9 Accessories To Grab Before Leaving The Bike Shop

If you are going to get a new bike and don't currently have a ton of accessories, or if this is your first bike, there are a few accessories that you should buy before taking your new steed home.

Helmet

This is the most important accessory there is. While it might not serve a purpose on every ride, it's extremely important in those rare, catastropic crashes. It could save your life!

Padded Spandex Shorts

Like a helmet, these can save you from lots of pain, albeit in a different region...

The tight-fitting shorts won't get caught on your seat, and the chamois pad keeps things comfortable.

Sunglasses

Arguably the most important piece of equipment after the helmet, sunglasses work marvels for your eyesight.

They protect your eyes from sun, wind, tree limbs, and bugs, and they allow you to see clearly in a variety of light conditions.

Bike lock

Unless you plan to keep your bike locked in your house at all times, it really pays to invest in a bike lock. It's pointless to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a bike and not spend $20 to protect it.

Cycling Jersey

To complete the outfit, a cycling jersey with three back pockets is great. It allows you to carry food and gear in an easy-to-access location.

Gloves

For keeping your hands comfortable.

Water Bottles or Hydration Pack

It gets hot out there, and dehydration can be a serious problem. Make sure you have a way to carry water with you.

Floor pump

Your tires lose air slowly, and you'll need to pump them up about once per week. Having a floor pump lets you do it easily. (Using those gas station pumps can be dangerous, not to mention expensive.)

A small tool kit

Few things are worse than getting a flat tire and having to walk home. That's why you should get a few tools and put them in a seat bag, so you can handle small fixes anywhere.

Things to include:

• Seat bag
• Spare tube
• Tire levers
• Patch kit
• Mini pump

• Mini tool

Those nine items should help you enjoy cycling even more!