Care Guide

Introduction

Proper care is crucial to maximise the lifespan of your endur. cycling gear. These high-performance garments are made from advanced fabrics designed for comfort, durability, and optimal performance. Following the recommended care practices for washing, using, and storing your gear ensures that it remains in excellent condition, maintaining its technical properties. Always consult the garment label for specific instructions tailored to each product.

Pre-wash

Before you wear your endur. cycling gear for the first time, it’s recommended to give it a gentle pre-wash. This initial wash helps to remove any residual chemicals from the manufacturing process, ensuring the fabric is clean and ready for contact with your skin. It also helps to soften the material, improving its comfort from the very first use.

Post-ride Care

After each ride, it’s essential to hang your gear to ventilate. Proper aeration helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and odours, which can degrade the fabric over time and lead to unpleasant smells. If the gear is particularly dirty, rinse it immediately to prevent stains from setting in. Prompt cleaning helps maintain the integrity of the fabric and keeps it looking new.

Preparation for Washing

Before placing your cycling clothes in the washing machine:

1. Empty all pockets: Remove any items such as gels, snacks, or keys to avoid damaging the fabric and the machine.
2. Close zippers and fasten Velcro: This prevents these components from snagging or damaging other garments during the wash cycle.
3. Turn items inside out: This protects printed designs and reduces friction on the outer fabric, preserving the garment’s appearance and structure.

Machine Use

Fill the washing machine to its recommended capacity for the best cleaning efficiency. Overloading can lead to inadequate cleaning, while under-loading may cause excessive wear on the garments due to increased friction. To protect the fabric further, use a microfibre-catching washing bag such as Guppyfriend, which helps reduce microfibre pollution and protects the delicate materials from excessive agitation.

Temperature

Washing at 30°C is not only energy-efficient but also gentler on the high-performance fabrics used in endur. gear. High temperatures can weaken elastic fibres and degrade technical properties over time. Additionally, a low spin cycle minimises stress on the fabric, preventing premature wear and tear.

Washing Instructions

Detergent

Always choose a non-bio detergent free from bleach, dyes, and fabric softeners. These additives can leave residues that impair the moisture-wicking and breathability of performance fabrics. Fabric softeners, in particular, can clog the pores of synthetic materials, reducing their ability to channel moisture away from your skin effectively.

Colour Sorting

Sort your laundry by colour to prevent dye transfer. Washing similar colours together protects the vibrancy of your cycling gear, especially for garments with bold or dark hues.

Drying

Air drying is the safest method to maintain the shape and functionality of your cycling apparel. Hang jerseys and bib shorts in a well-ventilated area to dry naturally. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as the heat can damage elastic fibres and shrink fabrics. For wool items, lay them flat on a surface to dry, which helps retain their shape and prevents stretching.

Product Use

Grippers

Silicone grippers on sleeves and leg openings ensure a secure fit during rides. To put on garments with these grippers:

1. Fold the ends outward before sliding the garment onto your arms or legs.
2. Once in position, fold the grippers back to secure them. This technique reduces unnecessary strain on the fabric and extends the life of the grippers.

Handling Bibs and Jerseys

When dressing, avoid pulling on the chest or shoulder areas. Instead, gently adjust the sleeves and legs using short, deliberate movements to reduce stress on the seams and fabric. Bib straps should only be pulled over your shoulders after the bibs are correctly positioned on your legs.

Zips and Pockets

Use guarded zip ends to prevent irritation and fabric damage. Additionally, avoid overfilling jersey pockets, which can distort the garment’s shape and cause unnecessary strain on seams.

Regular Washing

Always wash your cycling gear between rides. Re-wearing unwashed gear allows bacteria to settle into the fabric, leading to persistent odours and potential skin irritation. Consistent cleaning maintains hygiene and the performance of the technical fabrics.

Special Care Tips

Stain Treatment

For stubborn stains, pre-treat the affected areas with a mild detergent or stain remover before washing. Focus on high-friction areas such as the chamois in bib shorts to ensure thorough cleaning and odour removal.

Wool Items

Wool garments require extra care. Wash them on a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water and lay them flat to dry. This helps prevent stretching and maintains their natural insulating properties.

Reapplying Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

Cleaning

Over time, the DWR coating on waterproof garments may lose its effectiveness. The first step in reactivating DWR is a thorough wash using a detergent designed for technical fabrics. This removes dirt and oils that can interfere with the water-repellent properties.

Spray-on Treatment

While the garment is still damp, apply a spray-on DWR treatment evenly across the exterior, focusing on high-wear areas like shoulders and cuffs. After application, the garment can be hung to air dry or tumble-dried on a medium heat setting (40°C) for 40-50 minutes to fully reactivate the DWR.

By following these detailed care instructions, your endur. cycling gear will remain in peak condition, providing optimal performance and longevity. Regular maintenance not only protects your investment but also ensures you ride in comfort and style for many seasons.