Essential Cycling Equipment

Bicycling is one of the most popular and commonly seen forms of human-powered vehicles around the world. Many people choose to use bicycles for both recreation as well as function, as they are easy to ride, maneuver though tight and crowded areas, and can be an excellent form of exercise. That said, simply having a bike is not enough - in order to be safe, and in some states, legal, a biker needs some equipment.

The most essential piece of equipment is a safe, functional bike. A bike should have a sturdy frame, a comfortable seat, handlebars that handle well, a solid chain, and good tires.

Bike tires are important. Depending on the type of bike and the terrains you plan to cover, the width of the wheel and rim, as well as the thickness of the tire, will be important. Off-road and mountain bikes will usually have thicker tires, and both regular bikes as well as mountain bikes can come with studded/spiked tires for better traction in mud, ice, and other unsavory conditions.

There are also other modifications that can be made to the bike. Cycling enthusiasts are well aware of many of these. For example, if the rider lives in a particularly hilly area, they can buy a bike with a "triple crank" front gear system. It has three chainrings, and will enable climbing steep hills easier for the rider.

Beyond the proper bike, the second most important piece of equipment is a helmet. Many states have laws that require cyclists to wear helmets, in particular, younger cyclists. A helmet should be sturdy, yet lightweight - it should not put stress on the rider's shoulders or neck. It should also fit properly, as a helmet that is too large or too small could be hazardous and pose a risk to the rider if there was an accident. Before riding a bike in a certain area, it is a good idea to check the local laws with regards to helmet regulations.

There are many optional accessories and equipment that a biker can choose. A luggage carrier, or a rack, can be useful for someone who is using the bike as a primary means of transportation, or for someone who has a job like a bike messenger. Depending on preference, there are styles that can be attached to both the front and the rear of the bike. In a similar vein, there are bike-mountable child carriers that can also be put on either the front or back, and use many of the same mountings and setup.

Panniers are bags that are mounted on the bike, either on the front or rear. They are usually made of durable nylon, and often require a luggage carrier to be mounted properly.

Bottle cages are usually mounted on the bike in an easy to access area so the rider can carry a bottle of water and be able to grab the water without stopping and looking through a pannier or other form of bag to find some water during a ride.

Other things many cyclists carry include a patch kit and a bicycle pump. For longer rides, many opt to carry a spare tire, as a patch may not be enough for a serious blowout and if the rider is a good distance from help or home, the spare tire may save a lot of trouble for the rider.

A bike lock is important for someone who uses the bike as an everyday vehicle, as stolen bikes are quite common, especially in metropolitan areas. Some cyclists also choose to have battery powered lights that they can use at night to alert cars and others that they are, in fact, on the road. Although most bikes have reflectors, it is usually better to have some sort of light source. This can be mounted on the bike itself, or on the rider's helmet, based on preference.