This Is My Favorite Cycling Gear for 2023
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I recommitted myself to cycling when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and since then, I’ve tested a variety of products. This includes bike clothing, accessories, gear and apps that make my riding experience safer and more enjoyable. Though I haven’t tested every available product in each of these categories, the list below represents a sampling of my personal top picks. I update this article throughout the year regularly as I test and identify new gear that proves itself worthy of space in my cycling bag.
Having now tested a variety of hydration backpacks and hip-packs, I’ve settled on the
After years of riding with bike shorts I switched over to bibs a few years back and I’m not going back. I appreciate Specialized’s suspender design, which strikes the right balance between freedom of movement and keeping the bib where you want it. The stitching is high quality, the cuffs are grippy without being too tight and the look is refined.
On a hot day, Volocio’s Radiator jersey is my top pick. There’s UPF 30+ protection built into the back panel and the mesh does an incredible job of wicking moisture. The material is pleasingly lightweight — so much so that it’s a bit translucent, and you can see the straps of the bib underneath. But the rear pockets are large and sturdy, and there’s a zippered pouch off to the side for your most precious cargo.
These have become my go-to gloves for cold fall days and milder winter ones. Windproof and water resistant, the Alpha gloves are well-insulated with Polartec fleece but aren’t overly bulky. Note that the gloves run a bit small, so you may want to jump up one size.
I’ve tested a bunch of bike lights, but two of them rose above the rest. The NiteRider Lumina Dual 1800 is lightweight, bright and simple to mount on a helmet or handlebar. At the second brightest setting (1,500 lumens), I was able to get nearly two hours out of the rechargeable battery. (I also like
My top choice for a ride in the cool fall air. The waffle-knit, Nuyarn merino fabric is warm, flexible and relatively lightweight — and the hood is roomy. There’s an enclosed kangaroo pouch on the front as well as a long, zippered storage pocket accessible from either side. The sturdy loop at the bottom of the hood lets you hang the top, which dries quickly, without it coming off the hook stretched and misshapen.
Endura’s Luminite lineup has become my go-to choice for wet and/or cold weather on the strength of its lightweight construction, protective waterproofing and comfortable fit. The pants — currently on sale for $90 — feature ankle zippers and adjustable snap-button cuffs, for making adjustments on the fly, and have four reflective panels. And the Luminite 3-in-1 jacket has proven itself in a wide variety of riding conditions. The waterproof, hooded shell and removable, reversible, insulated vest can be combined or worn separately, depending on temperature and conditions, and have pockets in all of the right places.
Comfortable, grippy, stylish kicks that are equally well-suited for mountain biking and the rest of life. The reinforced toe has saved my foot from getting crunched between a rock and my pedal several times. And though I love the new “Spruce/Berm brown” styling, I have the older navy and orange model, which is currently on sale.
This summer I added Hiplok’s Z Lok security tie to my small bike bag. Weighing in at 2.5 ounces, it’s almost imperceptibly light and though it’s not going to deter a pro bike thief — I wouldn’t rely on it in a treacherous city like San Francisco — the steel core is strong enough to give me peace of mind when I park my bike at the beach.
If you’re looking for an affordable water bottle that will keep your water chilled, Polar makes excellent 20- and 24-ounce insulated squeeze water bottles in a few different color options. Just add a little ice and your water will stay cool — even on long rides. Starting at around $16, they’re BPA-free and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Proper shades are essential for riding in any kind of weather and in all seasons, and I’ve got a few to recommend. At the higher end, Speedtrap’s HiPER sunglasses are really good: the adjustable frame is lightweight but sturdy and the interchangeable, scratch-resistant lenses, which are easy to swap in and out, provide 100% UV protection. And they fog up far less than most of the other glasses I’ve tested.
I’ve been using Strava to track and share rides (and runs and hikes) for years. But in March, I upgraded to Strava’s subscription service which costs $8 per month — or $60 if you pay upfront for a full year. I did it mostly for safety purposes: the app’s Beacon feature lets you choose a contact who can monitor your whereabouts during each ride. But there are other attractive features, too, including advanced training metrics and leaderboards.
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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
