What gear do I need?
Contributed by Zo Rusch
The most common questions we get about starting out on gravel and longer bike rides.
The bike
What kind of bike do I need?
A bike in working condition will suit your needs. This might be a mountain bike or a “gravel bike”. As long as the tires hold air, the brakes work and it’s in working order, it’s a good place to start. Sealant in the tubes is a great idea out here in drier sections of Colorado that have cacti and other pokey plants!
Clothing
What should I wear?
Padded shorts will make your ride much more comfortable – if you aren’t comfortable riding in just padded shorts you can always put baggy shorts over the top. Any shirt will do, some cyclists prefer a t-shirt while others like cycling jerseys
Safety
What safety gear do I need?
You should ALWAYS wear a helmet. You will also need a way to carry water – this might be a hydration pack or water bottles on your bike
Repairs
What if I get a flat?
Learn to change a flat before you get one out on the road. You’ll need simple flat kit and to know how to replace a tube
Getting comfortable
How do I start?
For the first few weeks, focus on getting familiar with riding your bike and increasing the amount of time you can comfortably ride
My butt hurts!
At first, your butt is going to hurt. This is normal as your sit bones become accustomed to riding. This does not mean you need a super padded seat! Super padded seats can make problems worse because they don’t allow you to use your sit bones (the two points at the bottom of your pelvic bone) and all of the pressure ends up on your “soft tissues”
I’m worried my bike doesn’t fit right.
You might need to make adjustments to your bike fit when you start riding and as you gain fitness. This article from REI is a good starting point