Gas prices are rising to the highest levels in four years, and drivers are feeling the pinch. The good news: summer is almost here, and if you have a bike stashed in the corner of your garage or apartment, it’s the perfect time to rediscover the zero-emissions vehicle you forgot you owned.
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You don’t need a form-fitting cycling outfit or a brand-new commuter bike to begin replacing car trips with bike rides. Investing in a few key items (like a bike lock and light) and repurposing a few more can make the difference between a frustrating experiment and an addictive new habit that adds regular, low-effort exercise to your day, saves you money and shrinks your carbon footprint.
Ready to burn calories instead of gas? We’ll help you gear up on a budget. Here’s what you can skip, what you can scrape by with repurposing and what you should absolutely splurge on.
Why you can trust me
I’ve spent more than a decade testing bikes and gear for major cycling publications, and commuting has always been part of that mix. On average, I ride 2 hours a day, five days a week, throughout the year. This guide draws on that experience and focuses on what actually makes day-to-day riding easier.
3 items you should never skip
You don’t need much, but you do need these three essentials.
Photograph: Miha & Alja/Ascent Xmedia/Getty Images
Helmet
A properly fitting helmet is essential for reducing the risk of serious injury while riding, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Entry-level helmets meet the same safety standards as premium models, which typically just reduce weight and improve ventilation. Fit is essential, so try before you buy, or use an online retailer that allows returns.
Our recommendation:
Specialized Align II
Specialized
Align II
from $64.99
Photograph: Courtesy of Backcountry$64.99 at Backcountry$64.99 at Specialized
At $65, this helmet delivers a level of protection that rivals far more expensive helmets, earning a 5-star rating from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. It’s also impressively well ventilated for the price, making it comfortable enough for long summer commutes.
Specialized
Align II
from $64.99
Bike lights
Photograph: ollo/Getty Images
Even if you only plan to ride during the day, lights dramatically increase your visibility to drivers. A front and rear light should be considered standard equipment, not an upgrade.
Our recommendation:
Busatia Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
Busatia
Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
from $11.49
Photograph: Courtesy of Walmart$11.39 at Walmart$16.99 at Amazon
In our guide to the best bike lights, we picked this combo for its unbeatable value, USB charging and easy mounting with silicone straps.
Busatia
Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
from $11.49
Bike lock
Photograph: PIKSEL/Getty Images
Cutting corners here is one of the quickest ways to turn a good idea into an expensive mistake. If you’re leaving your bike unattended at any point during your commute, you need a proper lock, not a cheap chain.
Our recommendation:
Abus Ivera Chain 7210
Abus
Ivera Chain 7210
$55.76
Carrying your stuff
Photograph: Halfpoint Images/Getty Images
This is often the first point of friction for new commuters, who may go from needing a water bottle to needing a laptop, lunch and extra layers.
Skip it … if you only require essentials such as your phone, wallet and keys. Your pockets are good enough.
Scrape by … with a backpack or messenger bag. They are the easiest way to add more cargo, but the straps can get uncomfortable on longer rides or in warm weather.
Our recommendation:
The North Face Vault
The North Face
Vault
from $65
Splurge with … a rear rack with panniers, also called saddle bags. Shifting the load from your back to the bike is a noticeable upgrade in comfort that makes everyday errands far more manageable, especially with heavy cargo such as groceries.
Our recommendation:
Topeak Explorer MTX 2.0 Bike Rack (rear rack)
Topeak
Explorer MTX 2.0 Bike Rack
$59.95
Photograph: Courtesy of REI$59.95 at REI
This sturdy rack adds significant carrying capacity to almost any commuter or recreational bike. Its aluminum construction can carry up to 57 lbs of gear, making it an easy upgrade for riders who want to carry more comfortably and securely.
Topeak
Explorer MTX 2.0 Bike Rack
$59.95
Our recommendation:
Ortlieb Sport-Roller Panniers
Ortlieb
Sport-Roller Panniers
from $110
Photograph: Courtesy of Backcountry$110 at Backcountry$200 for pack of two at REI
Ortlieb’s Sport-Roller Panniers make it much easier to carry groceries, work gear or extra layers without relying on a backpack. Their waterproof construction keeps contents dry in bad weather, while the sturdy mounting system feels secure on potholed streets. They’re not cheap, but the build quality and repairable design have made Ortlieb bags a favorite among bike commuters and touring riders alike.
Ortlieb
Sport-Roller Panniers
from $110
What to wear
Photograph: RyanJLane/Getty Images
Don’t overcomplicate this one. Most commutes can be done comfortably in items you already own.
Skip it … if you’re not going far or riding hard. You don’t need to dress like you’re heading out for a training ride. Even committed cyclists like myself ditch lycra kits for jaunts around town.
Scrape by … with the same activewear you’d wear to the gym, on a hike, or to a yoga class. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are more forgiving than heavier casual clothing, such as jeans, especially if you’re concerned about sweating.
Splurge with … purpose-built commuter clothing, which incorporates breathable fabrics, light weather protection and reflective accents to improve visibility in low-light conditions. Commuting apparel becomes more important for longer rides and inclement weather.
Our recommendation:
Pearl Izumi Hybrid Wind Cycling Pants
Pearl Izumi
Hybrid Wind Cycling Pants
$54.83
Photograph: Courtesy of REINow $54.83, originally $110 at REI$110 at Pearl iZumi
These versatile pants have front panels that block cold and tire spray on damp, chilly rides, while the more breathable rear fabric keeps them from feeling sweaty on warmer rides. They’re also casual-looking enough that most riders won’t feel out of place wearing them off the bike for errands or coffee stops.
Pearl Izumi
Hybrid Wind Cycling Pants
$54.83
Foul-weather gear
Photograph: Tetra Images/Getty Images/Tetra images RF
Weather tends to dictate how consistently people ride, particularly when early enthusiasm runs into rain, wind or colder temperatures.
Skip it … if you’re only riding on clear days, and have the flexibility to take other means of transport.
Scrape by … with a basic rain jacket, paired with a willingness to get a little wet. This setup can cover you for occasional showers, but it tends to wear thin if you’re commuting in steady rain.
Our recommendation:
Backcountry Kanarra 2.5L Rain Jacket
Backcountry
Kanarra 2.5L Rain Jacket
from $99
Photograph: Courtesy of Backcountry
The Backcountry Kanarra 2.5L Rain Jacket stole honors for the best budget rain jacket when we reviewed Pfas-free rain jackets thanks to its low price and generous ventilation flaps.
$99 at Backcountry$99 at Nordstrom
Backcountry
Kanarra 2.5L Rain Jacket
from $99
Splurge with … full-coverage fenders, which go a long way toward making wet rides manageable by keeping grit and road spray off your clothes. This makes a bigger difference than most people expect.
Portland Design Works
Full Metal Fenders
$155
Photograph: Courtesy of REI$155 at REI
Aluminum construction makes these all-metal fenders feel notably sturdier and quieter than many cheaper plastic fenders and they do an excellent job of keeping road spray, grit and muddy water off both the rider and the bike.
Portland Design Works
Full Metal Fenders
$155
Navigation
Photograph: PonyWang/Getty Images
The best bike routes often deviate from the fastest driving routes, so a simple navigation aid can come in handy to stay on track.
Skip it … if you can remember all the turns in your short ride or don’t mind occasional stops to peek at your phone.
Scrape by … with wireless headphones feeding you directions from your pocketed phone.
Our recommendation:
Shokz OpenFit 2
Shokz
OpenFit 2
from $179.95
Splurge with … a secure phone mount that makes it easier to follow directions in real time, especially when you’re still figuring out bike-friendly routes.
Our recommendation:
Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount V2
Peak Design
Out Front Bike Mount V2
from $69.95
Photograph: Courtesy of Peak Design$69.95 at REI$69.95 at Peak Design
In my opinion, this is the cleanest and most secure way to keep a smartphone accessible while riding. Just note that you’ll need a compatible Peak Design phone case or universal adapter, both of which are sold separately.
Peak Design
Out Front Bike Mount V2
from $69.95
The bike
Photograph: dusanpetkovic/Getty Images
This is where many people assume they need to spend money first, but that’s often not the case.
Skip it … if you already own a working bike, whether it’s a beach cruiser or a mountain bike. Just try it. It’s often better to figure out what you actually need from a commuter before investing in something new.
Scrape by … with a tune-up on an existing bike. A reputable shop will usually charge around $80 to $120, or you can do it yourself with some basic tools and the repair tutorials from Park Tool’s YouTube channel. Park Tool’s videos are a great resource for experienced home mechanics and first-time DIYers. At a minimum, you’ll want to make sure the brakes stop the bike confidently, the tires hold air, and the drivetrain shifts smoothly.
Park Tool
SK-4 Home Mechanic Starter Kit
from $230.95
Photograph: Courtesy of Backcountry$230.95 at REI$230.95 at Backcountry
This is the beginner tool set I recommend for cyclists ready to begin maintaining their own bikes. It includes the core tools needed for common repairs and adjustments, and will pay for itself within the first few tune-ups for riders who stick with commuting.
Park Tool
SK-4 Home Mechanic Starter Kit
from $230.95
Splurge … if you’re committed to replacing car trips with bike trips, it may be worth investing in a commuter bike, or even an e-bike. A comfortable riding position and built-in accessories can make bike riding feel less like a chore, and the powered pedaling of an e-bike can flatten hills and get you there in half the time.
Our recommendation:
Aveton Level 3 Step-Through e-bike
Aventon
Level 3 Step-Through e-bike
$1,699
Photograph: Courtesy of AvetonNow $1,699, originally 1,899 at Aventon
With a comfortable upright riding position for good visibility and plenty of power, this is the kind of e-bike that can realistically replace a lot of short car trips. The step-through frame also makes getting on and off the bike easier, especially in regular clothes or when navigating stop-and-go city traffic.
Aventon
Level 3 Step-Through e-bike
$1,699
How to avoid showing up sweaty
One of the biggest concerns for new riders is arriving at work or errands feeling overheated. The solution is easier to manage than people expect: just slow down. Commuting isn’t a workout unless you want it to be. Riding a little slower than you would for exercise can significantly reduce how much you sweat, especially on shorter trips. Give yourself a few extra minutes and use them to take lower-stress routes with fewer stops.
Changing your clothes when you arrive at your destination is another simple fix, if you have access to a clean bathroom. Commute in something comfortable, then shed the swampiness and change into clean attire when you arrive.
If you do have access to a locker room or gym shower, even a quick rinse can make commuting feel much more manageable day to day. If you don’t, body wipes, deodorant and a spare shirt can all help you reset quickly and take up very little space in a bag.
In summer months or sunny climates, it’s also worth wearing sunscreen, a habit dermatologists couldn’t recommend enough when we asked them the most common skincare questions. Even short rides can add up to significant sun exposure if you’re commuting regularly.
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