There are several different levels of cyclists from the casual biker to the hard-core enthusiast, stunt rider and professional racer. Add to this equation the myriad of different riding environments from bike paths to city roads to single-track and you have hundreds of riding scenarios. Having the appropriate riding gear for every occasion can be difficult (or extremely expensive!). Despite the various needs of each rider, there are some gear basics that every rider should always have on them.

Biking for transportation:

For those of us who live in a large city and want to race past the congested lines of car traffic, or perhaps just want to help the environment a little bit, biking for transportation is a great idea. For these daily commutes, you do not need to buy top of the line sports gear and clothing. What you need for your commuter bike ride is a nice properly fitted helmet and light breathable clothing that is loose enough to be comfortable but fitted enough that it won't get tangled up in the bike's gears or pedals. When you must wear non-cycling clothing leg bands can be bought to keep pant legs from getting ripped and to keep clothing grease free.

Competitive Biking:

Competing is not for the faint of heart or those who are not in shape. The casual bicyclist and bike would not be able to handle the conditions that competitive cyclists train to deal with. Not only are these athletes in peak shape, but they also have the best apparel and gear available to them. Cyclists that compete in tours and competitions rely on only the best high-performance clothing available. Jerseys and shorts need to be of a lightweight material that is durable, breathable and supportive. Clothing products made with fabrics such as Leather with LYCRA®, are the choice of a growing number of professional and competitive cyclists, because it offers road rash protection and durability in extreme conditions. Many competitive cyclists are choosing to utilize this type of protection in their cycling shorts, bibs and knickers. Lightweight yet sturdy cycling shoes are also necessary items. Clipless pedals offer increased performance but require shoes made with cleat attachments. Comfort should play a key role in the buying decision as longer rides can quickly become unbearable with shoes that don’t fit properly. Cycling shoes are available for both road and mountain biking applications.

Biking in bad weather:

It doesn’t matter if you're a casual or professional rider, you can't control the weather. We all get stuck in unfavorable weather situations sometimes. Cyclists who are riding in bad weather need some additional help. When riders encounter colder temperatures or windy and wet weather they will need protection that will help them to keep on going. Riders should keep a lightweight cycling jacket, arm and leg warmers and a skull cap in their cycling pack if there is a possibility the weather will change while out on a ride. The best cycling jackets on the market have outer shells that are waterproof yet highly breathable and packable.