This is more a thought experiment than anything else. But related to a previous post about selling some of my bikes. I am now down to three bikes and trying to get down to two. But it made me think about other things in life. As I get older, I feel burdened by stuff. I’m not exactly sure why now, but I have lost the need to collect and accumulate, and have been trying to lighten the load so to speak. So while my previous post was mostly about the bikes themselves, this is more about what a cyclist needs. I want to become the Minimalist Cyclist.
So with that in mind, what would you guys say is the minimum a cyclist needs to live happily and ride? What tools are the bare minimum you would feel comfortable with? What gear? How many sets of kit do you need? What spares and parts would you keep around?
For training, what do you need? A smart trainer? A TV for entertainment. Fans, towels, nutrition. Can you ditch the trainer altogether and ride outside or do another activity to stay in shape instead.
Like I said, this is more a thought experiment. Walk through your pain cave. Do you need everything in there? Are there redundancies or things you can go without? Open your closet. Do you need all the different jerseys and bibs you own? Do you wear them or do they hold sentimental value to you? Could you get rid of some? Walk through your garage. How many Allen keys of the same size do you own? What about that specialty tool you used one time for a build then never again. Do you really need that extra spoke or nearly worn down tire? Are all those old bottle cage bolts ever going to be used?
I love this question! I’m on a bit of a similar journey myself.
I’ve decided that one nice bike is all I really need. I could ride at a faster speed on other bikes, but I’m more concerned with effort than speed/distance.
I have one townie bike for utility that was actually given to me by a friend. It’s an old, simple bike that I’ve fixed up, and it will likely work well forever.
I find it necessary to have one of every tool needed to completely assemble/disassemble and service any bike I own, and in addition, everything I need to take with me on long rides (one nice multitool, tire lever/chain link tool, etc.).
I’m getting rid of most of my spare parts since most of them never get used, but I do keep a full set of my preferred stems in every length from 50mm to 120mm.
I live in northern Wisconsin, so a smart trainer is necessary for me, and a laptop to efficiently run TR. One decent fan is good enough. I’m okay losing a little bit of performance due to heat, and I enjoy getting a bit hot at times. Again, effort is key here. When I start riding outside in the spring, I’ll see what I’m truly capable of.
Kit is a tough one because it always seems like I could use more, but I think three full sets is enough for my needs.
I’ve found that the less stuff I have, the more I tend to focus on the moment, as I’m less distracted by the clutter and the options. I’ve learned to love running because it’s so easy to focus on yourself, your mind, your effort, and your surroundings. There is so little else to manage and carry around. I’m on a mission to get as close to that on a bike as I can, which probably means keeping my Wahoo out of sight on the rides where I don’t need a GPS for directions, leaving the HRM at home, etc.
Best of luck on your journey to minimalism! I applaud your effort!
This is a really interesting topic—and honestly, I’m trying to become more minimalist myself these days. Over time, I’ve realized that having too much stuff just becomes a burden, and it actually feels freeing to lighten the load, not just with bikes, but with everything related to cycling and training.
The Sweet Spot for Bikes
From my perspective, the ideal number is two bikes. That way, if one needs repairs, it’s possible to keep riding without any big interruptions. Any more than that and things start to pile up, but with just one, there’s always the risk of being stuck off the bike if something goes wrong.
Clothing and Gear
For kit, I only keep enough to get through my normal laundry cycle, and I’ve been actively reducing the number of jerseys and bibs I own. At the end of the day, so many jerseys just end up sitting in the closet unused, either for sentimental reasons or because they no longer fit my style or needs. I try to keep the functional stuff and let go of the rest.
Tools and Spares
It’s easy to accumulate extra tools (like three of the same-size Allen key) and random bits like spare bottle cage bolts or worn tires. I’ve started to keep just the essentials: a basic multi-tool, one high-quality torque wrench, a pump, and a small kit of spares that actually get used (an extra tube, a couple of brake pads, some chain links). Specialized tools that are used once per decade? They can probably go.
Indoor Training Essentials
For indoor riding, I believe a smart trainer is essential. It just makes structured training possible and more enjoyable. I also keep the rest minimal: one sturdy fan, a towel, and a simple table or stand. Entertainment (like a TV or tablet) can help, but it’s not strictly necessary if motivation is high. Still, nothing beats having an easy setup that’s always ready to go.
Minimalist Approach to Training
What’s really exciting for me this upcoming season is applying a minimalist mindset to my training as well—not just the gear. I’m aiming for less junk volume (no more rides just to satisfy Strava ego stats) and focusing only on meaningful sessions: endurance, threshold, and VO2max. The minimal-effective-dose approach means stripping away complicated intervals and unnecessary workouts, and focusing only on what actually drives performance. It’s much less stressful and—hopefully—more effective in the long run.
Is Minimalism Realistic for Cyclists?
Walking through the “pain cave,” garage, and closet is a really good exercise. Most of us, if we’re honest, could do with a lot less than we currently have. Minimalism in cycling isn’t just possible—it’s actually liberating. Less clutter, less maintenance, and more focus on what matters: enjoying the ride and making real progress.
If you’re thinking of downsizing or simplifying, you’re definitely not alone—and it’s a mindset shift that has way more upsides than most people expect.
I didn’t even think of this but great point. And funny you mention the Strava thing because I just recently deleted my Strava and can’t believe how freeing it is. I didn’t realize how much pressure I was putting on myself through Strava. Those days where I just didn’t feel like riding but kept going because I was embarrassed to put up a 3mi bike ride. So instead of turning around and calling it a day, I push through. Or feeling bad for missing out on group rides. Or even feeling pressure over workouts my power numbers. I fully accept that this is self pressure I put on myself, but man once I deleted Strava it was a huge burden off my back. I can just go ride for fun again. I don’t have to worry about stats or segments or kudos.
And as far as training itself, I think I went minimalist last winter without realizing it. My entire winter training was three blocks: extending SweetSpot time in zone, a VO2 block, then extending FTP time in zone. Nothing fancy, just block intervals at set wattages. It was probably the most simple, most boring training I’ve ever done. But it was effective and dead simple to plan and complete.
I think a lot of this mentality is around other life habits. I’ll throw myself under the bus and say I have a hard time spending on quality products some times and end up buying the cheap version of something. Allen keys are a great example. Why spend $80 on a set when the $15 ones i have work just fine. And i have a drawer full of random ones that have come with other purchases over the years in the event one of my $15 ones rounds off. I could replace that entire setup with one purchase of $80…
The real minimal sport is running. You don’t need fancy carbon plated shoes, or GPS, or HRM… You can just get out the door. Obviously i’ve overcomplicated it with everything I mentioned prior, but I find joy in that.
Pain cave comment: If you live in an area where its truly unridable in the winter and forces you inside, that means its cold enough outside to have a small 10” fan in a window and keep a room very chilly!
I don’t think I’ve seen a topic on this forum that I can FEEL in my bones so well but is harder to answer than this one. With clothes, I’ve already gone pretty minimal. Not like Steve Jobs minimal, but close. That was not a sacrifice for me though, because I don’t really care about clothes and fashion. But this is cycling we’re talking about. I care about bikes and kit and sunglasses and helmets and bike shoes. There is way too much of all of it in my house though. Part of this too, is figuring out what you like and what works. Unfortunately, to do that, you have to buy stuff. I think I’m at the point now though, after about 8ish years of cycling, that it is possible to go more minimal because there is totally a favorite helmet, sunglasses, shoes, etc..
Bikes - Currently have five. For me, I could be happy with three. One trainer bike, which is currently an old road bike I would never use on the road. It stays in the basement. So really that bike could be replaced with a Zwift bike or something, but it works fine and why buy more stuff when it is perfect as a dedicated trainer bike? Then I only need one XC bike and one light gravel bike that can double as a road bike. Obviously not as good as a real road bike, but my only racing is gravel or mtb, so those are the only two bikes that really matter and need to be optimized for speed.
Kit - I’ve found myself gravitating back to Rapha for this reason actually. I like the simpler/classic jerseys and have always been comfortable in their stuff. Trendier brands always look good to me, for a year or so. But I can grab a rapha jersey I bought five years ago and still wear it and be happy. So a few jerseys, a few bibs, one heavier long sleeve, one pair bib tights, arm and knee warmers, few pairs of socks, few base layers, and a good vest. I think that would cover me for conditions I ride in.
Other Equipment - One black helmet, one white helmet. One pair spd shoes, one pair road shoes (because I mostly use road shoes on gravel). Couple pairs of sunglasses with various lenses for light/dark rides. Three pairs of gloves (fingerless, mtb, and one warmer).
Yeah, my minimal lists here don’t seem all that minimal. For training, I just use TR but I def do a little self coaching within the framework to mold it how I want it in regards to a little more volume.
Came from the running world so I think the minimalist thing came with me… but on that note I have been “collecting” bike of late.
Bikes… You only need one, but that’s not fun. I currently have been thinking of reducing the fleet to an Epic 8 and a Crux that I could use for gravel and road with an extra wheel set.
Gear… A few Lycra shorts and my old running dry-fit shirts work for me. Don’t see any reason to wear a Lycra top in training.
Tools… enough to do the basics. Anything else I have a friend who used to be a bike mechanic or take it to the shop.
Training… Why would anyone do the least amount possible? I like riding my bike and want to do it as much as possible.
You can simplify it down to go ride, and include some intensity. Intensity could be as simple as go hard on some local hills. You don’t need the HR, you don’t need the power meter, you don’t need the GPS. You don’t need periodisation. You don’t need progressive overload. You don’t need a plan. Plenty out there ride regularly and consistently and live happily and healthily without stressing about all the data you can collect now or a plan.
What tools
I do my own maintenance, so tools would be enough to maintain my bike. The only tool I don’t have are for fitting / removing headsets. Plus grease and oil. If I didn’t do my own maintenance, it’d be about 4 Allen keys, some tyre levers and patch kit. What I could pass on are tools for BB or cranks styles I no longer have on my bikes.
What gear?
Clothing for warm summer days. Clothing for wet and warm or cold. As above enough for laundry cycles. But I don’t wash kit after every ride. I let it dry and give it the pong test for washing. Much of my upper layers are polygeine treated which means they resist bacteria for longer. My kit overlaps with my mountaineering kit, I don’t wear specialist cycling kit. It’s no so much sets of kit as combinations that can be mixed to suit the different weather and temps you are expecting on your ride.
Lights if you ride at night.
Bags of some sort you can attach to bike if you like to tour.
What spares?
Inner tubes, tyres, bottom bracket, disc brake pads, cassette, chain, gear cable and outer. These are the parts which are easy to replace, but can keep the bike off the road when they’ve worn out or in case if tyres / tubes suffered a terminal gash.
Just being silly about Allen keys but when I’m walking around my shed, I can see loads of Allen keys. When I have a job that needs Allen keys, I can’t find them…
Rationally, I figure if things don’t take much room or cost me, I shouldn’t sweat their existence. I still do, though. What can help is realizing that I can just toss or donate the stuff. Sometimes I do just that.
I’ve kind of been force feed this approach. I admit I’ve been paring down for a couple years now, but my wife and I recently decided to retire to an apartment that is half the size of our current home. It has forced a complete re-think on EVERYTHING. I’m going down to 2 bikes from 6. My road/gravel Crux and a mtb. The wife will have 1 bike, an electric gravel bike that is everything from grocery getter to weekend long ride bike. She’s getting rid of her Peloton and I’m getting rid of my trainer bike and we’re going to share an adjustable indoor bike (probably a Zwift frame). I’m getting rid of all the tools and stuff (bike and home) that I use once every 3 years or whatever, and committing to doing minimal maintenance myself and paying the bike shop or a handy man to do what I can’t. We’re moving to the mountains, so that means hiking gear too and I’m just going to have to force us to minimize EVERYTHING.
I’m going from 9 guitars and basses to 3 (a 4 and 5 string bass and an acoustic guitar). Getting rid of all my guitar pedals, amps, and cabs, and just using an all-in-one box. Etc.
I’m actually looking forward to not having to maintain and have spare stuff for so many bikes and guitars. My toys will be toys again!
We’ll have a small apartment size washing machine, so we’ll probably be doing daily laundry. That means maybe 3 pairs each of jeans and shorts and 3 pairs of bibs. A few shirts and jerseys, a few jackets, etc. I don’t think it will be that hard for me to minimize, but it’s going to be shocking for the wife, who has like 20 pairs of shoes and 40 t-shirts The plan is to have a summer and winter set of clothes and store the ones that are out of season in the garage and just swap by season. It’s going to be a real challenge, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve given thousands of dollars of stuff to the local women’s shelter resale shop over the last few months and it’s liberating.
Lets echo that last point. If you’re downsizing, please find a good local donation option that contributes to your local community or specific underserved groups. Too many so-called donation centers masquerade as nonprofits, but operate like businesses chasing revenue while doing nothing for the local community aside from providing a dozen minimum wage jobs.
We specifically chose this donation location because my wife and daughter volunteer there, so they know most stuff doesn’t end up in the dumpster out back!
I need my current road bike, my trainer bike (which doubles as a spare road bike, so I need the rear wheel too), and my mountain bike (really just goes on gravel trails). Could get rid of the ancient e-bike I haven’t ridden and a few extra wheels. I have one spare tube for each size plus two extra for the road bike (that I ride all the time), and I wouldn’t feel comfortable with less. I probably could ditch the tubes that only work in the old road bike (though I did blow a tube on the trainer and used one). I have a bunch of parts I could get rid of – spokes, old tires, old bits of chain, most of a 9-speed and 11-speed group, handlebars and seatpost from an old bike, some old chainrings, etc. I’m wouldn’t give up any tools, though I don’t have anything like a full set.
For kit I have a few old jerseys I should toss but the stuff in rotation basically makes up a laundry cycle.
For training I’ve got a trainer, a mat, a fan, a towel, and a table. TR is provided via my phone and entertainment via my tablet, so nothing extra there.
I’m not trying for minimal so I’ll be keeping most of this, and I’ve also thought of trying to obtain a frameset and build another bike from some of the spares but that’s crazy thoughts.
If you want actually minimalist, buy a sturdy townbike, or maybe a hardtail mtb, get ride of all other bikes and any bike-specific clothing (including shoes - use flat pedals). Maybe keep a helmet and lights. You don’t need a training setup, just ride your bike outdoors whenever you want. Millions of people live happily like that.
With regards to tools for maintenance etc, I find the modern ‘minimalist’ idea basically trades owning things for buying someone’s services - you don’t need any tools (bar a pump maybe), just take your bike to a shop whenever anything needs doing.
Minimum equipment to be happy, and minimum equipment because I’m broke are two different things.
To be happy? I need three high quality bikes. Road XC, and trail. I don’t need my gravel bike, it’s just my commuter. But if I was broke, it would be really hard to choose just one, but probably an “okay” road bike (even though I mostly race XC).
I don’t need any training equipment. I just did a KOM attempt on a new, 23 mile segment (2nd place out of 50 ) and I never looked at power or heart rate. I live in SoCal, it’s pretty rare I would have to skip workouts because of weather. I can fuel on tacos, I don’t need anything more.
You can pry my tools from my cold, dead hands. I’m a professional “mechanic” (HVACR Technician), plus I try to do as much of my own repairs as possible on everything I own (including my 30+ year old Ford Powerstroke), let alone bike work.
I have a handful of sentimental jerseys that I don’t need, sure. A few from the bike shop that went bust many years ago, who were responsible for helping me become the athlete I became (I was broke and depressed when I moved here, and they helped me suffer less). But the rest of my kit gets used.
I do need to go through and get rid of a bunch of my spares. Holdover from my broke days, and procrastination. I REALLY should have sold that spare frame during COVID
I’m also a runner, and I have probably just as much running gear as cycling. Maybe 10 pairs of shoes (I buy clearance shoes in bulk when I travel to the big warehouse). Plus a couple running packs (I run ultra), trekking poles, hats, Garmin, etc. So while I could simplify it, I’m not likely to.
My most minimalist would be fitting everything I need into my van to live in it, which has room for most everything I listed above
Surprised no one has mentioned singlespeed yet :p. Bike-wise, I have an old hardtail on the trainer, a steel singlespeed hardtail (which is custom and has a lot of bells and whistles, to be fair), singlespeed cross bike and a BMX for the backyard pump track. I’m in the process of selling my geared full suspension that I hardly ever ride, and will probably give the cross bike to a local junior racer soon.
Training wise, just TR on erg mode with whatever the AI tells me to do and some metal in the headphones. Before AI it was whatever the standard plan told me to do. No thoughts, just pedaling. Since I started TR in 2018 I’ve added nearly 100 watts to my FTP, while being consistently inconsistent due to having 2 young kids and a pretty demanding job, so it’s worked ok.
I’ve got enough tools to adjust a derailleur, change a cassette and change tires, but that’s about it. Never liked working on bikes and will gladly pay the pros.
Where my minimalist streak really shines, though, is clothing. I haven’t bought anything new other than socks and gloves in probably 3 years, and regularly wear some bibs that are nearing 20 years old on the trainer- although my wife is starting to insist those be thrown out!
I’ll admit I find my singlespeed surprisingly calming to ride around hilly Seattle. I’m never wondering if I’m in the wrong gear because I know I’m in the wrong gear. There’s a whole part of my brain that just chills out. Plus, it’s so easy to overcook it and flame out spectacularly halfway up a hill that all my climbing is focused on how relaxed I can be, not how hard I can hammer.
If I had to keep just one bike, it wouldn’t be the one, but if I had to keep just two bikes, it would be a strong contender.
My approach in life is if you don’t use it, it’s too much. And if you do, it doesn’t matter what the price is. So if you have 20 hours to ride bikes a week, and you rotate among 5 bikes regularly, that’s not too many bikes. But if you ride 3 hours per week on 1 bike, with 5 other bikes just stored away, then you have too many, even if you got them for free.
Whether it’s bikes or gear or collectibles, each item has its purpose. And as long as they’re being used for that purpose I’m good. When they get neglected or hidden, that’s when there’s no active value in them, then I know I need to sell it.
For me right now, I have two bikes, one super fast, and the other as a gravel/endurance.
One bike for outside. I’d switch back to tubes as you need a bunch of crap to set up and maintain tubeless. Set of Allan keys, tire levers, chain whip, centre lock tool. If I was close to a good shop maybe not even the last two. Floor pump and chain lube. One dirty towel for chain, one for frame and non-greasy applications.
Kit really depends on how often you’re riding and in what conditions - I need more if I’m going to ride when it’s -20c out than if I’m somewhere where it never rains or goes below 10c. If daily or close to, then 2-3 outfits depending on typical hour/d usage and rain frequency. Plus whatever additional outerwear is needed to avoid succumbing to exposure when outside. I’d go back to flats and just use sandals/runners to ride in.
Separate dummy bike for trainer because it’s too annoying to switch one bike on and off every other day in shoulder seasons. Smart trainer. Fan. Zwift and something to run it on. No TR, no Strava.
Nothing special for nutrition and hydration. Commercial products are a luxury. I can add salt and table syrup and lemon juice to water and it tastes good. Or eat whatever carby things I have around the house.
The plan is to have a summer and winter set of clothes and store the ones that are out of season in the garage and just swap by season. It’s going to be a real challenge, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve given thousands of dollars of stuff to the local women’s shelter resale shop over the last few months and it’s liberating.
) and I never looked at power or heart rate. I live in SoCal, it’s pretty rare I would have to skip workouts because of weather. I can fuel on tacos, I don’t need anything more.
