All you really need to go for a bike ride in the city is a rolled-up jeans leg and an old Kryptonite dangling on your frame. But a few key accessories can make the ride a much better experience.
Here are 11 of our favorite picks for urban pedalers:
To Look Sleek on the Road
Fashionable bikewear does exist. And it can keep you safe too.
Photo: Courtesy of Lazer Sport
Lazer Sport Helium road helmet
This nifty noggin armor has a self-cleaning pad system, 19 vents, and a thumb wheel to easily adjust the fit without dismounting the bike.
$230, Village Cycle Center, 1337 N. Wells St.
Photo: Courtesy of Camelbak
CamelBak Rogue 2L hydration pack
It’s roomier than it looks and has a screw-on top for speedy reservoir fill-ups. This pack, in racing red, can carry large ice cubes to keep water extra chilled.
$70, Kozy's Cyclery, 3255 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Photograph Courtesy of Oakley
Oakley RadarLock Path sunglasses
Look like a true pro in these special edition specks that celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Tour de France—part of a collection only sold at this Michigan Avenue location. Multiple lenses can be switched in and out to best shield those UV's and cut out on the glare.
$240, Oakley O Store, 835 N. Michigan Ave.
To Aid in Bike Woes
Let's face it: Flat tires and "These-trees-all-look-the-same" moments are going to happen.
Photo: courtesy of garmin
Garmin Edge 510
A touch-screen bike computer that does it all: send/receive courses, track distance and heart rate, social media sharing, and more. It even stores your rides so they can be (virtually) re-lived again and again.
$330, The Garmin Chicago Store, 663 N. Michigan Ave.
Photo: Courtesy of Lezyne
Lezyne Carbon 10 multi-tool
Getting home won't be a problem with this compact number, complete with Allen keys, Torx screwdrivers, a crosshead screwdriver, and a chain tool.
$75-$100, lezyne.com.
Photo: Courtesy of performancebike.com
Genuine Innovations Air Chuck Elite CO2 bicycle tire pump
Easily transportable with push-to-inflate technology makes tire refills a breeze.
$20, genuineinnovations.com.
To Get You Through the Gruntwork
Don't kid yourself. Water only satisfies for so long.
Photo: Courtesy of Backcountry.com
Honey Stinger organic energy chews
Sweet honey and tapioca syrup go into these fast-acting energy bursts. Choose from cherry blossom, fruit smoothie, orange blossom and pomegranate passion fruit flavors.
$23 for a 12-pack, backcountry.com.
For the Ladies:
Photo: Courtesy of teamestrogen
Pearl Izumi 70's Paradise Jersey
A unique Select Transfer fabric repels moisture and an 11-inch front zipper gives some air. Three back pockets available for storage.
$80, teamestrogen.com (matching socks $12).
Photo: courtesy of teamestrogen
Terry wrapper skirt
The snap waist keeps the essentials covered and a stretchy nylon/spandex combo promises all-day comfort.
$50, teamestrogen.com.
For the Gents:
Photo: Courtesy of Bellwether
Bellwether Potenza jersey
Four pockets (including a zippered one in back) and reflective accents for nighttime rides.
$70, Village Cycle Center.
Photo: courtesy of Sidi
Sidi wire vent carbon road shoes
These Italian-made beauties feature a brand new vent carbon sole and buckle system, which adjusts the tightness on the foot in one click.
$500, sidiamerica.com.
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