I Love Bicycling

I Love Bicycling is a website that is geared towards cycling for beginners with road cycling tips, training articles, nutrition tips, weight loss, how to’s and bike repair articles.

Gravel Bike Vs. Road Bike: Which One Is Better For You?

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Have you ever wondered what the differences are between a gravel bike vs. road bike? While they’re more alike than different (they’re both bikes, after all), there are unique aspects to both that help them to thrive in their given environments and designed-for purposes. This article will give you the low down on which one might be the best option for you.

gravel bike vs road bike

(Credit: Adobe Stock)

Differences: Road Bike vs. Gravel Bike

Road bikes are primarily designed for speed and efficiency, while gravel bikes are more robust, and provide a convenient bridge between the road and mountain bike for riders who enjoy (or simply require) the versatility of both. While similar enough to be in a conversation together, they have unique differences that set them apart into their own categories.

Road Bikes

Road bikes are typically lighter in weight and less padded in material than gravel bikes. This is a result of their limited off-road capacity, with more emphasis on getting the rider from point A to point B as fast as possible. They’re designed to reduce wind and road resistance through aerodynamic features like a more aggressive riding profile, reduced wheelbase, and thinner tires.

5 Unique Characteristics of Road Bikes

  • Constructed of lightweight materials like carbon fiber, high-quality steel or aluminum
  • Thin, narrow, high-pressure tires that reduce road resistance; more speed with less effort
  • Drop handlebars to emphasize low-profile, aerodynamic riding positions
  • Engineered to be stiff in key areas to increase power transfer from the pedals
  • Typically have a horizontal top tube and shorter wheelbase to reduce wind drag
road bike

(Credit: Adobe Stock)

Gravel Bikes

Gravel bikes are built with a little more grit. They’re designed to handle the scrappier elements of an off-road trail without worrying too much about things like speed. They are still lightweight, but are often a little more robust to handle the shocks and vibrations of trail riding. A more upright riding posture and wider tires are other features that put these bikes into a separate class.

5 Unique Characteristics of Gravel Bikes

  • Frames that range in stiffness and are more durable than road bikes
  • Equipped with multiple mounting points for racks, bags, bottles, etc.
  • Wider tires for stability and traction on uneven and/or rough terrain
  • Lower bottom bracket which lowers the centre of gravity for more stability
  • Typically come with a wider range of gears to accommodate technical trails and hills
gravel bike

(Credit: Adobe Stock)

Which One Is Right For You?

The chief separator between these two classes of bikes is their function. Costs are similar across the different tiers of performance available on the market based on brand, component/material quality, etc. So it really comes down to what you’re going to use the bike for and where. Consider these three questions when making your decision.

  • What will you use the bike for immediately and in the future?
    • A gravel bike can survive on the road, but a road bike will have a hard time holding up on the trails. Any desire to be off-road might have you leaning more towards a gravel bike.
  • Are you focused on training for a cycling race or triathlon?
    • If your racing aspirations are serious, you need to start specializing in equipment at some point. A gravel bike simply won’t cut it when it comes to racing, and it won’t give you an honest representation of where you sit in the field.
  • What is your preferred riding style and comfort level?
    • Road bikes are designed for a more aggressive riding position, which can be uncomfortable. Gravel bikes often have a more relaxed and upright geometry, which can be more comfortable for full-day adventures or less competitive riding.

Road & Gravel Bike Accessories

No matter which one you decide to go with, you’re going to want to supe it up and make it your own! Convenience, style, protection…that’s what you’ll find with the hand selected accessories for both road and gravel bikes we have listed below. 

Road Bike Accessories

BV Bicycle Strap-On Saddle Bag

Benefits: Carry your phone, keys, and wallet without feeling bogged down. Attaches under your seat for easy to access and discreet convenience.

SY Bicycle Computer

Benefits: Have your speed and distance calculated automatically and in real time. Good for those who are taking their training seriously.

Gravel Bike Accessories

ROCKBROS Top Tube Bag

Benefits: Sturdy, waterproof bag that can handle everything you throw at it. Easy access to your valuables without even getting off your bike.

All Mountain Style High-Impact Frame Protection Kit

Benefits: When you invest in a nice bike, you want to protect it as best you can. This easy to apply frame kit is a cheap option that allows you to prolong the life of your frame.

The History of the Cycling Cap

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The cycling cap, or the ‘casquette’ in French, is a bit of icon in the cycling world. The simple cloth cap graced the heads of all the greats, with the history of the cycling cap going back through the last century and beyond. Now it stands as a symbol, looking kind of ridiculous to the rest of the population, but serving as a nod to your cycling brethren.

Whether you admit to owning one or not, the cycling cap is part of the culture, along with weird tan lines and bib shorts. It speaks to its two wheeled history, and has seen a resurgence in the past few years. Here’s a short history of the cycling cap, as muddy as it is, so you can wear yours with pride as you head on down the coffee shop.

History of the Cycling Cap

The History of the Cycling Cap

The Early Days

The first documented cycling races started up in the late 1800s, exposing riders to the harsh elements. Some sort of headwear was immediately needed, so the rudimentary flat cap was the obvious choice as opposed to top hats and tails.

The Paris Roubaix start line, 1899

The flat cap was a step in the right direction, but tweed is not an ideal athletic material. This set the groundwork for the cycling cap. Riders wore plain white skull caps, which eventually turned brown and grey with dust and grime over the years. It was purely functional, keeping the sun out of the eyes, absorbing sweat, and keeping the rain and muck out.

The Hayday

By the 1950s, the cycling cap became the ultimate mark of a professional cyclist. The design was refined through the 60s, coming to resemble what we know it as today. Sponsors began branding caps, and it became a way to spread your name in the cycling world.

Not only were they worn on the bike, but on podiums and on the heads of coaches and everyone else inspired by the cycling greats. Those who may not be able to afford a Campagnolo-equipped bike could afford a Campagnolo cap, so it became an entry in the cycling culture.

The Decline

With the introduction of helmets to cycling in the 70s and 80s, the cycling cap became less of a necessity. Although it was no longer the mark of a professional cyclist, it remained a part of the cycling kit. The helmet and the cycling cap were not necessarily mutually exclusive, and many cyclists chose to wear a cap under their helmet in cold and wet weather.

When helmets become mandatory, the cycling cap took the backburner. It has even been largely replaced by baseball caps on podiums. For those entering the cycling world today, it holds no meaning as a once essential piece of gear.

The Comeback

Although the cycling cap has had its ups and downs, it is not a reserve of history. The cycling cap is seeing a comeback, and not just as geeky accessory that screams “I REALLY LOVE CYCLING” to onlookers. It is functional and useful, and even with a helmet still serves the purpose for which it was first created. There is more variety than ever before, with caps to keep your head cool, warm – or just looking really awesome.

If you’re looking for an easy way to have a little fun with your cycling kit, check out some of the best cycling caps. Not only are there a ton of styles, but also some creative ways to wear it!

A Guide to the Best Cycling Sunglasses

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When you’re first getting into cycling, sunglasses may not be on the top of your list of must-haves. Most people will throw on their everyday sunglasses and hop on their bike. However, depending on the fit, they may become a pain in a hurry. There are a few things that make cycling sunglasses (or sports performance sunglasses) more up for the task at hand.

What to Look for in Cycling Sunglasses

Fit

Fit with any type of apparel is important, but sunglasses that don’t fit properly can slide down your nose, give you a pressure headache, or even create blindspots in your vision. Most brands of cycling sunglasses will have hydrophilic rubber on the nose and arms, which actually gains grip as you sweat. You will also want to try sunglasses on with your helmet to make sure the arms are comfortable. Most will have straight-back temples for optimal helmet compatibility.

Shape and Coverage

When you’re on your bike, you want the biggest field of vision possible for your own safety. When you shoulder check, you don’t want the edge of your sunglasses getting in the way and blocking your view of traffic. This is why most cycling sunglasses wrap around and include your peripherals.

Lenses

Lighter lenses are better for cycling because they can help enhance the contrast of the road, allowing you to see obstacles or rough pavement before you hit it. Most of these will have UV protection, so they will protect your eyes, but grey lenses can make the ground, shadows and potholes all look the same. Investing in prescription sunglasses can also be great for those who don’t want to wear contacts, but you will want to get the wrap around lenses so you will have clear vision in your peripherals.

The Best Cycling Sunglasses

Oakley Radar EV

Price: $193

Oakley’s original Radar eyewear combined everything they learned from decades of research with the world’s best athletes, and came out with the Oakley Radar EV. These have taller lenses, extending vision, and PRIZM Road lenses. A step beyond polarized lenses, this technology enhances contract like never before. With a lightweight design and replaceable nosepiece, you won’t even feel like you’re wearing them.

Julbo Aerolite

Price: $189

Designed with the help of world-class ultrarunners, mountain bikers and road cyclists, the Julbo Aerolite is super lightweight and fast. They have a rimless design with a wide lens surface for broad field of vision and an aerated structure that allows complete air circulation to avoid fog. With a smaller design, these are a great option for women or people with small faces, and the nose pads are adjustable to ensure a snug fit.

Bolle B-Rock

Price: $115

The Bolle B-Rock sunglasses have the benefits of the single wrap around lens, but with the added stability of a full frame. The lenses are treated with an oleophobic layer (repelling dirt, grease and water), anti-fog, and anti-reflective technology. The nosepiece adjusts both front to back, and side to side –which is great if you find other models sit too close to your eyes and eyelashes.

Smith Attack Max

Price: $249

Lightweight with extended lenses, the Smith Attack Max are for the more aggressive rider. If you spend a lot of time down on your drops, then these are probably the glasses for you. With a hydroleophobic finish, they keep sweat or rain from fogging up the lenses.

Spy Helm 2

Price: $100

The Spy Helm 2 are a great option for those wanting to buy just one pair of sunglasses that will be good for running, cycling, and hitting the patio for some post-ride beers. This upgraded model has five-barrel hinges making them “nearly indestructible” and include Happy Lens technology. Spy claims that this let’s in the good rays, while blocking out the bad ones.

Top 10 Gifts for Cyclists

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In a lot of ways, having an avid cyclist in your life actually makes gift buying easier. There is always a new gadget or a go-to staple that they’ll appreciate receiving. Plus, the right amount of anything within the cycling world n+1, with ‘n’ being their current number. Here are some of the best gifts for cyclists.

Top 10 Gifts for Cyclists

Bar Tape

Most cyclist’s go far too long between changing out their bar tape, so take this opportunity to subtly remind them that it is eventually meant to be changed out! You can go with the classic white, a color that matches their bike, or a fun pattern to add some life to their bike.

Pint Glasses

Everyone knows cycling and beer go hand in hand, so why not make sure their cupboard is stocked with some cycling specific pint glasses to use for beer (or water) after a long ride.

Lights

For the commuters and night riders on your list, cycling lights can be a great stocking stuffer. Check out the The NiteRider Lumina 1100 Boost. It is an innovative bike light that removes the guesswork related to battery life with a digital display screen delivering precise battery run times as a percentage and actual time. The NiteRider produced a generous long-distance spot and wide flood beam pattern, making night riding both safe and a ton of fun.

Muscle Rub

Have a cyclist who love races and pushing themselves just a little too hard? Grab them some spicy embro from Mad Alchemy and cross them off your list. This stuff is perfect for sore muscles, or even for race day morning as a means of relaxing the muscles and calming the mind. As a medium rub, the warming sensation is just enough to add a little heat without searing your skin off.

Waterbottle 

You can never have enough water bottles. Between losing them and your kids stealing them, they’re just one of those things that is always needed. Camelbak water bottles are particularly great as they won’t leak and make it east to squirt water into your mouth while your on the bike.

Foam Roller

Arm & Leg Warmers

Cold knees suck, so why not grab a pair of leg warmers for some wind blocking warmth. Arm warmers can also come in handy for those rides that are just a little too cold.

Cycling Socks

You can never have too many pairs of cycling socks! Socks shouldn’t be something you really think about, unless you have a bad pair. So, grab some merino wool socks that wick away moisture and regulate body temperature. These will also last forever with their indestructawool technology used to enhance durability ride after ride.

Cycling Cap

A callback to times passed, cycling caps can be great to either wear under your helmet, or to whip out at a coffee shop to hide a bad case of helmet hair. Made from lightweight polyester, this cap is a great form of wind protection and water resistance. Fitting easily under your helmet, it even has a low profile ponytail port for those with long hair.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are another one of those things you can never have enough of. Oakley’s original Radar eyewear combined everything they learned from decades of research with the world’s best athletes, and came out with the Oakley Radar EV. These have taller lenses, extending vision, and PRIZM Road lenses. A step beyond polarized lenses, this technology enhances contract like never before. With a lightweight design and replaceable nosepiece, you won’t even feel like you’re wearing them.

Garmin Edge 530

For the cyclist on your list that is just starting out, the Garmin Edge 530 is the perfect gift. Other bike computers may have more bells and whistles, but this model is longstanding for a reason. The previous Edge 520 led the way with new performance and power analysis, including Time in Zone, FTP tracking, cycling specific VO2 and recovery dynamics.

The Best Types of Cycling Socks

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The first step to becoming faster is looking good…right? This may be why cyclists have a bit of a sock obsession. Most riders wear the same cycling kit, or with little variety, every day, so changing up the sock game is a fun way to add a little bit of your own personal style. Not only that, but they are a highly functional piece of cycling gear that can make or break a ride. Here are some of the best types of cycling socks to get you looking and feeling good for your next ride.

cycling socks

The Big Players

With so many brands of cycling socks out there, it can difficult to choose the ones that will work best for you. Hopefully these brief descriptions of a few of the larger brands will make the decision easier.

  • Swiftwick socks are made in the USA and focus on comfort and quality. Their socks feature managed compression, chemical-free wicking, and anti-blister and anti-odor technology. These are the four pillars they build each pair of socks to.
  • Defeet International socks are also made in the USA and prioritize operating at a higher level to produce one of the best cycling socks on the market.
  • Pearl Izumi yields not only great cycling socks, but also other clothing to keep you matching from head to toe!
  • Sock Guy is the go to sock company when looking for custom socks, they have a 4-5 week turn around and are manufactured in the USA.

Racing Socks

Racing cycling socks are designed with performance in mind, so they offer breathable material and an attention to performance over style. The Swiftwick Aspire socks have a thin cushion bed, and offer compression to different anchor points in the foot. The Louis Garneau Men’s Coni Cycling Socks are made from Coolmax fiber, and are supposed to wick moisture and increase the speed they dry out. Pearl Izumi’s Elite Socks feature the ELITE Transfer material to also dry out quickly, and have “compression for a performance fit.” All of these racing style cycling socks have two things in common. One, they are super good at drying out quickly to keep your feet cool while competing. Secondly, most of these socks come up one-quarter of your calf to give you that pro look.

Wool Cycling Socks

Wool socks can be a real lifesaver in the winter months, keeping your feet warm and dry. DeFeet makes some of the most popular wool cycling socks on the market. They are called the Woolie Boolie sock. They are durable and provide a great deal of warmth as they are made out of almost 50% American Merino Wool. These socks come up six inches to provide you with a great deal of warmth. The Sockguy wool cycling sock is twelve inches high and features a mesh upper panel above your foot to allow for ventilation. Giro also makes a six-inch sock out of merino material in a ton of patterns and colors.

Compression Cycling Socks

Compression socks are nothing new in the world of endurance sports, but finding the right pair may not be so easy. They are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), the larger the number the more compressed the socks will feel. The Swiftwick Twelve is 15-20mmHg and features their anti-odor technology and will help to reduce swelling during recovery. The Louis Garneau R-Compression cycling socks decrease recovery time between workouts and have “stretch zones at the heel and toe.” The Mojo Coolmax recovery cycling socks offer 20-30mmHg, a bit more compression than competitors, although more is not always better with compression.

The Essential Cycling Accessories

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Cycling can be an intimidating sport to get into, especially when you walk into a bike shop with no idea where to start. You may see a ton of kitted out riders with all the bells and whistles, but you really don’t need much to get started. The essential cycling accessories can not only be affordable, but can last you years to come.

Essential Cycling Accessories

What you need:

1. A Bike

Okay, this one is pretty self explanatory. Check out this article on “How to Choose Your First Road Bike” for more information.

2. A Helmet

The second most important piece of equipment after your bike should be a helmet. Whether you’re doing a five minute commute to work or heading out for a couple hours, never get on your bike without a helmet. There is not doubt a helmet can save your life, so ensure you get one that is a proper fit. On a side note, don’t be tempted by the UFO-looking aero helmets, unless you are a professional, you really don’t need it!

Core Accessories

These items may not be absolutely necessary, but they can definitely make cycling more enjoyable, especially when you’re just starting out.

A Bike Lock

Unless you plan on only riding from your house, and never stopping out on the road for a coffee or snack, then you’re going to need a bike lock. You may think the bigger the better, but the size of the lock is less important than the functionality. There are dozens of different bike locks on the market, so be sure to invest in one that can give you peace of mind when you have to leave your bike.

Cycling Clothing

Obviously you don’t need to go all in with the lycra to go on your first ride, but a couple staple items will make the experience a lot more comfortable. First is a waterproof jacket or shell that can keep you dry and warm even if the weather takes a turn for the worse. The second a solid pair of cycling shorts with a good chamois. These will feel awkward at first (kind of like wearing a diaper), but they allow you to feel more comfortable, powerful, and in control while on the bike. Cycling shorts will also allow you to ride for longer periods of time without discomfort or risk of saddle sores.

Many cyclists claim that you have to go with clipless pedals and cycling shoes to ensure efficient riding. True, this system does help you with power transfer, and can be a big step in improving your cycling, but you don’t necessarily need to start with them. Besides, the idea of being clipped into the bike can be daunting for a lot of beginners, so take you time and grow into the idea as you become more confident in your cycling skills.

Pump, Spares, Tools

You won’t want to have to end your ride and take your bike into the shop every time you get a flat. You’ll need both the tools and the know-how to take care of some of the most common bike fixes. A good tire pump, multi tool and spare tubes (if you have clincher tires) will go a long way to keep you out on the road. For some basic maintenance and repair, check out “101 Best Bike Repair and Maintenance Tips.”

A Water Bottle

Staying hydrated on your bike is key to both how you’ll feel and can affect your overall health. Ensure you always have water with you when you head out on a ride, whether in the water bottle and cage system, or a hydration pack.

A Saddle Bag

If something goes wrong on a ride and you’re stuck without tools and supplies, you’re walking or calling for help. It’s not so much having a tool for each and every issue, it’s about having the right tools and supplies to get you back on the road again. A saddle bag is the easiest way to carry all the essentials to keep you rolling.

Cycling Cap

A cycling cap is for both function and style. It keeps the sun out of your eyes as well as sweat and rain, and winter caps can keep you warm on a chilly day. Also, if you use your bike for commuting around town and are worried about having hemet-hair, a cycling cap can be a great lightweight fix.

Cycling Glasses

You may have a pair on sunglasses you’ll wear on those bright, summer days, but wearing glasses while on your bike can do more than shield from the sun. Glasses help break the wind when you’re riding, preventing eye irritation. They also work wonders to keep bugs, rain, and other debris from smacking you in the eyeball (which is not a pleasant experience). Many cycling glasses will come with interchangeable lenses, so you can wear the same pair no matter what the weather.

10 Best Cycling Helmets

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Regardless of whether you spend every spare moment on your bike or you simply use it for the commute into work, we all know that a good cycling helmet is an essential piece of cycling gear. A good helmet will keep your protected should you happen to come off your bike for any reason. Here we take a look at ten of the best cycling helmets that offer the most helmet for the money.

  1. Giros Savant Road Bike Helmet

best cycling helmet

Featuring a stylish design that is sure to turn heads, this is one of the best looking cycling helmets around. It doesn’t skimp on safety though, featuring in-mold EPS foam to provide an additional layer of protection in addition to extensive ventilation that ensures your head says cool during longer rides.

  1. Giro Atmos II Helmet

best cycling helmet

Available in a wide range of colors so you can make sure that it matches with the rest of your gear, these cycling helmets feature a thermoformed roll cage in addition to the EPS foam technology that ensures your head stays protected. Buckle closure keeps it safe and secure on your head at all times.

  1. Bell Array Bike Helmet

best cycling helmet

Featuring a fusion in-moldmicroshell that offers outstanding levels of protection, this helmet is the best choice for people who are going to be riding in warmer conditions, as it has 24 vents that are specially placed to keep your head cool at all times. It’s lightweight as well, meaning it won’t have any effect on your performance.

  1. Laluz 21 Vents Adult Road Bike Helmet

best cycling helmet

With 21 vents this is another of those cycling helmets that is ideal for warmer climates. Better yet, it is adjustable so it can be properly fitted to any size head, plus it has moisture wicking pads on the interior that work to wick sweat away from your brow.

  1. Louis Garneau – HG Eagle Cycling Helmet

best cycling helmet

Featuring one of the most unique designs of all of the cycling helmets on this list, this helmet is made with your performance in mind. Its design makes it as aerodynamic as possible, while also offering a superior level of protection. This one is ideal for competitive cyclists.

  1. Fox Men’s Flux Helmet

best cycling helmet

This wonderfully colorful helmet features one of the most striking designs of any of the cycling helmets on this list, plus it is made by Fox so you can be assured of a high level of quality. The deep rear profile is perfect for the safety-conscious, as it offers an additional layer of protection that isn’t available with most cycling helmets down the back of the head.

  1. Cyclebeam 700 Lumen Helmet

best cycling helmet

This helmet is the perfect choice for low visibility cycling as it comes complete with a rechargeable headlight that can light your way when you’re riding in darker conditions. Better yet, the battery that powers the light can also be used as an emergency charger for your smartphone in times of need.

  1. Bern Unlimited Allston Helmet with Black Flip Visor

best cycling helmet

This helmet is perfect for riding in conditions where the glare from the sun is going to cause an issue, as it comes complete with a visor that protects your eyes. This means that you won’t need to purchase a cycling cap to go along with it, almost making this a two-for-one deal.

  1. Limar 535 Bike Helmet

best cycling helmet

Made using superlight technology that not only keeps you protected but also ensures the helmet doesn’t weigh down on your head, this piece of cycling gear can also be adjusted to fit a multitude of different sizes.

  1. Kask Mojito Helmet

best cycling helmet

With a unique design that is both attractive and offers supreme levels of protection, the Kask Mojito Helmet has 26 vents that will ensure your head stays cool, while also being extremely lightweight. This makes it ideal for endurance cycling races, allowing you to stay a step ahead of the competition.

Essential Cycling Gear

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Essential Cycling Gear, Must have bike gearFor any sport there is a bare minimum of what you need. Of course you can go above and beyond but just starting out you don’t need all the extra’s. Just the basics will do just fine. With road cycling, these basics can be a bit more pricey than a soccer ball but they don’t have to be expensive, and they’ll last you quite a bit longer than you think.

Must Have Bike Gear

Bike

Seems pretty obvious, but you are not going to get too far cycling without a bike!

Helmet

After you have a bike the first thing you need is a helmet. This trumps all other gear as this is what is going to save your life if you have an accident. Choose a helmet based on what is right for you. All helmets are going to meet the required safety standard but will come with different price points and features. A road bike helmet specifically is going to be relatively light with ventilation and without a visor.

Shorts

After safety comes comfort. Cycling shorts are form fitting, meaning that they are snug to your skin, and have padding for a more comfortable contact point with the seat. Being form fitting, road cycling shorts are more aerodynamic than other clothing and won’t flap in the wind nor hinder your knees as they bend with the pedal stroke.

Jersey

A jersey, like shorts will also add comfort to your ride as well as functionality. Jerseys are made from thin sweat-wicking material to keep you cool along with a front zipper to allow for more air to pass over your chest. Also, jerseys come with pockets in the back. These are clutch as you can easily carry anything from your phone, to wallet, to food, to extra clothing easily and are very accessible, even while riding.

Shoes/Pedals

Cycling shoes and pedals are going to be much more comfortable as well as more efficient. They have a stiff, lightweight sole that doesn’t flex as you pedal putting more of your effort into the pedals themselves instead of being lost in the shoe. Clipless pedals will allow your shoe to clip in and be attached to the pedal keeping your foot from moving on the pedal as well as giving you the ability to pull up through the pedal stroke. This, along with the added comfort, will allow you to pedal longer and faster than wearing any old shoe.

Water Bottles

Bikes are great to ride because they come with a place to carry your water bottles. Not many, if any, other sport has the functionality of always having a bottle at arm’s reach. A cycling specific water bottle is made to fit snuggly in the water bottle cage and not fall out going over bumps and any other rough terrain. Also they have a nozzle that can be opened and closed with your mouth so you only need one hand to take a drink.

Essential Bike Tools

Flat Pack

As a bike rider it’s not a matter of if but when you are going to have a flat tire. Tires are lightweight and thin and although durable, flats will happen. You will need the following items as well as the knowhow to change a tire.

-Saddle Bag: A saddle bag attaches behind your saddle to carry everything you need to change a flat.

-Hand Pump: A small hand pump will inflate your tire after you get a new tube in it.

-Tire Levers: Some tires will be tight to the rim and hard to get off with just your hands. Tire levers can be used to safely remove and install the tire without damaging the rim or tube inside.

-Tube: A spare tube to replace the one with a hole in it. A patch-kit is also a good idea as if you get another flat in your only spare tube you’re in trouble. Carry two tubes during every ride.

–Multi-Tool: Although not needed to change a flat, a multi-tool is a great addition to any saddle bag as you never know when you might need an allen key to tighten a loose bolt.

Sunglasses

Although not always needed and largely based on personal preference, sunglasses are a very good thing to have. First, they will protect your eyes on a sunny day from UV rays. Second, they can keep wind and road debris out of your eyes particularly if you’re riding on a dusty or dirty road. Finally, if it rains, they can be worn so you can still actually see something through the rain that otherwise would be pelting your eyes.

With these road cycling gear must have’s, you’ll be ready to ride with comfort, style and speed. Any of these can be purchased on the cheaper side but upgrading them as your riding progresses is pretty much a guarantee. You have to start somewhere and with these you’ll be starting out on the right foot.

The Ten Best Cycling Shops In America

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The Ten Best Cycling Shops In America

We all have a favored cycling shop in our local area that we use to pick up the apparel and pieces of kit that we need to have a good time on our bikes. However, there are certain things that go into the truly great cycling shops that you aren’t always guaranteed to find.

Here we take a look at ten of the best cycling shops in the United States. Every single one of them is worth a visit should you ever happen to find yourself in the area for whatever reason.

  1. Mountain Bike Specialists – Durango, Colorado

If you’re riding in Colorado the odds are pretty high that you are going to end up mountain biking at some point or another. After all, the terrain is just too good to miss. This shop has been serving the community for more than 45 years and offers everything you need to stay safe on tougher trails.

  1. Fairwheel Bikes – Tucson, Arizona

On the surface this looks like any other bike shop, though armed with a top quality array of gear. Dig a little deeper though and you will find the internet department, which allows you to customize your road bike to whatever specifications you desire. This makes it a must for cyclists who want to personalize their rides.

  1. Old Spokes Home – Burlington, Vermont

Of all of the cycling shops on this list, this is the one to head to if you fancy something a little bit different. You won’t find all of the latest cycling gear here, but you get great service that is tailored to you and have the opportunity to see some classic bike designs in the process.

  1. Angry Catfish – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Some may decry this cycling shop as a little too much on the hipster side, but it features a stunning array of gorgeous bikes and is one of the most welcoming cycling shops around. You’ll find some really cool cycling gear here, plus you might learn a little something about the store’s own cycling team.

  1. Island Triathlon & Bike – Honolulu, Hawaii

If you ever have the opportunity to cycle in Hawaii then this is the shop that you need to visit. Featuring plenty of kit and an outstanding level of service, both visitors and locals adore this store, which also caters for group rides and offers cycling clinics for those who are interested.

  1. Vecchio’sBicicletteria – Boulder, Colorado

They may be one of the more exclusive cycling stores around, stocking only Moots, Waterford, and Gunnar bikes, but this is a high-end store that guarantees quality at every turn. There are also three in-house mechanics who are capable of resolving practically any mechanical issue you may have with your bike.

  1. Bicycle Habitat – New York, New York

This is a little bit of a low-key cycling store, but that doesn’t mean it should fall off your radar. It offers free “long-ride” clinics and maintains an extremely knowledgeable staff who will be able to help you out regardless of what you are looking for.

  1. Poison Spider – Moab, Utah

Don’t let yourself be put off by the name, this is one of the top cycling stores in Utah. You’ll be able to find all of the information that you need about the many cycling trails in the state, in addition to a superb rental feel if you are just visiting.

  1. Huckleberry Bicycles – San Francisco, California

A wonderfully warm atmosphere and sense of community spirit allows Huckleberry’s to stand out as one of the best cycling stores in America. They offer one of the friendliest services around, meaning you will always feel like your needs are being taken care of.

  1. Velo Cult – Portland, Oregon

Velo Cult is a relative newcomer on the extremely active Portland cycling scene, but it has quickly garnered a reputation due to the fact that it offers so much more than a regular shop. There is a stage for live bands and cyclists regularly converge on the store to talk shop and just hang out. You can easily spend the entire day here and not get bored.

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