Understanding of what it takes to ride a bike comfortably comes with experience. Beginner riders usually purchase a minimal set of equipment, put fenders on the bike and go for a ride. Other accessories are purchased over time. However, you can get them in advance.

bike computers


In this era of digital technology, bike computers keep complete statistics of riding a bike. Data on all important parameters of trips are stored in their memory: current, average and maximum speed of movement, distance covered, travel time, etc. Models with a built-in GPS allow you to record tracks of the routes traveled, and the most advanced on-board computers support full navigation using built-in maps.

The category of bike computers can be divided into two large subcategories:

  • wired models – low-cost options with a reliable connection, but they make the cyclist deal with laying wires; besides, in case of a fall or collision, there is a high risk of breaking the wire;
  • wireless models – such a connection greatly simplifies the installation of the bike computer and eliminates the fuss with wires; The other side of the coin of wireless models is the need for frequent replacement of batteries, both in the head unit of the device and in the speed sensor.
Bike Computers & Speedometers

In terms of price and functionality, the market for on-board computers for bicycles is saturated with offers for literally every taste. So, those who like to ride in the mountains should take a closer look at models with a built-in altimeter. Bike computers with a heart rate monitor allow a beginner rider to choose the right load. And the cadence sensor will help the cyclist not to ruin the knee joints and makes it easier to choose the optimal gear for different situations. Devices with this feature may display at least your current cadence, and some may display your average or maximum cadence.

In part, the function of a bike computer can be performed by smartphones. To install them on the steering column, you will need to acquire a suitable bike rack. These holders allow you to place a smartphone in front of the rider's eyes, using it while driving to navigate unfamiliar terrain or to quickly answer calls.

Locks and blocks


All kinds of locks and blocks are designed to protect the bike from theft when parked. They will come in handy if the rider needs to go into a store, cafe or pharmacy on the way. Bicycle anti-theft devices are based on the principles of limiting the free movement of vehicles. In the vast majority, they are used to fasten the bike to various fixed structural elements: a fence, a tree, a bench, etc.

The category of basic anti-theft equipment for bicycles includes the following types of devices:

  • cable – locks in the form of a cable that can be closed in a ring; the flexible cable is easily stretched in narrow places, and when folded it takes up a minimum of space; at the same time, such a lock is relatively easy to break, so it is customary to use it as the main anti-theft tool in places with a low probability of theft;
  • chain – locks in the form of a chain, the ends of which are closed in a ring with the help of lock; their main drawbacks are bulky dimensions and significant weight, however, in terms of reliability and resistance to breaking, chain locks are second only to U-locks;
  • U-lock – locks of this type consist of a U-shaped shackle, fixed at both ends in a lock; these anti-theft tools are the most resistant to burglary; they are locked with a combination lock or a lock mechanism with a key.
Locks and Blocks

Other means are aimed at limiting some of the functionality of the bike. For example, a disc brake block tightly locks the brakes and turns off the bike’s movement function. The same applies to wheel and steering blocks. A bicycle with such anti-theft devices becomes non-self-propelled, however, attackers can carry the blocked bike on their shoulders. All kinds of blocks are effective only for short-term parking, when the bike is in front of the owner's eyes.

Equipment


Helmets

A bicycle helmet is not just an ordinary accessory, but an investment in rider safety. It is recommended to get a helmet in the very first place, because it can save a cyclist's life. When falling, the helmet protects the head from concussion and other unpleasant injuries. There are special aerodynamic models that completely cover the head, helmets for extreme riding, classic universal models – the choice of a particular accessory depends on the style of cycling.

You need to select a helmet based on the dimensions of the head, weight, attachment system, the presence and quality of pads on the inside. For hot weather, cycling helmets with good ventilation are better, while for riding in cold weather it is better to give preference to one-piece options without ventilation holes. The design and coloring of the helmet is a matter of the rider's taste. But useful additional tricks in the design in the manner of a sun visor or a special hole for the hair will come in handy.

Cycling clothing

Riding a bike in casual clothes often promise rubbing of certain areas of the skin. In addition, the standard wardrobe does not remove sweat well. For regular long-distance trips, it is best to put on special cycling clothing.

For comfortable travel while driving a bike, it is worth getting shorts or pants with a special “diaper” – padding made of soft material placed in the crotch area of the cyclist. This pad absorbs sweat well, preventing irritation of delicate areas of the skin in the groin area, and it also softens the seating position. Note that due to differences in anatomy between men and women, it is necessary to select cycling shorts and pants strictly by gender, and it is recommended to wear them without underwear.

The correct regulation of the rider's body temperature is provided by jerseys – tight-fitting T-shirts with short or long sleeves. As a rule, this wardrobe item is sewn from synthetic fabrics that effectively remove moisture and dry quickly, preventing the cyclist from overheating. In cool weather, a sleeveless vest is often worn over a jersey.

Special cycling socks are created for riders. They usually have an anatomical cut and flat seams to avoid chafing the legs. Socks are often provided with mesh inserts for ventilation and moisture removal, and wide cuffs for good fixation on the legs.

Cycling shoes

Many examples of modern cycling shoes skillfully disguise themselves as city sneakers. But in the matter of choosing shoes for a cyclist, another emphasis is important – we are talking about contact shoes. The so-called contacts shoes allow you to firmly fasten into the pedals and turn them with maximum efficiency. The sole of such cycling shoes is usually made of hard plastic, where characteristic spikes are attached. They also provide tenacious contact of the feet with the pedals. To use such cycling shoes on the bike, you will need to install the appropriate contact pedals.

Cycling gloves

Gloves for a cyclist allow you to hold on to grips on the handlebars more tenaciously, protect the skin on the palms and fingers of the rider in case of falls, and prevent blisters from chafing. Bicycle gloves are available both with cut off fingers and with full ones. The latter option is better suited for skiing in the cold season.

Important factors when choosing gloves are the dimensions of the product, ventilation, the presence of gel inserts in the palm area. Reflective inserts will also serve as useful additions to these accessories. High-quality gloves should be tightly fastened on the rider's hand, without overstretching the wrist. In most models, hook-and-loop fastener is used.

Bike lights


You can't do without bike lights when riding a bike at night. The headlamp illuminates the area in front of the bicycle, and it is customary to use flashing lights as a rear position light. They got their name due to the characteristic red flashing mode, which increases the visibility of the bike in the dark. Such lights may also provide other formats of operation, in particular, a constant glow or a stoplight.

For the urban rhythm of cycling, it is better to choose a head light with a pronounced border between light and shadow so as not to blind drivers of oncoming vehicles. By the way, you will also need a quick-release headlight mount – lighting equipment can be quickly dismantled for riding during the day. Most of head lights are produced on the basis of light-emitting diodes (LED).

An important parameter of any bicycle headlight is the luminous flux, expressed in lumens (lm). The higher this indicator, the better the lamp get over long distances and increases the visibility of the cyclist on the road. But bright headlights often have significant dimensions and weight. “Smart” lighting for a bicycle is a separate category – smart headlights are able to adapt to the speed of movement (the faster the rider rushes, the farther the light gets), and the rear flasher with this feature can be synchronized with the brakes and play the role of a brake light when slowing down bike.

Bike Lights

Bike bags and mounts


A bicycle bag will serve as a useful thing both for moving around the city and for conquering long distances. In the rhythm of the life of the city, preference is given to small handbags on the steering wheel, where you can put some cash, keys, a smartphone and other small things. By the way, phone bags are produced for mobile gadgets. They have a transparent window for the screen of a smartphone and allow you to keep your mobile phone in sight, playing the role of a mount on the handlebars or the top tube of the bicycle frame.

More contents can be accommodated by frame bike bags and under the saddle bags. They already can fit a repair kit and a basic set of tools for an impromptu bike repair on the road. And on a long journey it is worth taking a bike bag on the trunk. Double bags are best suited for transporting a large amount of things.

While cycling, it is extremely important to maintain the body's water balance. In order to carry water supplies with you, you will need to get a flask and install a bottle holder on the bike frame. An alternative option is a drinking system (hydrator). This is a plastic container of a sufficiently large volume with a flexible drinking tube. It is supposed to carry a hydrator in a backpack behind the shoulders of the rider.

Bike Bags

Bike pumps


Many cyclists mistakenly believe that it is not necessary to carry a pump with them. And if in the city you can still do without it due to the availability of tyre shops, then when driving on country roads, the pump helps out a lot in unforeseen situations. With it, you can pump up the wheel after repairing a broken chamber and installing a patch on it.

Bike riders usually carry compact hand pumps with them, which take up a minimum of space in a bike bag or are mounted on a bike frame. Floor models with foot platforms are mainly stationary products for pumping wheels in the garage. To control the correct pressure in the tyres of a bicycle, it is recommended to look at the pumps with a pressure gauge.

Child bike seats


It is possible and necessary to teach children cycling, as they say, “from the cradle”. An important role in solving this issue is played by children's bicycle seats installed on a bike for riding together with a child. The best view for a young passenger is provided by the front seats located on the steering wheel. The child in such a seat is constantly in front of the eyes of the parent.

A safer option is rear bike seats. Such products are mounted on the trunk or under the saddle of the bike. In addition, they do not constrain the rider's body movements. In addition to the place where the child seat is fixed, attention should be paid to the safety elements of the chair: belts for fixing the child, stirrups for the legs, the mechanism for adjusting the height of the footrest, the headrest and armrests.

The most notable type of child seats are bike trailers. They can withstand a much greater load than traditional bike seats, and there is enough space in the trailer for two children. The famous Swedish company Thule has succeeded in the production of such "carts".


The specific list of necessary accessories depends on the needs of the cyclist. In addition to the listed items, the rider may need other bike accessories. For example, a bike mount for a car, ergonomic “horns” for a steering wheel, a bike bell, etc.

Enjoy safe and comfortable rides!