The Ultimate Road Biking Gear Guide

No matter if you're hitting the road for a happy hour ride with friends, or are putting on some serious miles for a challenge, having the right gear for road biking is essential to staying safe and comfortable during your rides. From cycling apparel to safety gear, bike accessories and tools to components and maintenance, this guide covers everything you need to know about road biking gear.

Cycling Apparel

Cycling requires special gear and equipment to ensure cyclists' safety and comfort. Among the essential gear needed for cycling are cycling apparel, including jerseys and shorts, waterproof and windproof jackets, and shoes and socks. This apparel provides comfort, breathability and protection while cycling.

Jerseys and Shorts

Just like any other sports apparel, cycling jerseys and shorts are designed with specific features that cater to cyclists' needs. This apparel is made from lightweight, moisture-wicking and breathable materials that keep you cool on your ride.

When selecting cycling jerseys for road biking, look for aerodynamic designs with air vents to regulate your temperature while you ride. Keep this in mind for mountain bike shorts, too. Road biking shorts should be breathable and designed with padded seats to absorb shock, reduce friction, prevent chafing and provide mile-after-mile comfort in the saddle.

Waterproof and Windproof Jackets

When you're on the road, the weather can go from beautiful bluebird morning, to rain and wind in the afternoon. Because of these unpredictable and varying conditions, having a waterproof and windproof cycling jacket is necessary to protect yourself from the elements. These jackets are typically made from breathable, lightweight materials that allow free airflow while keeping you dry.

Some of the essential features to consider when purchasing biking jackets include the type of insulation, the breathability of the jacket and the type of membrane used. Gore-Tex is one of the popular membrane materials used in making waterproof and windproof jackets as it offers maximum protection against the elements. Make sure that these are cycling jackets that easily pack down, so you can stash them in your jersey pocket or tube bags and use at a moment's notice.

Shoes and Socks

Cycling shoes and socks contribute significantly to your performance, comfort and safety while on the bike. Cycling shoes are designed with stiff soles that provide a sturdy base for pedaling and efficient transfer of power from the feet to the pedal. Cycling shoes also feature cleats at the bottom that clip onto the mountain bike or cycling pedals, allowing for better control and stability while riding.

Cycling socks are designed to provide comfort and prevent blisters and hot spots on your feet. They are made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like polyester or merino wool that keep feet dry throughout the ride.

Safety Gear

Safety gear is an essential component for road bikers, as it provides protection in case of an accidental fall, contact with debris or any kind of injury. Let's review the road biking safety essentials.

Helmet

Bike helmets are crucial for protecting your head from severe injury. Cycling and mountain biking are high-intensity, high-sweat sports, so make sure you find a helmet with good ventilation, to keep you from overheating. Look for a helmet that's snug and comfortable, and make sure you never leave home for a ride without it.

Gloves

Gloves are essential for road biking and mountain biking as they help you maintain a strong grip, keep your hands warm in cold weather and can protect your fingers from injury in case of a crash. Look for biking gloves that fit well but offer plenty of ventilation to keep your hands cool and dry.

High Visibility Clothing and Reflective Accessories

Reflective clothing and accessories help keep you safe if you ride in dark or low-light conditions, or travel on highly used roads. Have a reliable set of bike lights attached to the back of your bike and your pedals. Additionally, invest in some reflective clothing (like a reflective jacket or jersey) that you can wear when needed. An important safety measure to keep in mind is to make sure you are easily seen by other bikers and drivers.

Bike Accessories and Tools

Before you can be totally ready to hit the road for a cycling excursion, you need the right accessories and tools for mountain bikes and road bikes.

Water Bottles and Hydration Packs

Cycling is an intense workout, and you must stay hydrated to maximize your performance. Water bottles are the most basic hydration solution that are perfect for shorter rides. Find a water bottle that keeps your water cool and securely attaches to your bike.

For longer rides, consider investing in a hydration pack. These backpack-like accessories have a water reservoir and a small nozzle you drink from so you can hydrate without stopping. These packs are perfect for cyclists who don't want to stop frequently to refill their water. Usually, hydration packs can carry between 1-3 liters of water.

Hydration supplements are lightweight and easy to stash in a pocket or tube pack, if you need a little more energy and hydration along the way. It is the perfect addition to your emergency kit too.

Cycling Computer and GPS

Cycling computers and GPS devices are essential accessories for tracking your rides and your progress. Cycling computers come in various styles and can be mounted on your handlebars or stem. They can track various metrics such as speed, distance, incline and more. Some cycling computers also have GPS functionality, allowing you to track your rides and view maps of your route.

GPS devices are more advanced than many phone apps and come with built-in GPS technology. They can track your rides, show you maps and provide directions. Some GPS devices also have features such as heart rate monitoring, cadence tracking and more. Cycling computers and GPS devices are perfect for cyclists who want to track their progress to improve their performance.

Multi-tools, Pumps and Tire Repair Kits

No matter how careful you are, flat tires and mechanical problems are inevitable. That's why every cyclist should carry a multi-tool, pump and tire repair kit. Multi-tools are compact and lightweight tools that have various functions such as wrenches, screwdrivers and more. They are perfect for making minor adjustments on the go.

Pumps are essential for inflating your tires. You can choose between a floor pump or a mini pump, depending on your needs. Floor pumps are generally larger and more powerful, while mini pumps are smaller and more portable. You'll also need a tire repair kit with patches and tire levers. These kits are essential in case you need to fix a small puncture or tire cut. Carrying a minimal amount of repair supplies with you helps ensure you're prepared for any small emergency.

Components and Maintenance

Now that you've settled on the right road cycling gear for you, it's time to get supplies for maintaining your bike. Here's what you need for regular maintenance.

Spare Tubes and Tires

One of the most common issues faced by bikers is a flat tire. Having spare tubes and tires on hand ensures you can quickly and easily fix the issue and continue your ride. When purchasing spare tubes and tires, ensure they are the right size for your bike. It's also a good idea to invest in high-quality tubes and tires that will provide better performance and last longer. When installing a new tube or tire, follow the proper procedures to avoid damaging the components or causing a flat while on your ride. It is best to practice changing your tube and tire a few times at home, before you head out on the road, so you feel comfortable making repairs on the go.

Lubricants and Cleaning Supplies

Regular cleaning and lubrication of your bike components are essential to ensure a smooth ride and making sure the investment you made in your bike purchase lasts for many years. When it comes to lubricants, many options are available on the market such as oil-based or wax-based lubricants. It's important to choose the right type of lubricant based on the conditions in which you ride.

Clean your chain regularly with a degreaser to remove dirt and grime buildup. Be sure also to clean your brake pads to ensure proper braking performance.

Chain and Brake Pad Replacements

Over time, components such as the chain and brake pads must be replaced. Signs of wear and tear such as noise or reduced performance are indications that it's time to replace components.

When replacing the chain, make sure you choose the right size and properly tension the chain and re-lubricate it after installation. To replace brake pads, remove the old pads and replace them with new ones. Make sure the pads are properly aligned and spaced before testing the brake performance. Happy riding!

Shop Stio Mountain Biking Gear

At Stio, we know you want to push yourself to become the best cyclist you can be. That's why we design beautiful, functional clothing that keeps you cool, dry and comfortable during your ride. Our cycling gear is designed for all seasons, so even when snow flies, or rain pours, we've got the apparel you need to keep going. Shop our women's biking gear or men's biking gear today and see for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bike should I get?

When it comes to road biking, there are tons of options to consider. You need to consider factors like the conditions you'll be riding in, how frequently you'll ride and your budget. Remember to talk to experts and do your search before making a purchase. A road bike is a serious investment, and you want to make sure you find a product that suits your riding style.

What gear should I wear?

When it comes to road biking gear, there are a few essentials to consider:

• Helmet
• Biking Gloves
• Mountain Bike Shoes and Socks
• Cycling Jersey

What accessories do I need?

There are a few accessories that are recommended for road biking. One of the most important is a set of lights, which makes you more visible to drivers and other cyclists. You'll also want to invest in a good bike lock to protect your investment when you're not riding. Other useful accessories include a water bottle and cage to stay hydrated during your ride, a cycling computer to track your speed and distance and a pump and spare tire in case of a flat.