Let’s Talk About Must Have Cycling Equipment
When it comes to cycling equipment, what do you feel is the bare minimum that every cyclist must have? With all that is available out there, it’s so easy to get caught up and over-stock yourself with things you don’t end up using…..or not benefiting from. So where do you draw the line?
It’s been a while since we’ve put up one of our “Let’s Talk” posts, but I always like reading about what our followers have to say. Like all of our posts in this feature, the Let’s Talk ones are built by you. So here’s what we want to know:
Tell us what accessories, clothing, and home equipment every cyclist must have. Let’s Talk.
For more on this topic and to see what our Cycling 360 podcast recommends, have a listen to Must Have Cycling Equipment.
A real rider needs little more than a bike, and a desire to ride. I am glad cycling is once again growing, I think. Cycling it seems is being overwhelmed with a class system that should have no place in cycling, or anything else. The idea that if you don’t have this or that then you aren’t a real rider or your not ready to ride is absurd, let alone just wrong. Bicycling is and should remain an individual experience. Some wear spandex, others armor and some cut off shorts, its all good. If you ride Steel, Aluminum, Carbon, Bamboo, Ti, Wood, or Magnesium or your bike was hand built or is a limited edition or whatever may improve the ride or performance or uniqueness of your steed, but it really doesn’t make you better equipped to ride or a better rider. It might mean you are lucky or more privileged, but it doesn’t mean you are more of a rider than the next person. If you enjoy the wind in your hair or helmet, find joy in making your bikes wheels turn and move the bicycle forward by propelling the pedals round and round, then you have all you need to ride. Is it beneficial to carry a spare tube, sure. Should you wear a helmet, in my honest opinion, yes. Will you last longer and be more comfortable in cycling shorts, more than likely. Are disc brakes, a carbon hand laid frame and campy components necessary, absolutely not. A list of must have cycling equipment, really! Seriously?
aside from the obvious (like a bike and a helmet) I would say that in order to really go out there and enjoy the ride, bike shorts are a must. I would also say that you should have a bike pump so that you can make sure your tires are at the correct pressure. Other then that, for someone that is just starting out there is nothing else needed. I don’t believe that being able to change a flat is a must for beginners. now once you get established then yes, I would say that changing a flat is a must to know. Next would be to look at cycling shoes and depending on where you live, a trainer to ride indoors.
A bike and the will to ride it along with being able to change a flat (spare tube and pump of some sort, CO2 or hand pump)
Some of the must haves would be extra tubes and levers to fix a flat if needed. At home a brush, cleaning cloth and soft soap to keep your baby clean. For clothing I think whatever makes you comfortable warm or cool. Those are my basics.