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To get off to a successful and safe start, you need far less than many people think. With the right basic kit, you’ll be well prepared for most situations and can focus fully on what road cycling is all about: the joy of riding.
An overview of road bike essentials
Getting started with road cycling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a helmet, a small repair kit, lights, a mini pump and a floor pump, as well as a good pair of cycling shorts, you’ll be well equipped for most situations. You can add extra gear and comfort features later on.
Helmet
The most important piece of kit isn’t on the bike, but on your head. A high-quality, well-fitting helmet should be your first purchase, if you don’t already have one. The brand is less important than the fit. A helmet can only provide optimum protection if it fits comfortably and doesn’t slip around. Modern models also offer good ventilation and often feature additional safety systems such as MIPS, which can provide extra protection in certain types of falls. The Van Rysel RCR-R 900 offers these features and also stands out thanks to its attractive price.
Cycling shorts
If you’re looking to buy just one piece of kit for comfort, you should invest your money in a pair of high-quality cycling shorts. Many beginners to road cycling realise after their first few longer rides that it’s not their legs, but their bum that poses the biggest challenge. A good seat pad significantly increases comfort and makes longer rides much more enjoyable. Often, a pair of high-quality cycling shorts provides more riding enjoyment than expensive upgrades to the bike itself. In our comparison test of affordable cycling shorts, the EKOI Perf Gel Power women’s shorts and the Rose M Bib Shorts for men came out on top.
Emergency kit
Sooner or later, it happens to every road cyclist: a puncture. If you’re prepared for it, you can usually get back on the road within a few minutes. That’s why every jersey pocket or small saddle bag should contain:
- A spare inner tube (a standard butyl inner tube, such as the Schwalbe SV/SCV 15, is inexpensive and easy to fit)
- Two or three tyre levers (e.g. the Rose Pro Tyre Lever Set, which should not bend due to the material it is made of)
- A compact multi-tool (e.g. the BTWIN Aluminium 500 Bicycle Multitool)
- A mini pump (e.g. the Rose airik MINI Mini Pump stands out thanks to its compact length of just 12 cm)
With this kit, you can quickly sort out the most common problems you might encounter whilst out and about.
Floor pump
Many beginners underestimate the importance of correct tyre pressure. Yet it affects not only riding comfort but also safety and rolling resistance. A compact mini-pump for on the go is enough to get you home after a puncture. At home, however, you should also have a high-quality floor pump with a pressure gauge. This allows you to adjust the tyre pressure precisely and check your tyres regularly. With modern road bike tyres in particular, even a difference of a few tenths of a bar makes a noticeable difference to the ride feel. The Procraft Thruster Essential is a typical entry-level floor pump available at a low price.
Water bottle
Beginners, in particular, often focus on the bike itself and forget the importance of staying properly hydrated. At least one bottle cage should be fitted to a road bike; two is better. On longer rides or on warm summer days, two water bottles are virtually indispensable. Even a slight loss of fluid can noticeably impair performance and concentration. The new Fabric Gripper V2 is designed to prevent unpleasant odours and residual tastes.
Front and rear lights
Even though most road cyclists ride during the day, a set of lights is an essential part of their kit. Modern front and rear lights often feature special daytime running modes that significantly improve visibility on the road. This can be a particularly important safety factor on country roads or in changing light conditions. USB-rechargeable models are now widely available and are easy to use in everyday life. The Osram LEDs Bike Race 100E Set is unbeatably good value for money and impresses with its excellent handling and grip on handlebars and seatposts with a round cross-section.
Smartphone or cycle computer?
Many cyclists use a cycle computer for navigation and to track their rides. Devices from Garmin or Wahoo offer navigation, speed display and ride tracking in a compact format. However, for beginners, a smartphone with a sturdy mount – such as the Zéfal Universal Phone Holder – and a navigation app is often sufficient. Regular cyclists will, however, quickly come to appreciate the advantages of a dedicated cycle computer: longer battery life, better readability and greater durability.
What can wait
Many accessories are useful, but by no means essential when you’re just starting out:
- Clip-in shoes and pedals
- Power meter
- High-priced carbon upgrades
- Professional Navigation
- Indoor training roller
- Additional aerodynamic components
To begin with, focus on gaining riding experience and getting to know your road bike. As you gain more experience, you’ll quickly realise which purchases make sense for your personal riding style.
In summary
Getting started with road cycling needn’t be complicated or expensive. With a helmet, a small repair kit, a light, a mini pump and a floor pump, as well as a good pair of cycling shorts, you’ll be well equipped for most situations. Additional kit and comfort features can come later. Ultimately, it’s not the accessories that matter, but the time spent on the bike. If you cycle regularly, you’ll gain experience, improve your technique and quickly work out what kit you really need. So the most important step is quite simple: get on your bike and set off.
Lukas Niebuhr
Editor