Some people ride in street clothes and have no problem, but if you are going to bike any distance and want to stay comfortable and improve your pedalling efficiency, consider the follow list part of your essential bike gear.

• Bike Helmet - A bike helmet should be on the top of your bike gear list every time you ride.
  Cycling is a great low-impact exercise but most injuries that befall cyclists are head injuries. Wearing a properly fitted bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury by 85 percent!
• Bike Shorts - provide padding to reduce chaffing and discomfort and they are flexible to move with you rather than bind during pedalling. Keep in mind that there are a number of styles and designs.
  • Tight bib: is a term used for shorts with a stitches in brace. The idea is to keep the shorts in one place thus reducing chafing.
  • Loose bib: These are baggy cycling shorts that have the padding in them too.
• Bike Jerseys - A bike jersey offers some features you won't find in a tee shirt. The main benefits of a bike jersey include:
  • Flexible, tight-fitting material that doesn't flap in the wind and moves with you.
  • Fabrics that breathe and "wick" your sweat away from your skin to help keep you cool and dry.
  • Back pockets for easy access and storage of small items while riding.
  • A longer, wider cut across to back and shoulders, and a shorter front to accommodate the hunched over cycling position and still cover your lower back.
• Base layer - This fantastic item helps wick the moisture from the body and pass it onto the next layer, where it can evaporate. This helps keep your body warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Cleated Bike Shoes - Cycling shoes come in a variety of styles, and offer specialized fit and function. Most bike shoes now accommodate cleats (special bindings that clip into special pedals) and all offer a stiff sole that help transfer power to the pedal. Be sure to buy shoes that work with your pedals and try on a variety of styles before deciding.
• Sun Glasses and Eye Protection - If you cycle, you need to protect your eyes from wind, sun, and flying debris as varied as bugs, sand and gravel. Look for sports sunglasses that are shatter-resistant.
• Socks - Socks may sound boring, but they are one of the most important pieces of exercise gear you can own to make your workouts comfortable and blister-free. Be sure to buy socks that wick the perspiration away in the heat and provide enough cushion and warmth for cold-weather riding.
• Over Shoes - Neoprene is great in wet cold climates. The neoprene will soak up water and keep your body heat helping you stay toasty.
  Wind Tex - full wind proof material. Sometimes with a waterproof coating, these are great in cold dry conditions, less bulk and sleeker fit.
• Cycling Gloves - Bike gloves offer cushion and protection for cycling. They main goal of a bike glove is to provide padding in the palms to cushion your hands during long rides, to provide protection in case of a fall.
• Shower proof cycling jacket - this term is used in regard to a jacket or over garments that does not have taped seams, but the material may be waterproof. And you never know when it might rain in Ireland. This is also known as a cape.
• Arm and leg warmers - Made from Roubaix Lycra they are tube shaped with a leg / arm gripper on the upper. They can be removed if the weather becomes warm. Ideal for early/late summer, or for early starts when you know it will get warmer.