Tips from our pro rider friends and the Condor community to help you beat the heat and enjoy riding in the sun.
Freeze half a water bottle
Don't freeze a full water bottle. As the ice forms it can push on the bottle and deform it, making it harder to fit in your bottle cage. Before you head out, top up the water bottle so you don't have to wait for your drink to melt. For a double whammy of cool, keep your water chilled with an insulated water bottle.
Don't put sun cream on your forehead
Don’t put sunscreen above your eyebrows. As you sweat the cream mixes and runs into your eyes, causing them to sting. Your forehead is shaded from the sun by wearing a helmet or cycling cap.
Wear a baselayer to stay cooler
Wearing a mesh baselayer can be cooler and keep you drier than riding without one. It may seem counterintuitive to add an extra layer in warmer weather, but sweat is drawn away from the body by the baselayer and evaporates quicker than a jersey as the material is thinner. Shop Baselayers from £21.00
Maintain your grip with anti-slip bar tape
If you prefer to ride without gloves choose an anti-slip bar tape to stop sweat from your hands reducing your grip. If you also want cushioning without wearing a gloves choose bar tape that is 3mm-4mm in thickness, if you prefer a direct feel opt for 2mm tape.
Fizzy drinks can cause exploding bidons
If you fill your bottle with a fizzy drink, give the bottle a little shake first to reduce the fizz and ride with the valve open. Bidons can often explode if the gas from fizzy drinks builds up after being shaken around as you ride over bumpy surfaces. Make sure you remove any bottles from your bike after a ride, too. You don't want to wake up to sticky cola all over your frame the next day.
Plain water won't help you hydrate quickly
Don’t drink just plain water. A drink containing electrolytes is scientifically proven to increase the rate of hydration compared to drinking water alone. When you exercise in heat, the rate of sweating and dehydration increases, impairing your cycling ability and alertness. Stir an electrolyte tablet in to water, or you can eat foods during your ride with high electrolyte levels, such as peanuts (sodium) and bananas (potassium).
Maintain your grip with anti-slip bar tape.
If you prefer to ride without gloves choose an anti-slip bar tape to stop sweat from your hands reducing your grip. If you also want cushioning without wearing a gloves choose bar tape that is 3mm-4mm in thickness, if you prefer a direct feel opt for 2mm tape.
Remember than not all clothing is resistant to harmful UV rays.
Not all lightweight jerseys have UV protection in the fabric. If you plan to spend the day toiling up a long set of climbs, be mindful of the sun beating down on your back. Spray a little cream on your skin even if it's covered by clothing.
Keep cool with a pocket wash cloth
Cut up a small square wash cloth or lightweight muslin and take it with you. At the cafe stop, dowse it in water. As well as cooling you down, it’ll wipe away sticky sweat from your face and any dirt that's been attracted to the sun cream. You’ll feel fresh and your jersey won’t end up covered in marks.
Stop sweat from damaging your bike
Although sweat seems like a harmless badge of a hard ride, it can be highly corrosive. Give your bike a rinse every few rides. Wipe your bars with a damp cloth to remove sweat that can affect the adhesion of your bar tape and can cause your handlebars to corrode and weaken.
Remember than not all clothing is resistant to harmful UV rays.
Not all lightweight jerseys have UV protection in the fabric. If you plan to spend the day toiling up a long set of climbs, be mindful of the sun beating down on your back. Spray a little cream on your skin even if it's covered by clothing.
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