Whether you’re training for your first century ride or planning a weekend bikepacking adventure, having the right gear can be the difference between a great ride and a grueling one. Long rides test your endurance—and your equipment. So before you clip in and roll out, make sure you’re set up for success with these long ride essentials.
Padded Cycling Shorts
Let’s start with comfort. Long hours in the saddle can wear on you fast if your gear isn’t dialed in. Padded cycling shorts or bibs with a high-quality chamois can dramatically reduce chafing and soreness.
Pro tip: For extra comfort on longer rides, consider using chamois cream. It reduces friction, prevents chafing, and helps keep bacteria at bay. Apply it directly to your skin or the chamois pad (or both)—especially for rides over 90 minutes.
Properly Fitted Helmet
Choose one that fits snugly, has ample ventilation, and is lightweight for all-day comfort.
Pro tip: Helmets should be replaced every 5 years from the date of manufacture—not just the date of purchase. Over time, materials can degrade, which reduces their ability to protect you in a crash. You’ll find the manufacture date on a label inside your helmet. Take a peek and make sure you’re still covered.
Comfortable Pedals and Shoes
For longer rides, your foot-pedal connection matters more than ever. Clipless pedals paired with supportive cycling shoes improve power transfer and help reduce fatigue.
Pro tip: Here’s the secret weapon: a bike fit. Getting professionally fit ensures proper alignment, reduces your risk of injury, and makes the ride feel effortless (well, almost).
Hydration Pack or Water Bottles
If your ride stretches beyond a couple of hours, you’ll need easy access to fluids. Double up on bottle cages or consider a hydration pack—especially if you’re riding in the heat or heading off the beaten path.
Cycling Gloves
Your hands take a beating on long rides. A quality pair of padded gloves can reduce pressure, absorb road vibration, and help prevent numbness. Bonus: they also improve grip when things get sweaty or rainy.
Bike Repair Kit
Nothing stalls a good ride like a mechanical issue—especially a flat tire. Pack the basics: tire levers, a spare tube, mini pump or CO2 inflator, and a multi-tool. And if you’ve never fixed a flat before, no shame in that—take a few minutes to learn how. We also offer repair kits if you’re looking for a complete grab-and-go solution.
Quality Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from more than just UV rays. Wind, debris, bugs, and sunlight can all make riding uncomfortable. Polarized lenses cut glare and improve contrast, helping you see more clearly on long stretches of road or trail.
Preparation is key for long rides, and having the right gear means you’ll spend less time adjusting, fixing, or hurting—and more time enjoying the ride. At velofix, we don’t just keep your bike rolling—we’re here to support your whole cycling experience, from tips and tools to bike servicing at your doorstep.
Need a tune-up before your next big ride? We’re just a click away.