That crisp air and back-to-school vibe make autumn prime time to spin. No matter if you are racing cyclocross, grinding gravel or just cruising the bike lanes, get rolling with this gear.
‘Cross Bike
Giant TCX Advanced Pro 2
Ringing in at a reasonable price with all the guts and componentry to put you on the podium, this well-balanced ride topped our wish list for racing season. Credit that to geometry that delivers a lot of power without wearing you down and a composite frame that’s light, nimble and surprisingly stiff. Plus, the flat-mount disc brakes and spec Schwable X-One Evolution tubeless tires help crush any conditions on the course. $2,655; giant-bicycles.com
Gravel Grinder
Salsa Journeyman Sora 700
Designed for dirt and capable on pavement, too, this durable steed can tick off big epics, whether you want to bikepack from Boulder to Winter Park, gravel grind the backroads of Breck or just make an adventure out of your commute to work every day. Best of all, the aluminum frame accepts both your standard 700c wheels and beefy 650c ones that can run 2.2-inch tires for those big backcountry days. $1,099; salsacycles.com
Electric Commuting
Vintage Electric Cafe
It may have all the laid-back style of a cafe cruiser, but this ride can get you to work or running errands in a hurry. The 750w drivetrain features five levels of pedal assist that can get you down the bike lane faster than sitting in traffic without breaking a sweat at the top speed and give you a bit of a workout if you turn it down. The removable battery provides 20-60 miles of riding on a two-hour charge and the sexy steel frame is sure to turn heads as you whiz by them. $3,995; vintageelectricbikes.com
Pack
Thule Vital 3L
Featuring a 1.75-liter hydration bladder and enough pouch space for a jacket, snacks and tools, this svelte pack proves the perfect companion for gutty grinds out on the backroads or big mountain bike rides. $90; thule.com
Helmet
Sweet Protection Buswhacker 2 MIPS
Light (11.6 ounces in a M/L size) and well ventilated, this brain bucket comes equipped with MIPS technology, which mitigates the chance of a concussion if you hit your head in a collision. $220; sweetprotection.com
Nutrition
Skratch Anytime Energy Bar
Providing scientifically researched plant-based nutrition, these bars from the cycle-minded Colorado brand taste damn good, too—even with 50-percent less sugar than most energy bars. $2.65; skratchlabs.com
Shoe
Pearl Izumi X-Project Elite
Batten down with a BOA closure system in this shoe that was designed to both provide pedaling power and hike-a-bike stability, thanks to a carbon sole built to provide traction. $275; pearlizumi.com
Style
Alien Socks
They may not make you ride faster, but socks that features designs including an extraterrestrial riding a dinosaur or alien babies will get you big cheers and maybe even send the right signal to that space ship on your tail. $10; aliensocks.com
Recovery
Wave Tool
Developed by a former Jackson Hole mountain guide turned physical therapist, this simple-but-effective soft-tissue release device works to ease the pain and annoyance of injuries ranging from elbow tendonitis to plantar fasciitis to sore calves, common on a bike. $50; wavetoolstherapy.com
