In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell famously posited that if you spend 10,000 hours practicing a skill – play a violin, or chess, or tennis, for example – you’ll become world-class at it. His theory has since been debunked – there’s no magic number for greatness or surefire way for any of us to become successful, but the basic logic does hold some water. To be exceptional, expect a lot of practice.
Likewise, if you’re looking for the best bike gear, start by asking someone who rides a lot. Pedaling thousands of miles across the country (or similar ultra distances) will put any product – helmet, shorts, lights, tires, brakes, etc. – through its paces. It’ll see rain, wind, heat, snow, mud, dust and dirt. It will need to be versatile, tough, repairable and comfortable, even after hundreds of hours. Through it all, a long-distance rider will see what works and what doesn’t, and likely have sage advice for you.
After riding 4,500 miles from Cabo San Lucas to Anchorage, I developed opinions about every screw, strap, fold, pocket, material and detail of my kit. Long-distance cyclists like me are a fanatical yet highly practical bunch. Representing a needle-thin portion of the market, we obsessively research all kinds of gear, comparing factors like weight, durability and safety. But you don’t have to be planning a multi-month bike tour to find this list useful. Weekenders and grocery store runners will find excellent items too — even if they’re not planning to ride for 10,000 hours.
Bike
The best budget bike is, of course, the one you already have. With diligent care, a 30-year-old bike can get you across the country. If you don’t have a bike, the second-best option for not breaking the bank is Craigslist. If money is not an object, check out the Specialized Diverge. It’s a versatile and lightweight adventure rig that can ride any surface from pavement to singletrack and still rip down a road fast.
