Ten Bike-Commuting Essentials
Tried-and-true tools to make riding to work a lot more comfortable
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Just because you ride to work doesn’t mean you have to be a sweaty bike nerd.
Peak Designs Everyday Sling Pack ($150)
Peak Designs’ Everyday Sling pack fits far more than its trim silhouette suggests. For photographers it accommodates a full-size camera body and two lenses. The rest of us can tote a tablet, phone, jacket, and pretty much anything else called for on a day out.
Nalgene Draft Bottle ($11)
Thanks to a dependable twist-lock lid, the Nalgene Draft bottle keeps water from spilling onto your work clothes when city streets turn rough.
IVI Sepulveda Sunglasses ($220)
IVI’s Sepulveda sunglasses—with their mesa-flat shape and Zeiss lenses—stand out from the hordes of plain-Jane shades on the market.
Mission Workshop Signal Pants ($225)
We didn’t think there was anything more resilient than a good pair of jeans—until we tried Mission Workshop’s Signal pants. The cut is trim but roomy enough for stout quads, long legs never reveal your socks, and nylon fabric sloughs off water and morning coffee mishaps.
Ridge Supply Skyline Socks ($15)
Ridge Supply’s Skyline socks rock subdued, office-appropriate blue near the ankle and transition to eye-popping neon yellow at the calf for visibility.
Jet Roll II Phantom Italia ($70)
Forget the cramped seat bag. The Jet Roll II Phantom Italia is a flat-pack synthetic-leather carrier that stows a mini pump or inflator, a multitool, and other sundries. It rolls up into a strap-on tool kit.
Fairwear Longport Pullover ($129)
In an age of high-tech waterproof fabrics, the Fairwear Longport pullover is refreshingly simple. Cut from a burly midweight canvas, it’s the perfect piece for crisp mornings.
Specialized Skitch Shoes ($95)
The Specialized Skitch shoes are a killer crossover, with a sticky rubber outsole for pedal grip, a water-resistant synthetic toe cap, and manners enough to pair with slacks. They’re not overly stiff, which is great for walking but less so for long commutes.
Lumos Helmet ($199)
If there’s one piece of equipment that every cyclist who rides at night should have, it’s the Lumos helmet. Yes, it’s expensive for a commuter lid, but the USB-rechargeable lights are like giant “Do not hit!” signs for motorists. They glow brighter as you slow down, and they even have blinkers, controlled by a wireless handlebar remote.
Kitsbow Indigo Work Shirt ($195)
Though Kitsbow’s Indigo Work shirt looks like a classic Oxford, it won’t pull or choke while riding, thanks to the elongated sleeves. Vents at the shoulders ensure a cool ride.