clean glasses on MTB. Some jerseys use a material that provides more pronounced thermal protection and are intended for transitional seasons when temperatures can drop noticeably at the beginning or end of the day. Conversely, there are very lightweight jerseys, perfect for the mountains (climbing a pass or a steep ascent) and high temperatures.
It should be noted that for several years now, MTB jerseys have been adopting an increasingly tailored cut to follow the shape of the rider in action, so as not to shift and to ensure total freedom of movement. Stretch fabrics, in two or even four directions, are also increasingly lightweight while being extremely robust, with particular emphasis on abrasion resistance, especially on the back where repeated friction from a backpack can quickly degrade the fabric.

Gilet

A small gilet, with a zip closure, can also help keep you warm when the temperature is unstable. Sleeveless, it ensures good ventilation and provides just the right touch of comfort. Very rarely used in MTB (except in XC), this gilet is particularly useful on the road, especially for tackling mountain descents calmly. And when you no longer need it, you simply fold it away into the rear pocket of your jersey.

Jacket

A ride can start very early in the morning, when the sun is barely visible and temperatures are still cool. Altitude also has its surprises on the weather front. A lightweight jacket, with at minimum windproof properties, can provide thermal comfort depending on the materials and membrane used. Once the sun is up, it is easy to roll it up and find space for it in the backpack or even in a jersey pocket, provided it is packable. Similarly, for unpredictable bad weather such as sudden showers, a waterproof yet breathable jacket is a good choice.

MATERIALS

While cotton is pleasant when dry and does not encourage bad odours, it does not dry quickly enough when you start to perspire. Best avoided, therefore.

- Merino wool, contrary to popular belief, is not only designed to keep you warm. In summer, it can on the contrary keep the rider cool. Furthermore, it naturally has anti-odour properties. It is mainly used in technical base layers, as a first layer.

- Polypropylene: lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, it draws perspiration away to the outside and is not affected by repeated machine washes. It is found almost exclusively in technical base layers.

- Polyamide has very good moisture absorption and drying capabilities. Often used in combination with elastane, it ensures a soft feel and perfectly follows the contours of your body for total freedom of movement. This material can be found in both base layers and jerseys.

- Polyester, and all its variations, remains the most widely used fabric. Favouring ventilation and quick drying, lightweight yet robust, it is perfectly suited to technical jerseys. Manufacturers often add anti-odour and antibacterial components for optimal comfort, ride after ride.

- Finally, one can find, mainly in jackets, various technical membranes offering protection against wind, moisture and/or rain. Windstopper (for wind) and Gore-Tex® (for rain and wind) membranes are the most widely used, although many manufacturers also have their own membranes.

WHAT CLOTHING SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR THE UPPER BODY IN SUMMER ACCORDING TO MY DISCIPLINE?

While the same jersey can be used for several disciplines, a few specific characteristics are worth noting:

Hiking

A relatively loose cut provides comfort and appreciable freedom of movement. Generous rear pockets potentially allow you to do without a backpack on MTB rides and avoid overloading your bike. In MTB, an anti-abrasion and anti-tear fabric, resistant to branch strikes, will help your investment last longer! Sleeves can be short in summer, or three-quarter length to provide more forearm protection.

Cross-Country

A close-fitting jersey, very lightweight and breathable, complemented by a sleeveless base layer, lets the lungs of the Cross-Country competitor work at full capacity! Compact pockets are sufficient to carry a few gels and energy bars. The zip should be easy to operate to allow the rider to regulate their temperature as events unfold.

All-Mountain

A relaxed or even loose fit is the norm in All-Mountain. Sleeves are short, three-quarter or long: the important thing is to allow enough room to be able to wear elbow pads, or even back protection, under the jersey. A reinforced fabric to withstand crashes and carrying the bike on your shoulders is no luxury. For rides at altitude, a compact windproof jacket, ideally water-repellent or waterproof, is not something to overlook.

Enduro

Here, three-quarter or long sleeves are preferable. A loose cut will leave room for protection but will be relatively fitted to avoid catching on obstacles at high speed, particularly in narrow sections. A water-repellent windbreaker can be a valuable ally when rain arrives. Waiting times before the start of Enduro stages, during races, can sometimes be lengthy. A base layer that provides a little thermal comfort is then very welcome.

DH / Freeride

Long sleeves and a loose fit to accommodate full protection are well suited to DH / Freeride. We do, however, notice a return to close-fitting outfits on the world Downhill circuit. While the international leaders of the discipline are racing with margins of hundredths of a second, in a more modest riding context, we recommend prioritising comfort and freedom of movement! And, of course, style... This does not prevent you from choosing a technical fabric that is both breathable and crash-resistant.

Road

A close-fitting jersey ensures less wind resistance. On the road, the absence of a backpack is compensated for by well-thought-out rear pockets, one of which may be zipped to protect a phone or keys. The jersey's zip closure, often full-length, makes it easy to regulate body temperature. Lightweight, breathable, with ventilation inserts, the road jersey also provides UV protection. Choosing a one-piece suit, i.e. a bib short and jersey combined, is possible. The risks of chafing and overlapping between different garments are reduced.

Gravel and Cyclocross

In Gravel, a technical and comfortable outfit that protects against moisture for long rides is suitable. Competitors will turn to both road and MTB Cross-Country clothing, depending on their personal feel and sartorial taste.