Cycling can be fun and stress-free at first, but it can easily switch to the daunting side if you’re not well-kitted with your biking accessories. Having your biking accessories with you will make biking enjoyable, whether for recreational, exercising, or transportation purposes.
Below are 6 bike accessories that would ease your biking experience:
1. Bike Lock
A bike lock is an essential accessory for every bicycle owner. It keeps your bike safe by making it difficult to steal. This is why every bike owner needs bike locks to protect their bike and also keep it from being mistaken for someone else’s.
You should look out for quality and very secure bike locks when buying. The best bike locks should also be durable and easy to use.
2. Helmet
You need to always take safety precautions when cycling. A helmet is precisely for this purpose. The helmet is a safety gear worn on the head to protect the head in case of accidents.
Though most people feel that a helmet cannot protect much in the case of a collision with automobiles or even when mountain hiking. Still, helmets can make the difference between being alive and dying from injury to the head.
By using a helmet when riding, you reduce the risk of serious head injury even if you crash. Nonetheless, you should maintain cycling precautions and not cycle recklessly.
When buying a helmet, you should go for the ones that are well-plastered and insulated on the inside. Also, ensure that the helmet fits your head snugly and securely every time you use it. Always remember to keep the straps tightened, so the helmet can perform its wholesome duty of protection.
3. Spares and Tools
The moment you got your bicycle, you became your mechanic. You might need to fix some minor issues with your bike all by yourself, especially if you find it a hassle to always visit the repair shop every time you have a problem with your bicycle.
You would need to pump or replace your tires by yourself from time to time. This is why you should have spare tire tubes, tire pumps, and other repair tools.
It is always essential to have these things with you in a bike backpack. That way, you can easily reach for the items anytime you need them.
4. Mudguards/Fenders
Mudguards and fenders help protect your bicycle from natural elements, like mud, rainwater, land dust, and the likes. Not all bicycles come with them, so you might have to buy them if they are not part of your bike’s components.
You’ll find them particularly handy on rainy days. Mudguards allow the mud and rainwater to slip beneath your tires, preventing your cloth from getting wet or stained.
Mudguards and fenders come in various shapes, designs, and sizes so you can choose the one that suits your taste and bicycle design. Lastly, purchase a mudguard and fender that is durable, so you’ll not have to frequently replace it.
5. Front and Rear Lights
Most bikes don’t come with front and backlights. This means that they’re restricted to use during the day. If you would be using your bike after dark, you should get front and rear lights to illuminate your path and make you visible to other road users.
If you use your bike for recreational activities, such as mountain biking, you have to buy bike lights. When choosing front and rear lights, it’s best to go for power-conserving bright lights that you can use for long hours. Also, try to confirm how long they can last before buying them.
6. Cycling Wears
Cycling wears are part of the essential accessories that are used during biking. You need them to have a whole and enjoyable biking experience.
Some of the essential biking wears you need include:
· Eyewear: Eyewear protects your eyes from insects, dirt, rain, debris, and the ray of the sun when cycling. Thus, get glasses that can protect your eyes from these elements.
· Bike Shoes: Bike shoes are created specifically for cycling, so they’re the best to use whenever you would be cycling for a long duration. They’ll help you avoid sore feet due to pedaling. Also, the buildup makes them durable compared to regular shoes that quickly get damaged when used for pedaling.
· Bike Clothing: Cycling has special clothes usually made from Lycra. You don’t have to wear them except when they’re required for your recreational activity.
You should wear loose-fitting shorts and non-clingy jersey when on the bike, so you’d be comfortable and to encourage proper airflow.
It’s common to see cyclers wear gloves as well. These gloves are specially designed to flex easily on the bike’s handlebars. They also prevent sore and stiff hands. Although they’re not always necessary, you can still add them as essentials when cycling professionally or for long.
Conclusion
Having a bike is a wonderful thing. However, you can make things much easier by getting the essential accessories listed above.
With the proper accessories, you can enhance your bike features, make it more secured, and protect yourself from environmental elements and physical harm.
