Essential Road Bike Gear

The trim cut and low bulk of Assos’s stretchy and windproof iJ.haBu5 jacket make it just right for a variety of conditions. The only drawback: you pay for the beautiful Swiss craftsmanship. $400; assos.com

Specialized Purist Watergate Bottle

The completely stable plastic in the Specialized Purist Watergate bottle will never soak up the funky flavors of your energy drinks. And we love the one-way, high-flow valve. $12; specialized.com

Easton EC90 Aero Clincher Wheels

At first we were wary of the Easton EC90 Aero Clincher wheels, with their daunting 56mm carbon rims, bladed spokes, and ceramic bears. But their speed and stiffness on the road—plus how well our brake pads stopped them—won us over. $2,000; eastoncycling.com

Vittoria Open Corsa Evo SC Clincher Tires

We paired the Easton wheels with the latest Vittoria Open Corsa Evo SC clincher tires, which are even more supple than previous versions and sport a new herringbone design for improved traction. $74; vittoria.com

Fi’zi:k R3 Shoes

The three-piece carbon sole and glovelike heel cup on Fi’zi:k R3 shoes make them as efficient in transferring power as they are good-looking. $300; fizik.com

Rapha Club Jersey

Rapha’s Club Jersey is the most sophisticated-looking top we’ve ever worn. If fits as well as a tailored shirt, and the merino blend is substantial but cooling—perfect for brisk morning rolls. $160; rapha.cc

Uvex Boss Race Helmet and LED Lights

For less than half the price of other premium lids, the wispy, 7.6-ounce Uvex Boss Race helmet gives you ample ventilation and a thin mesh insert to keep out bees. Smart: optional LED lights ($16) clip discreetly to the strap anchors for evening rides that run late. $119; us.uvex-sports.com

Nalini Lambro Light Compression Bibs

Nalini’s Lambro Light Compression bibs are so comfy—and the chamois so amazingly cushy—that after just one ride you’ll understand why nearly half the teams in the 2010 Tour de France wore the brand. $155; albabici.com

Justin’s Nut Butters

Sick of energy gels? Mix it up with Justin’s all-natural Nut Butters. They’re packed with healthy oils and fats and go down smoother than you’d think. $1; justinsnutbutter.com