Wednesday, March 27, 2024

7 Items that are Game Changers for Year-round Cycling


For Spring and Fall, I prefer the Outdoor Ventures Jacket, which provides warmth, windproof and water resistance, and sports a two-way zipper and split hem for on-saddle comfort. It's washable and after nearly 4 years of use is my preference for all-around protection during the shoulder seasons.

I love bike sandals, for touring and everyday cycling, in the summertime. There's nothing like allowing your feet to breathe! Or paired with socks. I'm on my second pair and ready to use my third. Initially a Bike Nashbar house brand, Performance offered them for a while at a discount so I snapped up an extra pair before they were discontinued. In the future, Keen sandals may be a good replacement.






Winter cycling, especially here in Vermont, is a whole other animal. I've found that bar mitts are necessary along with insulated footwear. I like the low cost, thick and fuzzy Mogee Muffs, to keep my hands toasty plus the Storm Chaser insulated slip-on boots. The footwear is grippy and roomy enough for thick socks and, if needed, there's enough space for foot warmers.




For hand comfort, I use Ergon GripsTerry saddles are another necessity. Both provide relief, especially as I grow older. 





And a wonderful, low-cost solution to protect my eyes - I wear contacts - providing dust-free vision: the simple and stylish Dewalt safety glasses. I purchased my current pair online, but there are many versions at your local hardware store. They're also handy for riding in buggy summertime evenings. My husband loves their version of sunglasses.

What cycling-related things have made a big difference in your life?

5 comments:

  1. My feet are always cold. Would you size up on the boots or are they roomy enough to get your regular shoe size? I want to wear thick socks.

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    1. Pam, I'm a solid size 10 in all types of shoes, even in these boots. They are roomy enough to accommodate thick wool L L Bean socks. You can check with Roberta, I think she bought them.

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    2. I forgot to mention, the regular model 5 boots are adequate. No need to pay extra for "arctic grip" soles.

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  2. I love my windproof/maybe waterproof Rab jacket. I think it's called Kinetic but I don't think it's the same as their current ones - you know how they change products! I wear it an awful lot, in 3 seasons. It's roomy enough to get layers under if I want to but comfortable enough to wear in warm weather with just a light layer underneath. It's not specifically for cycling. I got it because my son and DIL both had them and I thought it would be ideal for me. Every time I put it on I'm glad I bought it!! Rab stuff isn't cheap but some things are worth splashing out on. It folds up very small too.

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    Replies
    1. Excellent! There's nothing like a great windproof jacket that can accommodate layers.

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