Top Cycling Gear and Accessories for Weekend Riders

Cycling Gear for Adventurers in 2024

If you want to engage in more cycling day trips or explore trails frequently, it is crucial to carry the right cycling gear. Dave and I have been passionate cyclists for over a decade, having cycled the continent of Africa in 2008. We have experimented with various cycling gear and gadgets, refining our list to match the evolving landscape of cycling in 2024.

The better prepared you are, the more enjoyable your ride will be. By creating a comprehensive cycling gear list, you can ensure a safe and comfortable experience on your bike.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is vital, and having a reliable hydration system can significantly enhance your cycling experience.

Camelbak

We highly recommend the Camelbak hydration pack. It is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to refill, keeping your water or sports drink cool. Check it out on Amazon. Additionally, consider purchasing a cleaning system to extend its lifespan.

Water Bottle

In addition to using a Camelbak, we always carry water bottles on our rides—one for pure water and another for a sports drink to replenish electrolytes.

A squeezable water bottle works perfectly, and an insulated bottle helps keep your liquids cool for later in the journey.

Water Bottle Holders

We attach two water bottle holders to our bikes. When we prefer not to wear Camelbaks, we rely on these holders for hydration during our rides. Choose durable options like these ones.

Cycling Computers

Smartphone

Recently, we have been using our iPhones along with the MapMyRide app. The free version helps us track speed, distance, calories burned, and maps our route, with the ability to save the data for future reference.

For those seeking upgrades, various apps offer additional features such as elevation tracking. The original app has served us well, but many cyclists prefer the Strava bike app, which also provides free and premium versions. Explore both to find the one that suits you best.

Bike Computers

While a cycling computer is not mandatory for an enjoyable ride, it can add fun by allowing you to track speed, elevation, and pace without relying on a smartphone or data.

We like Cateye products, and the Cateye Quick Wireless Cycle Computer is a great affordable option for attaching to your bike. Sigma bike computers are also excellent, allowing you to start with an affordable option and upgrade as your needs evolve.

iPhone Holder

When it comes to carrying your iPhone, we’ve tried various holders, and the SmartPhone Caddy is our latest favorite. It is secure and easy to use, making it convenient to take photos along your route. Ours also includes a rain cover, and you can easily add one yourself. Choose the size that fits your phone, as there are multiple options available.

Safety

Helmets

A high-quality helmet is essential for safety, offering ventilation, comfort, and style. Protecting your head should be a top priority.

While you don’t need to spend excessively, investing around $150 to $200 will provide you with a good helmet. Remember that mountain biking helmets differ from road cycling helmets, often providing more coverage and possibly a face shield.

Consider the type of riding you’ll be doing. Since we do both trail and road riding (though less hardcore mountain biking now), a quality road bike helmet works for us. I personally prefer helmets with removable visors for sun blockage that can be taken off when on trails.

For the best fit, I recommend visiting a bike shop to get fitted professionally.

Handlebar Bell

No matter how cool you think you are, a bell is necessary. It serves as a warning to hikers on shared trails, ensuring they know you are approaching.

For trails with two-way traffic, use your bell around corners to alert others of your passing. I even use mine to warn squirrels and chipmunks along the path! Get one on Amazon

Bike Lights

When cycling at night, proper lighting is essential, including reflectors and handlebar lights. We also use a red seat light that is activated to signal our presence to vehicles.

Having a blinking seat light during the day is also a great safety feature. On shady trails, it allows cyclists to be seen from a distance. For night or dusk rides, a solid light mounted on the handlebars is crucial. If you’re cycling trails, a helmet light is advisable to enhance visibility.

Bike Lock

Investing in a good bike lock is necessary. With the significant investment in our bikes, losing one would be disheartening. We carry our locks in our Camelbaks if planning an overnight trip or taking a long break for lunch.

Kryptonite U-Lock with Looped Security Cable effectively secures your wheels to the frame and provides additional cable for locking the rest of the bike.

Bike Repair Kits

Seat Bag

During a recent visit to a bike shop, we learned that crossbar bags are gaining popularity; however, we still favor seat bags.

Seat bags provide ample storage while staying unobtrusive.

Regardless of your choice, these bags are essential for carrying bike tools and some cash or credit cards. I enjoy the Top Peak Wedge Bag.

Here’s What We Keep in Our Bag:

Flat Repair Kits

We’ve experienced our fair share of flats while cycling. While we successfully traversed the entire continent of Africa without experiencing a flat, partly due to our Schawlbe marathon plus tires, having a repair kit on hand can save time and stress during a ride.

Extra Tubes

Instead of patching a tire on the road, it’s often quicker to switch out for a new tube. If you prefer to patch your tire later, that’s fine; however, having an extra tube on hand speeds up repairs significantly.

Tire Levers

Tire levers are indispensable for changing a tire, so ensure you always carry a set. Trust us; practice changing tires a few times before heading out.

My first race taught me the importance of practicing. The flat tire I experienced led to a panicked 20-minute change due to lack of preparation. Gorilla Force are durable and reliable.

CO2 Cartridge

If you want to avoid the hassle of manually pumping up your tire, CO2 cartridges fill tires quickly and efficiently. They are highly recommended for races to ensure immediate pressure. Order on Amazon.

Portable Tire Pump

We rely on CO2 cartridges mainly for racing or emergencies. For regular rides, we prefer a small pump attached to our bikes for easy top-ups.

Ensure the pump has the right valve for your bike. The Pro Bike Tool works with both Presta and Schrader valves.

Chain Lube

Keep your chain and gears well-lubricated. Squirt Dry Lube was our first sponsorship in 2008, and we still use it because it doesn’t attract dirt or build up. Although it needs to be applied more frequently, it prevents chain grease from soiling my pants.

Hex Key Set

We recommend a three-way wrench set that accommodates the most common sizes for bike maintenance. In case of mechanical issues, one of these tools usually resolves the problem.

Other Tools to Consider

Consider carrying a chain breaker, extra chain links, spoke wrench, pliers, Allen keys, and an adjustable wrench. While you may not need all of these for day trips, complete repair kits are vital for multi-day rides as bike shops might not be easily accessible.

Duct Tape

A small roll of duct tape is an essential component of any kit. We carry it on all of our adventures as it can come in handy during unexpected situations.

We don’t carry a full roll; instead, we wrap some around a pen lid, bringing just enough for quick repairs. Get it on Amazon along with your other bike gear.

Clothes and Gear

Clipless Pedals

Initially, I was terrified of clipless pedals, feeling trapped. However, I learned that the tension can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Now, I can’t imagine riding without them. Clipless pedals allow for greater leverage when riding uphill and offer better energy efficiency by enabling pulling and pushing simultaneously. Additionally, they provide more control than foot cages, allowing you to unclip quickly if you tumble. We prefer Shimano pedals. You can find a set of pedals and cleats on Amazon.

Cycling Shoes

With clipless pedals, matching shoes are essential. If buying both simultaneously, ensure to match the clips with the pedals.

Cycling shoes are designed for durability and protect your feet, featuring deep cleats for navigating tricky terrain. We advise visiting a store for proper fitting instead of ordering online.

Cycling Jersey

Cycling shirts are pivotal for comfort. They are made from breathable materials and often include pockets for gel packs.

Their bright colors enhance visibility, ensuring that drivers and fellow cyclists can spot you easily. Dave prefers full zip jerseys for additional airflow during hot rides.

Cycling Shorts

Even if you are not a fan of their appearance, bike shorts are indispensable. A good gel-padded pair will be a blessing for your comfort. There are also mountain bike options with an inner layer for those who prefer a looser fit.

Arm and Leg Warmers

If you plan to ride in the early morning or during cooler autumn months, consider using arm and leg warmers.

They provide warmth while allowing for easy removal as the temperature changes. Get these Pearl iZumi thermal arm warmers; they’ve served us well over the years.

Cycling Jacket

I have owned my MEC cycling jacket for years. It offers a longer back to protect against splashes, is water-resistant yet breathable, and features reflective elements for visibility in poor weather conditions.

Cycling Gloves

Cycling gloves might not be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, but they significantly enhance comfort during recreational riding.

They help absorb sweat, prevent slippage, and cushion your hands. The added padding and comfort aid in reducing soreness, especially during long rides.

Sunglasses

I switch sunglasses based on the type of ride. For road rides on sunny days, I opt for dark polarized lenses.

For trail rides, I prefer amber lenses that enhance trail visibility, particularly under tree canopies. Opt for plastic lenses with full coverage for maximum eye protection.

And that concludes our cycling gear list. What items do you never ride without? Did we overlook anything? We’d love to hear your thoughts!