Cycling on a shoestring budget: what do you actually need to get started?

Keen to start exploring by bike but not sure what gear you actually need? A quick search online can leave you more confused than when you started, with your social media feeds suddenly full of adverts, product recommendations and long lists of so-called 'essential' kit.

Before long it's easy to end up with drawers full of gadgets you rarely use. Most of us have been there when starting a new hobby. The good news is you don't need loads of expensive gear to begin enjoying cycling, so here are the essentials I'd recommend.

Bike

I'd suggest investing a few hundred pounds in a new bike. Yes, you could hunt for a second-hand bargain on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, but when you're just starting out you might not have the maintenance knowledge to spot potential issues. Buying from a local bike shop means you'll get a bike that's ready to ride, plus the chance to ask questions and test ride a few different models.

Start by thinking about the kind of riding you'd like to do: road riding, gravel, commuting or a bit of everything? If you're keen to try a mix, including some gentle off-road trails, a dependable hybrid is a great place to start. Tyres are worth thinking about too, as they can make a big difference to how your bike feels. If you're not keen on the stock tyres, they're one of the easiest upgrades to make. You could run slick tyres for summer road riding and swap to knobbly tyres when heading off-road.

Helmet

Whether or not to wear a helmet is a personal choice. At Cycling UK, we don't believe helmets should be compulsory and encourage people to make an informed decision based on the type of riding they're doing and what feels right for them. If you do choose to wear one, it's always best to buy new so you know its history.

You'll find plenty of options available, but the most important thing is that it fits properly and meets recognised safety standards. Personally, I like a helmet with a detachable visor as it works well with my prescription glasses. Some helmets also come with integrated lights, although it's just as easy to attach a rear light if that's your preference.

Lights

Talking about lights, there are two main types: those that help you see and those that help you be seen. If you're mainly riding during daylight hours or around well-lit urban areas, a simple set of 'be seen' lights is often enough to get you started. They're lower powered, more affordable and still do a great job of making you more visible to other road users. It's also worth keeping an eye out for offers at your local budget retailer during bike promotions. I've picked up some excellent lights from the famous middle aisle over the years.

Gloves/Mitts

I often see these left off cycling essentials lists, but I don't head out without them. Your main consideration here is warmth. For summer riding, a lightweight mitt provides good ventilation while helping you keep a secure grip on the handlebars. In winter, a warm glove or mitten will make cold rides much more enjoyable.

At a pinch, I've seen fellow cyclists use waterproof builders' gloves. They might not be the most comfortable option, but they'll certainly keep your hands dry. None of us like to think about coming off our bike, but if it does happen your hands are often the first thing to hit the ground. That's another reason I rarely head out without a pair.

Jacket and clothing

If you're starting out on a budget, there's no need to buy cycling-specific clothing straight away. Yes, cycling jackets often have features such as a dropped tail, longer sleeves and no hood to make riding more comfortable, but a good softshell jacket paired with a base layer will be absolutely fine for most rides. If you can, opt for brighter colours to help you stand out. If full fluorescent isn't your thing, red or orange can be a good compromise while still being easy to wear off the bike.

Sticking with clothing, the main thing to think about is layers. If you head out on a cool morning, the first few miles can feel chilly, but by lunchtime or after a long climb you'll probably be too warm. Layers let you adjust as you ride, making cycling more comfortable in all kinds of weather.

When I ride, I think in threes: an inner layer, usually a cycling jersey or technical T-shirt. I'd avoid cotton as it takes a long time to dry and isn't very breathable. Then a mid-layer, where extra pockets are handy for snacks and a lightweight waterproof jacket.

Eye protection is another easy thing to overlook. Sunglasses or even clear safety glasses will help keep bugs, wind, glare and debris out of your eyes.

Lock

What you spend here can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to spend around 10% of the value of your bike on a quality D-lock or U-lock. Believe me, discovering your bike has been stolen is a horrible feeling. A cheap cable lock can quickly become a false economy, except perhaps for the shortest café stop.

Fuel

Fuel on the bike is a whole world in itself, and people have built entire careers researching what athletes should eat before, during and after riding. Thankfully, when you're getting started you don't need to worry too much about exact carbohydrate or protein ratios.

Simply eat little and often on longer rides, aiming for a snack roughly every hour. Ideally, choose food that travels well. My favourites are boiled eggs and bananas as they're compact, full of goodness and come in their own natural wrappers. I also keep a small bag of sweets handy for an energy boost when I need one because bonking (a sudden and dramatic drop in energy levels) is no fun.

Mini pump and spare tube

Punctures are a fact of life. Double-check which valve type your bike uses, but most pumps work with the two main types: Schrader and Presta. I prefer carrying a spare inner tube rather than relying on a puncture repair kit. If you're unsure which tube you need, ask your local bike shop or do a quick search before heading out. The last thing you want is to be stranded with the wrong one.

Bottle cage and water bottle

Staying hydrated is important, even on shorter rides. Aim to drink regularly. Water is absolutely fine, although electrolyte tablets can be a cost-effective option on longer rides. And don't underestimate the morale boost of taking a small flask of tea or coffee on a cold day in the saddle.

Honourable mention

Padded cycling shorts or underwear. For anything over 10 to 15km, I like to wear padded shorts or underwear. They're well worth the investment and, paired with a little chamois cream, can make longer rides much more comfortable.

That brings us to the end of the list.

There's a whole industry ready to convince you that you need the latest gadgets before you can enjoy cycling. In reality, once you've got the basics you can add to your kit over time as your riding develops.

And remember, if your bum's on a saddle, you're a cyclist. Happy riding!