Gear, apparel, even a set of wheels: Here’s a list of all the commuting gear you’ll need for Bike to Work Week (and beyond).
Despite all evidence to the contrary in some parts of the country, spring is here. And that means the bicycle commuting season is upon us. And soon enough, Bike to Work Week (B2WW) will spur many people’s transition to pedal power.
Leading up to Bike to Work Day on May 18, B2WW encourages folks to try cycling to work instead of driving. And with the support of The League of American Bicyclists, B2WW has become a national phenomenon that incentivizes bike commuting with events, entertainment, and social rides.
But to get in on the action, you’re going to need the right gear. Whether it’s high-end cycling tech you’re looking for, or beginner-friendly bike basics, we’ve got you covered. We partnered with Amazon to find the essentials online. Here are 18 key pieces you can find at the online retailer.
Bike to Work Gear
Bike to Work Week is the perfect time for anyone to get back in the saddle, literally. You won’t need everything on this list. After all, part of the appeal of biking is its simplicity.
But you’re sure to find some products here that will make your ride safer, more comfortable, and more fun.
Bike: Raleigh Clubman ($665–782)
Obviously, you’re going to need a bike. Maybe you’re just getting started riding, or maybe you’re more experienced and ready for a new set of wheels. Either way, Amazon helps anyone in the market for a new bike by offering free assembly and bike fit services on select bicycles. Amazon lets you choose whether to have the bike assembled at a nearby shop or delivered to your door, where a professional mechanic will assemble it on site.
Among Amazon’s eligible bikes is the Raleigh Clubman. Disc brakes, matching fenders, and an 18-speed Shimano Sora groupset controlled by STI shifters (built into the brake levers) make the Clubman a comfortable, capable commuter.
Computer: Wahoo ELMNT ($325)
For those already deep in the daily cycling rabbit hole, a performance tracker might be in order. The Wahoo ELMNT GPS bike computer provides a host of functions: turn-by-turn navigation, speed, cadence, power output, and app-syncing with your preferred service (Strava, Komoot, etc.). Plus, the ELMNT can send and receive calls and text alerts, and it works with indoor trainers to help keep you in shape over the winter.
Bike pump: Topeak Joe Blow Sport Iii ($48)
If you own a bike, you should own a floor pump too. Checking tire pressure weekly is a great rule of thumb to ensure you’re running at the optimal level. It can even help prevent punctures on your ride.
Topeak’s Joe Blow pump line has a cult following and gets high marks for longevity and durability. The Sport Iii works with Schraeder or Presta valves, and it offers bleed control to dial in a precise amount of air.
Helmet: Giro Trinity Sport ($29–41)
One of the best cycling habits you can adopt is strapping a skull bucket on your dome each and every time. The likelihood of crashing is low, especially if you’re planning safe routes and paying attention. But even light falls – from hitting a curb or unexpected sand – can become dangerous if your head isn’t protected.
Giro’s Trinity Sport helmet offers a sleeker step up from department store offerings, but it isn’t in the high-priced super helmet stratosphere.
Rain jacket: Pearl Izumi Select – women’s & men’s ($67–135)
The more you ride, the more likely you are to encounter a rainy-day commute. Not only is riding while wet uncomfortable, but it can quickly drain your body heat, making you cold and miserable.
The Select waterproof-breathable jackets by Pearl Izumi have a DWR coating and seam sealing to keep moisture out. Meanwhile, pit and back vents help shed excess heat while high-visibility fabric and reflective accents help you stand out in low light.
Lights: Lezyne Micro Drive ($90)
A good set of lights not only helps drivers and other riders see you, it can also help you navigate early morning (or late night) rides. The Lezyne Micro Drive headlight and taillight set gives you illumination from the front, rear, and to the side.
Both lights are rechargeable and operate in steady, bright, and blinking modes. The headlight blasts up to 400 lumens, while the rear shines up to 180.
Sunglasses: Tifosi Seek ($81)
Prevent bugs and the sun from getting in your eyes. Proper eyewear will help you see clearly and thus help make your ride safer. The Tifosi Seek photochromic sunglasses offer 100 percent UV protection and automatically adjust tint based on ambient light. So the darker it is outside, the lighter the lenses will be, making these great for shielding your eyes during the day or evening.
Gloves: Louis Garneau Air Gel ($23–30)
Grip better and avoid road burn with Louis Garneau’s Air Gel fingerless gloves. A solid pair of cycling gloves performs three key functions: comfort, control, and protection. The gel padding inside will help absorb shocks and prevent numbness, while the mesh spandex will help wick moisture and keep your grip strong.
Best of all, gloves do wonders to protect your hands anytime you take a spill – a lesson most people learn the hard way.
Lock: Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 ($39)
Riding to work is great. Making sure your bike is there when it’s time to ride home is even better. Kryptonite has been a mainstay in the bike lock industry for a long time, and for good reason – the brand makes solid locks.
The Evolution Mini-5 is small enough to fit in a bag or back pocket, has level 7 (out of 10) security, and anti-rattling bumpers to help keep the chatter down while you ride.
Tool/Parts bag: Silca Seat Roll Premio ($50)
Keep any riding essentials – tools, tubes, CO2 cartridges – handy and out of the way using Silca’s Seat Roll Premio. The rollup bag features a Boa closure to keep it tightly wrapped and secure. And it sits right under your saddle, so you’ll barely notice it’s there.
Backpack: Timbuk2 Rogue Laptop Pack ($79)
There are a number of ways to bring your electronics, work supplies, and spare clothes to work, including messenger bags, racks, and panniers. But a backpack is probably the simplest and most reliable way to carry everything you need.
San Francisco-based Timbuk2 specializes in city cycling gear, and the Rogue Laptop backpack provides a water-resistant carrier for your essentials. A padded laptop sleeve keeps your computer safely stowed, a side pocket holds a water bottle or U-lock, and external daisy chains let you latch on whatever doesn’t fit in the 25-liter main compartment.
Waterproof socks: Showers Pass Crosspoint ($31–36)
Dry feet make for happy cyclists. They won’t be at the top of your bike to work list of essentials, but Showers Pass Crosspoint waterproof socks will provide a small luxury on wet rides.
Audio: Boombotix Boombot Mini ($25)
If a ride playlist is part of your daily commute, a portable Bluetooth speaker offers a safer alternative to headphones. We tested the Boombotix Boombot Mini speaker and enjoyed the “bubble of sound” it lent urban commutes. Compared to ear buds (or over-ear headphones), the clip-on Boombot Mini permitted more ambient sound, potentially making rides on street and near traffic safer.
Fenders: SKS Beavertail ($17)
Avoid the dreaded Biker Stripe with an easy-to-install pair of fenders. The universal-fit SKS Beavertail fenders accommodate the most common wheel sizes and tire widths. They’ll do wonders to keep backsplash from waterlogging you on wet streets.
Bike shorts: Sugoi Evolution – men’s & women’s ($60–90)
Keep saddle sores to a minimum with a chamois-equipped pair of bike shorts. Probably the hardest part of daily commutes for new riders is acclimating to regular stints aboard a bike saddle. Sugoi’s Evolution shorts will wick moisture from your legs, and the chamois will add precious padding to your perineum and help absorb road vibrations.
Spare tubes: Continental ($5.99–10.43)
At some point, you will get a flat tire. Your tires, and more importantly your tubes, will hit every bump, crack, curb, and piece of debris. Eventurally, that will result in the dreaded pop, hiss, or surprise overnight flat.
With a little know-how, fixing a flat tire is easy (and we think anyone can do it). Stocking up on a few spare tubes, like Continentals, will save you trips to the bike shop. Make sure you know your tire size and whether to buy Schrader or Presta valve.
Multitool: Crank Brothers 11-in-1 Pocket Tool Kit ($9)
Tackle lots of simple bike fixes with Crank Brothers 11-in-1 Pocket Tool Kit. Believe it or not, you can solve many maintenance issues with a good set of Allen wrenches, a couple screwdrivers, and a chain tool. And that’s exactly what you get in this handheld multitool. Plus, having a multi will help you get to know your bike better and make minor adjustments to dial it to your preferences.
Nutrition: Albanese Gummi Worms ($12 / 5 lbs.)
Why not? There are dozens of fancy nutrition bars, mixes, and gels out there – and they work great. But gummy worms are delicious, quick energy that’s fun to eat. Plus, they’re gluten free and dairy free. Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could also opt for Gummi Blossoms.
–This article is part of our “Amazon Outfitter” series, sponsored by Amazon.
