Our favorite new cycling accessories will keep you comfortable, improve the ride and maybe even help you push your limits.
1. SEAT
Ergon | ST Core Prime
Comfort rules (see page 38)! And Ergon is leading the way with saddles that give you all the performance you need—without leaving you numb. This soft, shock-dampening seat proves ideal on long tours and gravel grinds, but it never feels too big to cramp your style. $150; ergon-bike.com
2. HELMET AND SUNGLASSES
Rudy Project | Sintryx sunglasses and Protera helmet
Rudy Project created this dedicated sunglass-and-helmet system specifically for mountain biking. The aerodynamic Sintryx shades feature an easy-to-operate lens change system that you engage and disengage simply by pressing on the logo between your eyes, and the Ergonose XI nosepiece keeps the glasses on your face even when you are battling jarring terrain. The sister Protera helmet serves up plenty of ventilation as well as an adjustable and removable visor. $225-$300 (Sintryx), $250 (Protera); rudyprojectna.com/pages/discover-protera
3. GLOVES
Lizard Skins | Monitor SL Gel
With all the protection you would expect from bulky downhill-style grippers but far lighter, these gel-enhanced gloves improve your dexterity and even work on smart phone screens. There’s just enough ventilation to keep your hands cool but enough padding to survive a spill. $35; lizardskins.com
4. SHIRT
Flylow | Jessi
Famed for its freeski apparel, Colorado-founded Flylow has brought the same mix of style and function that makes its winter gear so versatile to a new line of active spring wear for women. The breathable, wicking Jessi shirt can handle a bike ride and run, but still look presentable when you pull over for lunch. $55; flylowgear.com
5. COMMUTER PACK
Mudroom | Quartable 18L
Meet a backpack designed specifically for the needs of bike commuters. The roomy Mudroom features two side pockets built just to hold your work shoes (or hikers, trail runners, etc.). Inside there’s smart space for electronics and other essentials. $105; mudroombackpacks.com
6. ROAD SHOES
Shimano | SH-RP901
The sleek, synthetic leather shoes in Shimano’s road performance line keep your dogs from barking on long rides. Plenty of ventilation cools them down and a BOA system dials in the perfect fit. $300; shimano-lifestylegear.com
7. BEER
Sufferfest
Every good ride deserves cold refreshment at the finale. So why not pick up a brew created by likeminded athletes? Trail runner and endurance athlete Caitlin Landesberg spent years crafting this beer that’s free of gluten, tastes like it’s not and includes a hit list of nutrients to boost your post-ride recovery. sufferfestbeer.com
8. BOAT
AlpacKa RAFT | Caribou 2
That’s right, a boat: This packraft, which weights in at just four pounds, 12 ounces and packs down to jacket size, will get you out on big adventures that combine bike and paddle. Despite the light weight, it can hold its own running rapids. $795; alpackaraft.com
