One of the great
things about cycling is that you'll find an
almost unlimited selection of add-ons to
customize your bicycle and help you enjoy
riding. But what accessories do you really need?
We've put together this list to help, and
grouped things into two categories: Essential
Accessories, which are those items you
shouldn't leave home without; and Other
Goodies, which are things many cyclists also
enjoy having.
You can even print this out as a shopping list
to cross off stuff you already have and to
remember those products you'd like to get later.
Have a birthday coming up? Leave your wish list
where family and friends will see it.
Essential
Accessories for Road and Off-Road
Biking:
|
What
it is: |
Why
you need it: |
|
Helmet |
A
lifesaver in an accident |
|
Good
lock and holder |
A
bike saver |
|
Pump
that fits your frame |
Use
to fix flats |
|
Spare tube |
To
replace punctured tubes |
|
Tire
levers |
Eases tire removal |
|
Water bottle and cage |
Makes it easy to stay hydrated |
|
Patch kit |
For
patching popped tubes |
|
Gloves |
Adds
comfort and protects hands
|
|
Mini
all-in-one tool |
Just
in case an adjustment is needed |
|
Seat
bag |
A
way to carry all this stuff |
|
Eyewear |
Protection from airborne debris |
|
Cycling shorts |
They’re padded for comfort |
|
Energy bars |
Calories in case you tire |
|
Sun
block |
Prevents sunburn |
|
What it is: |
Why you'll want it: |
Dress
For Success
|
|
cycling shoes & socks |
increase comfort & efficiency |
|
cycling jersey (short & long
sleeve) |
comfy with rear pockets for gear |
|
cycling tops (for women) |
comfy, pockets, high visibility |
|
tights |
keep
knees & legs warm |
|
windbreaker |
protection from wind & rain |
|
leg
& arm warmers |
easy
on/off; fit in pocket |
|
rain
jacket |
keeps you dry and warm |
|
booties (shoe covers) |
protects toes from cold & wet |
|
long-finger gloves |
warm
& protect hands and fingers |
Get The
Right Gear
|
|
front light or lighting system |
be
safe at night & expand your ride
time |
|
flasher taillight |
be
seen after dark |
|
bell |
friendly warning device |
|
hydration system |
carry your favorite sports drink |
|
hydration system cleaning kit |
kills nasty germs |
|
cyclecomputer |
shows/records speed, pace &
distance |
|
rear
rack |
carry more stuff |
|
aero
handlebars |
for
a stretched-out, streamlined
position |
Be Fit
For Life
|
|
heart-rate monitor |
a
tachometer for your heart |
|
indoor trainer |
bike
in front of the TV |
|
computerized indoor trainer |
a
virtual-reality cycling station |
|
home
gym |
build strength without the club |
Bike
Repair is Fun
|
|
floor pump |
has
air to spare |
|
maintenance book |
learn how to fix your bike |
|
bike
repair stand |
supports the bike so you don't
have to |
|
wheel-truing stand |
helpful for fixing wobbly wheels |
|
bicycle tool kit |
cool
tools for fixing your ride |
Hit the
Road & Trail
|
|
panniers (saddlebags) |
bring the kitchen sink |
|
trailer for kids or gear |
hooks to the bike & pulls easily |
|
car
rack |
carry your bike on the car |
|
bike
case for airline travel |
protection from the baggage
goons |
Be the
Sport
|
|
membership in cycling
organization |
meet
other cyclists |
|
Lance Armstrong book |
gives you goosebumps |
|
cycling videos |
watch for fun & motivation |
