We usually stick to mountain biking but these days any type of cycling is really popular. Cycling is a fun outdoor activity that you can do almost anywhere. And soon you will get hooked and it will turn into a lifestyle as well. To enjoy it to the fullest there are a couple a things that you will need apart from your bike obviously. Die hard cyclists will do anything to ensure optimal comfort on the road and can spend hours debating on the details of for instance cycling shoes. The following cycling accessories will help you whether riding in the rain, snow, or scorching hot weather.
So what are the 6 things that you need:
Cycling gloves
Cycling gloves are the first on this list (not because they are the most important, order is random:) and are a part of almost any biker cycling kit. Apart from fighting cold weather and some extra padding for your handlebars, gloves will also protect your hands in case of fall. But in summer with good handlebar grips gloves a really a matter of personal preference. There are three distinct types of cycling gloves:
- Half-finger gloves: These are padded for protection and relief. They help eliminate numbness after miles of riding. They are usually used in warm weather to enhance your grip while cycling. What’s more, these cycling gloves protect your hands in case of a crash.
- Full finger lobster cycling gloves: Lobster gloves come with an ergonomic design for cold weather use. They enhance your comfort and provide the right angles for a perfect grip. They are water/windproof and will protect you against harsh weather. They also offer reflective piping and are useful when riding in the dark.
- Long fingered winter cycling gloves: These come with adequate padding for optimal hand protection. They improve your grip and are insulated to keep your hands warm. They also protect your hands during crashes or falls.
Bike shorts
Bike shorts are also referred to as cycling shorts and are legwear worn by cyclists while cycling. For road cycling they are tight-fitting (more aerodynamic) and are mostly made of spandex. For mountain biking they are more loose fitting and made out of more heavy duty materials so they protect you better if you crash. Bike shorts come in various styles and shapes, and some come with more panels and are more costly.
There are different shorts for summer (lighter, more breathable) and cold weather riding (thicker, possibly waterproof).
Cycling shoes& Socks
Yes, there are special cycling socks. In general go for socks with fewer seams and at least some material thickness that also depends on the riding temperature. If socks are not that important on the other hand, high-quality shoes will improve your performance, comfort, safety, and efficiency. Good cycling shoes, especially comparing them to regular sneakers really make a difference. There are two types of cycling shoes, these are:
- Mountain biking shoes: These have a flexible sole (for easier walking, it’s still more rigid than in regular sneakers) made of grippy rubber and have a recessed cleat. Then there are also mtb shoes for flat pedals.
- Road cycling shoes: Road cycling shoes have the cleat attached to the outer sole of the shoe. They are also much stiffer or even completely rigid as they are not meant for walking, just for cycling.
Cycling shoe covers
Cycling shoe covers are mostly worn due to weather conditions (stopping wind and rain) or performance (less wind resistance). There are different cycling shoe covers for riding in the rain or snow, and all come with numerous gains. Examples of cycling shoe covers are;
- Cycling shoe covers that reach up to the ankle
- Cycling toe covers
Cycling shirts
Cycling shirts are essential for any serious cyclist. Their main purpose is to keep you warm (again different thickness depending on the temperature) while being breathable and at the same time wick away sweat so you are not cold and wet on the bike. They are also a fashion statement and allow professional cyclists to list their sponsors. Road cycling jerseys usually feature a few quick access pockets at the back for easy to reach snacks and drinks.
Helmet
A cycling helmet protects your head during crashes. Nowadays, you can get light and trendy helmets in varied colors. A few things to mark here is that road cycling helmets are different and lighter than mtb helmets that can even be full face helmets also protecting your face. A good helmet should have lots of vents for optimal air circulation while still passing all the safety tests. Only downhill dedicated mtb helmets have minimal vents, in all other helmet types you will want as much airflow as possible to keep your head cool. Your helmet should also feature an optical visor to protect your eyes from dust, dirt and sun.
Together with a helmet people also buy cycling glasses or in a case of a full face helmet mtb goggles. These will protect your eyes from dirt, dust, flies and other debris that can get into your eyes. At high speeds something hitting your eye can be dangerous. They also improve your vision by shielding your from the sun, UV rays and glare.
The bottom line
There are various accessories to include in your cycling kit, a spare tire and a repair kit also always comes in handy. When it comes to cycling gear it’s usually better to pay a bit more and make sure you get quality pieces that will last. It’s also wise to follow a few good cycling stores and be on the lookout for great offers.