The Gear You Need To Ditch Your Car and Start Bike Commuting

Sitting in your car on the way to work is the worst. But don’t despair.  Bike commuting is an option for many. Instead of burning fuel, you get to burn calories. And instead of sucking exhaust fumes, you get to pedal through fresh air, which I assure you helps with that 9 a.m. meeting.

The biggest barrier to entry is always the gear. You need commuter clothing that pulls double duty: it works well on the bike but also looks good in the office, so you don’t have to change. And you need equipment that will keep you safe in traffic, comfortably carry your work supplies and repair kit, and protect you from the elements.

I’ve been bike commuting for 20-plus years and have my gear dialed. Here are the best commuter products I’ve found to make my riding easier and safer.

Clothing

Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvedge Denim

$118 at Huckberry

These dark-wash jeans match perfectly with a button-down shirt and a pair of sneakers, but have built-in stretch so they never feel restrictive while pedaling. Thanks to the high-quality selvedge weaving process that cuts down on unravelling or fraying, they will last for years even if you wear them several times a week. I always go for the dark wash because it hides any bike grease or detritus I might get on the pants during the commute.

Ornot Merino Gravel Sweater

$159 at Ornot

Made from a blend of recycled polyester, wool, and spandex, this sweater breathes well, moves sweat off my body almost instantaneously, and is so stretchy that it never gets in the way when bent over the bars. The magic here comes from the grid fleece Polartec Merino Power Wool: similar to what’s in Patagonia’s legendary R1, this design features little channels between the insulation that lets off heat, so even if I sweat while riding, I’m dry and regulated by the time I get to my computer. Thanks to a slim cut and simple colors, the sweater looks professional when matched with jeans or slacks.

Proof Airweave Performance Shirt

$98 at Huckberry

No shirt is going to keep you completely dry when it’s 95 degrees and you’re working up a sweat, but this one—made from a perforated polyester— dumps moisture and heat better than anything I’ve found, while still looking sharp. I go for the louder patterns because, why not? (But it also comes in clean, professional, solid-color options.) The fabric has an anti-microbial finish, so you can wear it twice a week and not alienate your co-workers with body odor.

Saxx Quest Quick-Dry Mesh Underwear

$34 at Saxx

There’s no need to wear bike bibs for a 30-minute commute, but I do choose my underwear wisely. The Quest boxer briefs are hands-down my favorite because, like the Proof shirt above, they’re made from a perforated polyester that dumps heat and sweat. I don’t think their well-advertised “BallPark Pouch”—designed to keep your junk in place—makes much of a difference, but I do appreciate the tailoring that ensures the briefs almost never ride up on the bike or at the desk. Smooth, flat seams also eliminate any chafing concerns.

Outdoor Research Helium UL Rain Jacket

$225 at REI

$225 at Backcountry

Weighing a feathery 5.7 ounces and packing down to as small as an apple, the Helium UL has earned a permanent place in my bag. Despite being light and small, this rain jacket still has a durable 15-denier outer nylon fabric, so it’s not going to get torn or frayed from backpack straps. Thanks to the drawcord at the hem and an adjustable wire-brim hood, this jacket also does a better job than others of sealing off entry points where water tends to seep in when you’re on the bike. Commuters who live in rainy locales will also like the Helium UL pants.

Safety

POC Omne Beacon MIPS Helmet

$280 at Backcountry

$280 at POC

You don’t want to skimp on a helmet when commuting because so much of your time is spent alongside cars. This helmet is pricey, but it is exceptionally lightweight—just 11 ounces for a medium—and fits extremely well thanks to POC’s superior ear and chin strap that’s easy to adjust, always sits flush against your skin, and never chafes. It also comes with a built-in light, so I’m always flashing, even if I forget my other lights, and a MIPS liner that improves rotational impact protection. Go for the orange colorway if you really want to be seen.

Garmin Varia RCT715 Radar Camera Tail Light

$400 at REI

If you just commute occasionally, it’s fine to buy a less pricey taillight. But if you’re going to be out at least a couple days a week, this taillight can’t be beat for the peace of mind it provides, especially if you ride in high-traffic areas. A built-in radar detects cars approaching from behind and relays that info to a bike computer on your handlebars or your Garmin watch. The built-in camera is always recording, so, god forbid a car does hit you, you’ll have proof for court. The light can be seen from a mile away, and even with all the built-in tech, the battery will last up to six hours.

Accessories

Chrome Cohesive 2.0. 38-Liter Pack

$140 at Chrome Industries

I always go for a big commuter backpack because it’s better to have more space if I need to haul something to or from the office without having to resort to my car. Thanks to well-designed straps and a padded but breathable back panel, the Cohesive carries well when loaded down. I also appreciate the pack’s simplicity; there are enough storage spaces to keep everything organized, but I never have to hunt to find where I placed a pen or some small piece of gear. The 500-denier TPE tarp fabric with zipper covers protects my laptop, even if I’m caught in a gusher, and all the materials are PFAS-free.

Ortlieb Frame Pack Toptube Four Liter

$185 at REI

$185 at Ortlieb

Even when I carry a big backpack, I still use this frame pack to carry heavier gear like a bike lock and repair kit. By moving that gear to the bike, I’m less top-heavy, and the bike is more planted. It also means I don’t have to root around in my backpack every time I park my bike or fix a problem. The higher price tag is justified by the fully waterproof build that keeps the contents dry even if the bag were to end up in a lake. Installation is easy and secure thanks to burly velcro straps.

PDW Origami Rear Fender

$24 at PDW

Rear bike tires spray heaps of water onto your butt and back, making a fender necessary whenever you’re commuting during or after rain. I love the Origami because it’s extremely lightweight (5.6 ounces) and easily snaps on or off the seatpost, thanks to a quick-release connection. A rubber coating inside the attachment ensures nothing gets scratched, like your carbon seatpost. For more protection, pair it with the PDW Origami Front Fender to keep the crotch of your jeans from getting wet.

Abus Ugrip Bordo 5700C Lock

$99 at Abus

You’ll never have to worry about losing your bike lock key again, because this lock opens with a combination of your choosing. The lock is big enough to wrap around a small tree if need be, but folds up into an easy-to-carry brick that fits in my backpack or frame bag. It’s not the toughest lock on the market, but it will slow thieves down.

Repair Kit 

You’ll need to build your repair kit around your specific bike, but everyone needs a few essentials, like tire levers, a spare tube, a pump, and a bike tool. If you’re riding a tubeless setup, add a valve core remover and extra sealant. One flourish I’ve started carrying is a battery-powered inflator that will fill my tires in seconds—no labor-intensive, roadside pumping required.