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My first cycling jersey was a Team PDM replica from Ultima. I knew next to nothing about cycling gear; I just thought it looked good on Sean Kelly. But when I first wore it on a hot day, I began to realize its shortcomings. Thick, tightly woven synthetic fabrics look luxurious on the hanger, but they wick away sweat when you wear them, making them feel warmer and heavier than chain mail. And any designer who thought a quarter-zip would be breathable enough for summer should wear one to climb Mount Lemmon in Tucson on a July afternoon.
I am a firm believer in the idea that “all clothes are cycling clothes”. At the same time, it is an undeniable fact that thermal gear can make summer riding more comfortable. I prefer to ride early in the morning when it is cool. But this is not always possible. Fortunately, many cycling clothing brands have a different point of view than the sadistic madman who invented the old PDM jersey. There are many styles of cycling clothing designed for hot summers.
Here’s my go-to gear for road and mountain biking (most of which is available in men’s and women’s versions). Some of this gear is in my closet and has served me well for a long time. The rest is stuff I look for based on my 25 years of testing experience. All of this gear is ideal for intense riding in hot weather.
These aptly named bibs are made from a sheer fabric that’s been treated with Schoeller’s Coldblack UV-reflective coating to reduce heat build-up. The suspenders are made from a thin, lightweight mesh that won’t trap sweat, and the suede pads (the same as Rapha’s other top shorts) are perforated to help them dry faster. All of this makes them ideal for hot-weather outdoor riding, and they can double as Zwift kit in winter. It’s important to note, though, that the emphasis on breathability comes at the expense of durability. Saddle contact and regular washing will cause the thin material of the shorts to wear out faster than standard fabrics. And be careful with the mesh straps, which aren’t as stretchy as Lycra straps. If you’re not gentle enough, the stitching could rip.
Fashionable riders love this Australian brand for its creative graphics, like the bold color-blocked design on the Vector Pro Air. But the brand’s appeal goes far beyond that. To create the perfect combination of sun protection and comfortable cooling, the designers created the Vector Pro Air using a variety of Bluesign-certified fabrics. The main body is made from a denser micro-perforated mesh that combines UV protection (UPF50+) and breathability, while the side panels are made from a sheer mesh material. Even the pocket fabric is perforated. At 110 grams, this garment is perfect for hot weather.
For sunny summer roads and gravel, I like a cover that works as well as or better than thick chemical sunscreen. Many brands have sleeves. Pearl’s sleeves are made from lightweight, stretchy fabric that provides UPF50+ sun protection, so you won’t feel stuffy even in direct midday sunlight. Even better: They’re reasonably priced, come in white and bright yellow, and come in five sizes to fit a variety of body types, from svelte WorldTour riders to power-armed linebackers.
Technical socks are notoriously expensive. If you’re going to pay $20 for a pair (one pair!), you can definitely buy socks that cost more than this pair. The breathable mesh knit fabric is breathable and lightweight, yet durable thanks to the reinforcements at the heel and toe. This lightweight fabric is perfect for hot weather when you need more room in the toe area. While they only come in basic solid colors and don’t have any trendy styles, their six colorways mean they can go with almost any outfit.
The first thing you’ll notice about the S-Works Vent is how lightweight it is (the brand says each pair weighs just 223 grams in a size 42). Flip them over and you’ll see why: The Swiss cheese-shaped outsole allows for maximum air circulation. Don’t worry, it’s still plenty durable. The shoe features the same non-stretch Dyneema upper as the regular S-Works, but with mesh panels for added ventilation. The plastic toe bumper has more vents. There’s a wide range of sizes (from 36 to 49), including half sizes from 38 to 47, so no matter how thick your socks are when you run or how much your feet swell in the heat, you’ll be able to find the right fit for you. The main complaint I see is that the white model (the only color you can get for hot weather) has yellowing on the Dyneema parts. For the price, I would only recommend it to those who ride mostly in hot weather (or those who made a ton of money from Bitcoin). However, if you have a problem with heat and foot pain, these shoes are worth a look.
Polartec Delta fabric is made from a blend of hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns to help sweat evaporate faster. It’s found in some cycling jerseys, but surprisingly rarely in mountain bike tops. Aero Tech’s new Delta Tee is more form-fitting than most mountain bike clothing, but still loose enough to wear with baggy shorts. The slightly longer hem keeps you covered while riding, but my favorite thing about it is the two zippered storage pockets. They’re roomy enough for keys or a phone, and they sit on the hip without getting in the way of the center back pocket of a bib. The angled zippers are also great for fanny packs, if you’re going to carry things that way. The only downside is that it’s only available in men’s sizes (though we understand it comes in a variety of sizes, from S to 5XL, to accommodate men with chests up to 50 inches). Aero Tech took its graphic design cues from Henry Ford: you can buy it in any color, as long as it’s blue.
Baggy shorts are designed with two main goals in mind: style and protection. That means you’ll need to wear an extra layer on hot days—and it’s a thick layer to protect against branches and rocks. Fox’s Flexair is as stylish and protective as any short I’ve used, with a four-way stretch top layer that’s lightweight and quick-drying, yet snag-resistant. Laser-cut areas on the thighs provide extra airflow, and the suede lining can be removed if you want to wear other shorts, which I recommend. I’ve yet to find a pair of baggy shorts that pair well with a bib and are comfortable. Zippered pockets provide secure storage. My only gripe is the waist buckle, which feels a bit too complicated and could be a nuisance if you’re riding with a fanny pack.
There are cheaper gloves, like the Trixter from Giro. There are also lighter gloves, like the 100% Celium. But I’m now in my fourth season with the POC Essential Mesh gloves, and they’re still in great condition, while other gloves have torn stitching on the fingertips and developed holes in the mesh between the thumb and forefinger. There’s nothing fancy about these gloves. They feature perforated synthetic leather on the unlined palm, a stretchy mesh back, and silicone prints on the index and middle fingers for improved grip. They’re well made and have all the features you’d expect. Terry cloth nose pad? True. Easy to put on and fasten? True. Five sizes and six colors? Check again and again. As a cyclist who wears full-fingered gloves on the trail, these gloves work for me, too.
The concept of a hot-weather mountain bike shoe is something of an oxymoron. In hot weather, shoes need to be ventilated. Mountain bike shoes need reinforcement to protect against rock strikes and improve durability while riding. The balance will always tip toward durability. However, Giro’s Empire VR70 Knit is the closest I’ve seen to a hot-weather shoe. Breathability comes primarily from the lightweight knit upper, a technology originally borrowed from running shoes. High ankle cuffs help keep out dirt and gravel. However, knitting alone doesn’t provide much support, so it’s encased in a bonded TPU exoskeleton with lacing. A molded heel and rubber toe bumper provide lockdown and protection. The Easton EC70′s carbon fiber outsole is fairly stiff but still comfortable to walk on, and the Vibram rubber outsole provides good traction when you’re on the go. Be warned if you have small feet: the VR70 is only available in sizes up to 39.
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