The Best Women’s Cycling Gear of 2021
Our favorite new kit for two-wheeled adventures
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7Mesh Copilot Jacket ($250)
The Copilot is an ideal fickle-weather companion. It’s made from recycled nylon, with a wind- and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, and it scrunches into a palm-size 7.9-ounce bundle.
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus GPS Computer ($600)
With touchscreen navigation, 24 hours of battery life, and real-time location sharing, the 1030 Plus is an important safety tool, especially on solo rides. Sensors automatically alert your emergency contacts in the event of a crash.
Roka x Machines GP-1 Sunglasses ($250)
Even on the sweatiest rides, we forgot we were wearing these wraparound shields, which never slipped or caused hot spots. The dark gray lenses worked well in bright light and in a variety of conditions on both road and trail.
Flylow Tia Mountain Bike Shorts ($100)
These 12.25-inch shorts from Flylow are made for big rides. The stretchy, wicking nylon-spandex blend and elastic waistband deliver comfort, while a nearly invisible side pocket stows gels or cards.
Hydro Flask 5L Down Shift Hydration Hip Pack ($100)
We stashed energy bars, keys, air cartridges, a multitool, an EpiPen, and a rain jacket in the four zip pockets of this expandable hip pack. With a 1.5-liter bladder plus water-bottle sleeves on each side, we never got thirsty.
Machines for Freedom Summer-Weight Jersey ($168)
We like the silky feel of this light UPF 50 jersey. Three pockets in the back, plus a side zip pocket offer plenty of storage. It comes in sizes from XXS to XXXL.
POC Oseus VPD Knee Pads ($140)
Thanks to a highly flexible pad, the Oseus stays in place and feels like an extension of the knee, even while pedaling rigorously. The foam on the front stiffens on impact, dispersing the blow and protecting your precious joint from damage.
Wild Rye Alice Chamois ($109)
With a wide yoga-style waistband, a buttery Italian chamois, and smart silicone placement to keep the legs from creeping up, the Alice is a good choice for long days in the saddle, with or without shorts on top.
Pearl Izumi Gravel X Shoes ($250)
The Gravel X has the stiff, lightweight feel of a road shoe, courtesy of its full-carbon sole and knit upper. But it’s dirt-road tough, with a low TPU band above the mud-shedding sole.
Liv Rev Pro MIPS Helmet ($273)
Twenty-one vents, sweat-wicking pads, and a ponytail-friendly design make the Rev Pro MIPS ideal for scorching summer spins. One tester crashed during testing, and the MIPS brain protection system helped her walk away concussion-free.
