DuVine guides are experienced cyclists, and they’ve heard it all! We promise you’re not the first person to wonder these things, even if it feels funny to ask—and you’re right to assume that cycling comes with a few unusual practices. The most important thing is that you feel completely informed about your DuVine experience. Our longtime guide Arien Coppock has compiled some of the most common questions on the minds of guests preparing for their first bike tour.
What is a “cycling kit” and why do cyclists wear them?
Our guests choose to wear what makes them comfortable for being active. Some are dressed as if they are ready to ride in a pro race with a sleek kit and clip-in cycling shoes, while others may wear an athletic shirt, running shorts or leggings, and sneakers. I’ve seen it all, and am happy to report that they all made it up the Tuscan hills with a smile.
The most important thing is that you are having a great time. Your dress code is secondary.
That said, the right gear can elevate your experience. The purpose of cycling clothing—or a “kit”—is to improve your comfort while riding. A cycling jersey is the item you’ll see most often: it’s made of athletic material and fits a tighter around your waist, so your shirt doesn’t flap in the air when going downhill. Jerseys have pockets in the back for your phone, snacks, and any other necessities you might need along the way. And since you are mostly leaning forward on a bike, the jersey is shorter in the front and longer in the back to accommodate your position.
If you don’t want to overhaul your activewear, you don’t have to. Cycling clothing is optional when you join a DuVine tour—but you can see how it feels to wear a jersey because we send you one when you book your bike trip! A jersey is a great place to start, since you can wear it with whatever athletic bottoms you may already own.
