Beginner Cyclist's Gear Guide: Essential Buys vs. Wastes of Money
A comment I hear a lot about cycling from people who want to start riding bikes is how prohibitively expensive cycling is for a lot of people. It’s hard to argue with that, and I can relate both personally as well as vicariously through the loads of new cyclists I helped purchase their first bike during my years working in bike shops.
The question from the would-be cycling newbies that usually follows their comment is, “Do I really need all that other stuff?” By “other stuff” they generally mean all the gear and accessories cyclists need or want aside from their new bike.
It’s a question that every cyclist will probably answer a little differently, and a lot of that depends on the type of riding someone intends to do and the style of bike they’ll be riding. For example, you wouldn’t put a big wicker front basket on a road bike but it would be perfect for a beach cruiser or hybrid .
Personal preferences aside, there are some items new cyclists should consider as being part of the package when buying their first bike, and it’s helpful to add those anticipated costs to the bike-buying budget.
Below are the gear recommendations new riders should consider. The list is divided into two categories: Need-to-have and nice-to-have. Consider the need-to-have’s to be essentials, while the nice-to-have’s are things you can add as your budget allows.
Need-to-Have’s
Good Cycling Shorts
There may be some debate about this, but in my experience, a good pair of cycling shorts is 100 percent non-negotiable. Let me explain what I mean by “good” pair: Well fitting, with a high-quality chamois, comfortable elastic, and a drop tail (if you need one) for bathroom breaks.
Let me explain why cycling shorts are a non-negotiable: saddle discomfort is one of, if not the, most common reason women don’t ride more , longer, or at all. I assume those stats may be similar for men, as well.
If riding is uncomfortable, we will ride less. Comfort—and the enjoyment of the ride— is worth investing in. Which brings me to my next item.
A Saddle That Fits You
It’s not at all uncommon that the saddle your bike came with when you bought it won’t be The One. And that’s okay! Work with a sales person at your bike shop to find the right saddle style and shape.
No stop-gap “fixes” like a giant, squishy seat or a gel seat cover. Please, just say no. If a well-meaning sales person tries to steer you in this direction, just ask for a proper saddle fitting instead.
As a new rider, be prepared to invest the time and stay undeterred during the trial and error that’s sometimes necessary to find the right saddle for you. Avoid being tempted by less-expensive and less effective bandaid solutions. Just trust me on this one.
Helmet
A helmet is non-negotiable, full stop. There was a time I would have debated this, but that was before a dear friend and extremely experienced cyclist crashed in a freak accident while test riding a bike he was working on—and he was not wearing a helmet. After that experience I’ve never ridden without a helmet again.
It’s your brain. Don’t take any chances with your most important organ. Buy (and wear) a helmet.
Floor Pump With a Gauge
Checking your tire pressure before every ride is essential, as Single Sparkle’s senior test editor Matt Philips recently wrote about . To that end, purchasing a floor pump with a pressure gauge is something every cyclist should have (and use!).
A Flat Kit
Flats happen, and they’re never convenient. But you don’t want to turn a minor inconvenience into something that leaves you stranded.
If you don’t yet know how to fix a flat, start there—and ask the folks at your bike shop for a lesson. Shops often have clinics on basic bike maintenance and skills like fixing flats . For a breakdown of everything your flat kit should contain, check out this guide to building the perfect flat kit.
Bike Lights
You might think that you only need bike lights if you’re riding when it’s dark, but that’s not true. Using a flashing front and rear light during the day makes you infinitely more visible to drivers. Drivers are more distracted than ever, and making yourself as visible as possible is essential for your safety if you’re sharing the road with drivers.
Water Bottles/Cages
Because you need to hydrate , people! And probably more than you think.
Knowledge
Don’t see gaps in know-how when you’re a new cyclist as a negative, or a deterrent. Cycling isn’t some exclusionary club (at least it shouldn’t be), and most cyclists are quite nice.
And those who are too cool, or who condescend, or mainsplain…I mean, do you really want to spend time around or ride with people like that anyway? I don’t know about you, but speaking for myself, the answer has always been and always will be a resounding no. Sadly, exclusionary attitudes are something a lot of new cyclists experience when they’re starting out, but there are an abundance of super welcoming cycling groups out there, I promise!
Nice to Have’s
Clipless Pedals
There are a lot of performance benefits that come with clipless pedals , and as you grow into your cycling self, you might decide you want to give them a go to see what all the fuss is about. But you can do this at your own speed on your own timeline, if you ever do it at all. There’s no rule that you have to ride clipless.
Full Cycling Kit
There’s nothing wrong with riding in regular workout clothes (aside from bike shorts or bibs with a chamois!) as long as they’re comfortable for you and wick sweat (avoid cotton since it sucks up and holds on to moisture). As you become more experienced, you can decide if you want to expand your cycling wardrobe. Otherwise, don’t feel pressured to spend your grocery budget on a bike jersey.
Professional Bike Fit
I wrestled with which list to add this item, because having your bike fit dialed in for your specific bike and body is one of the best investments you can make in your riding life. Having a bike fit will ward off aches and pains and set you up for feeling the best on your bike.
If your budget allows, working with a pro bike fitter from the get-go would absolutely be worthwhile, but the price range of a proper bike fit starts at a few hundred dollars and goes up from there, and it’s something you can do later down the line.
Is there more to learn as you grow as a rider? Of course! And that’s part of the fun of getting good at anything new. The chance to be a beginner is a gift. Enjoy the adventure!
For more resources to build your knowledge base, check out some of the stories below. If you have questions, or must-have items you’d add to this list as a new cyclist, drop them in the comments.
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