With riding season in full swing, we found the little extras that make life better in the saddle.
SHADES
Spy Hunt
We have long been fans of Spy’s Happy Lens technology, because it really seems to work: It keeps out nasty glare while letting in long-wave blue light that’s easy on the eyes—making it simpler to focus on the trail or pavement ahead. The sturdy Grilamid frames on the Hunt can take a beating if they do come off your face but the soft arms do an admirable job of keeping them secure, even while you are riding. $160 | spyoptic.com
COMMUTER PACK
Shimano Tokyo
Shimano came up with the perfect, stylish bike commuter pack here. It’s pimped out with a padded laptop sleeve and organizing pockets on the inside and can handle the slings and arrows of bad weather thanks to a roll-up rain cover and low-key reflectivity details on the outside. $140 | shimano.com
HELMET
Bell Zephyr
This is one high-tech helmet. Weighing in at 9.9 ounces, it includes MIPS technology to mitigate a concussion on impact as well as double-layer EPS to suck up the force of a blow to the head. Pair those safety features with an easy-to-dial-in fit and plenty of ventilation and you have the ideal lid for road rides and races. $230 | bellhelmets.com
SHELL
Columbia OutDry EX Stretch Hooded Shell
This stretchy, breathable shell is fully waterproof and fully seam-sealed—and it’s surprisingly light thanks to a process that puts the membrane on the outside of the jacket, removing the need for an extra layer of fabric. Stuff it in your pack for when the weather gets truly nasty. $180 | columbia.com
GLOVE
Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Softshell Lite Glove
This light glove is the ticket for those cold days in the saddle. There’s just enough soft-shell material on the back of the hand to keep out the wind—and you don’t have to take it off to use your smart phone.
$55 | pearlizumi.com
PHONE MOUNT
I/O Nomad
If you like to geek out over your ride stats, this simple sturdy mount will be your new best friend. It simplifies following Strava times or GPS maps while you are mid-ride.
$55 | iomounts.com
WOMEN’S SHORTS
Craft Velo XT Shorts
Swedish endurance brand Craft impressed us once again with these tough, comfy women’s shorts that can make an easy transition from ride to brew pub and include a removable inner chamois that’s easy to wash. $130 | shop.craftsports.us
MEN’S SHORTS
Swrve Lightweight Regular Shorts
Portland-based Swrve got its start with sensible commuter bike gear, and that mindset is key to these light shorts that can do anything from handle a mountain bike ride to pack into your suitcase for European travel.
$95 | swrve.us
ENERGY
Hanah One Go Pack
No mere energy gel, this ayurvedic concoction includes 30 wild-harvested herbs from India along with Keralan mountain honey, artisanal ghee and sesame oil. That translates into a mid-ride snack that will impart long-term health benefits.
$49 (12 pack) | hanahlife.com
