So you got a brand new, expensive road bike to get out of the house while you were cooped up during the pandemic. But now you want to take it out to places where there might be a few people who have been doing this a while, and you don’t want to stick out like a newbie among all the veterans.
And with that in mind, here are a few things you’ll need to blend in a little better:
Oakley Jawbreaker: First things first, let’s protect your eyes. That new road bike isn’t a beach cruiser or that hybrid you haven’t used since moving into your new home. Popularized by Lance Armstrong back in his prime, Oakleys have been a staple of road cycling, and have come a long way since the days that Lance first wore the yellow jersey. With an extended field of view in the upper peripheral region to optimize it for cycling, and with added Switchlock Technology for easy lens changing, plus temples that adjust to three different lengths for helmet compatibility, the Oakley Jawbreaker is the ultimate sport design, and a must have for anyone not wanting to look like a rookie on their new roadie.
Rapha, Rapha, and More Rapha: OK, your eyes are set, now we need to turn you into a highly stylized riding machine to earn some respect on the road. Rapha is your first and last stop for all your apparel needs. Founded by Simon Mottram in London in 2004, Rapha makes the world’s finest cycling clothing. For the past 17 years, Rapha products have redefined comfort, performance and style for cyclists from absolute beginners through to WorldTour professionals. For access to some of their more limited items and a bunch of other benefits, join the Rapha Cycling Club, a global community of passionate, active cyclists with exclusive access to Rapha’s most sought-after products, experiences and offers. Our top pick for your first purchase is their Brevet Lightweight Jersey, a jersey designed for self-supported, long-distance rides in the hottest conditions. The more pink the better!
Giro Synthe MIPS: Now let’s protect your head. We spent over 10,000 hours researching the best helmets on the market, and the Giro Synthe MIPS is our clear-cut winner! The Synthe is the pinnacle of road helmet design, combining the performance gains of an aerodynamic profile, and it’s lightweight with great cooling power to enhance rider comfort and efficiency in road rides and races. The compact form slips through the air with ease across multiple yaw and head angles, and offers greater cooling power than the Aeon. Key features include the Roc Loc Air fit system with 2-way fit tuning and Aero Mesh Panels with a dedicated port for securely docking your sunglasses as you ride. Synthe MIPS models are also available with the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System.
iWatch + Strava: Bike, check. Glasses, check. Apparel, check. Helmet, check. Now that you look the part, you need to make sure to fully document all your rides. And there’s no better way to do that than with an iWatch and the Strava App. Connect with local riders, catalog your rides, and keep track of all your records. iWatch + Strava is the best combination to make sure everyone knows the work you’re putting in!
And you’re set! We can’t promise you success on the Tour de France, but if you follow this guide we do guarantee you’ll at least look the part.
Photo Credit: Glory Cycles – Flickr, Kana Natsuno – Flickr , Twitter, Twitter, Google Creative Common Licenses – Wikimedia
