Cycling is a great activity that can improve your fitness level and help you explore urban and rural areas. If you’re new to the world of cycling, you are probably not sure which accessories to get to make all future rides as fun and safe as possible. Luckily for you, this article will list all the essential accessories every cyclist should have:
Helmets
Having a safe biking helmet is one of the most important things you should do before you start going on cycling adventures. It will protect your head, even in the smallest crashes. Helmets have come a long way in technology and design, so today’s models are more versatile, stylish, and comfortable than before. Some of them can even help you cool your head thanks to carefully placed vents.
Proper Clothing
When you are cycling, the clothes you choose to wear have multiple purposes. Besides comfort and style, it needs to keep you cool and dry during rides. Also, you should go for high-visibility items for safety reasons. First of all, invest in moisture-wicking jerseys. Conveniently enough, nowadays you can even get custom cycling jerseys designed for top performance. Next, you should have a pair of padded shorts that will help minimize the compression of soft tissue and eliminate soreness during longer rides.
Safety Lighting
Now more than ever, it is extremely important to be able to see what’s coming at you in low-light situations and to be seen by others when you’re out on the road. Alerting pedestrians, cars, and other cyclists is essential for your safety and the safety of others. If you pair a high-powered headlight with a blinking rear taillight, you can rest assured that your visibility is strong.
Locks
Having a bike is a kind of investment, and since you’ve made it, you should keep it safe with a keyed or combination lock. If you need a solution for quick rides around the town, you can pick a smaller, lightweight option. However, if your bike needs to be locked somewhere for extended periods, you should get a heavy-duty lock.
Water Bottles
Cycling can be an intense workout, so packing a water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated during the ride. This is particularly important during extremely hot and cold weather. Filling your water bottle before, during, and after the ride is an ideal plan if you want to get the most out of your cycling experience. As for practicality, you can easily mount a bottle on your bike with the help of a universal bottle holder.
Repair Kits
Having a simple flat repair kit and the associated tools will help you change a flat tire and replace a bad tube if needed. And if you add a pump or a Co2 setup, you will have all the tools you need to get going again in case of a technical accident.
Cycling Gloves
A good pair of cycling gloves will allow you to grip the handlebars comfortably while also protecting your hands from blisters and road vibrations. To get the most out of them, look for gloves with padded palms that are made of breathable materials that will improve comfort during longer rides. What’s more, some gloves even have fingertips that are touchscreen compatible so you can use your phone during breaks without having to take them off.
Saddle Bag
Carrying all these handy accessories is awesome, but where can you keep them? Well, this is where a saddle bag comes in handy. The bag is conveniently attached to your bike’s seat post, and these items come in various sizes so you can pick one based on your needs. However, look for water-resistant options with reflective elements that will enhance your visibility on the road.
Cycling has always been appreciated as one of the healthiest means of transportation, both for people and the environment. There are many reasons why a person would choose to frequently ride a bicycle, and whichever they might be, you can benefit from getting the accessories listed above. They will surely enhance your experience and ensure safety and comfort on the road, every time.