I wanted to get serious about cycling. These beginner essentials helped me do it

Our featured picks

Relief for your rump

The Black Bibs Men’s Padded Cycling Bib Shorts

Cushioned gloves to save your hands

Specialized Men’s Body Geometry Dual-Gel Short Finger Gloves

Alerting cars of your presence

Knog Blinder Light Twin Pack

To tinker and maintain

Crankbrothers M10 Multitool

Snacks and supplies at the ready

Almsthre Top Tube Bag

This article is part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Laid-Back Living, an editorial package focused on screen-free activities to inspire you to go analog this year. We’ll be featuring articles and information on our favorite hobbies to help you find new ways to hit pause, connect with others and enjoy your free time.

Read more Why Anthony Fauci might not be safe after pleading the Fifth

When I decided about a year ago to start biking more, I wasn’t sure which beginner cycling essentials were going to be the keys to achieving that goal. All I knew was it was time to stop making excuses as to why I never pursued this interest after I’d moved on from patrolling my childhood neighborhood on two wheels. Decades later, I wanted to get back in the saddle, not to commute on one of the best e-bikes but to hopefully fall back in love with a hobby I missed while also building an exercise routine that’s easy on the joints.

They say you never forget how to ride a bike, but my inaugural attempt at cycling as a form of fun fitness put that idea to the test. Sure, I didn’t have to learn how to pedal without wobbling into a wipeout, but committing to a more intense regimen of cycling was a new challenge.

In some ways, I probably matched the image of a serious cyclist that exists in your head: skintight clothes, supremely short biker shorts, a helmet that looks like it belongs to an astronaut. Some of those preconceptions are spot on for a reason, and they’re why this hobby has a reputation of being expensive. But I also found that not every biking cliché has to apply to you if you don’t want it to, and you certainly don’t need every product in this article to get started.

Once I figured that out, my training took off and tons of enjoyment followed. I focused on things that keep me comfortable, safe and itching to get back on my bike. Here’s what I’ve learned in my first year cycling again and which products I’ll take with me as I keep racking up the miles.

Finding the right bike

I’d wager my previous experience with bicycles is similar to most people’s. I ditched the training wheels as a kid, then got a bigger bike sometime in my teens. That one, a hybrid model that was decently comfortable to ride and had fat tires for various terrains, lasted me past college. It was probably too small by that point, but every now and then, I’d take it for a spin on a nice day. Then life happened, and when I moved out of my parents’ house and into a tiny apartment, that bike didn’t come with me.

Most of the bikes enthusiasts ride are categorically different. Before this exercise began, I would’ve told you they’re meant to go fast, with slick tires and a frame shape that puts the rider in an athletic, aerodynamic, power-generating position that can be grueling on the body. None of that is untrue. But the bike I initially tested, the Specialized Roubaix SL8, bends the definition in a way that makes it an ideal road bike for beginners like me.

Specialized Roubaix SL8

The Specialized Roubaix is a road bike aimed at balancing the performance pros need with the comfort that average Joes want. It’s a bit pricey if you’ve never bought a bike of its caliber before, though it’s also the kind of investment that wouldn’t call for upgrades until you’re serious enough to race — a level I’ll probably never reach.

$2,800 at Specialized

When I talked to Stewart Thompson, road and gravel product leader at Specialized, about the Roubaix, he explained this model is positioned to fill a void between the relaxed riding position of a cruiser and the aggressive hunch you’d find if you flipped on the Tour de France or the Paris-Roubaix, another historic professional race for which this bike is named. It’s technically advanced but still approachable for a newbie like me.

“It’d be like if the only cars available were for Formula One or NASCAR, right?” Thompson said of a world with only racing-level bikes. “It would kind of suck as a driving experience to strap into a five-point harness every day and climb through the window.” In this analogy, I’d consider the Roubaix to be the Mustang of bikes. It’s no slouch — heck, a Roubaix rider has won its namesake race six times, which is littered with sections of cobblestone — but like Ford’s famed muscle car with a racing history, you probably also know a guy who has one.

The sticker shock on the Roubaix might turn you away, and I wouldn’t fault you. It’s a serious investment. But during my testing period with the bike, which included a 31-mile charity ride and more than 100 miles overall, I noticed some qualities that made it worth the price. The Roubaix’s carbon fiber frame was shockingly light, so much so that I could easily lift the whole bike with one arm.

Cycling for beginners

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Its Future Shock 3.0 suspension (impact-absorbing dampers and springs added to the bike) smoothed out my rides on bumpy roads. Its tires were wider than those of similar road bikes, which made turning easier and allowed me to drift off-road without fear of popping a tube. In this way, the Roubaix veers toward being a gravel bike without fully transitioning into a different category.

Those qualities made me realize that I whenever I bought a bike for keeps, I had more interest in a gravel bike than a road bike because it will have me better equipped to get off busy roads and check out some of the trails throughout my home state of New Jersey. So, I spent the winter digging through Facebook Marketplace until I found a deal on one. It was a fraction of the price I’d pay for something new, though it’ll need a tuneup soon. (Shout-out to some guy named Anthony for helping me find my trusty steed.)

I spent months lurking the internet before buying that bike. It’s intimidating because there are always going to be hundreds of dollars on the line and you want to love whatever you end up with. My advice is to see if your local bike shop offers loans or trial periods before buying. Don’t be afraid to go used either, but also don’t jump on the first used bike you see. At the very least, check manufacturer size charts to make sure you don’t buy something that’s not a good fit for your body. Because as long as you can get comfortable on your bike, you’ll be able to work your way into longer, more demanding rides. That was my goal all along.

Comfort means more miles

It doesn’t matter if your bike costs $500, a few thousand dollars or 20 grand: Cycling hurts when you’ve never done it before. When I picked up my testing bike from a shop, I logged a paltry 3 miles on it. My butt hurt so bad the next day that walking felt like punishment. During longer rides — I eventually got up to 10, 15, then 20 miles before completing 31.4 for my charity ride — my hands would go numb. As a newbie, these pain points were more detrimental to my staying power on the bike than actual fatigue. Part of the issue was a new-to-me riding position that my body eventually adapted to. However, equipping myself with the proper gear alleviated a lot of the discomfort.

Riding in a proper pair of cycling bibs helped immensely. I won’t lie, though: Even as biker shorts have their moment in fashion, the tight fit of cycling shorts gave me some pause. It felt a little bit like I was hitting the pavement in my underwear. Nonsense. It took me only a few minutes to shake off that insecurity. The sewn-in seat cushion of my bibs, which are essentially overalls combined with cycling shorts, made for an immediate improvement in comfort during rides and reduced soreness afterward. They weren’t too expensive, either, as I made a point of testing options from the budget-conscious brand The Black Bibs.

The main reason I’d been struggling with numb hands was poor technique. I leaned forward with too much pressure instead of letting my core hold me up (another rookie tendency that improved with more experience). Padded gloves eased some of that pressure, and once I tried them a few weeks into my journey, I wished I had starting sooner. Even with far more experience under my belt this summer, I regret any rides where I forget my gloves.

Then there are cycling jerseys. I fully expected they wouldn’t benefit me, since the aerodynamics boosted by their tight fit weren’t part of my goals. On most rides, a basic athletic shirt or merino wool tee keeps me plenty comfortable. However, as temperatures dropped last fall, the long-sleeved thermal Pearl Izumi jersey I tested provided the insulation I needed without overheating. And during some recent rides in temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the Endura Loop jersey I picked up from an REI sale has been lightweight and breathable. But the biggest come-up from going with a jersey is the extra pockets on their lower back. They’re clutch for stashing my wallet or extra gear without needing another bag.

Cycling shoes were the one piece of gear I waited on testing until I built up more experience. The most popular way to sport them is with “clipless” pedals that attach to the bottom of the shoes via small cleats. CNN Underscored senior video producer Enrique Perez, a far more battle-tested cyclist than I am, prefers toe straps to keep his feet affixed to the pedals on his bikes. Either way, compared to the beginner-friendly flat pedals I used at the recommendation of my local bike shop’s pro, pedals that stick to your feet generate more power. Think about it: Instead of your feet only pushing the pedals down, they also pull the pedals up with a continuous force. The trade-off is you have to unclip your feet whenever you stop, otherwise you’ll be headed to the ground.

When I finally did swap for clipless pedals, I had to practice. A lot of the advice I read suggested clipping in and out of the pedals from a stationary position just to develop muscle memory. The first time I tried it, I fell over in my backyard (it was kind of hilarious), but I quickly figured out that I need to stop with my left foot on the ground, not my right. It’s just the way my brain works. Now I’m riding clipless with confidence, and it really helps on longer rides.

The Black Bibs Men’s Padded Cycling Bib Shorts

The lack of labels or logos is the name of the game for this brand of affordable cycling shorts and bibs, all of which feature a cushioned seat. No piece of gear I tested improved comfort on bike rides more than bibs.

$40 at Amazon

The Black Bibs Men’s Ultimate 3D Cycling Bibs

The Black Bibs’ premium model adds an upgraded cushion and bands at the bottom of each leg to keep it in place. These bibs were more comfortable than the flagship model, but they’re nearly triple the cost.

$110 at Amazon

Pearl Izumi Men’s Attack Thermal Jersey

For rides during chilly mornings — and to add extra pockets — this fleece jersey did the job without trapping too much heat. As a bigger guy, I didn’t expect to love its tight fit as much as I did. I was self-conscious for about 10 seconds, then I got over it.

$120 $59 at REI

$120 at Pearl Izumi

Endura Men’s Loop Zipped Cycling Jersey

I still think your favorite athletic tee is a fine choice for anyone who doesn’t care about speed, though I’ve really liked this jersey I bought on sale earlier this year. The polyester-lyocell blend kept me dry even as I biked during some summer sizzlers.

From $41 at Amazon

$70 at Backcountry

$75 at REI

Specialized Men’s Body Geometry Dual-Gel Short Finger Gloves

The gel cushioning in the palms of these gloves was a total game changer for my numb hands while riding. You have to try them if you experience similar discomfort on your bike.

$40 at Specialized

Pearl Izumi Men’s Summit 3L Rain Pants

Though I’d recommend the previous products over these pants, they still provided a ton of utility for a novice like me, with extra pockets and protection against wind, cold and rain. Because they don’t have a cushion, I layered them over my bibs.

$205 at Pearl Izumi

7mesh Guardian Air Rain Jacket

Though priced out of a beginner’s range, the packability and light weight of this rain jacket were shocking. I tried not to bike in the rain, but riders who can’t avoid it will appreciate that the Guardian Air’s hood fits over a helmet.

$500 at 7mesh

Best Tested

Swiftwick Pursuit Crew Socks

You certainly don’t need cycling socks, but the density and sweat-wicking properties of this pair of wool socks made them my favorite choice.

Read our review

$22 at Amazon

$22 at Swiftwick

Race Face Chester Pedals

When I bought my current bike secondhand, I didn’t want to use the small clipless pedals it came with and installed these instead. It was the right purchase too, even though they’re technically mountain biking pedals. The metal pins on each side gave my feet tons of grip without making me commit to clipping in.

$61 From $49 at Backcountry

$61 at REI

Lems Men’s Trail Thrasher Shoes

These are some of my favorite sneakers because I like the way they look and they feature wide toe boxes. But they made a great pairing with the Chester pedals because the Trail Thrashers are also geared toward mountain biking, where your feet need to maintain a grippy connection and not slip off when the terrain gets bumpy.

$155 at Huckberry

$155 at Lems

Shimano PD-RS5000 SPD-SL Pedals

While I haven’t tried other pedals of this style beyond these, the PD-RS5000 model helped me get over my apprehension to go clipless. If you’re similarly hesitant, I went with these because they’re not too expensive and have a large entry point to clip into. That’s easier on beginners because you hopefully won’t have to kick around looking for the pedal every time you take off.

$80 $62 at Amazon

$80 at REI

$80 at Backcountry

Specialized Torch 3.0 Road Cycling Shoes

You can find cheaper cycling shoes than these, but there are qualities that make them worth it if you know you want to ride clipless. They’re superlight and even my wide feet found comfort in them. The best quality is the BOA tightening system; just turn those dials on the front and the shoes are perfectly tight with no laces or straps needed.

$280 at Specialized

$280 at Backcountry

Related article The 7 best cycling shoes for a comfortable ride every time, per instructors

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Taking safety seriously

Regardless of who supplies the data, it’s inarguable that helmets are essential when riding any bike. Stay home if you think you’re too cool to wear one. I can vouch for the exact model I tested, the Smith Persist MIPS, because it was comfortable and breathable. However, the best bike helmet is honestly just the one that you’ll wear every time you ride your bike. And make sure the straps are clipped tight.

Put lights on your bike even if you’re not riding at night because they make you more noticeable to drivers. I rode exclusively during the day, but I still opted for a flashing white headlight and a blinking red taillight. The Blinder Twin Pack I tested from Knog impressed me with how noticeable its pulsing modes were. They attach via rubber bands to any post or bar on your bike and charge by slotting into any USB charger, no cable required.

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Even when making an effort to ensure cars can see you, you should stay aware of your surroundings. I wear glasses every day, and the sun-activated Tifosi Swick sports sunglasses I previously tested for running were a godsend on my bike because they provided a full field of view and never slipped, protecting my eyes from the breeze. This summer I also picked up a pair of Smith Optics Syncline sunnies for days I wear contact lenses. The goggle-like one-piece lens is awesome for an unobstructed field of view no matter how hunched over I am.

Peak Design’s Out Front phone mount helped me stay on course, allowing me to focus on the traffic and avoid wasting mental energy on where I was exactly. Just don’t use it to text and ride. Even with that extra awareness, my wife’s anxiety about biking on busy roads has only gone up as I’ve gotten more consistent with my rides. Investing in a trustworthy bike rack that could cut out the frustrating experience of trying to stuff my bike into the back of my Toyota Corolla then became a no-brainer. It has helped me more easily drive my bike to different trails that are free of cars.

While it might seem obvious, an important part of safe riding is staying properly fueled so you have energy and control, and can stay alert. Enthusiasts recommend packing snacks for long rides, but at the very least, stay hydrated. I biked with a Tiibo water bottle in my cage because its insulated walls kept water cold on rides in the hot sun.

Smith Optics Persist MIPS Cycling Helmet

An adjustable dial on the back of the helmet and 21 vents throughout the shell made this cycling helmet comfortable during my testing.

From $78 at Amazon

$145 at REI

$145 at Smith Optics

Knog Blinder Light Twin Pack

Waterproof, USB compatible without wires and adequately bright at 200 (front) and 100 (rear) lumens, this light duo is a no-brainer purchase to keep yourself safe when riding among cars.

From $85 at Amazon

$90 at Backcountry

$90 at Knog

Tifosi Optics Swick Sunglasses

I’d recommend these sports sunglasses even if you don’t need a prescription, because being able to see while riding among vehicles is imperative.

$35 From $20 at Tifosi

From $30 at Amazon

$35 at REI

Smith Optics Syncline Sunglasses

They might be overkill for some newbies, but I quickly saw why cycling fanatics wear giant sunglasses once I tested these. I totally forget about the sun even on the brightest of days, and if it’s ugly out, the Synclines also come with a clear lens to swap in.

From $197 at REI

$197 at Smith Optics

$197 at Nordstrom

Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount V2

Following user-sourced routes on Strava and Ride With GPS was possible thanks to this stable phone mount. Even when I hit unexpected bumps, my phone never shifted.

Read our review

$70 at Peak Design

$70 at REI

Tiibo 23-Ounce Vacuum-Insulated Cycling Bottle

You don’t have to suffer by sipping warm water from a plastic squeeze bottle. This insulated bottle actually keeps water cold while still dispensing easily.

From $35 at Amazon

$40 at Tiibo

Saris Bones Ex 2-Bike Trunk Rack

While I could technically fit my bike in my car trunk by taking off its front wheel, ditching that process for this rack was a major upgrade. I can actually fit other things in my car now, plus it lets me travel with two bikes if I’m ever cycling with a friend.

$230 at Amazon

$230 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

$230 at Saris

Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel cycles in a training session on the eve of the start of the 112th Tour de France cycling race near Lille, northern France, on July 4.

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Preparing for repairs on the road

You might feel invincible when you get the hang of road cycling, but trouble will find you. Perez warned me that flats are simply part of the deal if you spend enough time on the road, no matter how well you maintain your bike and how deftly you avoid debris in your path.

The good news is that you don’t need much to change the inflatable inside most bike tires, often called a tube. Bring a multitool that will let you remove your wheel from the bike, a tire level to help with the actual change, a spare tube and something to inflate the tube once you have it installed. For me, that’s the compact Fanttik X10 Ace Tiny, but it could also be a manual pump or small air canisters.

I’ve been lucky enough to not yet get sidelined by any flats, but I still pack everything above with me on every ride. The Mission Workshop Saddle Bag houses my tube and multitool out of sight, while the Almsthre Top Tube Bag keeps things I might actually use, like a snack or my wallet, at a closer reach. Anything extra goes in my jersey pockets.

Crankbrothers M10 Multitool

This ergonomic multitool comes with seven wrench heads, two screwdriver heads and a Torx T-25 driver bit. It weighs less than a pound and fits easily into pockets. I bought one as soon as I got my bike and have since used it to remove tires, install new pedals, adjust my saddle and more. You won’t get far without something like this.

$20 From $18 at Amazon

$22 at REI

$22 at Backcountry

Crankbrothers Dunarri Speedier Lever

A tire lever is essential for getting your flat tire off its rim, so the day I finally get a flat, I’ll be glad I bought this in preparation. It’s also cheap enough that you won’t feel like you’re unnecessarily paying for something you’ll hardly ever use.

$7 at REI

$7 at Backcountry

$11 $10 at Amazon

Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ Tool Set

This kit I’ve tested is a little more expensive, but it comes with extra tools so you don’t need to supplement it. The ratchet is helpful compared to having to work screwdriver-style. There’s also a chain tool should you ever need to fix your chain mid-ride, another skill you should acquire if you get serious about cycling.

$60 From $45 at Amazon

$65 at Topeak

Topeak JoeBlow Sport III High-Pressure Bike Floor Pump

You obviously won’t bring this tire pump with you when you ride, but it’s worth having in addition to a portable pump so you can make sure you’re at the right tire pressure before heading out. By going manual at home, you can preserve your electric pump’s battery for any mid-ride needs.

$69 at Amazon

$70 at REI

$70 at Backcountry

Fanttik X10 Ace Tiny Mini Electric Bike Pump

I’ve tested a lot of portable tire inflators, mostly for cars, and it’s impressive how small this one is while still being able to fill up your tires fast. I carry it for emergencies or if I want to adjust pressure depending on the terrain, going up for smooth surfaces and down for bumpy ground.

$72 $55 at Amazon

Mission Workshop Saddle Bag

This waterproof bag is small but just the right size to stash essential tools, such as replacement tubes and a multitool. It uses hook-and-loop fasteners to attach inconspicuously to the bottom of your seat, so I never noticed it was there until I needed to use it.

$68 at Mission Workshop

Almsthre Top Tube Bag

When my saddle bag was no longer big enough for everything I wanted to carry during rides, this was the top tube bag I bought. It can attach via hook-and-loop straps or get bolted on, and it’s survived several rain storms without showing much wear.

$58 at Amazon

$58 at Backcountry

$58 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

Chrome Industries Kadet Sling

Perez bikes as his primary mode of commuting in New York, and he swears by Chrome Industries’ messenger and sling bags to haul a bit more gear without it getting too bulky. Though I prefer to bike without a bag on, I’ve tested this model with a 9-liter capacity and appreciate how it stays out of the way when I am using it.

$100 at Chrome Industries

Sram Disc Brake Spacer, 2-Pack

If your bike has hydraulic disc brakes, make sure to stuff this spacer between them whenever you remove your wheel for transport. It’ll prevent the pads from sticking together.

From $9 at Amazon

Meet our experts

For this article, we consulted the following cycling experts for their professional insights.

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CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.

For this article, CNN Underscored associate testing writer Joe Bloss chronicles the experience of testing his first road bike and shares which cycling products he’s trusted after buying a used gravel bike. Bloss has been testing gear for CNN Underscored for over three years and has also penned a fitness diary in his account of going from couch to 5K.