{"id":409321,"date":"2026-01-13T02:04:21","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T02:04:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/409321\/"},"modified":"2026-01-13T02:04:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T02:04:21","slug":"8-upgrades-that-make-long-rides-easier-and-more-comfortable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/409321\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Upgrades That Make Long Rides Easier and More Comfortable"},"content":{"rendered":"

We love long rides. They allow you to spend extra time on your bike and see more things, and they can provide a physical and mental challenge. Many seasoned riders already have their go-to equipment and routine for longer days on the bike. But what if you\u2019re new to cycling or riding longer distances<\/a>? Or perhaps you are returning to riding<\/a> after an extended break and want some tips and tricks for multiple hours in the saddle.
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For starters, what constitutes a \u201clong ride\u201d? Unfortunately, there isn\u2019t a simple definition. It can mean high mileage or more hours on the bike. And your definition of a lengthy distance or time might differ from another rider\u2019s\u2014discipline, terrain, elevation gain, weather, training, and other obligations in life all factor into how we each define a \u201clong ride\u201d. If one hour is long for you, great. And if a minimum of six hours is how you define a long ride, that is also great.<\/p>\n

\"Chevron\"Chevron<\/p>\n

Cycling Radar<\/p>\n

\"Varia<\/a>Garmin Varia RTL515<\/p>\n

Now 25% Off<\/p>\n

Insulated Bottle<\/p>\n

\"Trio<\/a><\/p>\n

Bike Pump with Gauge<\/p>\n

\"AS2<\/a>Cycplus AS2 Ultra Tiny Inflator<\/p>\n

Now 20% Off<\/p>\n

Cycling Computer<\/p>\n

\"Edge<\/a>Garmin Edge 540 <\/p>\n

Now 16% Off<\/p>\n

Bar Bag<\/p>\n

\"Smuggler<\/a><\/p>\n

Repair Kit<\/p>\n

\"Emergency<\/a>Kong Ming Emergency Tool Kit<\/p>\n

Now 15% Off<\/p>\n

Cycling Shorts<\/p>\n

\"Core<\/a><\/p>\n

My threshold for a long ride is three hours (or roughly 45 miles at a 15 mph pace). I plan a morning or afternoon around a long ride, often a route I map in advance. When I asked my Bicycling colleagues, \u201cWhat do you consider a long ride?\u201d the replies ranged from two to four hours. Dan Chabanov<\/a> added, \u201cI would say it’s any ride that will require a stop for refueling;\u201d that is another great benchmark for a long ride.<\/p>\n

Regardless of how you define it, your gear choices can help improve your long-ride experience. Some gear enhances comfort, while others add convenience or peace of mind. Some equipment is also important for rider safety. Below are my top eight gear picks to ensure a successful long ride.<\/p>\n

For SafetyLights and Radar\"lezyne<\/p>\n

Safety and visibility are important considerations on long rides. A good front light is a must-have for rides after dark or in the twilight hours. Front and rear lights<\/a> also help make you more visible to drivers during daylight hours. Many lights are compact, lightweight, and have blinking modes that help grab drivers\u2019 attention. Look for rechargeable models, but don\u2019t forget to top them up before you head out for your ride.<\/p>\n

Taillights with integrated radar are an increasingly popular option for gravel and road riders. These devices warn riders about vehicles approaching from behind and have changed the way I ride on the road. In my story, \u201cI Wouldn\u2019t Ride Without a Helmet. Now I Won\u2019t Ride Without Radar Either<\/a>,\u201d I outlined why I will no longer ride road or gravel bikes without one of these lights.<\/p>\n

Lights and radar features will not prevent a rider from being struck by a driver, nor replace good cycling infrastructure. However, the visibility and warning help reduce the chances of an incident.<\/p>\n

Repair Kit\"repair<\/p>\n

Trevor Raab<\/p>\n

Long rides generally take you further from your home, vehicle, or wherever you started your route. These rides often take us to lightly trafficked roads or areas without cell phone reception. This is why it\u2019s important for you bring supplies to fix common repairs, such as a flat tire or loose bolt.
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At a minimum, you should build out or purchase a pre-made repair kit<\/a> that includes a spare tube, tire levers, a pump or CO2, and a multi-tool. For long rides, I usually carry two spare tubes, a backup inflation method, something to boot a tire, some cash, and an extra energy gel for emergency use.
<\/p>\n

For ComfortTire Pressure\"pressure<\/p>\n

Trevor Raab<\/p>\n

Simply put, many cyclists ride with too much air in their tires. Dialing in your ideal tire pressure<\/a> has some significant upsides. The most noticeable impact is improved comfort\u2014Dropping your tire pressure reduces road buzz transferred to your hands on long rides. Lower pressure can help reduce the repetitive jarring on many riders\u2019 lower backs. Additional benefits are improved grip in turns and better traction on loose surfaces like gravel or dirt. <\/p>\n

Several websites and apps help riders find their best tire pressure. My go-to is the Wolf Tooth<\/a> tire pressure calculator (and app), which features great functionality and fine-tuning, like temperature compensation if you\u2019re pumping up indoors and riding outside. Other solid options include the SRAM<\/a> pressure guide and Silca<\/a>\u2019s straightforward calculator. <\/p>\n

Many floor pumps have a pressure gauge. Two floor pumps<\/a> we particularly like are the Silca Terra<\/a> and Specialized Air Tool Comp<\/a>. Pumps with a built-in gauge will work fine for most riders, but if you want to up your game, a shop-quality digital gauge<\/a> is an excellent addition to your toolbox. <\/p>\n

Another great option for your garage or gear bag is an electric pump; some are even small enough to carry in a flat kit. Check out my full test of eleven mini-inflators<\/a> to find the best one for you.<\/p>\n

Chamois\"chamois\"<\/p>\n

Trevor Raab<\/p>\n

Cycling-specific clothing is not required for riding, but it makes long rides much more enjoyable. Called a chamois<\/a>, the padded part of cycling shorts<\/a> or bibs helps reduce friction between your body and the saddle. It also provides some added cushion. <\/p>\n

Bib shorts are a popular choice for cyclists; the shoulder straps prevent the shorts from slipping and are more comfortable around the belly. An option I seek out is a drop-tail design<\/a> in women\u2019s bib shorts\u2014it\u2019s a game-changer. Traditional shorts are another option and are easy to drop for a nature break. <\/p>\n

Padded liners or briefs are another option; they\u2019re great for mountain biking and gravel riding when paired with baggy shorts or for cyclists who want the benefits of a chamois without the look of traditional form-fitting cycling apparel.<\/p>\n

Brands sell bibs and shorts in a mind-boggling array of styles, sizes, chamois densities, and prices. The price for basic padded shorts or bibs starts around $30<\/a> to $40<\/a> and can cost upwards of $300<\/a> for models featuring advanced materials or from trendy cycling brands. (Rubber N\u2019 Road even sells $560 bib shorts<\/a> with a 3D-printed chamois.) <\/p>\n

While the fabric and features of high-performance bibs are great, I often use the base-level options from Velocio<\/a>, Rapha<\/a>, or Pearl Izumi<\/a>. They generally have excellent comfort and fit\u2014 sometimes on par with pricier options from the same brand. (And the pricing is much friendlier on my bank account.)<\/p>\n

Many cyclists use chamois cream<\/a> with cycling shorts to help prevent or reduce saddle sores<\/a> on long rides. A tip is to throw a single-serve packet<\/a> of chamois cream in your bag for long rides and reapply if needed.<\/p>\n

For ConvenienceCycling Computer\"hammerhead<\/p>\n

Trevor Raab<\/p>\n

While you certainly do not need a cycling computer<\/a> for a long ride\u2014cyclists used paper maps or pace notes taped to top tubes for decades\u2014a head unit can make things much easier. This is particularly true if you are not familiar with the area you are riding. Modern cycling computers with GPS mapping allow you to follow a preset route and often provide turn-by-turn directions. Many also recalculate your course if you need to detour or explore. <\/p>\n

There are many ways to plan long-ride routes. One way is pre-made routes on sites like Komoot<\/a>, Strava<\/a>, and Ride With GPS<\/a>; routes shared by friends, events, or clubs in your area are another option. If you\u2019re up to the challenge, planning a route<\/a> yourself is very rewarding. <\/p>\n

There is no perfect computer for every single cyclist. My favorite is the Hammerhead Karoo<\/a>; units from Garmin<\/a>, Wahoo<\/a>, and Coros<\/a> are also great and used by many who ride long distances. For me, \u201cRoute to Start\u201d and \u201cRoute to Home\u201d are two must-have navigation features in a cycling computer. They\u2019re ideal for riders who like to explore or go out without a planned route (or if you need to cut a ride short due to weather or a mechanical).<\/p>\n

Bar Bag\"bar<\/p>\n

Trevor Raab<\/p>\n

For years, I stuffed my ride supplies (nutrition, rain jacket, phone, layers<\/a>, etc.) in my jersey pockets; often resembling a squirrel\u2019s cheeks packed with acorns. But now I\u2019m a convert to bar bags<\/a> for my longer rides. Bags keep your pockets from stretching out, allow you to bring the right gear for your ride, and reduce the chances of dropping things from your pockets. <\/p>\n

There are dozens of bar bags available on the market. Pick the size and style that matches your budget and the gear you need to carry. A frame bag is another option for carrying ride supplies if you don\u2019t want to muck up your bike\u2019s aerodynamics (or if you don\u2019t have space on your handlebar).<\/p>\n

For EnergyBottles and Hydration\"insulated<\/p>\n

Trevor Raab<\/p>\n

Ensuring you are properly hydrated is the most important part of any long ride. Failing to bring water or replenish electrolytes is often what makes or breaks rides over an hour. So, for long rides, be sure to plan stops or carry enough water to get you to the end. <\/p>\n

Carry multiple bottles, or even a hydration vest or pack if you\u2019re riding somewhere without water stops or stores. To keep your cold beverages at a drinkable temperature on hot days, consider using insulated stainless bottles. I tested over a dozen bottles<\/a> in 100-degree heat last summer, and the results were surprising. You can also use these bottles to keep drinks warm in cold weather<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Nutrition\"tdf<\/p>\n

Trevor Raab<\/p>\n

Lastly, to avoid the dreaded bonk<\/a>, don\u2019t forget to eat on long rides. In the story, \u201cA Cycling Fueling Guide for Rides of Every Length<\/a>,\u201d certified personal trainer and fitness expert Selene Yeager recommends:<\/p>\n

\u201c30 to 60 grams of carbs per hour total, including carbs from your drinks. Digestion can get harder as rides get longer. To offset this, stay hydrated by drinking water and electrolyte fluids, eat more solids at the beginning of the ride, and switch to easily digestible snacks and sports products<\/a> like blocks, chews, gels, or carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drinks during the final part of the ride.\u201d <\/p>\n

Member Exclusive: Check Out Our Top Cycling Stories\"Chevron\"Chevron\"Headshot<\/p>\n

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling\u2019s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA\/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media. \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"We love long rides. They allow you to spend extra time on your bike and see more things,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":409322,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[569],"tags":[64,63,216775,159499,20698,104048,216778,216777,170541,216768,176488,10236,70213,784,216770,18188,198325,123471,18183,17801,216763,216776,216759,216,2295,216771,57434,216772,11114,216773,216755,216757,216758,216756,176487,216764,216769,59899,216761,59902,216760,216762,216774,112820,216779,216765,216766,176490,216767,85,139208,84054,66293,231,176486,176493,195137,59901,76417,205101,169548],"class_list":["post-409321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-bar-bag","tag-bib-shorts","tag-bike-gear","tag-bike-lights","tag-bonk","tag-carbs-per-hour","tag-chamois","tag-chamois-cream","tag-co2-inflator","tag-core","tag-coros","tag-cycling","tag-cycling-computer","tag-cycling-gear","tag-cycling-nutrition","tag-cycling-radar","tag-cycling-safety","tag-electrolytes","tag-flat-tire","tag-frame-bag","tag-front-light","tag-garmin","tag-gear","tag-gps-bike-computer","tag-gravel-cycling","tag-hammerhead-karoo","tag-hydration","tag-komoot","tag-long-ride","tag-long-ride-essentials","tag-long-ride-upgrades","tag-long-rides","tag-mini-pump","tag-multi-tool","tag-padded-shorts","tag-pearl-izumi","tag-radar-taillight","tag-rapha","tag-rear-light","tag-repair-kit","tag-ride-with-gps","tag-road-cycling","tag-selene-yeager","tag-silca","tag-silca-terra","tag-spare-tube","tag-specialized-air-tool-comp","tag-sports","tag-sram","tag-strava","tag-superenthusiast","tag-test","tag-tire-levers","tag-tire-pressure","tag-tire-pressure-calculator","tag-velocio","tag-wahoo","tag-water-bottles","tag-wolf-tooth"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/409321","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=409321"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/409321\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/409322"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=409321"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=409321"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=409321"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}