Safety, comfort and convenience should all be considerations as you're looking at new road bikes. Whether you plan to take your bike out on long rides during the weekend or if you plan to ride your bike to school or work, some equipment is required by the laws in your state. Other equipment enables you to ride your bike much more comfortably.
Reasons for Bike Gear
Aside from your new bicycle, you need equipment that helps to protect, not only your body, but alerts others that you're on the road. Bicycle gloves are a must and bike knicks -- pants -- that protect your buttocks are another necessity.
Laws in your state may require that you make yourself and your bike visible to motorists. Flashing reflectors and reflective stripes on your clothing help you accomplish this.
Don't forget accessories for your longer bike trips. If you plan on spending much time on your new bike, all of these will be necessary, as well, according to EBicycles.
Rear View Mirrors
Attach a rear view mirror so you can see behind you and prevent possible accidents. Look for the variety you can easily clip onto your handlebars, advises EBicycles.
Bicycle Clothing
Reflective clothing, including the bicycle jersey and knicks are necessary. On short bike rides, regular clothing will suffice, but, for the longer rides, specialized clothing that allows you to ride more comfortably also makes your ride more enjoyable.
Cycling shoes allow your feet to stay in contact with the bike pedals on long rides, especially those involving riding up steep hills, according to EBicycles.
Safety Gear
Reflective lights make you much more visible to drivers in trucks and cars. Include a good safety helmet that protects your head from hard blows on the ground. Don't forget about glasses either. You're likely to be dodging small pebbles and dust during windy conditions, so put these on your list, according to Fitwerx.
Tire Repair Kits
You will experience flat tires as you ride your bike. Toss a flat repair kit consisting of a Co2 inflator, tire levers, mini pump, hex wrench set and a spare bike tube. This is a necessity, if you don't want your ride being cut short by a flat tire, advises Fitwerx.
Degreaser And Lubricant
As you're riding through the country, you will be picking up road dirt. Include a bottle of lubricant and some degreaser so you can maintain your cables and drive train. Plan to lubricate and maintain your bike between rides and during longer rides. Include old towels or T-shirts to wipe up excess lubricant, suggests Fitwerx.
Tire Pump
Plan to pay for a good floor pump so you can inflate your bike's tires before you start every ride, advises Fitwerx. Look for pumps with pressure gauges so you know when you've added enough air to the tires.
Water Bottles
Add at least two water bottles to your stack of bike gear. On the longer bike rides, you need to rehydrate yourself so you don't end up collapsing. Include a water bottle cage so you can easily stow your bottles when you aren't drinking, suggests Fitwerx.
Bike Lock
You have invested significant money in your new bike. A good U-lock you can use to secure your bike when you make stops. The better bike locks cost more, according to EBicycles.
Saddle Bags
During those long bike rides, you don't want to be carrying equipment on your back. Find a saddle bag -- also called a pannier -- that allows you to stow the repair kit, snacks and spare clothing for your bicycling trips, recommends EBicycles.
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