Function
Eyewear
Ryders Gully, $39
Super-tough-and-light nylon frames with hydrophilic rubber ear- and nosepieces that won’t slip when the going gets sweaty—they’ll stick to your face more strongly (Urban Athletics, 1291 Madison Ave., nr. 92nd St.; 212-828-1906).

Helmet
Specialized Decibel, $170
With its yawning vents, it feels like a baseball hat—unless you tussle with a cabbie. Then, the extruded polystyrene base feels like a whole lot more (Gotham Bikes, 112 W. Broadway, nr. Reade St.; 212-732-2453).

Jersey
Defeet Dtour, $80
Cut slightly loose for a non-restrictive Þt that’s perfect for cyclists without professional scarecrow bodies. Three rear pockets provide ample storage for energy bars—or cookies (Gotham Bikes).

Shorts
Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor, $90
A seamless chamois pad keeps your nether regions happy; stretchy, supportive fabric wicks away sweat; and spandex material holds these shorts close to the thigh ( Paragon Sporting Goods, 867 Broadway at 18th St.; 212-255-8036.).

Shoes
Pearl Izumi Juice Mountain, $135
Mesh upper construction keeps air flowing on hot days; ratcheting buckle ensures a precise, comfortable fit. (Order at Paragon Sporting Goods)

Fashion
Eyewear
Fox’s The Wade, $120
Lightweight, open-wire frames just look damn good. (Order from Sid’s Bike Shop, 235 E. 34th St., nr. Second Ave.; 212-213-8360.)

Helmet
Giro Semi MX, $50
It’s not the lightest lid, but it is the flashiest, thanks to streamlined design and wide color palette—from wild flames to mild matte gray and black ( Toga Bike Shop, 110 West End Ave., at 64th St., 212-799-9625).

Jersey
Nema Tranz, $50
Riding in a T-shirt might look cool, but it sure doesn’t feel cool. The breathable wicking fabric on Nema’s suave, understated Tranz won’t leave you all wet. (Order at Brands Cycle and Fitness, 1966 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, N.Y.; 516-781-6100)

Shorts
Race Face Cortina, $99
For hours in the saddle, nothing beats spandex—but it’s a big fashion question mark. These baggy shorts make you look like a surfer (Bay Ridge Bicycle World, 8916 Third Ave, nr. 89th St., Brooklyn; 718-238-1118).

(Photo: Davies + Starr)

Shoes
oakley radar lock, $95
So they lack a ratchet buckle, Velcro straps, and breathable uppers. The low-proÞle street style looks great at the coffee shop. (At oakley.com.)

Related:

• Archive: “The Everything Guide”
• Table of Contents: Aug 8, 2005 issue of New York | Subscribe!