The only pain that you feel while riding should come from pushing yourself. If you’re feeling uncomfortable on your bike, try making one of these gear swaps. – By Elspeth Huyett

Saddle
You might feel a bit like Goldilocks as you try to find a comfy saddle. Many cyclists end up having to try many different saddles at various angles—but when you do find one that works, it will transform your ride. Check out our guide to buying a saddle for tips and tricks to make sure you find the right one.

Bars
If your bars are the wrong width or curvature, you may have pain in your shoulders, numb hands, and trouble reaching the brakes. You want to be able to support your upper body without straining your neck and shoulders, and feel confident and in control.

Handlebar Tape
Believe it or not, this can affect your comfort on the bike. If you’re looking for a cushioned ride, reach for tape that has gel integrated into it. Plastic or leather tape may be best if you’re looking to feel more connected to the road. Our guide can point you in the right direction.

Chamois
A huge portion of ride experience comes down to chamois selection. Exactly which chamois is your favourite is a personal preference, but you want to make sure you have enough padding so that you’re comfortable in the saddle and don’t struggle with chafing. And remember—they’re designed to be worn sans underwear. Need some direction? Check out our tips on how to buy bib shorts.

Gloves
If you’re experiencing numbness and tingling in your hands, you might want to try out some new gloves. Not only will the padding inside improve your comfort, but they’ll also protect your palms in the event of a crash.

Shoes
There’s a fine line between having a shoe that’s stiff and snug enough to transfer power and a one that feels like it’s squashing your feet. You want shoes to fit snuggly but still be able to accommodate puffy feet at the end of a long ride. If you’re still struggling with shoe fit, it might be worth investing in a shoe insert to help customise the fit of your shoe to your foot. And try socks with high-tech fibres: They’ll wick away sweat and help give you a more cushioned ride.

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