OPTIMUM COLOR

Often the tendency is to choose the color of our garments based on personal preference. But when we are cycling in various weather conditions, color plays a significant role in a garment's performance.

Solar radiation spectrum is composed of heat, UV rays type A, B and C; infrared rays, visible light rays, microwaves, X rays, gamma rays, and many other types of radiation of different wave lengths and frequencies.

Light colored clothing blocks solar radiation better, meaning that it absorbs less heat. Thi is extremely important when cycling under a hot sun, especially during the height of summer. Light colors also radiate less heat away, helping us stay warmer on cold, cloudy days and at night. And light colored clothing is les attractive to flying and biting insects. Ticks, which are generally brown, are more conspicuos on lighter colored clothing.

Dark colored clothing absorbs more solar heat, and this works againt us on a hot, sunny day. On a cold, sunny day, the dark color may generate needed warmth, but only for the parts of our body facing the sun. That same dark clothing will radiate valuable body heat on the shaded side of us. However because dark clothing is again a good radiator of heat, we can use it in hot, shaded regions, al least when we need to cover ourselves fully because of mosquitoes or biting flies.

If only one color is to choose, it would be a light one, since most of the cycling is made in sunhine.

Regarding the UV protective performance of clothing's color the dark ones like black, green, blue and beige are the most efficient. Blue is the best.