The Best Cycling Gear for Hitting Trails and Backroads

Protect that melon that rests above your shoulders; it's the only one you've got. You'll be comfortable enough to forget you're wearing it, too. An adjustable dial in the back lets you change how tight the helmet fits, 260-gram weight means it won't weigh you down, and cooling channels and venting will keep that fresh air going to your sweaty head. 

MIPS protection means your head will also be protected from rotational impacts, which often come in the mess of cycling accidents. 

Get a shoe for cyclocross, mountain biking, or just ripping those dirt trails behind your house. This shoe's lace-up design means you won't have any tightening hardware break as you accidentally kick a downed branch. The microfiber upper is comfortable and fits well, and the nylon sole fuses with a lugged tread for a durable design that gives you real grip. 

Improve your running grip in muddy/slippery/icey conditions with spikes for your cycling shoes so when you get off the bike, you don't hit the deck.

If you're saying to yourself, I dont want to look like a hardo cyclist, then you don't know the comfort that comes with a padded chamois. Plus, if you're that concerned, just wear a pair of shorts over them. 

Eight panel design with compressive fit will wrap your legs so you can keep pumping comfortably. The Progetto X2 Air chamois has no seams or stitching, so you won't be irritated in your most irritable areas, and the multi-density padding will keep you comfortable despite rough road conditions.

Keeping your chain clean keeps the chain, and bike, lasting longer. But cleaning a chain can be a mess—but not with this kit. Clean the chain while its still on the bike with abrasive cleaning teeth and a rotating cleaning brush that combined give 120 contact points with each individual chain. 

A reservoir in the top holds Muc Off Drivetrain Cleaner which you can dispense with the push of a button. After the fluid has cleaned a few links, it collects in a reservoir on the bottom so you don't cycle dirty solution on a link you are trying to clean.

Rather than carrying a small bike pump for flats out in the wild, grab a CO2 inflator. Just twist in a CO2 canister, press onto your Presta or Schrader valve and add pressure to that tube. It's also easy to throw in a pocket or small cycling bag.

Don't guess or squint at your tire pressure, get a clear electric readout. This one from Topeak works easily with Presta or Schrader valves and even has a button to release air while the gauge is reading so you don't have to let air out then pump more in if you let too much out.

Get yourself a real cycling jersey, and why not one that sticks out a bit with a flash of color. The jersey comes with moisture wicking fabric, full-length zipper up the front, zippered security pocket in the back, and open back pockets for bottles and such.

These breathable socks are comfortable on the skin but they're actually waterproof. If it's raining or you're ripping through pedals, your feet will stay dry even if your shoes don't. 

A good pair of glasses will keep dirt and road grime out of your eyes as you ride. These sunglasses are built for speed with an aero design. 

The rimless top of the frame gives you a full field of view out the top of the glasses, so even if you are dogging it and your head is drooping, you'll be able to see the road. Interchangeable arms work to fit with any helmet, and an airflow button on the bridge of the nose lets air sneak between face and glasses to clear fogging and dispatch with overheating.

Even if you have a portable tire pump, you should have a floor pump for your home base. With a steel barrel and piston, wood handle, and aluminum base, this floor pump is Presta and Schrader valve ready with a solid connection to the valve that won't fall off as you pump. Plus it's sleek design will look great even if you put it in your living room.

This ultra-light nylon fabric is wind resistant, water resistant, and breathable, especially when compared against other nylon items. Perfect for road or gravel cycling, throw this on when you run, climb, or any other adventure. Reflective details on the back keep you safe, even with its all-black styling. 

If you don't want to wear a jersey, or you just like having some of your most important gear under your saddle, grab a saddle bag. This option from BV is expandable to fit what you need, or go low profile. It also has reflective trim, a wide-zippered opening, and easy attachments with velcro straps.