Locations:
Search IconSearch

Cycling Gear: 8 Must-Haves When You Ride

What you need for safety and comfort on your bike

Cycling Gear: 8 Must-Haves When You Ride

Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just taking your bicycle out for a spin once in awhile, it’s important to equip yourself with the right gear. Dressing properly not only improves comfort, but it can make your next ride safer. And, it’s the key to reducing injury risks as well.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Michael Schaefer, MD, Cleveland Clinic’s Director of Musculoskeletal Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — and an avid cyclist himself — offers his list of eight must-haves to help you suit up for safety and comfort from head to toe.

  1. Helmet. This is the most important piece of gear for any cyclist. Get a bicycle helmet that fits well and replace it regularly — about every five years at least. (Replace it right away if you experience a crash.)
  2. Shirt with sleeves. This not only helps protect against sunburn, but it makes you more visible to passing cars — bright colors are best.
  3. Fitted pants. Wear shorts or fitted pants — long, loose pants can get stuck in your bike’s wheel or chain and cause an accident.
  4. Eye protection. Glasses or goggles that wrap around your face are best, but even an inexpensive pair of sunglasses will keep bugs and debris out of your eyes.
  5. Gloves. These can prevent injuries during a crash. They make riding more comfortable and cushion the nerves in your wrists that compress over time (reducing the risk of carpal tunnel issues).
  6. Sunscreen. Choose one that’s water resistant with an SPF of at least 50 and reapply it liberally every hour. Don’t forget to cover the back of your neck and your ears. If you burn easily, zinc oxide is best.
  7. Shoes. A pair with stiffer soles will improve pedaling efficiency and reduce the risk of foot pain.
  8. Clipless pedals. These are easier to get out of during a crash and will allow some ankle rotation, reducing the risk of joint injury.

Advertisement

Cycling offers so much benefit, to both body and mind. Make sure you’re prepared for both comfort and safety.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Large hand with athlete-taped wrist and fingers gripping football on the field
October 16, 2024/Orthopaedics
Understanding the Concussion Protocol, From Little League to the NFL

Concussion protocol describes the steps needed to test for concussion and return to play — timelines vary

Person positioned on foam roller, stretching muscles
September 26, 2024/Exercise & Fitness
IT Band Stretches for Tight Muscles

Relieve a tight, achy and aggravated IT band, as well as hip and knee pain, with these at-home exercises

Person outside, grabbing shoulder
September 17, 2024/Orthopaedics
Tendonitis vs. Tendinosis: How Can I Tell the Difference?

Both are forms of tendinopathy, but one is more of an acute injury caused by inflammation, while the other is the result of degeneration over time

Two happy kids in lifejackets climbing ladder to top deck of boat
August 5, 2024/Primary Care
Boat Safety: How To Stay Safe on Open Water

Watch the weather, keep lines of communication open and make sure everyone on board has access to a personal lifejacket or flotation device

Child on baseball mound pitching
July 29, 2024/Children's Health
Preventing Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes

Build breaks into training routines to prevent the wear and tear behind repetitive stress

Gymnasts performing different gymnastics
July 25, 2024/Mental Health
What Are ‘The Twisties’ in Gymnastics?

The mental block is a brain-body disconnect that causes gymnasts to lose their sense of space on flips

Male standing on beach with hands behind his head, staring into distance and exhaling
July 22, 2024/Mental Health
Mental Health in Athletes: Breaking the Stigma

A more open conversation on athletes and their mental health needs is overdue

Person checking their hairline in the mirror
July 17, 2024/Exercise & Fitness
Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss?

Creatine does cause some side effects, but hair loss probably isn’t one of them

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad