Browsing around a bike shop, it is easy to get caught up in all of the bicycle accessories there are to buy. However, there are those you can brush off because they may not fit your needs. Casual bike riders need to consider buying various bicycling accessories to make bicycle riding much more comfortable and fun. For the most part, you don’t need accessories to ride a bike (except for a helmet for safety). However, after starting back to riding, I realized that specific items are now a necessity for me.
Bicycle Accessories: Comfortable Seat and Pedals
The first purchase for my mountain bike was a well-cushioned comfort seat. There are various types in a bike shop, including those you can pull over your regular seat. I prefer buying a new seat rather than covering up an uncomfortable one. If you ride for exercise or fun, a well-padded seat will allow you to ride for much longer. It’s not that hard to install a new seat yourself, or you can have the bike shop do it. Bicycle seats are one of the many easy parts to install.
Another accessory update that helps is pedals with teeth. Most new bicycles come with factory pedals that offer no natural grip. These pedals are made of solid steel and have teeth or claws that provide a firm grip on the soles of your shoes. These pedals can prevent your feet from slipping off, which can cause an accident.
Bicycle Headlights
If you do any riding at night, investing in a quality headlight is one of those bicycle accessories that would be wise. I learned the hard way not to go too cheap on a bicycle light because the more affordable brands barely light up enough for you to see what is ahead of you. An excellent high beam bicycle light will provide tons of light to see the road ahead and alert any oncoming traffic. The better quality lights usually require a rechargeable battery pack. The same goes for having a backlight. Backlights are not as expensive but are a good idea because the more light you have, the less opportunity of cars not being able to see you.
Bicycle Bell
The bicycle bell is one of the many bicycle accessories that you may not consider. I was one of those individuals that laughed at the prospect of having a bell on my bike. Bells make it much easier to warn people in front of you to look out because you are coming. These bells are excellent for bike trails. People also walk on bike trails. Rather than having to yell “on your right” or “on your left,” you can ring your bell a couple of times, allowing people the time to move to the side and out of your way. Bells will also work well when passing other bike riders who may not have heard you yell out.
Other Miscellaneous Bicycle Accessories
Other accessories that add to comfort are bottle attachments and bicycle gloves. Padded gloves will prevent your hands from getting hard and callused, and a bottle attachment makes carrying water, or a sports drink much more accessible. Next time you are looking for bicycle accessories, you may want to ask yourself if a specific item could make your riding experience much safer and more comfortable.
