Summer cycling means you can shed a few layers and enjoy the warm sunshine on your skin. To be sure that you enjoy the best of riding in warm weather pick the right kit and products.

Cycling shorts

You can dare to bare the legs for summer cycling. It’s up to you whether you choose waist high shorts or bibs. If you want your legs to be more tanned, buy shorts with a shorter leg hem. However, do make sure you use sun cream to stop your legs from burning. The best summer-style bibs shorts will have mesh fabric around the waist and back, rather than full Lycra, to keep you cooler in hot conditions. Women cyclists should consider bib shorts with some kind of back access for quicker toilet stops. dhb Aeron women’s halterneck bib shorts are a great idea. They pull down at the back when you need a loo stop.

Summer jerseys

[caption id="attachment_19100" align="aligncenter" width="466"] Stolen Goat jersey.[/caption] Short sleeves are perfect for summer cycling. If you do not want a tan line left by sleeves, choose a sleeveless jersey. Look for lightweight and breathable fabrics, such as silky soft super lightweight Lycra, and ensure you can open the zip when the temperatures rise. Back pockets for carrying spares and bits and pieces is essential. Stolen Goat sell a collection of summer jerseys in fresh and bright colours.

Arm warmers

Cycling days can start early or end late and that’s when you might feel a bit of a chill in the air. Add a pair of arm warmers, which can be easily taken off or put back on according to the weather. Choose lighter colours, such as white or yellow, to reflect more of the sun's rays. Gore Bike Wear arm warmers.

Base layer

Perhaps you are wondering why we have added a baselayer. Surely it will leave you too warm on a hot bike ride? Not at all. A baselayer that is lightweight and good at wicking away sweat will actually keep you cooler. It will also prevent the straps of bibs from rubbing on bare skin. Look for lightweight, polyester summer base layers, such as the Craft Cool Mesh Superlight Short Sleeve Top.

Cycling gilet

A lightweight gilet is useful for chilly morning starts or for times when you are riding fast downhill. Many people feel the chill of the wind on breezy descents. When not in use, roll it up and place in a back pocket. Check out the Sportful Hot Pack 5 Cycling Gilet

Summer gloves

Gloves are essential for stopping the chafing of sweaty hands on handlebars. Choose gloves with short fingers and lots of venting. A good fit is important to stop the fabric rubbing your skin. Pick gloves for male or female fit, such as Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Gloves Mitt

Stay hydrated

A water bottle or two, or a rucksack with a water bladder fitted inside, is a must on hot summer cycling days. It’s vital that you stay rehydrated. This Cageless Fabric Water Bottle is a clever invention.

Pack a bag

You could carry a small rucksack on your back packed with spares and bits and pieces. But that will make your back sweat. So how about making use of the latest trend in bikepacks? Rapha’s new rackless saddlepack is a partner project between Apidura and the upmarket bike brand.

Sun cream

Choose an all-day protector such as P20 or a sports spray that can cope with cycling sweat. Check out Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50.

Buff-tastic

A buff can keep the sun off the back of your neck or the wind out of your ears. Having a spare buff stuffed into a pocket is a great idea. See Buff (high UV protection).

Sun glasses

Wraparound sunglasses are the best style for cycling. They keep the sun and wind out, as well as any grit that might come off the road or trail surface. Julbo do a great range of sports sunglasses and the prices are not too ridiculous.

Summer bike helmet

More is less when it comes to a bike helmet for hot weather. That is, more vents. The lighter the helmet and the more vents it has the cooler your head will be when cycling. The Mavic Cosmic Ultimate Helmet weighs just 210g and has lots of vent holes. Have a happy summer of cycling.