ESSENTIALS

Cyclical Styles Blame it on “Breaking Away” and “American Flyer,” the bicycle-race movies, or on the international fitness boom. Whatever the reason, even top European designer Claude Montana is adopting official bicycle-racer shorts as sportswear for spring. The fit of the knee-length pant is skintight because the fabric is stretchy, and the colors are classic sport shades with an occasional wild stripe. The way to wear them is under a big, bulky pullover or a longer, sleeker jacket, with short socks and lace-up shoes or sexy little flats. The pants pictured here are by Le Coq Sportif, $38, at Champs. Top is by Esprit, at the Esprit Store.