After seeing recent discussions about whether “well-equipped cyclists are being pretentious,” as a cyclist with decent gear myself, I feel the need to share my views on choosing cycling equipment. It’s undeniable that a full set of cycling gear gives off the impression of “this guy looks cool,” which can lead some to think that those with fancy gear are just showing off and being flashy, thereby causing irritation. But more importantly, cycling gear offers safety and health — which are, after all, the primary concerns for most outdoor sports enthusiasts, including hikers, trekkers, and the like.
First, let me clarify: if you enjoy occasional, slow-paced, casual rides only on good roads and for short distances, then placing too much emphasis on gear may bring unnecessary economic and mental stress — clearly not worth it. However, if you plan to cycle frequently, go on long rides, or aspire to become a competitive cyclist, the following content might offer some guidance on whether and how to choose cycling gear. This article mainly focuses on mountain biking and road racing; it does not apply to downhill, freeride, or flatland BMX sports. These are purely my personal opinions — if anything is incorrect, I welcome discussion, criticism, and corrections. Thanks in advance :)
1. [Cycling Helmet]:It’s that big mushroom-looking thing you wear on your head. Since it protects your vulnerable head, it’s an essential piece of gear for any cyclist. [Uses] Impact protection, shielding from branches and leaves, defense against flying debris, rain deflection, ventilation, and speed enhancement. Helmets with visors offer sun protection, and adding reflective stickers can help prevent nighttime collisions.
The [criteria] for judging a good helmet include material, weight, lining, comfort, ventilation, and wind resistance:
[Material]Helmets are generally made from foam materials (standard or high-density — the difference lies in impact protection effectiveness) and feature a smooth outer shell.
[Weight]Whatever rests on your head shouldn’t be too heavy, which is why alloy isn’t used for cycling helmets.
[Lining]This is the part inside the helmet that touches your head. It enhances comfort during regular use and provides cushioning upon impact. Well-made helmets have lining that covers more area, uses better materials, and is more firmly attached to the inner shell.
[Comfort]This largely depends on personal feel, influenced by weight, lining, straps, and head circumference fit. A comfortable helmet significantly reduces pressure on the head and neck, and maximizes protection during impacts.
[Ventilation]Keeping your head in a non-breathable environment for long periods can harm your scalp and cause discomfort. Good helmets either have more vents or larger ones — both designed to enhance airflow.
[Wind Resistance]The helmet already reduces wind resistance by covering your hair, but for those focused on improving speed, the helmet’s shape and its effect on drag are also worth considering.
[Types of Cycling Helmets]:Half-shell helmets come in road-specific (no visor) and dual-use (road and mountain, with detachable visor) versions. Some cyclists also use helmets similar to those for baseball or rollerblading. Full-face helmets resemble motorcycle helmets and are typically used by downhill or freeride cyclists.
2. [Cycling Glasses]:A really cool piece of cycling gear :) Especially effective when paired with a helmet.
[Special Functions]In addition to the general benefits of sports eyewear, cycling glasses are especially valued for their UV protection. Most cyclists ride on roads, where sunlight reflects more intensely than on dirt or grass. Due to the riding posture, cyclists spend more time looking directly at the road compared to regular bike riders, thus being exposed to more reflected UV rays — prolonged exposure can lead to cataracts. Also, many cyclists have experienced their eyes tearing from the wind or getting foreign objects in them. Cycling glasses offer substantial protection against these issues.
[Choosing the Right Pair]Comfort is key when selecting cycling glasses, which depends on their material and size. Lens selection also matters — different colors and materials offer varying levels of light transmission and UV protection. If you’ll face changing sunlight conditions during your ride, consider glasses with interchangeable colored lenses. For those who wear prescription glasses, there are cycling glasses that allow you to add prescription lenses, though they tend to be pricier.
[Note]Regular sunglasses may block UV rays and glare, but their casual design doesn’t shield against wind or debris as effectively as cycling glasses.
3. [Face Masks and Ear Protectors]These items are used when traveling in windy, sandy, or cold weather. When purchasing, generally pay attention to breathability and the seal around the edges.
4. [Cycling Jerseys]A piece of gear that’s quite vibrant in color, fits snugly, and accentuates your figure nicely~
[Function]Increases speed, wicks sweat. Cycling jerseys with back pockets can carry items, long-sleeved ones protect your arms from sun exposure, and fleece-lined ones provide warmth. The speed-enhancing effect of cycling jerseys is very noticeable—speed enthusiasts might consider getting one. The sweat-wicking and breathability of a cycling jersey depend on the choice of fabric.
[How to Choose]Cycling jerseys typically cost over 100 RMB. When selecting, pay attention to the fabric (smoother isn’t always better), stitching, and fit—neither too tight nor too loose is ideal.
5. [Cycling Gloves]This is a cycling gear that works quietly behind the scenes :)
[Function]Absorbs sweat, provides grip, allows ventilation, and protects the palms and wrist joints. Sweat absorption, breathability, and grip all complement each other. When a bicycle is moving at high speed, the rider’s control largely depends on hand technique. Well-made cycling gloves put a lot of effort into grip. Breathability depends on the glove material and size. Protection for the palms mainly comes into play during a fall—riders often use their palms to break a fall and land more gently. Without gloves to cushion the impact, this action can easily lead to palm abrasions and serious damage to the joints.
The reason cycling gloves are said to work quietly is mainly because not many people realize they protect the wrist joints. In fact, due to the different sitting posture and handlebar grip used in cycling compared to leisure biking, the wrist joints remain in an abnormal state of tension for long periods, which can have lifelong negative effects on nerves and tendons. The special role of cycling gloves is to minimize pressure on the wrist joints. Lay them palm-side down next to regular gloves, and you’ll notice the cycling glove’s palm side isn’t flat but slightly raised—this matches the natural grip position of cyclists.
[How to Choose]Cycling gloves come in half-finger and full-finger styles. When choosing, opt for those with sturdy stitching and thick padding on the palm. Some gloves also include a towel-like material on the thumb for easy sweat wiping.
6. [Cycling Shorts]Cycling inevitably puts pressure on the perineal area, and prolonged exposure can increase the risk of prostatitis. At the same time, poor ventilation in this area can also negatively affect personal hygiene. Therefore, for frequent cyclists, cycling shorts are essential.
[Structure]Visually, cycling shorts don’t look much different from running shorts, but the former includes a padded chamois in the crotch area—its primary function is to relieve pressure on the perineum. Chamois made from special materials can also enhance breathability and inhibit bacterial growth. Additionally, good cycling shorts use highly breathable fabric on the surface to prevent leg sweat buildup. The snug fit of cycling pants is also quite noticeable, often featuring designs similar to compression tights or equipped with straps at the hem to prevent the legs from getting caught in the chainring.
7. [Cycling Socks and Cycling Shoes]If you’re using regular sports socks and shoes, do your soles feel painfully sore and sweaty after long rides? If you’re into speed, do you often feel like your legs have power but can’t deliver? If so, it might be time to consider cycling socks and shoes.
Cycling socks offer higher breathability and durability than regular sports socks, reducing the negative effects of constant pedaling on your soles. Cycling shoes come in two types: with and without clipless pedals. The non-clipless type is similar to regular sports shoes but emphasizes a tighter fit. The clipless type must be used with clipless pedals—when used together, your feet are essentially locked to the pedals (though they can be released easily). This eliminates worries about your feet slipping, allowing you to focus entirely on increasing speed. However, use the clipless feature cautiously on rough terrain, as it takes about 10 seconds to unclip in case of a fall. If the road is bumpy, the bike is hard to control, or you’re a beginner, it’s best to avoid using it.
8. [Knee and Elbow Pads]Sports enthusiasts know the purpose of these—no need for a lengthy explanation. Just a reminder: when falling off a bike, the knees and elbows are quite vulnerable to impact. Wearing both is advisable when cycling in accident-prone areas.
9. [Sports Water Bottles and Bottle Cages]The highlight of cycling water bottles is that they can be opened with one hand (hiking and mountaineering bottles usually require two hands). This is practical for riders who like to drink while cycling—just remember to slow down and watch out for traffic. Bottle cages are usually mounted on the bike frame, and placing the bottle in it helps reduce the load you carry on your back.
[How to Choose and Install]Sports water bottles come in plastic and alloy. When choosing, check for any unusual odors inside, and ensure the exterior is sturdy. Never buy cheap alloy bottles with toxic coatings or plastic bottles made from materials that don’t meet drinking water standards. When selecting a bottle cage, make sure it fits the bottle size, has a solid structure, and won’t scratch the bottle. During installation, ensure it’s secure—a wobbly or noisy bottle and cage can affect your mood and speed, and in serious cases, hinder your control.
[Other Hydration Systems]Common options include hydration bladders and drinking tubes. The bladder is placed in a dedicated backpack (some also add a tube to a regular bottle and mount it on the cage). One end of the tube connects to the bladder, the other to the rider’s mouth—just bite the tube and sip by turning your head.
10. [Cycling Backpack]This is a convenient and practical piece of gear.
[Structure]The capacity of a cycling backpack isn’t large, but it features many compartments and small pockets, each serving a specific purpose. For example, the bottom compartment is designed to hold a hydration bladder, with a small hole nearby for easy routing of the drinking tube. The tool compartment uses plenty of elastic bands to prevent tools from clashing against each other. Helmets can usually be hung on the outside of the backpack, but there’s also a protective section to prevent scratches. The backpack’s carrying system is lightweight, breathable, and equipped with a chest strap and waist belt.
11. [Other Bags]These mainly include front and rear panniers, saddle bags, and frame bags. To reduce the load on your back, avoid placing heavy items in your backpack during long rides—the front and rear panniers take on the main weight-bearing role and are built to be sturdy and waterproof. Frame bags are typically placed at the front end of the bike frame—right behind the stem—and have limited space. Saddle bags go under the seat, are very small, and are often used to carry small items. They’re suitable for short rides without a backpack or for race settings.
12. [Cycling Computer (Speedometer)]An electronic device used to calculate distance and speed. It consists of a magnetic sensor attached to the steel spoke of the front wheel rim, a sensor on the fork, connecting wires that run up along the fork, a computer mount on the handlebar, and the computer itself mounted on the handlebar. The working principle is as follows: as the wheel rotates, the sensor detects signals from the magnetic unit and transmits them via the wires to the computer, which processes the data and displays information such as speed and distance to the rider.
[Buying Tips]Cycling computers come in both wired and wireless versions, with the latter being more expensive. For most cyclists, a wired version is sufficient. Additionally, there’s similar equipment called a “flight deck,” which, besides showing the same info as a cycling computer, can also display richer riding data such as gear selection—but it comes at a higher price.
13. [Tools]Include bike-specific lubricants, portable pumps, tire repair kits, tire levers, multi-tools, and more. On long rides, you might encounter situations where help is nowhere in sight and your bike breaks down—having a set of tools can be a lifesaver. Typically, a single set of tools is enough for an entire riding group (you may want to bring extra consumables, such as tire repair materials). For everyday bike maintenance, it’s also a good idea to buy some dedicated lube and use it to clean and maintain parts like the chain, cassette, and derailleur after rides. This enhances performance and extends the lifespan of the components.
Note: A Swiss Army knife alone won’t be enough to fix bike issues, but Swiss brand Victorinox once made a bicycle tool kit (including a knife and bike-specific tools), which is a great option if you can find one.
14. [Reflective and Lighting Systems]The reflective system includes reflectors on the wheel rims, passive front and rear lights, and reflective stickers on backpacks, helmets, and cycling clothing. The lighting system mainly consists of battery-powered or dynamo-driven front and rear lights. These items help indicate your position during night rides, making it easier for teammates, pedestrians, and other vehicles to spot and avoid you.
At this point, some may say: Cycling sure is troublesome, and buying all this gear—while not necessarily expensive individually—adds up to a significant amount. When I first got into cycling, I thought the same. But every time I went out, I realized some of these items really were necessary. Minor injuries from small falls are easy to recover from without protective gear, but if a serious accident happens, the physical and financial toll—sometimes irreparable—far outweighs the cost of the gear. A simple example: would you rather spend 88 yuan on a Giant helmet to protect your head, or 880 yuan on hospital treatment after cracking your skull? Would you prefer spending 60 yuan on cycling glasses, or risk dealing with cataracts later? Or, to put it more gently: would you spend 7 yuan on a bottle of lube to maintain your bike regularly, or let your hundreds-of-yuan bike rust and break down?
When choosing cycling gear within our means, safety and health should always come first. During rides, we encounter various situations, face different challenges, and deal with many dangers beyond our control. Good equipment helps protect us better. At the same time, we also share the road with others—like pedestrians crossing the street or speeding vehicles. In these cases, keeping your bike in good condition, optimizing your riding setup, and adding reflective and lighting systems isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s also about protecting others.
As for costs, as I mentioned earlier, each piece of gear has its own intended use and effectiveness, so you can choose according to your needs. If you’re not too picky, standard cycling gear doesn’t have to be expensive. For those on a budget, buying second-hand items like cycling computers, bottle cages, or backpacks can be a cost-effective choice—but for close-fitting items like cycling jerseys and shorts, it’s better to go for new ones. Also, shopping online can save you a lot—you can get items like my glasses, helmet, and cycling shorts from Taobao.