At Yellow Jersey, we’re not just about insuring bikes, we’re passionate cyclists and triathletes ourselves. From weekend warriors to daily commuters and a bit of something in between, our team knows what makes riding smoother, safer, and just that little bit more enjoyable. So, we thought we’d open up our kit bags and share a piece of cycling gear each of us simply can’t live without. Whether it’s a game-changing gadget, a comfort-boosting accessory, or a bit of kit that’s bailed us out more times than we can count, these are the essentials we reach for every ride.
Chris
Mine is my Garmin EDGE 530/ Forerunner 254 Music watch. A watch I depend on so much, it’s left a permanent tan line on my wrist and a GPS which only leaves my bike to charge, I couldn’t imagine how I would be able to train without my Garmin devices. As a man who has an obsession with posting on Strava and tracking any quantifiable data which can help improve my performance, these provide the perfect tools for recording and uploading my efforts with ease.
Siobhan
I can’t underestimate the importance of a good saddle, especially for women and people new to cycling. One size fits all doesn’t work! New and inexperienced riders often don’t realise the wide array of saddles that are available and you don’t need to stick with the one on the bike when you bought it. A comfortable saddle can transform cycling from a painful experience to something way more fun and enjoyable.
Bex
Not that I cycle as much as I should, but a good pair of cycling sunglasses – absolutely essential for eye protection and style points!
Joe
A reliable bike shop/mechanic:
As an enthusiastic amateur, I’ll give most jobs a try when it comes to turning a spanner or a screwdriver but there are some jobs that are made infinitely simpler by specialist tools and experience. I’ve had a nightmare trying things like setting up tubeless and indexing gears and ultimately I’m happier paying for a job well done than messing it up and inevitably having to take it to the shop in the end anyway.
A good track pump:
For years, I managed with a simple hand pump for most things, but in the end, I was mostly using it before a ride to top up the pressures after the bike had been away for winter. As time went on and seals faded I started needing arms like an Olympic rower to get the tyres to a ridable pressure. I forked out for a half decent track pump and haven’t looked back, and still have some gas canisters in a spare bottle on the bike just in case I ever need them on the go.
Bib shorts:
Maybe an obvious one, but I’m no road cyclist and the thought of donning lycra used to make the phrase ‘all the gear no idea’ echo around inside my head. I’ve tried softer seats and padded liners in MTB shorts but there’s just no replacement for a decent chamois pad, elasticated thighs and over the shoulder security to avoid showing anyone behind me the skin on my lower back.
Jon
So I thought I’d go for three:
-My 55kg Body Weight and 374 watt FTP. Being able to climb at 6.8 watts per kilo for an hour, means any cyclists I bump into I can drop with ease. (ED- Dream on, Jon! )
-My Rapha Brevet Insulated Gilet, a fantastic bit of kit for commuting. It takes the chill off perfectly in the morning, yet can fit in the back pocket to ride home, its also brilliant under a hard shell for warmth when its raining.
-Whilst I don’t use it as much these days, I do love my Brompton. It helps to have a sprinkling of Carbon and Ti on it too:\
Rapha Palace Crocs:
As these were made for EF Education professional cyclists, they count as professional footwear, so perfect for wearing around the office.
Hugh
It lives in my jersey pocket pretty much all year round. Light enough to forget about, but your best freind when the weather turns or the descent gets chilly. If you’re riding any mountainous terrain, no matter how hot you are going up, having a windproof gilet will keep the chill off you going down. For road cycling, it’s got to be up there with one of the best bits of kit to reglate your temperature. Windproof, stylish, and folds down to nothing.
Josh
Hands down, the best bit of cycling kit I own is the Castelli Sanremo Thermosuit. It’s essentially a winter-ready onesie for cyclists, cleverly combining the Sorpasso tights and a Gabba top into one seamless piece. That smart design means no faffing with shoulder straps or layers shifting mid-ride, just zip up and go.
At 6’5″, I’ve always struggled with kit riding up or simply not being long enough. But this suit solves all of that. It stays put, blocks out the wind, and is ridiculously comfortable on long winter rides. I’ve had it for over eight years now and have thrown just about every type of UK winter weather at it—freezing rain, biting wind, sleet—and it’s always kept me warm. Add a decent base layer underneath and I’ve comfortably ridden in temps as low as -10°C.
You’re serious about riding through winter, this is one investment that truly pays off.
