The Best Women's Cycling Gear of 2019

Published May 15, 2019 12:00AM

Osprey Raven 10 Hydration Pack ($140)

The svelte Raven gives mountain bikers everything they need: a wide hip strap, well-placed pockets with enough storage for essentials, and a meshy back panel that cools like a Vornado.

Ortlieb Handlebar Pack ($160)

If your ride will be taking you way out there, opt for this durable nine-liter roll, which fits any bar style. Waterproof ripstop nylon keeps bikepacking accessories like a sleeping bag secure and bone dry.

Giro Riv’ette CS Gloves ($35)

Sometimes the cheapest gear is also the most essential. Gloves protect in a crash and take the sting out of rough roads and trails. The Riv’ettes are thin and light, so you get all the benefits without even noticing you’re wearing them.

Velocio Breton SE Jersey ($169)

Velocio’s are the most breathable jerseys we’ve worn. They’re silky smooth and cut long to stay put when you’re in the drops. Bonus: we love the classy prints.

7Mesh WK2 Bib Shorts ($150)

Yoga pants with a chamois? The WK2 pairs the comfort of leggings with premium bike padding. The thin shoulder straps are a nice touch, offering riders the superior fit of bibs without making pit stops a chore.

Specialized Propero III with ANGi Helmet ($130)

Skip spendy helmets and go with the Propero. It’s got all the safety chops and many of the same features (top-notch fit and venting systems) at a more reasonable price.

Wild Rye Freel Shorts ($119)

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. Water repellency kept us dry in brief showers.

Feetures Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew Socks ($18)

Cycling socks must be at least four inches tall, have some flare, and be equal parts compressive and comfortable. Feetures delivers on all three counts.

Wild Rye Sandia Adventure Shirt ($95)

Thanks to Wild Rye, the benchmark for bike jerseys has been elevated. We love the Sandia’s long sleeves, which protected our skin on long days in full sun and when we inevitably found ourselves crashing down a rocky mountainside.

Smith Wildcat Shield Sunglasses ($209)

The Wildcat is big, loud, and sure to turn heads. The lenses are premium, too: crystal clear, with more coverage than you’ll possibly need.