Choosing your clothing for urban cycling

Choosing your clothing for bike commuting

Today, more and more people are getting around the city on two wheels or cycling to work. Cycling is a great alternative to the car! But bad weather still puts many of you off. To tackle all conditions, having the right gear for your daily bike commute is essential. So how do you stay dry while keeping your style? Here are a few tips.

Staying dry on your daily bike commute

Rain is the number one weather factor that cyclists, mountain bikers, scooter riders and e-bike users dread the most. What could be more unpleasant than arriving at work or at a meeting soaked from head to toe? The waterproofness of your clothing is therefore essential.

The fabric of your clothing must be able to withstand a certain level of rainfall pressure while guaranteeing a minimum level of breathability so you don't end up completely soaked in sweat. Indeed, the fabric must be both resistant and equipped with more or less fine pores to allow air to pass through.

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

Being visible to everyone for safe cycling

Another important characteristic that cycling clothing must have is visibility. Being visible to everyone — motorists and pedestrians alike — is a crucial factor for moving around safely. In addition to wearing a helmet, clothing featuring reflective prints will ensure the visibility of people cycling.

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

Finally, bikes must legally be fitted with a lighting system and an audible warning device.

Style, from bike to office!

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

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

• 2 large zipped side openings for easy, quick pull-on;
• a large hood with visor and expansion zips (compatible with helmet use);
• 2 side pockets with wrist rests;
• velcro for wrist adjustment;
• a stuff sack.

Its packable and lightweight design (weighing just 600g in Women's size S and 700g in Men's size S) makes it easy to slip into your backpack or handbag. Its long, stylish cut in a parka style lets you feel at ease both in the city and at work. And your commuting between bike and office is made that much easier!

CIMALP expertise, at the service of urban adventurers

The RainProteKt, designed specifically for urban cycling and bike commuting, is the perfect balance between technical performance and elegance. But it also fits within the broader ambition of making everyday cycling more accessible.

As the health crisis has turned our lives upside down, the daily need for a breath of fresh air is strongly felt, as is the growing desire to return to simple pleasures — like cycling through the city streets.

The Government is the first institution to encourage citizens to use bikes. In the context of easing out of lockdown, it has taken measures to encourage cycling among the population, by introducing support schemes and a trade-in bonus when purchasing an electric-assist bike (e-bike). A growing number of companies are also increasingly encouraging their employees to cycle to work. Services to help businesses make this transition are emerging as well.

Within the Drôme-based SME CIMALP, the drive to encourage more eco-friendly modes of transport is also very much present. Team members are mindful of this issue and regularly cycle to work. As a specialist in the design of innovative technical clothing, the R&D team wanted to bring its outdoor technical expertise to the service of urban commuters.

This is how the RainProteKt was born: the technical gear for urban two-wheel adventurers who refuse to compromise on performance, comfort and durability. Committed to being by your side in the adventure that is your life, CIMALP champions a more responsible way of getting around.

And finally, bike commuting brings real benefits for your health. So don't hesitate — saddle up and grab those handlebars!

Explore the other features of the RainProteKt — protection at the heart of everyday life