Summer Cycling Gear Guide

Written by
Marc Lindsay
Looking for new gear? Here are nine can't miss items that will keep you cool and ready to ride fast straight through the dog days of summer.
Oakley Mark Cavendish Series RadarLock
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Oakley has long been the standard of eyewear in the cycling peloton, going back beyond Greg Lemond's futuristic Oakley glasses worn back in 1986. Oakley's latest RadarLock glass are no exception, providing the kind of lightweight and durable performance you would expect from Oakley. The new Cavendish model includes a hard and soft shell case, an extra set of Jade Iridium lenses to be worn during bright days and the G40 lenses for cloudier conditions, and a special edition cycling cap.
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Hincapie Power Max Jersey
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Of all the jerseys I tested, this is the one I'd choose for the hottest days on the bike. Made with micro mesh vents, this jersey does a good job of letting the the cool air come in without holding on to the heat from your body. The fit is just right too—not too baggy and not too loose, the jersey keeps you comfortable during those long hours in the sun.
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Topeak Air Backpack
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Cyclists tend to increase activity during the summer months. A good way to add on the miles is through commuting, which begs the question, "How do I carry all my stuff?" The Topeak Air Backpack is one of the best, especially if you live under ten miles from the office and carry most of your gear each day. It's roomy, has more storage compartments that any pack I've seen, and comes with a pump to inflate air chambers than run along the back and waist straps to provide supreme comfort.
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Specialized Pro Road Shoes
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Everyone has a different foot, so shoes are subjective to an extent. The new road pro shoe from Specialized just happens to fit my foot perfectly, leaving little room for unwanted movement while also not making my feet feel like they were being squeezed to death. Fit with carbon soles, these shoes are light, comfortable, and look pretty awesome in white, which goes well with summer.
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Optygen HP Endurance Supplements
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You can read through all the scientific studies that claim that this supplement increases energy and improves recovery by 23 percent. Truthfully, I'm not sure what it does to my body, but after about two weeks I noticed I wasn't as tired on days when I did back-to-back long rides, and had significantly less soreness on days when I rode the previous night and again in the morning. The bad news? I'm still not as fast as Fabian Cancellara, but that doesn't mean I won't stop trying.
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Half Man Half Bike
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Perfect for an afternoon at the beach, Half Man, Half Bike is the book I've been waiting for. One of cycling's greatest champions, this book explores his life as well as his cycling exploits to provide a fascinating look at the life of Eddy Merckx. And whether you know about the man or not, there is plenty in the book worth reading, even if you aren't a fan of professional cycling.
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On Guard Bike Lock
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Depending on where you live, bike theft can be a major issue. A thief only needs a few seconds to take your prized possession. The On Guard lock offers a good mix of reliability and lightweight, being a lock that's hard for thieves to break into and easy enough to carry. It's also an excellent choice for commuters who have to lock their bikes up outside the office, and attaches to the frame so you don't have to carry it in your backpack.
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Pearl Izumi Elite Kit
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A good cycling kit is a must for the summer months. The new Pearl Izumi Elite is affordable, offers extreme comfort, and keeps you cool and comfortable on long rides. The coolest feature? Pearl Izumi's coldblack technology used in the shorts and jersey keeps the skin cool by releasing body heat while also reflecting the rays from the sun, providing a UPF rating of 50+.
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Accelerade Fruit Punch
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There are a lot of sports drinks to choose from. Who's to know which is the best? My pick goes to Accelerade. It's patented 4:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio gives you the fuel you need on long hot rides during the summer without feeling like you just drank a bowl full of sugar. The new formula contains soy and whey protein to aid in digestion during exercise.
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