subject: Cycling Gear For Beginners [print this page] Those who are just starting out with cycling should buy some gear to ensure that they're comfortable and safe while riding. There are a number of brands that focus just on cycling gear for both professionals and beginners. Some cycling gear is designed for casual riding, some are meant for road cycling competitions, and others are for mountain bike races. Once you know what purpose you will have for the gear, then you can begin finding what you need.
So aside from the fact that you need a bike, what is some other gear that a beginner should purchase?
All cyclists need biking shorts, plain and simple. Without them, you will not be comfortable during your ride, and no one wants that. The conventional short is made out of spandex, which is very form fitting and quite revealing for women and men. The built-in panels allow the short to fit the cyclist just right, and the padding allows the rider to feel comfortable sitting on the seat for long periods of time.
Some may be under the impression that wearing biking shorts underneath a normal pair of shorts would be fine. However, this will be an issue because shorts will bunch up at some point. The pinching will cause discomfort, despite having a pair of padded shorts on underneath. Cycling manufacturers have solved this problem by making shorts that look like any other, but with a girdle inside. It's sort of like a built-in pair of underwear with padding that you see with traditional biking shorts.
A helmet is another essential, though some might tell you that it isn't. Accidents do happen, no matter how cautious you might be. And if they do occur without you wearing a helmet, then you could get severely injured. Some areas do have laws that require cyclists to wear one. When you buy one, make sure that it fits well.
You will find that sunglasses are all but a necessity to shield and protect your eyes from the sun and debris that might come up from your tires.
You'll also need at least one water bottle to stay hydrated, though two is better. It's important to drink every 10-15 minutes or so to prevent dehydration, even if you don't feel thirsty. Being dehydrated during your ride is going to hurt your performance.
I would also recommend getting a pair of gloves. Your palms will likely get sweaty during the ride, so having gloves get a better grip on the handlebars. Plus, it will provide some protection for your hands in case of an accident.
