2014 Triathlete Buyer’s Guide: Cycling Accessories

Optic Nerve Omnium PM sunglasses

$79, Opticnerve.com
The draw: Secure fitting and lightweight

At just a hair over an ounce, these featherweight sunglasses feature light-sensitive lenses, which are convenient when conditions vary during a ride at the end of the day. They fit securely, making them great for the bike, but they also keep enough of a grip on the head to stay secure while running. Since they have an upper rim, they’re best for road-type positions or riding with clip-on aerobars—the frame could obstruct a rider’s field of vision while in a super-aggressive aero position.

Speedplay’s unique dual-sided engagement system (you can step into them from the top or bottom) makes these pedals a breeze to clip into. Rotational float can be micro-adjusted, and the built-in locking mechanism makes them feel secure. The low-profile Zero Chrome-Moly pedals weigh in at just 108 grams per pedal and have a low stack height to keep the material between the rider and the bike to a minimum.

Specialized SL Comp

$30, Specialized.com
The draw: Optimal padding

The moderate amount of padding on the contact areas of these gloves keeps them from being too bulky or allowing the palm to slide around. The gloves also have a slip-on cuff, which isn’t constricting on the wrists, and microfiber fabric on the thumb for wiping away sweat.

Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal Arm Warmer

$32, Pearlizumi.com
The draw: Insulating fabric

To fend off chill on early-morning rides, these thermal fleece arm warmers do the trick. They feature silicone bands at the top of the sleeves, which keep them in place, and have reflective elements for added visibility on the road. They are sized generously.

Genuine Innovations Hammerhead CO₂ Tire Inflator

$20, Genuineinnovations.itwgbx.com
The draw: Trigger-operated

A high-quality CO2 inflator is a solid investment, and the Hammerhead is a good buy. It’s a small, simple inflator, but it’s also extremely intuitive. It has a thumb trigger on the back when you’re ready to inflate—it won’t automatically discharge the CO2 like some inflators.

This tiny multitool has all the basics you’ll need to work out most minor mechanical issues you’ll face on the road such as fixing a loose bolt or adjusting your derailleur. At just 65 grams, the V7 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in a saddlebag.

Ortlieb Saddlebag Micro

$26, Ortliebusa.com
The draw: Attaches to aero bikes

The appeal of this lightweight (115-gram) saddlebag is its versatility—because it attaches to a saddle instead of wrapping around a seat post, it will work on any bike, including an aero tri bike. It’s an ideal size to fit a spare tube and a multitool, and its roll closure and coated nylon fabric keep the contents dry in the rain. You can also purchase a second mounting set to easily switch the bag between bikes.