Anyone who's ever sweated through a jersey on a perfectly mild 65 degree day knows that exercise like cycling generates heat. Anyone who's ever resorted to dumping Gatorade over their head to cool down when the mercury is full tilt knows that high temps make it extra hard to prevent overheating. The right summertime gear can make all the difference.
RELATED: These Super-Easy Tweaks Will Make Exercising In The Heat Less Miserable
Craft Cool Mesh Superlight Base Layer
Base layers aren't just for winter. A summer base layer can keep you as cool as a winter one keeps you warm. The secret is in the material and construction. Synthetic mesh base layers like this sleeveless slip on from Craft work wonders. This wispy second skin incorporates a wide-hold mesh design that helps ventilate as it wicks moisture away from your skin, so it can evaporate in the air to cool you down.
Craft Cool Mesh Superlight Base Layer, $50.00, $50 at Competitve Cyclist
At a Glance
• Wide-holed mesh construction pulls moisture away from skin• Polyester - Elastane blend comfortably hugs your body
• Available in men's and women's sizing
Pearl Izumi Pursuit Black Speed Mesh Jersey
Mesh is the word for summertime comfort and the new breed of lightweight hot weather jerseys are constructed nearly entirely of the stuff. This jersey is made of P.R.O. Transfer mesh that is highly breathable and works to pull moisture away from your skin. It also dries in minutes--a bonus when you stop the ride sopping wet. The fabric and cut also are designed to minimize aerodynamic drag for high speed riding.
Watch how to pack your jersey pockets like a pro:
Pearl Izumi Pursuit Black Speed Mesh Jersey, $175.00, $175 at Competitive Cyclist
At a Glance
• P.R.O. mesh fabric maximizes airflow and moisture wicking• Full length "semi-autolock" zipper for easy, one handed unzipping.
• Lightweight, body hugging fit available in men's and women's sizing
Etxeondo Mendi Bib Short
Let's face it, you're already sweating your butt off out there. You don't need a pair of thick bib shorts accelerating the process. Featherweight bibs like the Mendi from the Spanish company Etxeondo can help keep your hardest working cycling muscles cool when the temperature soars. Just 114 grams (size M), the company claims these to be the lightest technical bib shorts on the market.
RELATED: How to Stop Sweating So Much This Summer
Etxeondo Mendi Bib Short, $209.00, $209 at Competitive Cyclist
At a Glance
• High density "feather" chamois layered to collect and expel moisture.• One piece seamless bibs
• Powersystem 1.2 fabric is supportive and breathable.
Giro Empire SLX Shoes
When your feet are hot, you're hot. These kicks are most definitely hot on the aesthetics, but cool and light even during the dog-days of summer. Weighing in at just 175 grams (size 42.5), these lace-up, heavily perforated shoes are supple, stiff, water repellant, and most importantly, breathable.
Giro Empire SLX Shoes, $350.00, $350 at Competitve Cyclist
At a Glance
• One piece breathable Evofiber upper with SL breathable microfiber sport laces• Ultralight, antimicrobial (to ward off stink) footbed
• Titanium cleat mounting hardware for extra weight savings
Louis Garneau Arm Coolers
Like a York Peppermint Patty for your arms, these arm coolers are made from a special fabric called Icetek that incorporates xylitol, the same sugar alcohol that gives lozenges their cooling effect, which converts your sweat to a refrigerant as it wicks it from your body. They also have a UPF/SPF rating of 50 for maximum sunblock protection.
Louis Garneau Arm Coolers, $30.00, $30 at Competitive Cyclist
At a Glance
• Lightweight, cooling material• Sun protection (SPF 50)
• Biceps silicone grippers to hold them in place
Yeti Cycles Enduro Gloves
Keeping your mitts cool and dry isn't much of a problem on the road where fingerless gloves are the norm, but when you're on the dirt and need full-fingered protection, hot sweaty hands become a concern. Enter these whisper light, yet durable hand shields from Yeti. The minimalist cuff-less construction and perforated palms maximize breathability. Lightweight silicone grippers let you maintain full steering and braking control.
RELATED: How to Recover After a Hot Ride
Yeti Cycles Enduro Gloves, $35.00, On Sale Now $12.50 at Competitive Cyclist
At a Glance
• Lightweight, breathable polyester• Slip on, cuff-less design
• Perforated palms
Castelli Rosso Corsa 9 Socks
Once again, mesh is the word for summertime cooling magic and these foot hugging socks use diaphanous mesh on the upper and cuff to increase air circulation and help keep yours from cooking. Made from Meryl Skinlife yarns, which feature bacteriostatic silver ions to keep your feet from smelling funky.
Castelli Rosso Corsa 9 Socks, $17.00, On Sale Now $8 at Competitve Cyclist
At a Glance
• Wicking and breathable materials• Mid-foot support band for a snug, non-slip fit
• Antibacterial to prevent odor
Polar Bottle ZipStream Breakaway Insulated Water Bottle
You already know hydration is of the utmost importance when summertime sizzles the sweat from your skin. But that warm water sloshing about in your bottles isn't just unpalatable (so you're less inclined to slug it down), it's also not as effective at cooling you down. Cold water creates a heat sink to keep your core cooler during exercise. Key to keeping water cooler? An insulated bottle like the ZipStream from Polar--now with a high flow cap to let that cold liquid flow more freely.
Polar Bottle ZipStream Breakaway Insulated Water Bottle, $15.00, $15 on Amazon
At a Glance
• Holds 20 or 24 oz. depending on size• Reportedly keeps water cold twice as long as non-insulated bottles
• BPA Free
