When buying a bike, many customers only think about the bike and forget to consider basic accessories as a part of their initial budget. Most the time, quality accessories will improve your cycling experience in a more quantifiable way than say, a better groupset, especially if you start riding regularly.
When buying a bike, many customers only think about the bike and forget to consider basic accessories as a part of their initial budget. Most the time, quality accessories will improve your cycling experience in a more quantifiable way than say, a better groupset, especially if you start riding regularly.
Here’s a list of the first accessories you should consider getting if you plan on buying a bike. These accessories will ensure you’re having fun and riding safely.
Helmet
The helmet is part of riding safely. Although it’s not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to wear one in case of a crash. If there was a time when wearing a helmet wasn’t so flattering, it’s long gone now. These days, helmets come in a variety of styles, colours and are so much lighter and vented than they once were. So whether you want a flashy racing helmet or just a casual helmet for urban riding, you’re sure to find something that suits you.
Water bottles
On a bike, where you’re producing a sustained effort, the golden rule is to drink one water bottle an hour. Since cyclists are out riding in hot conditions, for long periods of time, hydration is crucial if you want to maintain performance and your good mood. Improper hydration is a mistake many starting riders do inadvertently, which is why you should at least carry one water bottle on your bike. Most road bikes have holes for two water bottle cages, since the average ride on a road bike is longer.
Floor pump
Most people are surprised when they learn how fast a tire loses its pressure, and how they should pump their tires at least once a week for a hybrid bike, and before each ride on a road bike. You should not neglect to inflate your tires at the correct pressure, because an under inflated tire will be vulnerable to punctures and will offer suboptimal grip. In worst cases, a tire can even come off its rim, which can lead to a serious crash. We recommend a good floor pump.
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$144.99 -
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TopeakPump Rebuild Kits Box$94.99 -
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BlackburnCore Pro Floor Pumphead$39.99 -
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Bike lights
Did you know that a bike is required by the law to use front and rear lights when riding after sunset? Cycling lights help drivers see you from afar, which allows them to plan how they will maneuver around you. It’s an essential accessory that will make you much safer. Bontrager even offers a backlight powerful enough to be used in the daytime, and to be seen from 2 km away. Cyclists that have tried it noticed that drivers were more polite towards them.
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GarminVaria Saddle Rail Mount$64.99 -
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$6.49 -
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BlackburnMTB Mirror$29.99 -
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Bike shorts and bibs
Many people think of changing their saddle when they feel uncomfortable, but a good bike short usually solves comfort issues. This is why it’s the most important piece of gear for many cyclists, right after their helmet of course! The bike short acts as an underwear designed to improve comfort in the saddle. It uses a chamois, which is a pad made of synthetic materials or gel to minimize friction and evacuate moisture. There are various shapes, thicknesses and materials, so don’t hesitate and try a few, some will fit you better than others.
A bib short uses straps to maintain the short in place. With straps, it’s more comfortable and fits better. Usually when cyclists buy their first bib shorts, they don’t go back to regular shorts.
Glasses
Often overlooked, sunglasses provide great safety for your eyes. Indeed, when you’re riding for hours under the sun, sunglasses protect your eyes against sun rays, but also against all sort of debris and insects. Ask any cyclist, we’ve all seen insects and rocks from far too close. When that happens, you’ll be glad you had sunglasses on.
