Fresh Women's Cycling Gear for Day-Long Grinds

Published May 19, 2020 12:00AM

Smith Trackstand Sunglasses ($199)

There are a slew of photochromic lenses on the market, but Smith’s new clear-to-gray option excels in dim conditions (like dense forests) and darkens quickly when you emerge into the sun.

Sweet Protection Ripper MIPS Helmet ($90)

Once offered exclusively in pricier helmets, MIPS construction shields your brain by dispersing impacts rather than just cushioning them. The Ripper makes it affordable and has plenty of airflow. It features heat-dissipating vents that kept our internal temps tolerable on a 98-degree ride in Moab.

Shredly MTB Curvy Shorts ($105)

With these overshorts, female-founded Shredly solved the midriff-gap woes that often plague hourglass-shaped riders: a stretchy, yoga-style waistband with internal drawcord stays in place when you’re crouched during descents.

Pearl Izumi Pro Road v5 Shoes ($400)

The ultralight v5 features a knit upper on a full-carbon sole. The nylon links up top conform to your feet like a second skin, and they breathe great, too. Underfoot, the ultralight, ultrastiff carbon shank drives KOH-slaying wattage to your pedals.

POC VPD System Lite Kneepads ($130)

POC’s newest knee guards have 14 sweat-dumping vents per pad, making them comfy enough to wear on every ride, not just on the way down.

Velocio Luxe Bibs ($259)

Velocio’s latest solution for women facing a pee break in bibs is the holy grail: stretchy suspenders that allow you to drop trou like you’re wearing pants. High-quality nylon blended with Lycra in a superfine knit makes chafing nonexistent even on daylong rides.

Flylow Aster Shirt ($75)

Here’s a pullover bike shirt you can wear all the time. Casual buttons facilitate venting, while the hem sits comfortably beneath your hipbelt. The stretch-woven polyester fabric is breezy on sweaty rides.

Thule Vital Women’s 3L Hydration Pack ($100)

Thule built the Vital with featherweight nylon and an ingenious hose keeper: magnets in the shoulder strap and hose cover snap together. Smartphone-size hip pockets free up the main compartment for a rain jacket and spare tube.

Mons Royale Phoenix Wind Jersey ($140)

Unexpected spring gusts and subalpine rides call for this windbreaking insulator, which pairs ripstop polyester on the front and collar with lightweight merino wool everywhere else. It offers just enough warmth for all-out efforts in cool conditions.

The Best Women's Cycling Gear of 2020