Cycling Equipment List

Bicycle and Cycling Equipment

To participate in cycling, there is some necessary equipment. The most important piece of equipment is the bicycle which the rider uses to compete in cycling events. Another essential piece of equipment is a helmet in order to protect a rider’s head if they fall off. Riders also may wear gloves in order to prevent blisters from the bicycle’s handlebars. It is also very important to hydrate oneself when participating in cycling; having a water bottle along with something to hold the water bottle on the bike is very common.

Athletes typically wear athletic biking shorts along with a biking shirt. These are worn to give the rider the most comfort possible when cycling. The pants are typically padded and made of comfortable material in order to keep the rider from cramping/rashing. Gloves can also be worn to prevent blisters on a rider’s hands from the handles.

For cycling, the only real training equipment you need is anything you would use in a cycling event. This includes a bike, proper clothing, water bottle, etc. Other training equipment needed would be used to work out, as cyclists need to be in peak physical shape to compete. This is mainly for the legs which are the most important body parts when cycling but cyclists do work out their whole body. Some people may also have an indoor bike in order to train in harsher climates.

Accessories

With cycling, there comes a lot of different types of accessories. With today’s increase in technology, there are even more exciting accessories that one could acquire, such as the smart helmet that contains white, red, and orange LEDs for each turn signal.  You can also acquire a GPS cycling app that can be set up with your smartphone and help you track your workout and let you know where you are. These are just a few examples of all the exciting accessories that come with cycling, as companies are continuing to grow the sport and make everyone’s bike rides far more enjoyable.

Base Layer Suit

A base layer is considered to be the foundation of a cyclist’s wardrobe and key item for comfort while on the bike. A base layer suit will wick sweat away and help you regulate your body temperature. It will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You can have a baselayer in suit form, or just a shirt. There is no option that is specifically “better” as it all depends on your preference. Base layers typically cost under $50, but higher quality base layers from popular brands may cost more.

Bib Shorts

Bib shorts and suspenders to a regular pair of shorts. The suspenders are integrated into the short and are not removable. Some are made of lycra fabric for suspenders, and others use a different type of fabric like mesh. While wearing bib shorts, you are also less likely to feel like your oxygen intake is being restricted, which will improve your performance. Another benefit is that they are extremely comfortable and very lightweight. Bib shorts will cost around $75, possibly more, depending on the quality.

Bicycle Or Bike

The most essential equipment needed for cycling is the actual bike itself. Over the past decade, bikes have gotten more functionable, reliable, and most importantly, more fun to ride. When you are buying a bike, you have to know what you are going to be using it for. Are you going to be on the road or in the dirt?

Road bikes are lightweight and efficient with drop handlebars and narrow tires. These types of bikes are mainly built for speed and can really only perform on concrete. Mountain bikes have wide knobby tires for riding on narrow dirt trails. Styles include hardtail, full suspension, and cross country. The most affordable mountain and road bikes will only cost a couple hundred dollars, while top-of-the-line models will cost several thousand dollars.

Bicycle Pump

To make sure that your tires are always prepared for the roads or trails, a bike pump is a necessary piece of equipment. There are many different types of pumps that will help inflate your tires. One of the most standard pumps are track pumps. They are popular thanks to their high capacity and make inflating tires to high pressure very easy. There is also the mini pump that you can put in your jersey pocket in case you need to inflate your tire mid-ride. For a successful bike ride, it is a good idea to be safe and have both of these options at your disposal. Bike pumps will typically cost around $20 to $50.

Bike Bag

Traveling with your bike can be very complex and difficult. It is important to have the proper bike bag or box to keep your bike protected when traveling. Using a bike bag is much lighter than a box, making it much easier to carry and more likely to not be overweight at the airport. While it may not be as protective as a box, a soft bike bag is still likely to get the job done at keeping your bike safe. You are going to need to break the bike into pieces a bit when you are doing this, but after a few times, it should become a relatively simple task. Bike bags will typically cost over $100.

Bike Lock

If you use your bike to get to work or go to other social events or public places, then you are going to want to get a bike lock. No matter where you go, it is not smart to leave your bike unattended in public. When looking for a type of bike lock, there are chain locks, D-locks, and cable locks. Cable locks are lightweight and convenient, but are less secure than solid shackles and links. Chain locks are big and tough, and are probably best if you live in a city. The sight alone of a chain lock is enough to deter most would-be thieves. The D-lock is a metal shackle with a removable crossbar. They are accompanied with a cable as well to loop through quick release wheels. Bike locks are typically relatively affordable, costing under $50 for most types and models.

Bike Rack (Vehicle)

A bike rack is a very necessary piece of equipment for avid cyclists. Especially if you are mountain biking, the chances are you are not going to be biking directly from your house. A lot of people drive the path of where they are going to be biking. A bike rack attached to the car is necessary so you do not have to try and stuff the bike in the trunk of your car.

There are numerous different types of racks that work very well. If you own a sedan or a compact car, then a trunk mounted rack is likely the best option for you. They are extremely popular, although they limit how often you can use your trunk. Another good rack is the roof rack. This will give you access to your trunk, and you simply lock your bike to the roof of the car. Hitch mounted racks are another good option that are great for SUV owners. These racks sit your bike further away from the vehicle. Bike racks that attach to your vehicle will typically cost anywhere from $200 to upwards of $1,000.

Bike Tools

If you do not want to spend money at the shop and want to prepare and clean your bike yourself, then there are some different tools that you are going to need. Along with a pump, you will also need a wrench set which is perhaps the most essential tool. A brush set will also help you keep your bike clean after a ride. Going to the shop and purchasing a tool kit is likely the best way to go, as it will give you everything you need to keep your bike in top shape. A tool kit can be purchased for under $50.

Bicycle Water Bottle Holder

Cycling is a form of exercise that is extremely physically demanding. Therefore, you need access to a water bottle at all times. Most water bottle holders will fit all kinds of bikes, and you want one that is simple to install and will give the bottle firm support all day long. The last thing you want is a holder that will not stop wiggling while you ride. You want a holder that can attach easily to your frame, and can fit your favorite reusable water bottle. Also, you want to be able to easily access it mid-ride. Water bottle holders are relatively affordable, and can be purchased from sporting goods stores for under $15.

Chain Oil

When your bike chain turns around the gear sprockets and pedal cranks, it creates a lot of friction. To limit wear and tear, you need to regularly lubricate the chain with oil. You want to consider your normal driving conditions when finding the best lubricant for your biking needs. Light oil is best for chains in average to dry riding conditions, as they are good at penetrating the bushings of the chains to minimize the amount of wear. Thick grease is used for rainy or wet conditions, and wax is the best for extremely dry conditions. You can buy oil at almost any bike shop and it will rarely cost you more than $10.

Clipless Pedals

Clipless pedals are a significant bicycle innovation. In the past, a popular type of pedal for bikers were pedals that had toe clips. You would have to tighten a strap to get in and out of the pedal, making it difficult. Clipless pedals were created to make getting in and out of your pedal easier. So even though you still technically clip in, they are called “Clipless Pedals.”

Clipless pedals are similar to skiing technology; they attach the shoe to the pedal kind of like a ski boot to the binding. Since your feet are locked in, you are going to have much more power throughout your stroke when climbing and accelerating.

If you are a casual rider who simply bikes only for fun or to get to work, then basic rubber pedals work fine and clipless pedals are likely not necessary. If your goal is to achieve fitness, or you are competitive, then clipless pedals are definitely a better option.

The two types of clipless systems are walkable clipless systems and road systems. Walkable clipless systems are ideal for walking or even hiking. They are ideal for off-roading, commuting, or touring. Road systems are designed for road bikes where maximum efficiency and aerodynamics are all important. Clipless pedals can be purchased for under $50.

Cycling Gloves

No matter what type of bike ride you may be going on, cycling gloves are essential in helping you have a successful ride. The best cycling gloves will help you retain your grip, reduce hand irritation, and allow you to use less pressure on your joints.  If you are a serious rider, then bike gloves are a requirement. You are going to want a pair of cycle gloves that are lightweight and breathable, and also made of a water and sweat absorbent fabric.

A pair of mountain bike gloves are designed for grip and protection. They all have padded palms coated with anti-slip material providing superior grip to the handlebar. Road bike gloves, however, are not necessarily designed for grip, but simply to reduce as much discomfort as possible that is caused by vibrations from the bike. High quality cycling gloves can be purchased for $30.

Cycling Jacket

A cycling jacket is used when you are biking out in harsh or cold weather conditions. Cycling jackets have ventilation so you will not be drenched in sweat when you reach home. A cycling jacket should not be too restrictive or too loose. You also want to stay warm, but not overheated. Since you will generate heat while riding bikes, you should wear a jacket that will make you slightly chilly if you are standing still. It is also a good idea to explore buying a jacket that is made with waterproof or breathable fabrics that will keep rain from soaking in. Overall, a jacket is a good investment if you live in an area where you may need one, and will cost anywhere from $80 to $120.

Cycling Jersey

Cycling jerseys serve a lot of different purposes. They keep you comfortable, prevent sunburn, and give you a place to store the things you may need to carry. It is a much better option than just wearing a cotton t-shirt. A cycling jersey will keep you cool in the warm weather, and warm in the cool weather. There are large variations on how the jerseys fit. Some are very tight, especially if intended for racing. Others are more loose and give a more casual look. Cycling jerseys are also very effective in how they block out the sun, as manufacturers provide an SPF rating similar to sunscreen.

Perhaps the best thing about the cycling jersey is that most are made of a synthetic fabric that is designed to carry sweat away from the skin so it can evaporate from outside the jersey. By moving the sweat away from your skin, the jersey fabrics will help you maintain a constant body temperature. Cycling jerseys will cost anywhere from $50 to $100.

Cycling Pants

What makes cycling pants unique is that they are skin tight. This is because on a windy day, you are not going to want baggy clothes flying everywhere and bothering you. The better the fit, the more aerodynamic you will be, and the faster you will go. Like cycling shorts, they are also built for comfort, and have a padded design that will keep you from any soreness throughout the ride. Your skin will also be protected from negative effects of sweat due to the fabric that the pants are made out of. Depending on the quality, a pair of cycling pants will cost you around $20 to $80.

Cycling Shirt

If you do not own a cycling jersey, then you can wear a shirt. However, you should avoid wearing a cotton shirt at all costs. If you are not going to wear a jersey, you should wear a light and breathable shirt made by a company like Under Armour. There are also many short sleeve cycling jerseys that are sold at a cheap price, but made out of similar material. If you are an avid cycler then a short sleeve jersey is likely the way to go. Cycling shirts will typically cost less than a jersey, usually around $45.

Cycling Shoes

Cycling shoes have rigid soles, clips, or cleats that attach directly to your bike pedals. Cycling shoes are designed to keep the foot rigid so there is no power lost through your feet and all your leg power goes directly into the pedal stroke. The shoes will snap directly into your pedals, similar to how a ski boot locks into a ski. Road biking shoes will have two to four cleats and are extremely rigid. They are made from materials like carbon fiber and are as light as possible to support speed. Mountain bike shoes are a bit larger and heavier, with two-hole cleats. They are made of durable metal and are more comfortable to walk in. The cost of cycling shoes is anywhere from $50 to $200.

Cycling Shorts

Cycling shorts are better to use than regular shorts when biking because they have extra padding to keep you comfortable while spending hours on the saddle of your bike. Another benefit is that they will help with vibration control. High-frequency vibration can be very uncomfortable, and a pair of cycling shorts will do a great job of minimizing its impact. The shorts should be made with a soft and comfortable microfiber shell fabric that will wick perspiration away from the body. Cycling shorts will often cost upwards of $50, depending on the brand and retailer.

Fanny Pack

When you are biking, it is likely you will need to carry a small amount of items, but you will likely not want the bulk of a backpack. A fanny pack is the perfect piece of equipment that has the ability to provide a small carrying capacity in a simple belt-like design. 

There are some things you want to consider when purchasing a fanny pack. You are going to want to identify what type of cycling you will be doing. Also, if your bike frame does not have a bottle carrier, you may want a pack that includes a built-in bottle carrier. Style is another feature that you should consider when buying. Some packs are more simplistic and some more flashy than others, and it is important to note if style is important to you. For a price of around $30, this could be a very useful piece of equipment to have.

First Aid Kit

Bringing along a mini first aid kit for your bike ride is a very good idea. There are always going to be risks associated with cycling, especially when you are out on uneven terrain or isolated areas where it is hard to reach emergency services. There are plenty of kits that are offered that are light and small enough for you to forget the kit is even there. A typical first aid kit contains bandages, safety pins, compress, blister plasters, and mini tweezers. The typical price of one of these kits is around $20. 

Front And Rear Lights

Bikes often both have front and back lights on them. The purpose of front lights is to be able to see in front of you when you are biking in the dark. The purpose of a rear light is so you are visible to cars and other people from behind when biking in low visibility. Over the past decade, brands have worked to increase the output and reduce the weight of these bike lights. 

The two key technologies that have driven the progress in bike lights are the switch to efficient LED lamps and lithium batteries that will pack more light into smaller packages. The result of this has been brighter lights, with longer run times in smaller systems. You are going to want a rear light as well. It is a good idea to buy a front and rear light together, as you will get a slight discount as opposed to buying each separately. These lights can vary in cost based on quality and precision of the product, the cheapest being around $25 and the most expensive costing upwards of $100 each.

Cycling Goggles Or Glasses

A pair of clear-lense cycling glasses can be really effective on cloudy days. Depending on which climate you wish to bike in, this type of goggles or glasses can be as important as sunglasses. They will give you great visibility in order to see certain obstacles.

If you are a downhill mountain biker, you likely use goggles rather than glasses. These can be clear-lensed or dark-lensed, but the main purpose of them is to protect you from the wind and keep dirt from getting into your eyes for a cost of just $40.

Indoor Trainer

While it's not as exciting as traveling through certain landscapes outside, indoor bike training is still something that is really popular. If you want a quick workout or if the weather outside is no good, then a stationary bike trainer is an amazing piece of equipment. These are very pricey, costing often up to $1,000, but, if you use it enough, it will be well worth the investment.

Lubricant

A squeaky chain as a result of rust or filth is something no cyclist wants to hear while trying to enjoy a ride. Sometimes rust can cause so much of an issue that it becomes difficult to pedal. Bike chain lubricant does a lot more than just getting rid of noise. It will also help the chains work like they used to, allowing you to pedal efficiently in order to have a great bike ride. A small tube of chain lubricant should cost about $10-15.

Mudguards or Fenders

Fenders and mudguards are a necessary piece of equipment if you are cycling off road in muddy weather conditions. There are a variety of shapes and sizes, and they protect you from road gunk and water that gets flung off your wheels as they spin. The two types of mudguards are braze-on and clip-on. This is an easy decision because, in most cases, the bike will make it for you by having or not having eyelets to which you can attach braze-ons. Clip-ons are built with brackets and straps which attach to the fork legs, seatstays, or seatpost. The fork legs, seatstays, and seatposts are tubes on the bike in which you can attach pieces of equipment on it. The seatpost is the tube directly below the seat, and the seatstay is located behind it diagonally connecting to the wheel. The fork legs are located by the front tire and help keep the tire in place. A good fender will cost around $25 from online sports retailers.

The more wheel coverage a mudguard offers, the more spray it will prevent. A full-length mudguard will protect you from tire gunk, and also your frame from being pelted by salt infused road grit. You want a fender that is a rounded shape, if they are too flat they will not offer much protection.

Patch Kit

If you own a bike, you are going to need a patch kit. You want to have it with you when you bike to save yourself time if you ever run into tire troubles in the middle of nowhere. Patches are extremely important to cover up any pinholes that may become present in your tire. A good patch will stick to the tube enough to keep air from leaking out, a great one will act as a second skin and actually strengthen the tube. Patch kits come with patches in a few different sizes, sandpaper, and a tube of vulcanizer which will act as the “glue.” The average patch kit will only cost you around $6. 

Road Maps

If you are unfamiliar with the bike path you are on, it is a really good idea to bring a map with you. You can store the map in your fanny pack or bike jersey. If you are biking on the road, a map might not be necessary, since you have your phone that you can use as a GPS. However, if you are mountain biking or off-road, a map is vital. Almost all mountain bike trails offer maps, so when you enter you can grab one and store it accordingly. A typical road atlas will cost around $25 for most states.

Snacks

On a long bike ride, whether you are in the mountains or on the road, it is a good idea to pack snacks with you. Many people spend up to three hours or more on their bikes, so they are definitely going to need a break/energy boost at some point. Packing small healthy snacks such as granola bars or fruits is a very good idea to stay healthy and keep you energized throughout the bike ride. Any food will vary widely in cost based on brand and type of food, so make sure to focus on whatever will keep you energized for the longest of rides.

Socks

Having a high quality pair of socks is more important than most people think when it comes to comfort while riding. You are going to want a well designed pair of socks that fit well and are suitable for your biking needs. They should breathe well while regulating temperature in both hot and cold environments. Most high end socks rely on Merino wool to help reduce odor and increase durability and warmth. Another benefit of cycling socks is that they are very snug to help keep things such as dirt from getting in. Cycling socks can cost as little as $15 and be as expensive as $40.

Spare Parts

Spare parts are often sold separately to keep you from purchasing a new bike completely. You can buy new pedals, new brakes, a saddle, etc. to help constantly repair your bike so you can use it to its fullest potential. Brakes might be the most important thing you should purchase to fix up your bike. After a few years, your brakes may lose their effectiveness. Therefore, it might be a good idea to go to the shop and get them replaced. You can also do this with chains and gears to improve the riding ability of the bike.

Spare Tube

A spare tube is an essential piece of equipment to bring with you in case there is a flat tire. If you have a large puncture or blowout on your bike, you may need to replace your tube. This is a pretty long process as you will have to take the wheel off of the bike and remove the current tube from the wheel. You will then need to replace the tube. You can carry the tube under your seat or in your fanny pack, and it is a great thing to have if there is so much damage that you are unable to fix it with patches. These will typically cost around $15-20. 

Sunglasses

Cycling sunglasses are extremely popular as performance eyewear is designed to integrate seamlessly into your ride. High performance sunglasses feature wide lenses to cover your entire field of vision and protect your eyes. They are also very lightweight and well grip the bridge of your nose and temple. Lenses are very important considerations when purchasing cycling sunglasses. When you are mountain biking, you want lenses that highlight reds and browns to improve trail visibility. Road lenses on the other hand will enhance shadows to help you see bad pavement before you hit it. These sunglasses are not cheap, costing about upwards of $150 but they will give you prime visibility that will help you enjoy your ride much more. 

Sunscreen

On sunny days, you are going to be under the sun for quite a while. This much time outdoors will definitely lead to sunburn if you do not properly apply sunscreen. You are going to want to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin that you may have on your ride. You should use sweat resistant sport sunscreen with a high SPF of at least 50 in order to have a ride where you do not worry about sunburn. A bottle of this type of sunscreen will cost you anywhere from $10 to $25. 

Tire Levers

A tire lever helps you take the tire off of your bike. A good one to buy is Pedro’s Tire Levers ,which are very cheap but are still able to get the job done. You get a lever for only $5 and they are lightweight and strong in order to easily pop off your tire if it has a flat. 

Tire Pressure Gauge

It is so important for a cyclist to have the proper amount of pressure in their tire. If you are not paying attention, the amount of air in your tires can become off enough to cause a large amount of issues. You are going to want to use a gauge while you pump your tire so you know how much air you need. If you own a floor pump, it is a good idea to get a separate gauge to more accurately estimate the pressure. An affordable separate gauge can be used for any cycling discipline, and will help you avoid issues when you are out on the track. They should cost between $15-20 from online retailers. 

Towel

Especially if you are doing indoor cycling, it is a good idea to have a towel with you. The towel is there to help you wipe off sweat and stay cool during your workout. It is often pretty uncomfortable just letting sweat drip everywhere, so wiping yourself off with a towel every now and then is definitely a good idea. While the towel is not necessary when you are outside, you should always have one near you when you are doing indoor training. A towel should be relatively cheap, often around $10.

Water Bottle

A very important part of cycling is staying hydrated in order to keep endurance and strength throughout a ride. Having a large water bottle that can keep the liquid cold is extremely important especially in longer races. Many people strap a water bottle holder onto the side of the bike in order to have access to it at all times throughout their races and training. A standard metal water bottle will cost you about $10-15.

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