{"id":159335,"date":"2023-08-10T10:25:04","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T17:25:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=159335"},"modified":"2023-09-29T17:21:47","modified_gmt":"2023-09-30T00:21:47","slug":"the-perfect-kit-road-biking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/the-perfect-kit-road-biking","title":{"rendered":"Get Road Ready With These Cycle Essentials"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s no better time than the present to turn to the trusty two-wheeled machine for exercise and peace. Whether you\u2019re assembling your first road-cycling kit or simply upgrading a piece of it, find what you need here. We\u2019ve gathered everything you need to make the most of road biking.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat To Wear Cycling<\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/span>\n

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Shimano RC3 Road Cycling Shoes (<\/b>Women\u2019s<\/b><\/a> & Men’s<\/a><\/b>)<\/b><\/h2>\n

Shimano<\/a> focused on creating a superior-fitting road shoe with the RC3. With an integrated midsole and upper that is essentially one piece, it\u2019s a slipper-like fit for roadies. The breathable, synthetic upper wraps around your foot while the Boa lacing system makes on-the-fly tightening easy. The shoes are just as efficient as they are comfortable, thanks to the glass-fiber-reinforced sole, which has a slim stack height. The women\u2019s version has a female-specific that dials in the fit. $125<\/em><\/p>\n

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Rapha Core Cycling Bib Shorts (Women\u2019s<\/a> & Men’s<\/a>)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s nothing overtly fancy about the Core bib shorts. But Rapha\u2019s attention to detail creates next-level comfort. The base material, a mix of polyamide and elastane, creates a super stretchy layer that comfortably fits different body types. Grippy seams around the legs keep the bib in place while strategically placed flatlock seams reduce chafing. The dense black fabric isn\u2019t transparent like some bike shorts, so you don\u2019t have to worry about showing too much. But the star of the show is Rapha\u2019s patented chamois, which is specifically designed to reduce pressure on the sit bones during long days in the saddle. $130<\/em><\/p>\n

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PEARL iZUMi Expedition Bike Shorts – Men’s<\/a> <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Your shorts can make or break a road ride, which is why the Expedition is a smart choice for road and other adventures. The moisture-wicking fabric is highly breathable and virtually seam-free for ultimate comfort, and it’s given BioViz reflective elements for low-light visibility. Leg openings stay put with silicone-printed grippers to keep you comfortable on all terrain. $105<\/em><\/p>\n

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Terry Touring Bike Shorts (Women’s S-XL<\/a> & Women’s 1X-3X<\/a>)<\/h2>\n

The Touring bike shorts are built for long summer rides. Stave off heat and humidity with a nylon\/poly\/spandex outer that moves moisture and dries fast and Flex Air Tour chamois that\u2019s <\/span>perforated to promote ventilation where you need it most. The waistband is extra wide and elastic-free at the front for a more flattering cut that also <\/span>helps prevent pinching when you\u2019re in the saddle. A phone, cash and cards stash conveniently in the zippered side pocket. <\/span>The Touring shorts range in size from S to XL; <\/span>a similar version is available from XL to 3XL. From <\/em><\/span>$119<\/span><\/em><\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Rapha Core Lightweight Jersey (Women’s<\/a> & Men’s)<\/a><\/h2>\n

The Rapha<\/a> Core Lightweight Jersey is two jerseys in one: The front panel is made from a lightweight mesh material to help boost airflow; the shoulders and back are made from a denser material that\u2019s rated UPF 40 for ultimate sun protection. The dual construction means you get the protection from the elements you need and the breathability you want. A full-zip front allows you to add \u201cair-conditioning\u201d on hot climbs, and three back pockets offer plenty of storage for tools and goodies. $90<\/em><\/p>\n

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Showers Pass Syncline CC Cycling Jacket (<\/b>Women\u2019s <\/b><\/a>& <\/b>Men\u2019s<\/b><\/a><\/b>)<\/b><\/h2>\n

Get bang for your buck with the\u00a0Showers Pass<\/a> Syncline CC, a rain jacket that\u2019s as suited to road rides as day hikes. The lightweight shell features reflective trim, a drop-tail hem and a hood that easily fits under a helmet without bunching, but it\u2019s durable enough for the trail (and doesn\u2019t scream cyclist). There are lighter options out there, but none are as versatile as this\u2014or at this price. $145<\/i><\/p>\n

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PEARL iZUMi Elite Gel Cycling Gloves (Women’s<\/a> & Men’s<\/a>)<\/h2>\n

Gloves are easy to overlook, but the connection point between your hand and your bars is key, especially on long rides where fatigue can set in. The Elite is built to maximize comfort and <\/em>feel with an Ax Suede synthetic leather palm that stretches and breathes. A series of 3D-shaped gel pads help reduce pressure points, while mesh backing and a fingerless design promote airflow on hot days. $38<\/em><\/p>\n

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Nite Ize Wraptor Rotating Smartphone Bar Mount<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

Keep your phone handy for Strava, maps or conference calls with the\u00a0Nite Ize<\/a> Wraptor, which holds standard smartphones (with or without cases). The doodad attaches to most handlebar sizes, providing you with full access to the screen. It even rotates so you can have a vertical or landscape view. $22.50<\/i><\/p>\n

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Knog Plug Front and Rear Bike Light Twinpack<\/a><\/h2>\n

Lights are an essential part of bike safety because they help drivers see you better. Knog\u2019s Plug is an affordable twin pack of lights consisting of a front torch with 250 lumens (bright enough to get you home at the tail end of long rides) and a rear 10-lumen red light. The lights are easy to attach, thanks to the multiple silicone band options included in the kit. And they\u2019re micro-USB rechargeable so you can plug them in at home or the office for a quick charge. $49.95<\/em><\/p>\n

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REI Co-op Cycle Essentials Accessory Bundle<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t get caught unprepared. Find everything you need\u00a0to\u00a0fix a flat<\/a> or tweak your saddle; the bundle wraps\u00a0around a spare tube (not included) in a compact package. Attach it to your saddle rails\u2014or toss it into your bike bag. $44.95<\/i><\/p>\n

\nLearn More About Road Cycling<\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/span>\n

Interested in more staff picks and kits? Find more collections <\/i>here<\/i><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s no better time than the present to turn to the trusty two-wheeled machine for exercise and peace. Whether you\u2019re assembling your first road-cycling kit or simply upgrading a piece of it, find what you need here. We\u2019ve gathered everything you need to make the most of road biking. Shimano RC3 Road Cycling Shoes (Women\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9145,"featured_media":192073,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[1127,724,1491,579,1951],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-159335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cycle","tag-cycling","tag-gear","tag-gear-list","tag-road-biking","tag-the-perfect-kit"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/the-perfect-kit-road-biking","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Get Road Ready With These Cycle Essentials","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/the-perfect-kit-road-biking","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/the-perfect-kit-road-biking"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/Content_Team_2_150817_00375.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/05\/Content_Team_2_150817_00375.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000"},"articleSection":"Cycle","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Phuong Le"}],"creator":["Phuong Le"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["cycling","gear","gear list","road biking","the perfect kit"],"dateCreated":"2023-08-10T17:25:04Z","datePublished":"2023-08-10T17:25:04Z","dateModified":"2023-09-30T00:21:47Z"},"rendered":"