A friend of mine who owns a bike shop here in Albuquerque, New Mexico, says his business isbooming. He’s put important safety precautions in place to keep everyone healthybut has been flooded with questions and customers. That’s because people are realizing that their old bike, which more than likelygathered dust in the garage, is one of the best ways toget outside responsiblyand enjoysome fresh air during the pandemic. Others who’ve never owned one mightwant to finally give pedaling a try. To help those of you who are either returning to a bike or getting on for the first time, here’s a list of some essential gear that will make your ride saferand more comfortable.
Kali Protectives Therapy Helmet ($100)
Cheap helmets will protect your head, but they’re often uncomfortable, hot, and hard to adjust. That’s why I suggest , which isn’t stupid expensive andcomes with features that make it much easier to wear. It’s one of the comfiesthelmets I’ve ever used, thanks to a deep head cup and a micro-adjuster on the rear headband that providesa precise fit. Tons of vents dump heat on hot days, and the chin strap stays in place and never rubs. Kali also usesa low-density layer of foamthat helps cut down on the impact your head is subject to incrashes.
Bontrager Ion Elite R Front Bike Light ($100)
You should always ride with lights on—even during the day (it’s been proven that daytime lights can prevent cars from running into you). I like the because it costsjust a Benjaminand beams1,000 lumens, or enough light to help driverssee you from over a mile away, even athigh noon. At nightit’s bright enough tolight up the street or a bike path so you can cruise atfull speed. Mounting it to your handlebars is a cinch with its robust, easy-to-adjust clip. Match the Elite R with Bontrager’s rear light, which can also be seen from the samedistance during the day.
Velocio Men’s Foundation Bib Shorts ($129)
You might think bib shorts are overkill for a short ride or a work commute. They’re not.I wear bib shorts if I’m on a bike for longer than tenminutes. Why? Because the padded chamois makes sittingon your saddle twice as comfortable, and the sleek fitcuts down onchafing. This pair ismore expensive than some other options, but I think Velocio makes the best in the business, thanks to a precise fit and high-quality materials that breathe well. If you don’t want to look like a Tour de France cyclist on your ride, slip on a pair of overshorts (seebelow).
Chrome Union Short 2.0 ($110)
I’ll admit it: I’m vain when I’m onmy bike. I don’t want to look like someone who’s out to win a European race. And if I want to stop fora to-go coffee, I don’t wantto walk around in just bike bibs. That’s why I always wear the over them. Made from durable, four-way-stretch nylon and spandex—and sewn with a gusseted crotch—they move well and never slow me down. They also come with many useful features, includinga zippered phone pocket, a rear one big enough to carry a mini U-lock, and a reflective hit on the back hip that helps driverssee me at night. Paying more than $100 for a pair of shorts may seemridiculous, but they’re great off the bike, too,sothe value is there.
Hiplok DX Wearable Keyed U-Lock ($90)
U-locks arethe safest way to protect your bike. I’m a fan of because the bar is made of a 14-millimeterhardened steel that will ward off all but the most determinedthieves. (If someone does decideto hack through it, they’ll need serious time to finish the job.)At about six inches long, the locking bar is easy to get around your frame and the fattest bike rack. The keys it comes with are easy to use and don’t require any jiggling or finesse. If you don’t ride with a backpack, the DX comes with a sturdy plastic clip that slides through your belt and allows you to confidentlycarry the lock on the back of your shorts.
Patagonia Men’s Capilene Cool Trail Bike Henley ($55)
You can bike in any shirt, but will feel the best,I promise. That’s the work of Patagonia’s Capilene material, a recycled polyester that wicks sweat quickly to keep you drier and less stinky. (The textile treatment that fights odoralso allows you to use the shirt a couple times in a row without washing.) Patagonia designed this Henley for riding abike, with a longerhem that covers your back and butt when you’re bent over the handlebars.