When the sun is out, and the sky is clear, nothing should be in the way of you and your bike. The sun on your face gives way to the cool breeze of navigating the roads and trails, and it’s easy to remember why you fell in love with cycling in the first place. But summer doesn’t last forever, and those “unbearably” hot days will surely be missed soon, so let’s save our excuses for the cold and beat the heat!

Baselayer

When it comes to dressing for the heat, the general rule of thumb is that less is more. If that’s true, baselayers are the exception. It may sound counterintuitive, but adding a next-to-skin layer will help maintain your core temperature in the heat. A good warm-weather base layer will have cooling technologies and moisture-wicking fabrics. In extreme heat, opt for sleeveless.

Suggested Hincapie Products: Men’s Power Dry Cooling Mesh Sleeveless Baselayer, Men’s Power Dry Sleeveless Baselayer, Men’s Power Dry Short Sleeve Baselayer, Men’s Signature Baselayer

Short Sleeve Jersey

While it’s a good idea to have a proper baselayer hugging your skin, wearing a relaxed or slightly loose jersey will allow for better airflow and cooling. This is not recommended for races or KOM attempts, but if you aren’t worried about losing a few seconds to added air resistance, this technique is sure to add comfort and enjoyment to your ride.

Regardless of fit, if your jersey is lacking quality materials and smart technology there is only so much that can be done. Select a lightweight jersey with moisture-wicking fabrics, cooling technologies, and roomy pockets for that extra water bottle. Additionally, consider a full-zip jersey. This will allow you to shed a layer quickly when the climb gets tough or when the sun takes it up a notch.

Suggested Hincapie Products: Men’s Triad Relaxed Fit Short Sleeve Jersey, Men’s Split Lightweight Jersey, Arapahoe Hincapie Short Sleeve Jersey, Women’s Rhythm Relaxed Fit Short Sleeve Jersey, Women’s Shape Short Sleeve Jersey, Women’s Up Lightweight Short Sleeve Jersey

Bib Shorts

Training in the heat doesn’t have to be miserable, but choosing the wrong bib shorts certainly won’t help. Advanced bib shorts are designed not only for performance, but also for comfort and even style. Constructed from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, some of our bib shorts even feature cooling technologies that provide SPF 50+ protection.

When selecting bib shorts, always keep the shoulder straps and chamois in mind. Easy to forget but hard to ignore if uncomfortable, shoulder straps and chamois have the ability to promote or eliminate chafing. Selecting soft, diamond-meshed shoulder straps and a durable chamois will ensure the latter.

Suggested Hincapie Products: Men’s Essential Bib Short, Men’s Split Lightweight Bib Short, Arapahoe Hincapie Lightweight Bib Short, Women’s Up Lightweight Bib Short, Women’s Shape Bib Short, Women’s Power Bib Short

Socks

Lightweight and breathable: words to live by when choosing a pair of socks for a warm ride. Opting for a lighter color or shorter cuff length are techniques worth considering, but the quality of the material is king. Make sure it’s lightweight and breathable, and the breeze flowing through the holes in your shoes will take care of the rest.

Suggested Hincapie Products: Men’s Power Sock 3” Cuff, Women’s Power Sock 1” Cuff, Hincapie Logo Sock

Cycling Cap

Just like a good base layer, adding a cycling cap to your summer kit might sound backwards, but the logic is sound. A cap constructed of lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric will keep your head cool and your forehead sweat-free. Perfect for beating the temperature and brightness, low prices make cycling caps an easy addition to your collection. After all, can you really put a price on keeping sweat out of your eyes?

Suggested Hincapie Products: Men’s Power Cycling Cap

Stay Cool, #ridehincapie

We don’t just design and manufacture sportswear—we ride in it. Everyday Hincapie cycling apparel is tested by one of the fastest growing professional racing teams in America, Arapahoe|Hincapie p/b BMC. From their training grounds in the Blue Ridge mountains to the intense racing conditions of Europe, the Arapahoe|Hincapie team puts our kits through the wringer each season, so rest assured that your Hincapie kit can handle whatever you throw at it. Questions or concerns? Give us a call at (866) 359-4796 find out how our team can help you further.