Let's ride

All of our best cycling picks [Protect your noggin]( [Two of our testers in Specialized helmets.]( Rozette Rago YOUR GUIDE: [Christine Ryan]( Welcome to cycling season, fellow riders. Two quick notes on helmet safety before you hit the road: I’ve learned the hard way—the hard way being two cyclocross-induced concussions—that if you crash while riding your bike, you should discard the helmet you were wearing. Helmets are one-and-done safety devices, and once yours has served its purpose, thank it, retire it, and buy yourself [a new one](. You may have also heard that the foam inside can “go bad” and that you should replace your helmet every three, five, or ten years. But as senior staff writer Eve O’Neill writes, [that’s not really true]( foam inside doesn’t go bad with age, and as long as your helmet fits snugly, its hard shell is still in good shape, and you haven’t dinged your lid, you’re good to go. Happy riding! [Explore all Wirecutter-approved cycling gear→]( We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. [Learn more ›]( [Ride with these]( [Close view of a smart phone attached to the handlebars of a bike using a bike phone mount.]( [A reliable rear bike rack]( It’s the foundation of any good carrying-stuff-on-your-bike setup: A [rear bike rack]( helps get a heavy pack off your back. [Close view of a smart phone attached to the handlebars of a bike using a bike phone mount.]( [A bike phone mount]( Using a [smartphone mount]( while biking is a boon for anyone who wants easy access to their device. Our recs will protect your precious phone by making sure it stays firmly attached. (Plus: [One of our favorites is on sale]( [All five of our picks for the best bike handlebar bag posed together in a group.]( [The best bike handlebar bag]( It’s [a fanny pack for your bike]( built with consideration for all of your bike-specific needs, like being able to open it while you’re riding, or having access to a subway card or a key. [Deals to upgrade your ride]( [The Delta Cycle Michelangelo Two-Bike Gravity Stand Bike Rack.]( RARE DEAL [Great for small spaces]( [Deal price: $48]( | Street price: $67 Simple to set up and take down, this graceful yet sturdy two-bike stand can be easily adjusted to fit any type of bike. [Buy now from Amazon]( [The VentaPak Lightweight Ventilation Backpack Spacer (Standard).]( [No more back sweat stains]( [Deal price: $40]( | Street price: $45 This Pringles-shaped mesh frame clips to a backpack’s straps, creating an air gap between the pack and your torso. [Buy now from Amazon]( [REI Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids' Bike]( [For the kids]( [Deal price: $154]( | Street price: $230 With store pickup, REI membership required This nicely designed, mid-price bike was a favorite of our testers because of its versatility and kid-friendly geometry. [Buy now from REI]( [View email in browser]( You are receiving this email because you signed up for Wirecutter’s Newsletter. Getting too many emails from us? To stop receiving Top Picks, [unsubscribe](. 
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