The Road Biking Essentials of 2015

Published May 14, 2015 12:00AM

Smith PivLock Arena Max sunglasses

We love Smith’s classic frameless PivLock ($239) design for its feathery feel and quick lens changes. The new Arena Max has additional Velcro-like grip at the nose and temples, and it’s compatible with more helmets, thanks to shorter, thinner arms. smithoptics.com

Castelli Free Aero Race bibs

With a yoke-style harness that lies flat and comfortable, lightweight mesh leg grippers, and an extremely plush, seamless chamois, this is definitely the highest-quality bib ($199) for your dollars. castelli-cycling.com

Louis Garneau Course Air Lite shoes

Not only are these double-Boa-closure shoes ($380) some of the lightest we’ve tried (our size 42’s weigh less than a water bottle), but the mesh in the upper and vents in the sole kept our feet cool even when the mercury hit the mid-nineties. louisgarneau.com

POC AVIP Short Sleeve jersey

Only the Swedes can make traffic-cone orange sexy. Combining bright panels with clean lines and smart details—like the reflective back patch and internal zip pocket—the AVIP ($170) keeps you safe in style. pocsports.com

Lazer Genesis Lifebeam helmet

Kiss your old chest strap goodbye. With an optical sensor embedded in the brow pad and a small rechargeable battery out back, the Genesis Lifebeam ($230) measures and wirelessly transmits your heart rate to your smartphone—all while protecting against crashes. lazersport.com

Rapha Brevet jersey and gilet

The stylish merino-poly jersey ($265) is built for long days, with five pockets and reflective stripes; the vest bumps up visibility even more. rapha.cc

Giro Bib 2.0 Undershort

With three rear pockets for carrying tubes, a pump, and other essentials, these under-bibs ($130) can support long days in the saddle. But they’re also lightweight, with a thin but comfy pad, so you can wear them under street clothes. giro.com

Oakley Sliver sunglasses

Forgo the fitness-goon look and slip on these stylish, high-performing shades ($130), with impact-resistant synthetic frames and shatterproof lenses good enough for the brightest days. oakley.com

Kitsbow Haskell shorts

The knee-length Haskells ($165) are constructed from a rugged DWR-coated stretch nylon that won’t catch, bind, or stain. The tailoring is exceptional: when we wore them to the bar, no one realized they were made for cycling. kitsbow.com

Rapha Climber’s shoes

We love the retro look of the synthetic upper and the three Velcro closures, but this ($400) is no throwback: it has a thin carbon sole for efficient pedaling and an adjustable-arch cork footbed. rapha.cc