The Two Things That Changed My Riding Forever
Quick Tip: If you're only going to invest in two pieces of cycling gear, make it a quality helmet and a good pair of bib shorts. One protects your life. The other protects your ride.
After riding more than 150,000 miles, I’ve tested a lot of gear — some of it good, some of it gimmicky. But two things stand out as absolute game-changers for me: my helmet and my bib shorts.
🚴 The Helmet: Non-Negotiable Safety
I used to think helmets were just another accessory. That changed the day I crashed hard. My helmet cracked — and so did my view of “optional” safety. There’s no way around it: a quality, well-fitting helmet is the single most important piece of gear you can wear.
And if you haven’t upgraded in a few years, do it. Helmet safety tech improves all the time. Mine now has MIPS technology — a small layer inside that helps reduce rotational forces on impact. It’s not hype. It’s smart design.
✅ My Recommended Helmet: Check it out on Amazon
🩳 The Bib Shorts: Comfort That Changes Everything
Before I wore bib shorts, I constantly tugged at my waistband, dealt with chafing, and cut rides short from saddle discomfort. I didn’t even know what real cycling comfort felt like until I tried a good pair of bibs.
Bib shorts changed how long and how far I could ride. The padding (chamois) stays in place. No elastic digging into my belly. And they hold everything where it belongs without you even noticing them after mile five.
One thing I should mention if you've never worn bib shorts before: the first time you put them on, you'll probably think you ordered the wrong size.
Seriously.
Bib shorts are supposed to fit tight. The shoulder straps will feel too short, and the shorts themselves may seem way too snug. Before you decide they're too small, take a minute to make sure everything is positioned correctly. Pull the shorts up where they're supposed to sit, stand up straight, and let the straps stretch into place. They're designed to be under tension when you're standing. If they still feel uncomfortably tight after that, then you probably need the next size up.
For a frame of reference, I'm 6 feet tall and currently weigh in the low 190s. I wear XL Przewalski bib shorts. I've worn that same size everywhere from about 220 pounds down to 187 pounds. At 220 they were getting pretty snug. At 187 they're getting close to being a little loose. That doesn't mean an XL will fit everyone my size, but it should give you a starting point.
One other thing worth mentioning is the pad. The Przewalski bib shorts I use have a good-quality chamois, but some riders prefer a thicker pad than these provide. Personally, I like the thinner pad. It feels less bulky to me, and after riding more than 155,000 lifetime miles, that's simply what I've become accustomed to. If you think you'd prefer more cushioning, take a look at some of the other bib shorts available.
My biggest recommendation is to read the reviews carefully. Cyclists are usually pretty honest when it comes to fit, comfort, and padding. You'll often learn more from the reviews than from the product description itself.
✅ My Recommended Bib Shorts: See them here
🎯 Final Thoughts
I talk a lot about bikes, gadgets, and gear, but these two items — helmet and bib shorts — are the foundation. If you’re just getting into cycling or finally upgrading your setup, start here. It’ll make every ride safer, longer, and a whole lot more enjoyable.
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