Cycling is one of the most rewarding activities around. It\u2019s good for your physical and mental health, offers a carbon-free way of getting from A to B, and can often be the quickest and most cost-effective form of transport \u2013 particularly if you live in a city.<\/p>\n
The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019re hooked, there are a few bits of kit that will improve your experience immeasurably, whether that\u2019s comfortable clothing to curtail chaffing, or a water bottle to help you hydrate without stopping. In summer, the longer days and generally favourable conditions mean you can forgo additional accessories such as bike lights<\/a>, mudguards and head-to-toe waterproofs \u2013 although they can\u2019t be avoided forever if you become a year-round, all-weather rider.<\/p>\n Another bit of good news is that while cycling has a reputation for being an expensive pursuit, it doesn\u2019t have to be, and many of my favourite bits of kit have more affordable price tags.<\/p>\n In the almost three decades since I set off stabiliser-free for the first time, I\u2019ve dabbled in all types of cycling \u2013 from a teenage fling with BMXing to inner-city commuting and ultra-distance off-road escapades. In that time, I\u2019ve tested all manner of clothing, tools and accessories, pushing them to the limit during races, events, training rides and the daily grind. Here\u2019s my favourite gear that I reach for before setting off on a summer ride.<\/p>\n Summer cycling essentials<\/strong>Jersey<\/p>\n Although it performs a similar function to a generic sports base layer, a jersey is the first \u201cproper\u201d bit of cycling gear worth investing in because of the additional comfort it offers. Made from a lightweight, breathable fabric, a jersey will wick away moisture from hotspots, while a full-length zip means you can \u201cventilate\u201d on the go. Three rear pockets store essentials such as food, tools and a phone, and unlike a running or gym top, the cut is slightly longer at the back for extra coverage when riding leant forward.<\/p>\n My favourites, which perform well without breaking the bank, are Italian-designed Sportful SRK, which includes an extra zipped compartment for keys; the 100% recycled Rapha Core; the DHB Blok and its women-specific range, Moda; and the sub-\u00a340 Madison Flux, which comes with a lifetime guarantee.<\/p>\n Rapha Core women\u2019s jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n From \u00a355 at Rapha<\/a><\/p>\n Sportful men\u2019s SRK jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a348.75 at Sportful<\/a><\/p>\n DHB Moda women\u2019s short<\/strong>-sleeve jersey 2.0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a355 at Sports Direct<\/a><\/p>\n DHB Blok men\u2019s classic short<\/strong>-sleeve jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a355 at Sports Direct<\/a>From \u00a3109.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Madison Flux men\u2019s short<\/strong>-sleeve jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a333.99 at Fawkes Cycles<\/a>\u00a335.99 at Cycle Store<\/a>Shorts<\/p>\n Bib shorts might seem like an indulgent (and expensive) purchase, but you get what you pay for \u2013 and your nether regions will let it be known if you\u2019ve skimped. Fitted with a saddle-shaped section of foam in the crotch (known as a chamois), the shorts add an extra layer of padding beneath your perineum that keeps the area dry and cushioned on long rides. Just don\u2019t wear underwear, as this can negate the benefits. The straps may make the item resemble a wrestler\u2019s singlet, but they keep the shorts in place more comfortably than a waistband, which can dig in over time. As the male and female anatomy are quite different down there, it\u2019s worth opting for a gender-specific set.<\/p>\n Albion\u2019s ABR1 are my go-to for ultra-distance exploits, arriving with handy pockets on each thigh and one at the rear for extra storage. The Gregarius Essential from Q36.5, meanwhile, are soft and supportive against the skin, and breathable too.<\/p>\n And for women, \u201cPetrichor Projects\u2019 PP002 offer unbeatable comfort, with a cargo pocket, easy-pee design and sleek aesthetics,\u201d says Katherine Moore, author of Gravel Rides South West England<\/a>, who also recommends Velocio\u2019s Luxe line for all-day epics. \u201cThey\u2019re made from a super-soft, compressive material with a built-in base layer front and lovely raw-finish leg hem. A thicker-style chamois pad is the go-to for longer rides.\u201d<\/p>\n Albion ABR1 <\/strong>men\u2019s pocket bib shorts<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3185 at Condor Cycles<\/a><\/p>\n Q36.5 <\/strong>Gregarius Essential bib shorts<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3140 at Q36.5<\/a><\/p>\n Petrichor Projects PP002 women\u2019s bib shorts<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3169 at Petrichor Projects<\/a><\/p>\n Velocio women\u2019s Luxe bib shorts <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3217 at Velocio<\/a>Undershorts<\/p>\n If you\u2019d rather cover your modesty with a normal set of shorts, then opt for a pair of undershorts instead. Secured at the waist, rather than the shoulders, this padded set from Endura will soften the sting of any terrain (as I found out when mountain biking in Colorado), while the stretchy mesh fabric minimises the buildup of sweat, even when worn under non-technical clothing.<\/p>\n Endura men\u2019s padded Clickfast liner shorts <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a324.99 at Tredz<\/a>\u00a332.99 at Endura<\/a><\/p>\n Endura women\u2019s padded Clickfast liner shorts <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a321.99 at Merlin Cycles<\/a>\u00a329.99 at Endura<\/a>Cap<\/p>\n Cotton caps were originally designed to protect bare heads from the sun, although today\u2019s peloton professionals will rarely wear one. Since you\u2019re unlikely to be chasing every watt on your commute, though, a cycling cap under your helmet is a good way to shield from the sun or take off the chill on cooler mornings, all while adding a splash of colour to your riding wardrobe. Prendas specialises in vintage cotton caps, with the Mapei design of the 90s and early 00s team one of the loudest around. The Giro d\u2019Italia-inspired cap from the General Classification is a bit more subtle but oozes style.<\/p>\n Mapei retro cotton cycling cap <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a311.99 at Condor Cycles<\/a>\u00a318.55 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Tour of Italy <\/strong>cotton cycling cap <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a319.95 at the General Classification<\/a>Helmet<\/p>\n Helmets are a source of contentious debate, but if you want a model that goes above and beyond the EN1078 European standard (which every cycling helmet sold is required to pass by law), the ARO3 Endurance by Oakley is a good choice. It includes an internal Mips (multi-directional impact protection system) layer, which can move independently of the outer shell in the event of a crash, helping to protect the brain. Its 19 vents keep the air flowing even on the warmest days, and the antimicrobial liner minimises odour, ride after ride.<\/p>\n Oakley AR03 Endurance <\/strong>Mips helmet<\/strong><\/p>\n From \u00a378.99 at Tredz<\/a>From \u00a373.99 at Amazon<\/a>Socks<\/p>\n Although your feet are fairly static when riding a bike, all of those revolutions will soon have you working up a sweat inside your shoes. Any sports sock will do the job, but a cycling-specific pair will be much more comfortable, providing ventilation on the tops of your feet and padded toes to support every pedal stroke. Like caps, socks can enable you to add a splash of personality, and the fluoro finish of Aussie brand Maap\u2019s training sock is sure to get nods of approval at the traffic lights.<\/p>\n Maap training sock<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a318 at Cycle Project Store<\/a>\u00a315 at All4cycling<\/a>Sunglasses<\/p>\n Oversized sports sunglasses are a must-have fashion accessory this summer, but if you\u2019re more interested in conquering hills than the catwalk, you should prioritise a set that provides good coverage against sun, rain and unsuspecting insects \u2013 as well as ventilation to prevent you from fogging up.<\/p>\n Decathlon\u2019s Van Rysel brand is renowned for its premium products, and its RoadR 900 shades can stand up to models from Oakley for a fraction of the cost. This pair comes with a photochromic, UV-filtering nylon lens that automatically adjusts depending on the sun\u2019s intensity, meaning no need to swap between lenses and cover them in grubby fingerprints in the process. The lens has also undergone an oil-repelling treatment that helps rain and road spray run from its surface.<\/p>\n Decathlon Van Rysel RoadR 900 Perf <\/strong>sunglasses<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a374.99 at Decathlon<\/a>Insulated water bottle<\/p>\n Most riders will need to drink at least 500ml of fluids an hour when cycling, and even more if it\u2019s hot. You can use any water bottle, but a bidon comes with an easy-to-open valve that allows you to refresh as you ride, so you don\u2019t need to stop to unscrew any lids. The Camelbak Podium is a time-honoured design that can carry up to 710ml, allowing you to ride for longer without running dry, and its insulated version keeps contents cold.<\/p>\n Camelbak Podium water bottle <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a39.49 at Tredz<\/a>\u00a310.99 at Halfords<\/a>Sports-specific sunscreen<\/p>\n Road cyclists take pride in their tan lines, but protecting your skin is more important than chasing a golden glow. A sports-specific sunscreen will handle sweat better than an everyday cream, and Ultrasun\u2019s Sports Gel<\/a> does the job without leaving any greasy marks on your clothes. The fast-absorbing gel is easier to apply than a spray, and means you can quickly see whether you\u2019ve covered all your exposed skin before setting off.<\/p>\n skip past newsletter promotion<\/a><\/p>\n Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.<\/p>\n Privacy Notice: <\/strong>Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/a>. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy<\/a> and Terms of Service<\/a> apply.<\/p>\n after newsletter promotion<\/p>\n Ultrasun sports gel SPF30 <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a322.40 for 200ml at Look Fantastic<\/a>\u00a322.40 for 200ml at Sephora<\/a>Phone mount<\/p>\n Instead of forking out for a dedicated cycling computer for navigation and tracking, your phone can perform a similar function if you arm it with the right apps (see below). To keep an eye on directions or distance covered, you\u2019ll want to attach it to your bike front and centre with a mount on your stem (the part that joins your handlebars to your fork). Quad Lock\u2019s offering might look simple, but its twist and dual-lock system means you can trust it will hold your phone in place, and the included cable ties will fix it firmly to your bike.<\/p>\n Quad Lock Bike Mount Pro stem mount<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a319.99 at Tweeks Cycles<\/a>\u00a322.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Quad Lock M<\/strong>ag case for iPhone<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a331.99 at Freewheel<\/a>From \u00a331.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Cycle enough and you\u2019ll eventually come a cropper with a mid-ride mechanical. A puncture is the most common culprit, so it\u2019s a good idea to arm yourself with the tools and knowhow to fix one. Tyre levers and a pump are a must, and carrying an inner tube or two that are the same size as those installed on your wheels will be the quickest fix. A puncture-repair kit is always a good backup too.<\/p>\n For other issues, such as loose fittings or a broken chain, Crankbrothers\u2019 pocket-sized F16 <\/a>multitool has the hex bolt bits to get you out of most scrapes. If you have any carbon fibre components, Topeak\u2019s Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+<\/a> includes a torque gauge to stop you overtightening (and damaging) your bike.<\/p>\n Crankbrothers F16 Multitool<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a350.38 at Rare Waves<\/a>\u00a354.54 at Tweeks Cycles<\/a><\/p>\n Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a360.65 at Halfords<\/a>\u00a359.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Pedro\u2019s tyre levers<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a38.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Decathlon <\/strong>inner tube repair patch replacement kit<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a31.99 at Decathlon<\/a><\/p>\n Lezyne V2 ABS pressure-drive hand pump<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a329.89 at Tweeks Cycles<\/a>\u00a329.99 at Halfords<\/a>Anti-chafe cream<\/p>\n A solid pair of shorts will go a long way to helping you avoid saddle sores, but applying a layer of chamois cream to the area pre-ride is a belt-and-braces approach. You need to apply only a small amount of this cooling, rehydrating formula from Assos to keep everything supple and chafe-free \u2013 even after 12 hours in the saddle.<\/p>\n Assos chamois creme<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a322 at Condor Cycles<\/a>\u00a322 at Tiso<\/a>Bag<\/p>\n There\u2019s a cycling bag for every type of ride \u2013 from panniers perfect for the daily grind to the office, to big bikepacking setups that could survive a round-the-world expedition. For everyday exploring, though, you can\u2019t beat a handlebar bag.<\/p>\n The 3.4l Lil Presto Barrel Bag by Wizard Works can comfortably carry a waterproof layer, nutritional provisions and a multitool, and its hard-shell Cordura construction will keep contents protected from the elements (with the rigidity making it easy to unzip on the go).<\/p>\n Wizard Works Lil Presto barrel bag<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a365 at Wizard Works<\/a>Sports gels<\/p>\n The cafe stop is a sacrosanct staple of any bike ride, and can sometimes be the sole motivation for saddling up. But cycling longer distances will require you to refuel well before you can tuck into your cappuccino and cake. Sports gels deliver a convenient, compact and easy-to-digest hit of carbohydrates, with a dose recommended every 20-30 minutes.<\/p>\n Veloforte\u2019s energy gels are half the size of those from most other manufacturers, while the use of concentrated fruit juice rather than flavourings means you won\u2019t suffer from the flavour fatigue of more synthetic-tasting alternatives. Clif Bloks are a good option for those who prefer a more solid sugar hit.<\/p>\n Veloforte Primo natural energy gel<\/strong><\/p>\n From \u00a36.87 for three at Veloforte<\/a><\/p>\n Clif <\/strong>Bloks Energy Chews<\/strong><\/p>\n From \u00a353 for 18 packs at Halfords<\/a>\u00a356.99 for 18 packs at Amazon<\/a>Navigation<\/p>\n Looking for some local ride inspiration, or planning something farther afield? There are a host of navigation apps that can suggest tailored tours based on duration, distance and difficulty, and their cycling-specific nature means you\u2019re rarely led astray (or on to a dual carriageway).<\/p>\n Komoot is great for finding off-road-leaning trails and has its own easy-to-use route planner that includes user-recommended highlights. And if you already subscribe to Strava, in addition to tracking and displaying your speed and distance, the app has a route tool that can generate a loop based on the most popular roads and paths.<\/p>\n For those who prefer printed guides, Jack Thurston\u2019s Lost Lanes books are a brilliant resource and offer well-researched routes with accompanying downloadable directions.<\/p>\n Komoot<\/strong><\/p>\n Premium from \u00a34.99<\/a> Photograph: Anthony Brown\/Alamy<\/p>\n Strava<\/strong><\/p>\n Premium from \u00a38.99<\/a><\/p>\n Lost Lanes Southern England<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a314.99 at Guardian Bookshop<\/a>\u00a312.39 at Amazon<\/a>Massage gun for recovery<\/p>\n Pounding the pedals can leave you with sore muscles, so ramp up your recovery with a massage gun. Theragun\u2019s third-generation Mini packs an almighty punch considering its size, and is small enough to stow in a pannier if you\u2019re out on a multi-day adventure. Its three-head attachments can delve deep into aches and pains in your quads, calves and lower back, and its guided routines are handy for those new to knot-busting.<\/p>\n Theragun mini third generation<\/strong><\/p>\n