My Favorite Gear Picks For Every Ride

So, I recently started my cycling journey with no knowledge, no gear, and just a whole lot of curiosity about this sport that so many people seem to be obsessed with. I know this is an ongoing journey, but I’ve taken time to research brands and gear and here is a list of ones I personally use in my daily routine. 

Whether you're just getting into cycling or you're already deep in the world of adventure, gravel, and good snacks, having the right gear can make or break a ride. I'm not just talking about performance — I'm talking about comfort, confidence, and gear that actually works with you. Here are some of my go-to brands and favorite pieces that have earned a permanent spot in my biking kit and some bonus accessories.

If you’re ready to grab life by the handlebars, let’s dive right in. 

Cycling Kit Essentials: 

Wild Rye is the kind of brand that feels like it was made by your ride-or-die trail buddy — the one who always remembers snacks, knows the best views, and encourages you to push just a little harder. My top picks:

🚴‍♀️ Freyah Bike Pant
Versatile and stretchy, these are my go-to pants when the temps drop. Perfect for chilly fall mornings or those early sunrise missions in the mountains when the world’s still quiet and the trails are all yours.

🚴‍♀️ Holly Jersey
A loose, comfortable fit that doesn’t skimp on performance. The odor resistance means you won’t regret that post-ride stop for coffee, and it layers well on cooler days. 

Ocean&San is all about comfort, subtle style, and high-performance details. If you’re like me and want something that feels good both on and off the bike, this brand nails it.

🚴‍♀️ All Day Shirt
This shirt uses both hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers to pull moisture away from your skin fast. It’s casual but built for movement (aka, no weird clinging or awkward sweat marks.) 

🚴‍♀️ DeltaPeak™ UtiliTee

When the road gets longer, the temps warmer, and the ride gets a little more serious, this is the top I reach for. Lightweight, breathable, and designed to keep up with you when you’re pushing pace or grinding it out under the sun. It’s built for performance, but doesn’t scream “I’m racing!”—and that balance is everything.

🚴‍♀️ Solution Cargo Bib
Okay, let’s talk about freedom of movement. These bibs feel so good in the saddle. The padding has saved me from a ton of discomfort on longer rides, and yes — the snack pockets are a game-changer.

🧦 Ocean&San Socks

Don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of socks. These ones are breathable, supportive, and just the right height. Whether you’re on hour one or hour five of a ride, they stay put, wick sweat, and add that little bit of comfort you didn’t know you were missing.

Ride Accessories That Go the Distance

I didn’t know I could be this picky about cycling sunglasses until I found Zeal Optics “The Harbinger.” Comfortable enough for all-day wear and sleek enough to wear even off the bike, they’ve become a ride staple for me. Lightweight, great coverage, and they stay put—what more do you need?

Smith Optics makes helmets that don’t just protect your head—they actually make you want to wear them. With lightweight construction, excellent ventilation, and their Koroyd® impact protection, these helmets give me peace of mind on both fast descents and technical trails. Bonus: they pair perfectly with my riding sunglasses without creating weird pressure points. Safe, sleek, and barely noticeable (in the best way).

USWE Hydration Pack is hands down the pack I trust when the ride gets rowdy. Designed for MTB and gravel cyclists who don’t want to fuss with shifting weight or bouncing gear, USWE nailed it with their No Dancing Monkey™ harness system. It hugs your body without restricting your breathing, so you can bomb descents or grind climbs without it budging an inch. Comfortable, secure, and built to perform—this pack’s a must for longer, tougher days in the saddle.

I keep a Rockbros Handlebar Bag on my bike pretty much at all times. It’s just the right size for the essentials: a water bladder, small snacks, and even my camera or drone when I know there’s going to be a cool view. It doesn’t bounce or feel uncomfortable during my rides.

These O&S x Sand saddlebags are designed to blend function with style, giving you just the right amount of storage without throwing off your ride. Lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, they’re perfect for carrying tools, snacks, or that just-in-case extra layer. They keep the essentials tucked away, out of sight, but always within reach.

If you’re building your kit or just looking for that next upgrade, these brands have delivered for me again and again—on solo missions, group rides, and those random Tuesday evenings where you just need to hit the road and feel alive.

Let’s keep riding. Let’s keep showing up. And let’s definitely keep snacking.

— Gabriella