The cycling world is gradually shifting gears toward sustainability, with more brands now offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based cycling apparel. As someone who's spent countless hours in the saddle, I've noticed this welcome trend gaining momentum over the past few years. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to recycled materials to create high-performance cycling gear that doesn't compromise on quality or functionality.
The Problem with Traditional Cycling Gear
Most cycling clothing has historically been made from virgin synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. These petroleum-based fabrics offer excellent moisture-wicking, durability, and stretch—qualities that cyclists depend on. Unfortunately, they also contribute significantly to environmental issues.
The production of these materials is energy-intensive and relies on non-renewable resources. Worse still, synthetic fabrics shed microplastics during washing, which eventually make their way into our waterways and oceans. A single load of laundry containing synthetic clothing can release thousands of plastic microfibers.
"The cycling industry has been slow to address its environmental impact," notes sustainable cycling advocate Emma Reynolds. "But we're finally seeing meaningful changes as consumers demand better options."
Innovative Materials Transforming Cycling Apparel
Recycled Polyester
One of the most common sustainable materials in cycling gear today is recycled polyester (rPET), often made from post-consumer plastic bottles. Brands like Pactimo have made sustainability a cornerstone of their business model, with their development team prioritizing "premium, high-performance recycled fabrics to ultimately reduce [their] carbon footprint," according to their sustainability page.
The process involves collecting plastic bottles, cleaning them, shredding them into flakes, and then melting and spinning these flakes into new polyester yarn. This recycled material requires significantly less energy to produce than virgin polyester and diverts plastic from landfills.
Recycled Nylon
Similar to recycled polyester, recycled nylon is making its way into cycling shorts and bibs. Some innovative companies are even using reclaimed fishing nets—a major ocean pollutant—to create this material. The resulting fabric maintains the durability and stretch cyclists need while giving new life to waste materials.
Natural Alternatives
While fully natural cycling kits remain rare, some companies are experimenting with materials like merino wool and organic cotton for certain cycling applications. As one Reddit user pointed out, "A full natural cycling kit would still be made by machines operating on electricity and transported around the world," highlighting that sustainability is complex and multifaceted.
What Makes Cycling Gear Sustainable?
Truly sustainable cycling gear goes beyond just using recycled materials. The bluesign® system, for example, is an independent certification that evaluates the entire textile supply chain. As REI explains in their expert advice section, bluesign-certified materials ensure that products are "made with methods that are safe for the environment, workers, and customers."
Sustainable cycling gear often incorporates:
- Recycled materials (from plastic bottles, fishing nets, or textile waste)
- Water-saving manufacturing processes
- Reduced chemical usage
- Fair labor practices
- Durability (longer-lasting products mean less frequent replacement)
- End-of-life solutions (recyclability or biodegradability)
Where Can You Find Sustainable Cycling Gear?
Several brands have committed to sustainability in their cycling lines:
- Pactimo offers performance cycling apparel made from recycled materials
- REI Co-op features bluesign-certified cycling gear
- Patagonia's cycling collection includes products made from recycled nylon and polyester
- Isadore produces cycling kits with recycled and environmentally friendly materials
For those looking to dispose of old cycling gear responsibly, TerraCycle has become "a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materials," offering programs to keep items out of landfills.
Is Sustainable Cycling Gear Worth the Investment?
Many cyclists wonder if eco-friendly options perform as well as traditional gear. In my experience testing several sustainable kits last season, the performance differences are minimal to non-existent. The technology has advanced significantly.
The main drawback? Price. Sustainable cycling gear typically costs 15-30% more than conventional alternatives. However, many environmentally conscious brands also focus on durability, potentially offering better value over time.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Cycling
The cycling industry still has miles to go before it can claim to be truly sustainable. Innovations in biodegradable synthetic materials and closed-loop recycling systems show promise for reducing the sport's environmental footprint further.
As cyclists, we can support this movement by choosing gear from companies committed to sustainability, properly caring for our equipment to extend its life, and responsibly recycling items when they've reached the end of their usefulness.
By making these choices, we help ensure that the natural environments we love to cycle through will remain beautiful and healthy for generations of riders to come.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding sustainable products or environmental impact. Always research specific products and their environmental claims before purchasing.