Building a Little 500 rider

A Little 500 cycling team’s budget only scratches the surface with the $100 registration fee. In fact, the elite teams often utilize — through sponsors, fundraising and out-of-pocket expenses — thousands of dollars of top-of-the-line equipment and apparel.

Senior Gray Goat Cycling rider Matt Kiel discussed his team’s equipment and his own apparel for race day.

Glasses

Cost: $100-$300

Kiel’s gear: Oakley custom-made Jawbone, approximate value $250 (Oakley provides each rider with a custom pair.)

A cheaper option: Oakley Flak Jacket ($150)

“Glasses are important. Since it’s a cinder track, you get a lot of grit and stuff flying up from the track — you have to have something to protect your eyes,” Kiel said.

Gloves

Cost: $15-$40

Kits (apparel)

Cost: $80-$120

Kiel’s gear: Custom-made outfit for the entire team (IUSF provides jerseys) 

Shoes

Cost: $75-$150

Kiel’s gear: Taho Shoes from Specialized, approximate value $100

A cheaper option: Your own running shoes

“It’s not a road racing or mountain biking shoe,” Kiel said. “These are platform shoes so we want to get something that’s a little bit stiffer than your typical running shoe.”

Helmet

Cost: $70-$175

Kiel’s choice: Bell Volt Helmet, approximate value $175

A cheaper option: Giro Monza helmet, $70

“You just need a lightweight helmet that’s really well-ventilated,” Kiel said. “On a black cinder track, ventilation is really important. You also don’t want to carry along a lot of extra weight.”