#kitdoping is real

Sometimes, you want to put down the team kit and pick up something different. A kit handpicked from your favorite brands, something with outrageous colors and patterns. I did some reading, and it turns out kit doping is real and good for you.

Reason #1: A special kit makes you faster. We all have race day rituals for important events. Pinning up a much loved team kit and other pre-race rituals helps get to the starting line with confidence. Some of us even use the same safety pins over again. For the everyday, sometimes you need a little extra boost. To finish up that last interval, attack the weekly group ride, or clear that tough rock garden. Maybe it’s time to take back your KOM. Not only can having a super sweet, bright colored kit make you feel better and ride more confidently, there’s proof. Color affects your mood and athletic performance. One study showed that Olympic athletes won more often when they wore red. It’s no surprise. New kit day is always a no-chain day.

Reason #2: You join a community of other awesome kit lovers everywhere. This community consists of local bike shops, one-man shows, shops from other countries, everyone! The interweb and instagram (especially this guy) make it possible to find and order kits from all over the world. Branching out to kit retailers builds the cycling community, and you learn about even more sweet kits. Then when you visit the cool places where the kits come from, like AZ or NC, friends and new shops await! And the customer service is always impeccable, from sizing questions to help with shipping and returns. These local businesses all find ways to give back to the community too. Seeking out different, diverse kits supports the people who are coming up with fresh ideas and trying different things, and you get to make new friends in the process.

Reason #3: A bright, obnoxious kit makes it easier for drivers to see cyclists. A rider in a black or dull kit is very hard to see, especially moving in and out of shadows. Something flouro, even just socks or arm skins, may help a car to see you. This also works on the trails. A runner coming toward you won’t be surprised when you jump out of the shadows because they saw your bright orange kit from a few turns back and are ready for you.

Reason #4: Sometimes you want to stand out from the pack. To express individual style and taste. Clothing is “a little ode to creativity and novelty. It gives a hint of personality… It is a reflection of your unique complexity as a human being.” (Psychology Today) It feels good to let a little of the non-cycling personality shine through. Matchy-matchy with your teammates feels good on the line and helps identify each other during the race. But on the other days, I just want to stand out and wear something crazy. -Side note, it’s best to only poach trails when not in a team kit. Though I would never encourage that.

Reason #5: Look gorgeous. All those colors, patterns and designs mean there is one for everybody. Pick the one that best compliments your tan lines, or a perfect fade to match the evening light. Maybe you want to highlight the green tones in your bar tape, or bring out the blue in your eyes. There is a flattering kit out there for everybody, no matter what feature you want to accentuate.

Thanks for reading! Now get out there and find some new kit!