My Essential Cycling Gear for 2025
The tech and equipment that keeps me safe and connected on every ride
As we near the end of the year and the gift-giving season approaches, I thought it makes sense to share some recommendations for excellent gear that has worked so well for me over the years. I’m happy to share what works for me - affiliate-link free of course - but in return I’d love to hear your little gear secrets. After all, that’s what often adds the icing to the cake when it comes to a great cycling trip.
The Reality of Modern Cycling
Long gone are the days when you just hopped onto your bike. Nowadays my helmet, cycling computer, arm heart rate sensor, rear radar and light, not to forget the electronic shifting of the bike itself - all need charging. While it requires a bit of planning and over multiple day trips some charging routine, I think it’s overall worth it. Some of the gear below is just for fun or data tracking, while some has a great impact on my safety on my way to work.
The Gear I Can’t Live Without
Sena R1 Evo Smart Cycling Helmet - I might soon buy the latest model as the Micro-USB charging is painful, but other than that it gets the job done. This helmet connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and lets you take calls or simply listen to music. Call quality isn’t super amazing, but it works in case you get a quick call on the way home. The speakers are on the sides of the helmet and you still hear your surroundings if you lower the volume. Compared to bone conducting headphones, which I love for running, there’s no extra item to carry or get in your way.
Wahoo Roam 3 Cycling Computer - I’ve been a fan of Wahoo for many years and just upgraded to the latest release, the Roam 3. I once had an issue with the former Element Roam 2 and Wahoo was super quick with their service and replaced it in no time. Great customer care creates loyal customers, so I went with the Roam 3. Excellent battery life, good for even multi-day trips, larger display, better map refresh rate. This cycling computer works in every aspect and never lets me down.
Ravemen FR160 Front Light - It’s not a light per se, it’s more like a day-light attention grabber and safety tool. There’s a new model out now, the FR500, which I might soon try. This daytime light has multiple modes, one being a pretty aggressive flashing mode. It simply makes sure you’re being seen. There were a few cases already in my cycling life where this was potentially a life saver. The mounting is genius - it simply slips under your Wahoo or Garmin cycling computer and just adds a bit of extra height to the setup.
Wahoo Trackr Radar - I was looking for a good rear bike light for a long time and finally went with the Trackr Radar. It scans for approaching vehicles and shows me the distance to these on the left bar of the Roam 3. It’s super convenient in cases where you have to leave the cycling path next to a road - though of course still turn around as a double measure. Once a vehicle is approaching, it will blink like crazy and I swear it makes other drivers pay more attention to you. Might not seem like a big thing, but it’s a great addition to my safety gear.
Moofit HW401 Heart Rate Monitor Arm Strap - This heart rate monitor feels more comfortable than a chest strap, and at the same time I think it’s pretty accurate. Super lightweight, completely waterproof, and a battery life of 20 hours will not let you down.
Wahoo Cadence Sensor - The trick about this cadence sensor is that it comes with a clip for your shoes. If you have one pair of shoes but multiple bikes, you don’t have to buy multiple sensors anymore. It’s too early to tell how long the battery lasts, but even once it’s dead all you need is a CR2032 battery replacement (which you have around anyway as you need it for your bike shifters).
Lezyne Pocket Drive - This is a super compact and lightweight pump - so small and lightweight you’ll hardly notice it. While it doesn’t have a built-in pressure gauge, it will get your tire pumped up enough to continue riding.
Uvex Glasses - The ones I have are a few years old, so you’ll probably find newer and better ones from Uvex. But the cool thing here is the self-tinting glasses. They’re clear on cloudy days, tinted on sunny ones. One pair of glasses for all occasions. Plus I think it’s absolutely necessary to wear glasses all the time you’re out riding to protect your eyes from flies, little stones, and other debris.
The Little Things
Other than that I own little cycling gadgets that sometimes make a difference. Like three pairs of cycling gloves - warm winter ones, wind-only long gloves for mid-season, and short ones for summer. To save on clothing to carry around, I use arm and leg warmers and go with short shirts and pants.
What’s the one piece of cycling gear you can’t ride without? I’d love to hear about your setup and any hidden gems I might be missing!