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This shoe was one of our favorite pieces of men’s cycling gear in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide. The AM7s don’t get major points for style, but the comfortable fit more than made up for it. With a moderately still midsole, we found the shoe ideal for a few hours of riding.
For long days on a bike, this is the helmet you want. When we reviewed it back in 2015, our tester Aaron Gulley wrote: “The Z1 has 31 gaping vents, breathes better than André Greipel in a sprint, and kept us cool on even the muggiest afternoons.”
Wild Rye makes some of our favorite women's MTB apparel. “Wild Rye nailed the stretchy-durable balance here: the Freel moves just right in the saddle, but the fabric isn’t so thin that an errant piñon will shred it,” our tester wrote in our 2019 Summer Buyer's Guide.
Breathability and grip are the focus of the Air, both of which are key when you’re shredding singletrack. The upper is designed from a Lycra mesh that keeps things cool, while the palm benefits from sticky synthetic leather. Just don’t buy a pair expecting extra cushion, because there’s no padding in the palm.
This is the jacket you want for cold-weather cycling. Packing smaller than a soda can, the Barrier Lite provides wind protection and water resistance. The jacket is ideal for “when temperatures fluctuate 20 degrees,” said triathlete, Jesse Thomas.
The Ardent tires have aggressive, block-style knobs for superior traction on rocky terrain. They’re tubeless ready, so you can use them with or without an inner tube. Also available in a 29-inch diameter.
This shoe is stylish enough for around town but has the technical chops for charging down singletrack. The dot-rubber Stealth Phantom outsole is key for gripping flat pedals even on bumpy rides and is non-marking, so you don’t have to worry about them messing up floors inside. Plus, the shoes make a great gift for avid mountain bikers.
At 14 ounces, the Carlito is among the lightest U-locks on the market. Is lighter safer? Absolutely not. But this Rocky Mounts model is small enough to stow in a pocket, fits around most frames and racks, and has an alloy frame that provides protection against casual would-be used-bike owners.
We included this mountain-bike shoe in our roundup of the best gifts for cyclists because it’s stylish, functional, and comfortable. We especially like the grippy Stealth S1 rubber for sticking to flat pedals while on rough trails. Plus, the suede-and-mesh upper looks good enough around town during off-the-bike adventures.
“The Talon 22 is a highly functional daypack that can carry your gear across multiple disciplines,” wrote our tester. “It’s loaded with thoughtful features, like trekking-pole attachments, a helmet-carry system, and an ice-tool loop.”
Patagonia’s R1 line of fleece layers are well-loved and versatile, and the crew top version is no exception. Its raised grid-style insulation keeps you warm while you’re moving in cold weather.
One of our favorite shackets, the United by Blue Snap is stuffed with a blend of bison fiber and recycled polyester, making it warm for its weight and exceptional at quashing odors. Pro tip: The jacket runs small, so we suggest sizing up.
This stackable pint won our Gear Guy’s test of the best insulated cups. “It had the best insulation of the bunch, and the base fits nicely in a cupholder,” he wrote. “I’ll never complain about a beer mug that can pull double duty for coffee in the mornings.”
Our Gear Guy called the Lowball the only Yeti product you actually need. “I’ve been using this tumbler almost every day since August 2015, and after four and a half years of heavy use, it still works just as well as the day I got it,” he wrote.
We included this rain jacket in our 2017 Summer Buyer’s Guide. “The exterior nylon is tough, wind-resistant, and stretchy, while the interior is lined with a buttery knit that adds warmth for alpine starts and windy ridge walks,” our tester wrote. The lining does make the jacket less breathable, so it’s best for slower-paced activities.
Coffee is significantly better when it’s hot, which is why the Rambler mug is an absolute must-have for camping, travel, or around the house. The double-wall vacuum-insulated mug keeps a 24-ounce cup of joe warm for hours. And it’s dishwasher safe.
The Daylite doesn’t come with a bladder, but there’s storage aplenty: 20 liters in the main compartment plus an exterior pocket. The sleeve in the main compartment can house a reservoir you buy separately, or it’ll accommodate a tablet or small laptop if you’re just using it for commuting. If you’re extra thirsty, two side bottle pockets boost the Daylites water-carrying capacity.
The Charge 3 tracks exercise in 15 different sport modes, including pace, distance, and heart rate, and there’s sleep-tracking function. On top of that, it features women’s health tracking, water resistance up to 50 meters, and a blood oxygen sensor that tracks disruptions in breathing during sleep.
Outside contributor Wes Siler called these the best hiking boots he’s tested. “If you need ankle support and weather protection, then you’ll find more of that in these Altras at less of a weight penalty, and with more comfort, traction, and support, than you will in just about anything else,” he wrote.
This winter-specific Buff has Polartec fleece on the lower half for extra warmth and Buff’s standard polyester-elastane material on the upper half, so you can dial in the exact coverage you need for the conditions. The four-way stretch piece can be used as a bandana or scarf and has UPF 50 protection against the sun.