Beginner's guide
Your first gearfor road cycling
Helmet, bib shorts, jersey, shoes, socks: what to buy first, in what order and at what price. The no-frills guide to getting started on the bike the right way.
Beginner's guideFirst gearRoad cycling
The principle: safety first, comfort second, performance last
When you take up road cycling, it's tempting to buy everything at once or to spend big on items that make no difference to your experience in the first few months. Here's the sensible order: first what protects you, then what keeps you comfortable over the miles (bib shorts are the absolute priority here), and finally what boosts performance once you're ready to progress.
Clothing: bib shorts above all
Of all the clothing you'll need, bib shorts are by far the priority. A running top can do the job for the first few months, but nothing can stand in for technical bib shorts with a chamois pad. Here's the order of importance:
Priority clothing
Priority 1
Bib shorts
The one item with no substitute. Without a chamois pad, any ride over an hour becomes painful. Put your money here first.
Priority 2
Cycling jersey
The 3 rear pockets quickly become indispensable. A T-shirt can get you through a month, no longer if you ride regularly.
Priority 3
Technical socks
Cycling socks are taller (for ankle support) and made of moisture-wicking fabric. They make a direct difference to foot comfort after 2 hours.
Priority 4
Lightweight rain jacket
A light layer that folds into a pocket is your life insurance on rides where the weather turns bad.
The rest of your kit: the sensible buying order
- Helmet — a legal and moral must. Budget at least 60 euros for a certified helmet with decent ventilation. Don't skimp here.
- Front and rear lights — essential in overcast conditions and at night. A pair of USB-rechargeable lights is enough to get started.
- Pump and puncture kit — 2 CO2 cartridges or a pump + 1 inner tube + tyre levers. Head out without them and you'll be calling someone for a lift home.
- Short-finger gloves — protect your palms in a crash and absorb vibrations on long rides. Not essential, but useful from day one.
- Bottle — at least 1, and 2 for rides over 2 hours. Road cycling makes you drink a lot.
- GPS bike computer — not essential in the first few weeks, but soon useful for tracking your progress and not getting lost on new routes.
- Cycling shoes + clipless pedals — an investment to make after 2 to 3 months. Clipless pedals take some getting used to and aren't a priority at the start.
Three clothing budget levels
150 – 200 €
Starter budget
- 1 entry-level pair of bib shorts
- 1 mid-range jersey
- 1 pair of socks
- Enough for the first 3 months
300 – 450 €
Regular riding budget
- 2 pairs of mid-range bib shorts
- 2 technical jerseys
- 2 pairs of socks
- 1 lightweight rain jacket
500 €+
Sportive budget
- 2 pairs of premium long-distance bib shorts
- 3 race-fit technical jerseys
- 3 pairs of socks
- Rain jacket + arm warmers + base layer
The two-of-everything rule: to ride regularly (3 rides a week), you need at least 2 pairs of bib shorts and 2 jerseys. One is in the wash while the other dries. Starting with just one of each forces you to wash and dry in a rush, which wears out technical fabrics faster.
What you don't need to buy right away
- Thermal tights — useful in winter, not before October
- Cycling shoes — a priority after 2–3 months of regular riding
- A high-end GPS computer — a basic model is more than enough
- Cycling-specific sunglasses — nice to have but not urgent
- A water-repellent suit — a light jacket + bib shorts is enough to start
The buying order
First gear
in order of priority
in order of priority
- Certified helmet — mandatory, no compromise
- Bib shorts with chamois pad — the only item with no substitute
- Race-fit cycling jersey with 3 pockets — rear pockets are essential
- Front and rear lights + puncture kit — safety and self-sufficiency
- Technical socks + bottle — comfort and hydration