Necessary Bike Gear|Cycling Accessories

Since cycling is such a popular activity, there are plenty of cycling accessories and bike gear available for enthusiasts. However,some of them are quite expensive.But which bike gear is most important?

List of Cycling Accessories Recommendations

Helmet

This can be considered a piece of clothing, but more importantly, it is a safety gear. The reason to get it before other professional items is practical: Most cyclists may fall off their bike, and a proper helmet can help prevent head injuries. So no matter what kind of riding you prefer – road, mountain, gravel, racing or even community recreation – wear a helmet.

In general, bicycle helmets must meet established safety standards. Any bike helmet currently on the market that fits you will be acceptable.

Shorts

Generally speaking, cycling shorts come in two styles: leggings and loose-fitting. Even the loose-fitting may have some legging characteristics under its looser outer layer. Both types also have padding (called chamois) to protect the area of the body that comes into contact with the bike saddle and absorbs moisture. Bike shorts are meant to be worn, without underwear, it clumps together and causes chafing.

In most cases, skinny shorts are the go-to wear for road bikes and other riders who stay in the saddle for extended periods of time. The body material is spandex, a synthetic fiber known for its elasticity.

The snug fit eliminates excess fabric friction burns and saddle sores that can result between you and the seat, and there is no fabric to flap around and create wind resistance. The elasticity prevents the material from tipping upwards during activity and provides support for this area of ??the body, helping to combat overall fatigue.

Cross-country trail and backcountry riders get out of the saddle more often and therefore generally prefer looser shorts, which allow for a greater range of motion. But beyond these differences, skinny shorts have become associated with both road cycling culture and mountain bike culture. But, of course, you can wear either type on any kind of riding.

Many cyclists, especially who weae tight shorts, use a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, on the hip area where they have any friction or friction with the chamois.

Gloves

Cycling have padd in the palm to cushion your hands and absorb shock from bumps in the road. They also help protect your hands when you fall and stretch them to prevent falls.

Shoes

There are two types of cycling shoes: road cycling and mountain bike (MTB) shoes.

Road cycling shoes are stiffer and have cleats on the bottom that snap into pedals designed for that purpose. They have a smooth sole that helps get into the pedals quickly, which is important when you’re racing, but road shoes aren’t great for going very far, especially with the protruding cleats that make you feel like a rock is stuck to the sole.

MTB shoes can also use cleats, but they are not required, and even when cleats are used, the cleats can be embedded in the recessed areas of the sole. While off-road riders will almost always opt for MTB shoes, many road riders who don’t race often do as well.

Cycling Jersey

While it is always possible to ride in regular clothing, but most cyclists who ride regularly end up buying at least some specialized clothing, mainly because it makes riding more comfortable.

If you’re on the road, bright cycling jersey help make it easier for drivers to see you, but they don’t have to be bike-specific tops. General speaking, cycling jerseys are made of synthetic fabric, and they won’t soak through if you get wet in the rain. They fit snugly to minimize wind resistance, and pockets on the back keep your items from interfering with the pumping motion of your legs. Some mountain bikers may have pockets on the baggy shorts and opt for a t-shirt-style top made of synthetic material.

Cold Weather Cycling Accessories

The shorts and jersey described above are great for warm-weather riding, but they also serve as a base layer for pedaling in the cold. If you’re only investing in one bike-specific item for cold weather, get a pair of tights, as they won’t get caught in your chains like regular jeans or pants.

A toque under a helmet is a good idea, but doesn’t have to be bike-specific. If your shoes are roomy enough, add a second pair of socks, or you can buy shoe covers designed for cycling shoes. Otherwise, you can opt for non-bike winter clothing, but if you’re going to be on the road, choose bright colors. Or buy a cheap neon green vest for highway workers to wear over your jacket or trench coat.

What Other Bike Gear Do I Need?

While there are many options, only a few items are essential. They include:

Water bottle

Staying hydrated while riding is important. Carry a bottle full of water. A good way to do this is to use a framed cage made for such bottles.

Bike Lights

If you’re only riding on bike lanes and it’s always during the day, these are less of an issue, but many road riders these days use running lights — white front and red back — even in bright daylight increase their visibility.

Spare tire

Make sure the tube is the right size for the wheels and tires on your bike. You can also bring a repair kit, but when your tire blows out on the road, you’ll find it easier to just replace the tube and then repair the punctured tube at home later.

Tools for removing wheels

When repairing flats, most modern bicycle wheels can be removed from the bike without tools. However, if you have nuts on the end of your axle, carry an adjustable wrench or other tool to loosen them.

Tire lever

These are small tools used to remove tires from rims, so you can remove punctured tubes and install new ones.

Mini Pump

What do you need to inflate the new tube. These pumps usually come with a cage that can be mounted on the bike frame. Make sure the pump you buy matches the type of valve on your tire (there are two types).

Seat bag

Small under-seat pocket or other device for carrying spare tubes, tire irons, tools and personal items.

Other accessories

Depending on how comfortable you are working on your bike, you may need a multi-tool that will allow you to do some repairs on the road. A bike computer allows you to track distance and speed you ride. Many riders find the mirrors helpful in traffic. A bike lock is a good idea if you’re leaving your bike while you’re eating or running errands.