Best Budget Cycling Gear That Actually Works

Quick Take: You don't need expensive gear to ride safely and comfortably. These are the budget items I actually use on my long-distance rides — durable, affordable, and truly worth the money.

People waste a fortune on cycling gear they don’t need. After 150,000+ miles on the bike, I’ve learned that budget gear can be just as good — as long as you pick the right stuff. Here are the best low-cost items I trust on every ride.

1. Budget Rearview Mirror

The Take-A-Look mirror is still the most important cheap piece of gear I own. It has saved my life more than once — including the time a distracted driver drifted into the bike lane and I bailed just in time.

Budget Pick:
Take-A-Look Rearview Mirror
Small, light, durable, and works with glasses or helmet straps. I wear mine every ride.

2. Budget Headlight & Taillight Set

You don’t need a $200 lighting setup. A reliable, rechargeable light set under $30 can make you visible day or night.

Budget Pick:
Top-Rated Rechargeable Light Set
Rechargeable, bright, easy to mount, great for seniors.

3. Budget UV Arm Sleeves

I ride with my skin completely covered. Budget sleeves work just as well as premium ones if you pick breathable, UV-rated fabric.

Budget Pick:
UPF 50+ UV Arm Sleeves
Stay cool, protect your skin, and avoid long-term sun damage. I have skin cancer and these are the ones I wear.

4. Budget Mini Pump

A mini pump is non-negotiable. Cheap ones work fine as long as they have a solid mount and can reach decent pressure.

Budget Pick:
Reliable Compact Mini Pump
Lightweight, frame-mounted, and gets you out of trouble.

5. Budget Multi-Tool

You’ll use this more often than you think. Tighten a bolt, fix a saddle angle, adjust a derailleur — all with one cheap tool.

Budget Pick:
Cycling Multi-Tool
Durable, compact, and includes the essentials. I have this one and have used it a few times.

6. Budget Gloves

No need for $50 gloves. Plenty of cheap options offer great padding, grip, and sweat wiping.

Budget Pick:
Comfort-Padded Cycling Gloves

7. Budget Water Bottles & Cages

Cheap bottles are perfectly fine. Just avoid the super-hard plastic ones that taste awful.

Budget Picks:
Squeeze Water Bottle - I use this Camelbak bottle. It keeps my water colder longer.
Lightweight Bottle Cage

8. Budget Phone Mount

I don’t use my phone for navigation (I ride with a Wahoo BOLT V3), but a phone mount is a great budget option for beginners.

Budget Pick:
Secure Handlebar Phone Mount

9. Budget Padded Shorts or Bibs

You can absolutely get comfortable budget shorts or bibs — especially for rides under 30–40 miles.

Budget Pick:
Affordable Padded Cycling Shorts - I wear these. I like the thinner padded liner but you can find more padded ones at this page too.

10. Budget Saddle Cover

This is one of the best cheap upgrades for beginners who aren’t ready to replace their saddle.

Budget Pick:
Gel Saddle Cover

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