How to dress for a Gran Fondo

JUNE 3, 2025

WHAT TO WEAR FOR A GRAN FONDO

Dressing well means riding better

Taking part in a Gran Fondo is about more than just clocking up the kilometres. It’s a demanding challenge where body, mind, and equipment need to work in harmony. Among all these elements, your choice of cycling clothing can be the key factor that turns a tough day into an enjoyable one or a frustrating one.

Today, we’re sharing practical tips to help you prepare your kit, with insights based on our own experience and technical gear designed to deliver when it matters most.

1. Undershirt: The basis of everything

Technical base layers are essential, even in summer. They facilitate the evacuation of sweat, regulate body temperature and prevent irritation in sensitive areas such as the abdomen and chest.

We recommend our Sare or Mesh undershirts, which are made of stretchy, highly breathable materials. Thanks to the antibacterial properties of polypropylene, they help minimise odours caused by sweat, keeping you fresh and comfortable throughout your ride.

2. The jersey:transpiration, comfort and protection

One of the most common mistakes is to think that any jersey will do. But on long rides, sweat management, freedom of movement and ventilation are crucial. Remember that many rides last for hours and part of the route can be very exposed to the sun.

Models like the Trama or the Gara stand out for their microsystem performance fabric, which offers active ventilation and sun protection. In addition, their ergonomic cut and soft finishes guarantee comfort for hours on end.

But the most outstanding model for the great runners is the Mendi jersey, the most technical, as it is made with Microsystem Air, an ultra-breathable fabric that offers ventilation even on the most demanding routes.

Trama jersey

Gara Jersey

Mendi / Mendia Jersey

3. The bib shorts: your second saddle

But if there's one piece of clothing that really makes a difference on a cycle tour, it's the bib shorts. For long hours on the bike, there's nothing like a top-of-the-range bib shorts. Most people who try a bib shorts like the Orhi Dinamic don't want to go back. The fit is like a second skin, you hardly notice you're wearing it, and the Adi chamois, designed for long rides, offers cushioning and breathability like no other.

In a more classic but equally effective line, the Orhi bib shorts with Urraki chamois is another popular option, especially because it incorporates a firmer gripper that guarantees stability and optimal compression. In fact, the Urraki chamois is the same one used by many professional cyclists: a technical piece with high recovery foams, without glues or prints to avoid irritation, and with perfect anatomical positioning thanks to Precision & Movement technology.

For those looking for something more versatile or for stage rides, the Exo Bidai is a very functional bib shorts. It offers great comfort on long rides and adds extra pockets that are very practical for carrying gels, bars or small items without having to resort to cluttering the jersey pockets. A smart solution that is increasingly appreciated by many cyclists.

Orhi Dinamic / Olaia Dinamic bib shorts

Orhi / Olaia bib shorts

Exo Bidai / Ixa Bidai bib shorts

4. Vests and arm warmers: essential in the pocket

On these outings, which often start at around 7 or 8 in the morning, it is also a good idea to carry some light clothing that will keep you warm in the early stages and can be stored away afterwards. Sleeves, windproof waistcoats or even thin gloves are good allies to help you manage the change in temperature.

It's common to even face rain. For those moments, a light coat or vest such as the Busti jacket is an excellent option: it cuts the wind, protects from the fresh and is easily stored. The Busti vest has the same characteristics and is perfect for keeping it in the back pocket of the jersey.

But if the forecasts announce persistent rain or really adverse conditions, it is best to wear a garment with waterproof membrane like the Gore-Tex Ura jacket. Designed to keep you dry even in the worst days, it offers full protection from rain and wind without compromising breathability.

The Goxo arm warmers are stretchy and have an optimal fit, as well as maintaining body temperature. They are highly breathable and lightweight.

Uki gloves are an excellent choice in between seasons: thin, comfortable and with good handlebar feel, they offer lightweight protection from the cool air without compromising on feel or ventilation.

Ura Gore-Tex jacket

Uki gloves

Busti Vest

5. Accessories: little things that matter

Although sometimes overlooked, they play a key role in thermal comfort and breathability of the foot. Our recommendation for demanding rides is the Pro Lightweight, for its light weight and ventilation capacity.

For those looking for a more aesthetic, aerodynamic and technical look, the Aero is an excellent choice.

Pro Lightweight socks

Aero socks

Disponible

ORHI DINAMIC BIB SHORT

Adi chamois

Etxeondo PowerSystem Dinamic

One piece, seamless bibs

A clean-cut leg gripper finish

Seamless construction in key areas

...

$388.49

PRO

BIB SHORTS

62311

Disponible

OLAIA DINAMIC BIB SHORTS

Aia chamois

Etxeondo PowerSystem Dinamic

One piece, seamless bibs

A clean-cut leg gripper finish

Seamless construction in key areas

...

$388.49

PRO

BIB SHORTS

60313

Price reduced

Disponible

ORHI BIB-SHORT

Urraki chamois
Etxeondo PowerSystem Performance
One piece, seamless bibs
Elastic leg gripper
Reflective details
Embroidered logo
Seamless construction in key areas
SPF 50+ (UVA)

$212.62 $283.50

OUTLET

62298

Price reduced

Disponible

OLAIA BIB SHORTS

- Angliru chamois

- Etxeondo PowerSystem Performance

- Onepiece, seamlessbibs

- Elastic leg gripper

- Reflective...

$283.50

BLACK FRIDAY

60293

Disponible

EXO BIDAI BIB-SHORT

Badana Eraso
Powersystem Active fabric
Seamless construction
Elastic adjustment bands on the leg
Double back pocket
Ergonomic side pockets
SPF 50+ (UVA)

$298.49

ENDURANCE

BIB SHORTS

62305

Disponible

IXA BIDAI BIB-SHORT

- Berasa pad

- Powersystem Active fabric

- Seamless construction

- Elastic adjustment bands on the leg

$298.49

ENDURANCE

BIB SHORTS

60299

Disponible

TRAMA JERSEY

Etxeondo Microsystem Performance
Etxeondo MicroSystemAirplus SPF 30+ (UVA)
Long zip with lock
Three back pockets
Anti-slip waist band
SPF 50+ (UVA)

$208.50

LUX

JERSEYS

32771

TRAMA FEM JERSEY

Etxeondo Microsystem Performance

Etxeondo MicroSystemAirplus SPF 30+ (UVA)

Grid panels front and rear

Grid panels on the sleeves

$208.50

JERSEYS

30313

Disponible

GARA JERSEY

Etxeondo Microsystem Performance
Etxeondo MicroSystemAirplus SPF 30+ (UVA)
Long zip with lock
Three back pockets
Anti-slip waist band
SPF 50+ (UVA)

$208.50

ESSENTIALS

JERSEYS

32770

GARA JERSEY

Etxeondo Microsystem Performance
Etxeondo MicroSystemAirplus SPF 30+ (UVA)
Long zip with lock
Three back pockets
Anti-slip waist band
SPF 50+ (UVA)

$208.50

ESSENTIALS

JERSEYS

30312

MENDIA JERSEY

Etxeondo MicroSystem Performance

Etxeondo MicroSystem Air

Mesh panels

Stamped vinyl

Long zip with lock

Three back...

$253.50

PRO

JERSEYS

30309

Disponible

MENDI JERSEY

Etxeondo MicroSystem Performance

Etxeondo MicroSystem Air

Mesh panels

Stamped vinyl

Long zip with lock

Three back...

$253.50

PRO

JERSEYS

32767

Disponible

BUSTI VEST

Two-way zipper
Waist gripper for a better fit
Printed logo
SPF 50+ (UVA)

$193.49

ESSENTIALS

VESTS

58185

Disponible

PRO LIGHTWEIGHT SOCKS

Etxeondo MicroSystem Air
Light, soft and elastic fabric
Long cut
Highly breathable instep panels
No interior seams

$28.50

SOCKS

44673

Disponible

UKI GLOVES

Etxeondo MicroSystem
Vinyl logo
Anatomically padding, anti-slip palm
Elastic cuff fore asya djustment

$63.00

GLOVES

10086

Getting ready is part of the experience

Dressing well is not just a matter of aesthetics: it's about taking care of your body to perform better, enjoy more and prevent discomfort. At Etxeondo, we design our garments in the same spirit that you share every time you put on a race bib.

Whether it's your first race or just another classic on the calendar, dress with confidence.