Our Picks for the Top Spring Biking Essentials
Now that spring has arrived, I’m excited to swap the skis for my bike and put some serious time in the saddle before summer temperatures soar. I love cycling in spring because the weather is not yet too hot, but also not too cold, and as long as you prepare with layers, it is the perfect season for long leisurely rides whether on single track or road. I also admit that part of what I love so much about the start of a new sports season, like biking in spring, is checking out all the new gear. It is kind of like shopping for back-to-school clothing when you were a kid, and I can get more than a little excited, picking new clothes and accessories. From bike shorts to sunscreen and energy bars, here are the essentials I’m hitting the trail with this season.
1. Club Ride
For a cute outfit, I am loving The Bandara by Club Ride for my top. The checkered pattern in fun and the fit is stylish and comfortable works great not only on the bike but also for transitioning to a meeting or the local microbrewery. Pair it with The Eden shorts, which are the first Women’s shorts the company made. They feature 7’ inseams and side zips and a removable Damselcham liner. Also, for men, we love the Commander Short.
2. Kicker EB400 Bluetooth Ear Buds
I love a good Bluetooth speaker when I’m cycling. No messy cords to get tangled. And the EB400 Bluetooth earbuds by Kicker offer a totally customizable fit thanks to in-ear tips that can be changed to find a size that matches your ear. The over-ear wire also bends to mold to the shape of your ear, which means you won’t have to worry about losing an earbud even when riding a gnarly single track trail. Beyond the bike, these earbuds are designed to work for any sport, including swimming or skiing, as they’re completely waterproof. The earbuds can also make or take phone calls with a built-in microphone.
3. Thule Vital 3L
On the trail, the Thule Vital 3L keeps me hydrated without having to lose any focus on what I’m riding thanks to the hands-free ReTrakt hose return system. The bike focused backpack also features jersey-style pockets that lend to fast access to an energy bar or an extra layer without having to sop or remove the pack. I also like the fit that has a low center of gravity and weight distribution that keeps my shoulders from feeling sore even when riding with the 1.75L bladder is filled and the bag’s generous cargo storage space stuffed.
4. Optical Motion Intelligence Camera
Shooting video has always been an integral part of my life, and I like to try out different wearable cameras with every season. So this spring I’m giving the Optical Motion Intelligence Camera or OmiCam a go. The camera easily attaches to your bike helmet, backpack or even pocket and provides action footage thanks to a 240° Fisheye lens, image stabilization technology and a long 15-hour battery life. It also connects via its own WiFi and can stream your footage directly to your phone to watch instantly, edit or share to social media via the easy to use Omi Studio app.
5. Mountain Series Hiker First Aid Kit
It’s always best to be safe rather than sorry on the trail, and the Mountain Series “Hiker” Kit is the perfect size to just slip into your daypack. The compact first-aid kit is easy to use and comes packed with all the necessary supplies for treating minor burns, blisters, cuts and scrapes and even heavy bleeding. It also has a condensed wilderness medicine guide to check in an emergency.
6. Feetures Socks
You can’t ignore your feet and Feetures makes super comfortable socks that wick moisture away to keep feet cool and dry on the trail — you will also find yourself wearing them around the house as they are that comfy. They provide this awesome comfort along with functional support thanks to their patented Targeted Compression and Light Cushion systems. For women, check out the Merino Light Cushion Crew and the Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew Sock. While for men, my husband loves the Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew Sock, which comes in three color patterns including fun blue, red and grey striped pattern.
7. Waxhead Tinted Zinc Sunscreen
Don’t forget your sunscreen before heading out for a spring bike ride, especially if you’re cycling at a high altitude where you’re likely to burn faster. This season I am liking the Tinted Zinc Sunscreen with Vitamin E by Waxhead. It has the perks of a white zinc sunscreen but the tint gives it enough color to blend into my skin and not make me look pasty. It also is totally free of petrochemicals and toxins and helps replenish Vitamin D. The Vitamin E it is enriched with also helps keep my skin moisturized, which is another real perk for use while cycling as spring riding can be windy.
8. Buff Headwear
I’ve always been a big fan of Buff products as they are so multifunctional and can literally be worn a dozen different ways. When biking in spring I usually just keep a few styles on hand as the weather is so unpredictable but Buff keeps you prepared on even the chiller days with Polar Neckwarmer and Dry Flx Neckwarmers. The Multifunctional Headband in fusion is a great all around Buff. It is made with moisture-managing microfiber fabric that is able to control odor and is also wind resistant. When riding on chilly days I pull it up over my neck and mouth then use it as a headband to hold back my hair if I decide to hit up the local brewery after a calorie-busting work-out.
9. Cycle Glide by Body Glide
I won’t lie, the first few weeks I get back on my bike after not riding much in the winter, I am more than a little saddle sore. Which is where CycleGlide® byBody Glide comes in super handy. It protects the skin from chaffing by creating an invisible, dry and non-greasy barrier that is sweat resistant.
10. High Brew Coffee
When you want a little buzz during a mid-ride break, consider throwing some High Brew Coffee in your pack. It is a ready-to-drink cold brew coffee beverage that has a taste that is at once sweet, bold and smooth. It comes in a variety of flavors including Mexican Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Mocha and my favorite Double Espresso. I also like the Creamy Cappuccino + Protein flavor for when I need an extra boost — it has 25 percent of recommended daily amount of protein per serving.
11. Bobo’s Oat Bars
Bobo’s oat bars are also perfect for an on the road snack. They are handmade bars that are super tasty and packed with all sorts of energy boosting ingredients to give you fuel for the second half of your ride. Flavors include Lemon Poppyseed, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Coconut among others. Or go all out and try their STUFF’d, which is a peanut or almond butter stuffed bar that is choke full of protein.
