Riding bikes has gone fashion – meet the labels behind the shift
Cycling fashion. A few years ago that might have seemed like an oxymoron. These are two words that would rarely have been found in the same sentence, let alone directly next to one another. But things have changed, and a new crop of cool cycling brands has swept in to raise road-cycling’s profile and turn the associated kit from tragic to trendy.
The top cycling fashion brands blend technical fabrics and performance-oriented design with stylish aesthetics. The resulting kit is easy on the eye and equally comfortable to wear on the bike, whether you’re racing, cafe cruising, long-distance riding, or simply commuting to and from work.
Don’t get us wrong, cycling kit, on the whole, is still far from fashionable, but the best cycling fashion brands and style-conscious kit makers are doing their best to change that. Scroll down for a comprehensive list of the cool cycling brands worth knowing about.
Maap
Best cycling brand for offbeat branding and quirky colours
If you pay any attention to professional cycling, you’ll know that Australia has a few solid horses in the race right now. Ben O’Connor, Jai Hindley and Michael Matthews to name a few. But it’s not just professional riders putting Oz on the cycling map (or should that be Maap?).
This Aussie brand has carved a niche for itself with offbeat branding and quirky (but tasteful) colour combos that stand out in a sea of either garish day-glo colours or muted earth tones. Their collections often feature collaborations with artists and trendy clothing brands, and the quality is next level. This kit truly does feel as good as it looks.
Pas Normal Studios
Best cycling brand for minimalist designs
For those who appreciate understated elegance, Pas Normal Studios excels in minimalist designs that are telling of the brand’s Scandi roots. The collections are devoid of unnecessary embellishments (if you don’t count massive logos), yet they don’t skimp on performance.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, often in Italy, the garments are functional and fashionable, perfect for the discerning cyclist. If you value quality and a clean look, Pas Normal Studios should be your go-to choice.
Albion
Best cycling brand for bad weather and sustainability
Cycling in the UK can be a miserable affair. There’s a small sliver of the year when conditions are favourable, but the rest of the time it’s wet, cold and windy. Finding kit that’s up to the challenge and looks good can be tough, but Albion is a brand on a mission to change that.
With a focus on eco-friendly materials, Albion not only prioritises your comfort but also the planet. Each piece is crafted with the harshest conditions in mind, making them ideal for year-round riders. Plus, their attention to detail ensures you’ll look sharp even in a downpour. For environmentally-conscious cyclists and long-distance masochists seeking reliability, Albion is definitely a brand worth considering.
Le Col
Best cycling brand for clean, uncluttered styling
Le Col embodies clean, uncluttered styling, catering to cyclists who appreciate a polished aesthetic free from obnoxious branding and garish colours. The brand’s pieces feature streamlined silhouettes that are not only visually appealing but also engineered for optimum performance, using cutting-edge fabrics to enhance every ride.
With an emphasis on comfort and fit, Le Col's garments are made for crushing big miles without compromising on style. Their approach marries high-quality fabrics with technical expertise, ensuring you feel as good as you look no matter where the ride takes you.
Attaquer
Best cycling brand for graphics and prints
If you’re after bold graphics and eye-catching prints, look no further than Attaquer. This brand embraces the alternative side of cycling fashion, offering kits that are as expressive as they are functional… so don’t be surprised to find the occasional skull emblazoned on a jersey or gilet.
From loud patterns to unique collaborations, Attaquer’s designs make a statement on the road. They’re not just about aesthetics; each piece is crafted with cutting-edge materials that ensure comfort and durability. For those who want to stand out while pedalling, Attaquer is the ultimate choice for making a visual impact.
Pedaled
Best cycling brand for cool colour options and subtle branding
Pedaled strikes a balance between cool colour options and subtle branding, appealing to cyclists who prefer a sophisticated look. Their collections are characterised by rich, earthy tones and understated designs that let the quality of the materials speak for themselves.
Each piece is engineered for performance, ensuring you’re comfortable on your ride without sacrificing style. Pedaled is all about functionality wrapped in elegant simplicity, making it a top choice for those who appreciate thoughtful design and craftsmanship in their cycling gear.
Rapha
Best cycling brand for blending style and quality
This whole cycling-fashion thing. It’s big business now, but that wasn’t the case back when Rapha set up shop. Founder Simon Mottram spotted a gap in the market. He was sick of having to settle for kit that either looked terrible or performed poorly – tasteful aesthetics and high quality, it seemed, were mutually exclusive. Put simply, there were no cool cycling brands.
That all changed when Rapha came along. The brand set the template for every cool cycling clothing brand with its understated designs, script logo and focus on quality and materials. It’;s the brand that changed it all, and it’s still one of the best options for style-savvy cyclists today.
Oakley
Best cycling brand for cycling glasses
When it comes to cycling glasses, Oakley leads the pack with innovative designs and advanced lens technology. Their eyewear is not only stylish but also functional, providing superior protection against UV rays and glare. This is THE cycling eyewear brand – no other comes close.
With a variety of styles and colour options, Oakley ensures you can find the perfect fit for your personal aesthetic. Whether you’re racing at high speeds or cruising at a leisurely pace, the brands glasses enhance your vision and performance. If clarity and style matter to you, Oakley should be at the top of your list.
Universal Colours
Best cycling brand for a tasteful colour palette
Owned by premium sports retailer Sigma Sports, Universal Colours is celebrated for its tasteful colour palette, offering a refreshingly simple and uncluttered take on fashion-forward cycling apparel. The brand’s collections feature a range of earthy tones and pastel hues that will appeal to cyclists who appreciate a contemporary look.
Beyond aesthetics, Universal Colours is one of the cool cycling brands committed to sustainable practices, using eco-friendly materials that don’t compromise on performance. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to ensure a comfortable fit, making it perfect for long rides or short.
District Vision
Best cycling brand for transitioning runners
District Vision is a relative newcomer to the cycling scene, but not to athletics in general. For many years, the brand has been one of the leading names in running fashion, creating glasses and technical gear for runners with equal focus on fashion and function.
Now District Vision is bringing this same approach to the world of cycling kit, creating jerseys, bibs, base layers and outerwear that fuse style and substance.
Assos of Switzerland
Best cycling brand for pure performance and design innovation
Assos of Switzerland is renowned for its unwavering focus on pure performance and design innovation. Each piece is meticulously engineered to meet the demands of serious cyclists, offering cutting-edge fabrics and ergonomic fits.
Assos stands at the forefront of cycling technology, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance your riding experience. While their pricing reflects the quality, the investment is justified by the exceptional comfort and durability. If you’re serious about cycling and seek the best gear, Assos is an unparalleled choice.
Sweet Protection
Best cycling brand for helmets
When safety is paramount, Sweet Protection is the go-to brand for helmets. Their products combine robust materials with cutting-edge design, ensuring maximum protection without compromising comfort. But it’s the brand’s ongoing collaboration with Pas Normal Studios that has put it squarely on the cycling-fashion map.
With a focus on fit and aerodynamics, Sweet Protection helmets are ideal for both competitive cyclists and casual riders. And the brand’s commitment to quality means you can ride with confidence, knowing you’re well-protected.
Cafe du Cycliste
Best cycling brand for stripes and patterns
Cafe du Cycliste brings a touch of French flair to cycling fashion, renowned for its stripes and patterns that celebrate the sport's heritage. The designs blend classic aesthetics with modern functionality, appealing to cyclists who appreciate style on the road.
With an emphasis on high-quality materials and craftsmanship, Cafe du Cycliste ensures that each piece is not only visually striking but also practical. If you want to channel a bit of European elegance during your rides, this brand should be on your radar.
Pedla
Best cycling brand for custom kit
For those seeking custom kit solutions, Pedla stands out as a leader in personalised cycling apparel. Their bespoke offerings allow cyclists to express their individuality while ensuring high-quality performance.
Whether you’re part of a team or just want something uniquely yours, Pedla’s custom options are extensive and thoughtfully designed. The brand focuses on creating pieces that not only look good but also function seamlessly on long rides. If you value uniqueness in your cycling gear, Pedla is an excellent choice.
Adidas
Best cycling brand for hopping on the pub bike
Adidas probably isn’t a name you associate with cycling if you’re a relative newcomer to the sport. But back in the post-doping scandal heyday, the Three Stripes was a dominant force in the peloton. After dropping out for a decade or so, the German brand has been staging a comeback of late. There are a number of new road and gravel-cycling shoes in the range, but it’s the cleated versions of classic Adidas sneakers that we’re most interested in.
The sportswear giant has taken classic, best-selling styles like the Samba and the Stan Smith and reimagined them with recessed two-bolt cleats in the sole for casual rides, commuting and nipping to and from the pub. Perfect for weekend jaunts that aren’t long enough to warrant full kit.
Quoc
Best cycling brand for cycling shoes
For the discerning cyclist in search of quality footwear, Quoc delivers with its stylish cycling shoes. This cool cycling brands on-bike footwear provides the perfect balance of comfort and performance. Each pair is designed to enhance your cycling experience, featuring premium materials that ensure durability and a snug fit.
Quoc stands out for its dedication to style; these shoes look as good off the bike as they do on. If you’re serious about your cycling footwear, Quoc is a brand to consider.
Mission Workshop
Best cycling brand for bags and on-bike storage
When it comes to on-bike storage, Mission Workshop excels with its functional bags. Designed for urban cyclists, roadies and gravel grinders alike, these products are crafted with durability in mind, utilising weatherproof materials to protect your belongings.
Whether you’re commuting or embarking on an adventure, Mission Workshop bags offer versatility and style. The thoughtful design ensures that everything has its place, making it easy to stay organised while on the go. For cyclists who need reliable storage solutions without compromising on aesthetics, Mission Workshop is a brand that stands out.
POC
Best cycling brand for glasses and helmets
POC is one of the best cool cycling brands for cyclists prioritising safety, offering an impressive range of glasses and helmets. Their products are engineered with advanced safety technologies, ensuring maximum protection while riding.
POC’s commitment to innovation is evident in the designs, which blend functionality with striking aesthetics. The brand has become synonymous with high-performance gear, making it a favourite among serious cyclists. If safety and style are non-negotiable for you, POC is a brand that delivers on both fronts.
Now you know the brands, find out how to piece your cycling kit together for the full look
