Staff Picks: Our Favorite Cycling Gear
The Adventure Cycling staff shares the gear that’s earned a permanent spot on its bikes and packing lists — from a decade-old rear rack to a … dish sponge? Here’s what made the cut.
ShockStop Suspension Seatpost and Stem System
It’s hard to pick a single favorite, as I have too many: Specialized Recon shoes for power transfer efficiency; Specialized Power Evo with Mirror saddles to keep my behind comfortable; and Specialized Prevail helmets for breathability to keep my brain cool and making good decisions, plus a high crash-test safety rating for peace of mind. I also really love the Redshift Sports ShockStop Suspension Seatpost and Stem System for added off-road comfort. Together, they smooth out the bumps and vibrations that cause fatigue and make my all-day rides more sustainable. —Drew Echelberger
Axiom Journey Tubular Rear Rack
I’ve had it on my bike since around 2014, and it’s been with me through tours, commutes, grocery runs, and just about every kind of ride in between. Most of the time, I use it with panniers, but over the years I’ve also strapped a milk crate to it, bungeed random items directly to it, and generally asked it to carry whatever I needed whenever I needed. It’s not fancy, but it has always done exactly what I needed it to do. More than any other piece of gear, excluding my bike, it’s helped turn my bike into a practical tool for everyday life. After more than a decade of use, I can’t imagine riding without it. — Haydin Grotz
Da Brim Helmet Visor
One of my favorite niche pieces of cycling gear is my Da Brim Helmet Visor. Does it make me look like a total dweeb? Maybe. Does it protect my pasty white skin from the intense skin-cancer-inducing solar radiation? Yes! I’ve worn it for several bike trips now, and I get many comments and compliments on it. I’m 80 percent sure they’re being sincere and not sarcastic.
Seriously though, I have very white skin and a family history of skin cancer. Sunscreen can only do so much, and I’m pretty serious about sun protection. I even convinced my husband to wear one, too, since he’s just as white as I am and also has a family history of skin cancer. These things provide great shade for the face and neck, and they stay on well, even during windy conditions and fast descents, though they do catch the wind a little. Probably not the best for speed racers, but great for the casual rider. —Amy Wally
Dish Sponge
Instead of baby wipes, I always bring a standard, cheap dish sponge (sans Scotch-Brite-style scrub pad) for cleaning up at night to feel just a little more fresh and avoid blisters. Splash some water on it, wipe off the grime and sunscreen from your face and neck, clean up the feet and floss between the toes! Be sure to do the face first; the opposite order is less pleasant. When your sponge becomes irredeemably gross, you can buy one at a grocery store for a dollar or two. Ultralight, reusable, quick drying, and easy to pack! —Josh Bowden
Oakley ARO3 Endurance ICE Helmet
My favorite piece of bicycling gear is my Oakley ARO3 Endurance ICE Helmet. Beyond being comfortable and well-ventilated, it includes Twiceme technology, which allows first responders or bystanders to access important emergency information if I am incapacitated in an accident. But a close second is the laundry basket mounted on the back of my bike. It allows my dog to continue joining my adventures and enjoy the ride from the best seat in the house. —Jeffrey Mizell
Garmin inReach
Now this is a loaded question. Perhaps it’s the trusty buff that’s traveled the world with me acting as a neck warmer, over-the-nose dust protector, and emergency strapless shirt in a real pinch. Maybe it’s my pair of oversized socks that live in the bottom of my sleeping bag acting as pseudo slippers for weary feet and hot-water-bottle insulators on chilly nights.
Nope. I’ve got it. It’s the piece of gear that goes against every fiber of my old-school mentality that regularly gets overruled by my EMS/first responder roots. Hands down, my favorite — and most invaluable — piece of gear is the Garmin inReach that rests loyally in my framepack, fully charged in hopes I never need it. It enables friends and family at home to live vicariously through my sufferfests. It gives me peace of mind that I have a lifeline if I truly cannot self-rescue. There is no substitute for preparation and prevention, but sometimes life throws a curveball. And when it does, the inReach might just save your life. —Jillian Millkey
