Choosing your clothing for urban cycling

20 Oct. 2021

Choisir ses vêtements pour se déplacer en vélo urbain

Choosing the right clothing for your bike commute

More and more people are getting around the city on two wheels or cycling to work. The bike is a great alternative to the car — but bad weather still puts many of you off. To tackle any conditions with confidence, having the right kit for your bike commute is essential. So how do you stay dry without sacrificing style? Here are a few tips.

urban cycling

Staying protected from the rain on your bike commute

Rain is the number one weather factor that cyclists, mountain bikers, scooter riders and e-bike users dread the most. Nothing is worse than arriving at work or a meeting soaking wet from head to toe. Waterproof clothing is therefore essential.

The fabric of your clothing must be able to withstand a certain level of rain pressure while guaranteeing minimum breathability to prevent you from becoming completely drenched in sweat. The fabric must be both resistant and fitted with pores of varying fineness to allow air to pass through.

CIMALP's RainProteKt range meets all these criteria. Both the jacket and the trousers feature a waterproof-breathable fabric with a water-repellent PFC-free finish, incorporating a CIMASHELL membrane, waterproof to 10,000mm water pressure and breathable to 10,000g/m², with a mesh lining. They block wind and rain while allowing body moisture to escape. The fabric is bluesign® certified and environmentally responsible.

This waterproof, windproof and breathable set is your companion in all weathers, offering optimal protection. Particularly well suited to the shoulder seasons when rain and wind often combine, the RainProteKt is stretchy and supremely comfortable. And its modern and contemporary design keeps you looking stylish in any situation.

Stay visible to everyone for safe cycling

Visibility is another key requirement for cycling clothing. Being seen by everyone — drivers and pedestrians alike — is crucial for safe travel. In addition to wearing a helmet, clothing featuring reflective prints ensures cyclists remain visible on the road.

The RainProteKt set delivers enhanced visibility and optimal safety: garments that offer a perfect combination of technical performance and functionality for safe urban travel, retroreflective materials to keep you visible at night and feel secure, including an additional reflective tab on the back of the jacket.

Finally, your bike must be equipped with a lighting system and an audible warning device.

Style from the saddle to the office!

Now that you have the solution for staying dry on your bike commute, the next question is how to keep your style — both on the bike and at the office! Most urban cycling clothing is either too sporty or stylish but lacking in functionality... So how do you stay stylish and comfortable while still benefiting from the performance of technical garments?

For those who refuse to compromise on style and comfort, or on functionality and practicality, the RainProteKt set is the ideal choice. With its urban and contemporary style, it works for every moment of the day. It features essential details designed to make daily life easier and boost comfort:

2 large zipped side openings for quick and easy to put on;
a large hood with visor and expansion zips (compatible with helmet wear);
2 side wrist-rest pockets;
velcro for wrist adjustment;
a carry pouch.

Its compact and lightweight design (weighing just 600g in Women's size S and 700g in Men's size S) means you can easily slip it into your backpack or bag. Its long, stylish parka-style cut keeps you comfortable whether you're in the city or at the office — making the transition between cycling and the workplace effortless.

CIMALP expertise, at the service of urban adventurers

The RainProteKt, designed specifically for urban cycling and bike commuting, strikes the perfect balance between technical performance and style. But it also forms part of a broader commitment to making everyday cycling more accessible to all.

As the health crisis turned our lives upside down, the daily need for a breath of fresh air became more pressing — along with a growing desire to get back to simple pleasures, like cycling through the city streets.

The Government was one of the first institutions to encourage citizens to take up cycling. In the context of easing lockdown restrictions, it introduced a number of measures to promote cycling among the public, including support schemes and a trade-in bonus for the purchase of an electric-assist bicycle (e-bike). A growing number of companies are also actively encouraging their employees to commute by bike. Services to help businesses make this transition are emerging as well.

Within the Drôme-based SME CIMALP, the drive to promote more eco-friendly modes of transport runs deep. Team members are genuinely committed to this cause and regularly cycle to work themselves. As specialists in designing innovative and technical garments, the R&D team set out to bring their outdoor expertise and technical know-how to everyday urban commuters.

And so the RainProteKt was born: technical kit for the urban two-wheeled adventurer who refuses to compromise on performance, comfort or durability. Committed to being by your side through the adventure that is your life, CIMALP champions a more responsible way to get around.

Finally, bike commuting brings real health benefits. So don't hesitate — get in the saddle and grab those handlebars!