Disclosure: This article may link to affiliate sites/feature complimentary products for review purposes.
Lately, we’ve been receiving tons of questions asking us what specific cycling gear we ride with. We test wide variety of products, and we also like to recommend to our readers great accessories for your bikes and thing that will make your rides more enjoyable. So, we’re answering your messages by showing you the top things what we choose to pack on our regular rides. And don’t worry, we didn’t get paid to use or endorse any of these products. As always, we recommend heading to your local bike shop to pick up any of these, but we’ve also included links to buy online.
Who Chose This Gear?
Bek, Our Chief Editor
Cervelo R3
SRAM Rival Groupset (although she did fit an Ultegra front derailleur on it–they said it couldn’t be done)
HED Ardennes Wheelset
Shane, Editor
Cervelo RS
SRAM Rival mixed with FSA Groupset
Mavic Helium Wheelset
Camelback for illustrative purposes only, and not encouraged. 😉
Cheryl, Contributing Writer & Social Media Guru
Trek Madone 4.5
Shimano Ultegra and 105 mixed Groupset
Fulcrum 5 Wheelset (she’s swapped them since this picture)
I reviewed the Jet Roll a few months back, and have since used nothing else to carry my flat kit. It’s slick, cool, and carries everything I need. Plus it comes in a ton of different colors. – Bek
Garmin Edge 500 Still my trusted computer even though Garmin has released a newer version. With tons of screens, power/heart rate/cadence and all the good stuff ready, the Edge 500 is a pretty sweet deal these days. And the black and red one looks equally sweet on my bike. – Bek
I’m a triathlete, and the versatility of the Forerunner is a total must for me. Swim, ride, and run with it–it does everything plus cadence, power, and heart rate. Expensive, but worth it. -Shane
Red Lizard Skins Bar Tape 2.5mm This stuff is second to none. A tacky feel that keeps your hands from slipping off, and stays cleaner and brighter for much longer than cork tapes. I like the 2.5 mm tape for a little cushion, but still thin grip. -Bek
Fi’zi:k Arione Donna Saddle Saddles are a highly personal choice. I tested 14 through my LBS’s saddle program before I landed (literally, I suppose) on the Arione Donna. Relatively inexpensive, light weight, and made with the usual Fi’zi:k quality. -Bek
This was actually the stock saddle on Bek’s bike, but since she didn’t like it, I snapped it up when she switched to the Donna. I’ve scratched it all the heck, but it’s still comfortable and sturdy. Kids, it pays to be friends with a cyclist. -Shane
Terry Liberator X Saddle I did receive this as a saddle to review, but I’ve since fallen in love with it. It’s cushy, and we really like each other. -Cheryl
Lezyne Macro Drive Rear Light No matter what, we like to ride with a taillight, and Lezyne’s Macro Drive offers daytime visibility with a crazy amount of lumens. We’ve got the pair to help with nighttime riding as well. Sturdy and bright. -All of Us
I like these pedals because they minimize user error–I never have to look down to clip in. The Zero has tons of float, and is an all-around good pedal. I’ve used the same pair for almost five years, and they’re still in great shape. Chromoly is cheaper and extremely durable. – Bek
We reviewed Fix It Sticks last year, and they’ve since become a staple in my flat repair kit. Since then, I’ve found their portability and shop-worthy versatility to be invaluable out on the road. – Shane
Lezyne Road Drive pump I’ve dropped this on the road several times, and it still does just what it’s intended to do. Gets your tires to a high pressure and stows easily under a water bottle cage with the included mount. The reversible flex hose also works great on stroller and kid’s bike tires–where some pumps refuse to go. – Cheryl
Never a glimpse of mushroom head, I splurged on this lid. I especially like the hi-viz of the black and yellow. Seriously comfortable and lives up to its reputation for fit and protection. – Bek
OK, actually, I own the Specialized Echelon helmet, which is no longer available. But the Chamonix is basically the new version of the Echelon. All the quality of a Specialized helmet without a bigger price tag. – Shane
GU Salted Caramel Something of a staff favorite here at SLO Cyclist, Salted Caramel GU is an energy gel that tastes like it’s not an energy gel. If you grab the last one before our office road rides, you’re in dangerous territory. – All of Us
Skratch Labs Lemon Lime Easy on the stomach and tasty too, SkratchLabs is doing something right in my book. All their flavors are good (at least the ones I’ve tried, which is most of them). I’m stuck on Lemons & Limes right now. -Cheryl
All right, so those are our favorites, what are yours? We’re recommending this gear because we use it regularly, and we love it–and definitely not because we’re being paid to. That’s totes not cool. We linked to where you can buy any/all of these, but that’s also not an urging for you to shell out any cash either–we just figure that imitation is the coolest form of flattery. Happy riding!
Cervelo R3
Trek Madone 4.5
I reviewed the Jet Roll a few months back, and have since used nothing else to carry my flat kit. It’s slick, cool, and carries everything I need. Plus it comes in a ton of different colors. – Bek
So what’s wrong with black sicks? 😉
They’re just terribly, terribly serious, David. 😉