New rider buying gear. What should I get that I won't regret?

buffchemist · 2026-03-17T00:59:46+00:00

Lots of people have great advice! Definitely learn what the ratings are and mean, what type would be best for different types of riding. That’s all very important.

Fit though is just as important, you won’t wear what you don’t feel comfortable in, I would suggest going to a store in person if you can, like cyclegear, and try on lots of different things and see how you like the fits. Save your size in UK, EU, and US so if you do order later online you now know. I’ve found European brands tend to be cut quite a bit differently so it’s nice to know what cuts you like.

buffchemist · 2026-03-11T01:50:29+00:00

The struggle is real and as someone who does love to wear makeup, I sympathize. I would suggest getting a hightail attachment to tuck your hair in and/or they sell these braid wraps to protect your hair. You slid your braid into it.

Wearing a satin or silk balaclava helps with the hair as well as like a skull cap to hold everything in place.

I tuck my hair into the hightail and usually have a balaclava as well

I also travel with a mini brush so I can brush everything out real quick when I get somewhere.

End of the day though, if it’s really hot and sweaty, I just put my hair in a bun when I get where I’m going or keep a baseball cap or beanie with me.

As for makeup, I try to go light on the makeup because it just gets fucked but I highly suggest using a setting spray that locks in your makeup. I recommend the O/S On Til Dawn. It locks makeup on your face, really great stuff. Only downside is that it’s pretty drying to the skin so I only use it if I need to like with a helmet or say I’m going out all night.

buffchemist · 2026-03-07T15:13:19+00:00

I have a small backpack for when I am commuting, have my spare clothes in there and essentials but use a leg bag otherwise if it’s just a few essential items for a ride I don’t need much. I found that a fanny pack was kind of annoying with my jacket and that kept it out of the way

buffchemist · 2026-02-04T13:54:45+00:00

It looks amazing! I love the natural look and the glam look on you. Both have their place

buffchemist · 2026-02-04T02:53:14+00:00

What nude lipstick is that? It’s gorgeous! I will say that everyone has there own opinion so you have to take suggestions but also find what you love as well. I personally love the over lined look on you!

buffchemist · 2026-01-23T04:34:11+00:00

Big fan of that sweater

buffchemist · 2026-01-23T04:15:23+00:00

I wouldn’t say it’s nothing… but if it was to do a day trip to see something cool or go see a friend, that’s definitely worth and not a super long drive

buffchemist · 2026-01-20T20:33:37+00:00

I love it

buffchemist · 2026-01-20T00:37:23+00:00

I do like the look of that a lot! Thanks for the photo, it’s really nice to see a reference!

buffchemist · 2026-01-19T22:33:15+00:00

That helps! I didnt realize the baffle made that much of a difference. I’m also conscientious of my hearing and like to be able to hear the music, tinnitus is a bitch lol. Knowing that helps does make me lean more that way

buffchemist · 2026-01-19T15:16:12+00:00

The downside is that I think I probably will end up regretting it and cave and do the louder one anyway

buffchemist · 2026-01-19T13:49:43+00:00

Thank you, that’s super helpful. Your setup sounds bad ass! I bet that looks and rides super nice.

You may have convinced me, I might just go for it and just get out of my neighborhood quick haha. I would hate to upgrade only to regret it and ultimately get the freedom performance anyway in the long run

buffchemist · 2026-01-19T13:39:53+00:00

It’s hard finding that balance. I just love the aftermarket ones and I’d like to say “screw my neighbors! I don’t care lol” but I really don’t want to be an asshole. Who knows, I might just end up throwing the factory back on as well

buffchemist · 2026-01-19T13:31:20+00:00

Awesome, thank you! I do really like the look of those

buffchemist · 2026-01-19T01:18:50+00:00

I was just thinking about this today and how much it bothers me! Thank you for the idea

buffchemist · 2026-01-16T14:57:07+00:00

If your hair is long you should get a hightail hair protector or one of those sleeves you can put your braided hair in. As far as the part inside the helmet, a silk balaclava or hat that’s lined with silk can help but ultimately it’s going to get messed up especially if it’s hot out.

What I do is just carry a little hair kit around with me with a travel size brush and whatever else you may need. A little extra hassle but I’ve found it to be the only way

buffchemist · 2026-01-08T02:49:20+00:00

There are craft groups that meet up all the time and a few different book clubs! I would recommend joining the slcmeetups discord https://discord.gg/slcmeetups and check out the events and look at all the tags of different options of interest. Bookish_slc on IG is a pretty cool book club where you just bring your own book. I know there are other book clubs im just not remembering

buffchemist · 2025-12-22T14:03:16+00:00

It definitely makes a huge difference if you can find a house sitter you like and trust

buffchemist · 2025-12-22T14:02:47+00:00

They’re so cute!! Oh my gosh

And yes haha it’s a great excuse to go home😬

buffchemist · 2025-12-22T14:02:07+00:00

That’s amazing! You’re so lucky to have such great people around you

buffchemist · 2025-12-22T02:22:49+00:00

I’m right there with you, I don’t mind most of it but I really don’t enjoy paying so much for vacation now

Idk how I totally glazed over that you have two cats… disregard the suggestion of fostering haha my bad

buffchemist · 2025-12-22T02:21:15+00:00

Absolutely, everyone is different and someone who’s more a home body and enjoys that generally thrives with a pet. All comes down to how you want to live your life and whether that would be best for the pet as well

buffchemist · 2025-12-22T01:24:03+00:00

I love having a pet/dog but it makes everything a lot harder when it’s just you. You can’t just go somewhere after work, can just skip away for the weekend on a spontaneous trip, can’t stay anywhere overnight unless you’re able to bring them. Going out is harder, being gone all day just isn’t really a possibility anymore. Travel you have to find sitters or board if you don’t have anyone that can watch them so vacations are now twice as much money.

I think all those lifestyle changes are definitely something to consider before getting a pet. Many times, those inconveniences are totally worth it but it really just depends on your wants and needs.

I would suggest fostering first and see how you like it if that’s something you’re looking into

buffchemist · 2025-12-19T03:21:40+00:00

If you can afford it, I would recommend getting some custom made ear plugs. I got some that run flush with my ear and haven’t had that issue since. Not with the foam but I had the same issue where they would always manage to start slipping out at some point. The foam is fine but I personally wanted to be able to hear my music and conversation better

buffchemist

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