My Cycling Gear: What I Actually Use

Last Updated: December 2025

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This page lists my cycling gear — what I actually use after more than 155,000 miles of riding. Every item here is something I’ve owned, tested, and relied on for real miles. I choose gear for safety, comfort, and durability — not hype.

Safety & Visibility

• Helmet: Giro Fixture MIPS II
  I’ve owned this helmet about two years and plan to replace it at the five-year mark (the responsible thing to do). It’s comfortable, fits my head well, and I need the visor on long-distance days.
  See the Giro Fixture MIPS II
• Rearview Mirror: Take A Look (Metal)
  I bought this in 2014 and wear it on every single ride. It has saved my life at least three times. The metal construction is durable and vibration-resistant.
  See the Take A Look mirror
• Front Light: CatEye Rechargeable (newer version)
  My original CatEye light is so old it’s discontinued — which tells you something about durability. I ride a lot in the dark, and I also use the daytime blinking mode for visibility.
  See the CatEye rechargeable front light
• Rear Light (simple & effective)
  I’ve used this cheap battery-powered rear light for years. It snaps onto my rear tool bag. Proof that visibility doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
  See the rear light
• Rear Radar (upgrade): Garmin Varia
  After years of relying on a simple rear light, I’m upgrading to radar for increased rear-traffic awareness.
  See the Garmin Varia

Comfort & Contact Points

• Gloves (budget, replace yearly): HTZPLOO
  I’m hard on gloves, so I don’t buy expensive ones. I replace them about once a year. These are inexpensive, good quality, and practical.
  See HTZPLOO gloves
• Bib Shorts (primary): Przewalski (with pocket)
  I have several pairs. I like the small pocket, and I actually prefer that the pad isn’t overly thick — less bulk works better for me on long rides.
  See Przewalski bib shorts
• Bib Shorts (alternate): Sponeed (more padding)
  I also keep a pair of these for days I want a little more padding.
  See Sponeed bib shorts
• Chamois Cream (stick): Chamois Butt’r Anti-Chafe Stick
  A must on long tours and on long training rides. If you ride long enough, this stops being optional.
  See Chamois Butt’r stick

Jerseys & Visibility

• Jersey: BERGRISAR Half-Zipper (BG060)
  I own multiple. I especially like the bright colors for visibility. What I really like is the slightly longer length and the reflective strip sewn along the bottom back under the pockets.
  See BERGRISAR jerseys

Sun, Skin & Heat Protection

• Arm Sleeves: Outdoor Essentials
  These are my favorite because they’re longer than most and don’t leave part of my arm uncovered. They work as cooling sleeves — I wear them even when it’s over 100 degrees.
  See Outdoor Essentials arm sleeves
• Leg Sleeves: COSMOS
  There are pricier sleeves out there, but these are thin, cover well, and work great. I paid about $10.
  See COSMOS leg sleeves
• Do-Rag / Skull Cap (sun protection)
  I’m bald, so these matter. They prevent helmet tan stripes and cover the tops of my ears — important for anyone with skin cancer history.
  See the do-rag I use

Hydration (No Sugar)

• CamelBak Podium Chill insulated bottles
  I need my ice to last longer on hot days and these work great. I often freeze them and they work even better on extremely hot days.
  See CamelBak Podium Chill
• Elete Hydration Drops
  The only thing I’ve found that keeps me from cramping on really long rides. I put these in every bottle year-round. An 18 oz bottle lasts me about a year.
  See Elete drops

Navigation & Data

• Bike Computer: Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT
  I’ve used Wahoo computers since the V1. I currently have the V2 — the only reason I replaced the V1 is I lost it after setting it on my truck hood and driving off. Rugged, reliable, and an amazing computer. (Linking the newer version.)
  See the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT (newer version)
• Garmin option (general)
  Lots of cyclists prefer Garmin. If that’s you, browse Garmin bike computers here.
  Browse Garmin bike computers

Cold-Weather / Winter Gear

• Thermal Baselayer (zip neck, long sleeve)
  I bought two thermal zip-neck base layers back in 2012 and I still wear them under my jersey in cool to cold weather. The exact ones aren’t available anymore, so here’s a general link to similar options.
  Men’s Thermal Zip Neck Long Sleeve Baselayer
• Winter Gloves (serious cold): KINGSBOM
  I have these for much colder weather. Honestly, I’ve never found a glove perfect without some kind of liner in really cold conditions, but these work very well.
  See KINGSBOM winter gloves
• Helmet Liner / Skull Cap: Hikenture (glasses notches)
  This cap works because the cap goes on first, then the glasses fit through the notches. That seals the gap between glasses and ears where cold air used to seep in and keeps my ears much warmer.
  See the Hikenture skull cap
• Neoprene Toe Warmers (inside shoes)
  I use these when the weather gets cold to protect my toes. Simple and effective.
  See neoprene toe warmers
• Fleece-Lined Cycling Tights (Pearl Izumi - general)
  I wear fleece-lined Pearl Izumi tights in colder weather. Models change, so here’s a general link to browse current Pearl Izumi fleece-lined tights.
  Browse Pearl Izumi fleece-lined cycling tights

Tools & Roadside Reality

• Under-Seat Bag: Topeak Aero Wedge (Medium)
  I bought this in 2012. It’s now on its third bicycle and still great. Big enough for the necessary tools without too much bulk.
  See the Topeak Aero Wedge (Medium)
• CO₂ Inflator: Portland Design Works “Shiny Object” (threaded)
  Bought in 2012 and it’s still in my bag. Uses threaded CO₂ cartridges.
  See the PDW CO₂ inflator
• Tubeless Tire Repair Kit: KOM Cycling
  I don’t have to use this often because I’ve had so few flats since switching to tubeless — but when you need it, you really need it.
  See the KOM tubeless repair kit
• Multi-Tool: Crankbrothers M17 (with chain breaker)
  You will kick yourself one day for not having a tool with a chain breaker. I promise.
  See the Crankbrothers M17

Cycling Shoes (Fit Matters)

I wear Specialized MTB-style cycling shoes because they’re much easier to walk in, which matters on long-distance tours. I bought mine at my local bike shop and I strongly recommend getting fitted if you have a shop nearby. If you don’t, or you already know what you need, you can browse options here: Specialized MTB cycling shoes on Amazon

The One Tool That Changed Everything

RENPHO Smart Scale (Solar Version)

The RENPHO smart scale is the single tool that helped me finally break through a long-time weight plateau. I lost 17 pounds and reached my perfect riding weight — something I hadn’t been at in over 35 years. The info it gave me wasn’t just informational — it was motivational. I use the solar one, but there are lots of choices.

See the RENPHO smart scale options

Quick note: If you use any of these links, your purchases help keep this 70-year-old cyclist rolling. Thank you.