Just climb aboard and ride away?
Maybe, but a little preparation can go along way toward making that first ride, and subsequent ones, everything they should be. Few things can ruin a ride faster than a flat tire you're not prepared to handle. Or a weather change that leaves you cold and wet. Or any number of little problems you're not ready for. That's where some knowledge and a few useful bike accessories come into play. Anyone can buy a bike and hack around on it, but if you want to be a safer and self-reliant rider, part of the sport is learning to meet the challenges of riding with a certain style and grace. Bike equipment is available to address the problems you'll face on the road or trail. We sell a full range of top-quality cycling products to meet all your essential and personal needs.
Heading the List
Starting literally at the top, and at the top of this list, are helmets. Wear a helmet every time you ride. It's that simple. Experienced riders know that if you ride a lot, you'll probably fall off sooner or later. It's smart to prepare accordingly. Today's bicycle helmets are not infallible, but they work awfully well. You owe it to yourself. Pick a helmet that's comfortable. This is the place to try different models and styles, and where you can find a helmet which fits properly. Remember, helmet fit is critical! A too-loose helmet may not protect you. A too-tight helmet can hurt. All decent helmets come with built-in vents. Wear a helmet with an expanded polystyrene liner -- that's what absorbs the shock of a blow. Expect to spend $40 to $100 for a good helmet. As they say, it's cheap insurance.
Drink Up
The next essential is a water bottle, with a cage for holding it on your bike. If you ride with much gusto, it's easy to go through a full water bottle or more each hour. Your body's the engine. It needs liquid lubrication. Not only does perspiration cause fluid loss, but a lot of moisture is exhaled as you roll along. There are also water-carrying hydration packs which can be carried on your back. They can also carry multi-tools, tubes, tire levers, energy bars and more. The general rule is to drink before you're thirsty. By the time your body is telling you to drink, your engine may already be a quart or more low.
Ride With Sole
Shoes are next on the list. If you've started riding in running shoes, general athletic shoes, or something along those lines, you'll be amazed at how much better true cycling shoes are. There are a couple of ways to go with shoes. Some attach to clipless pedals -- a little like ski bindings. Some work with toe-clips or platform pedals. Some way of attaching your foot to the pedal is good, because you can press down as well as pull up, you can crank pretty hard without worrying about the shoe coming off the pedal, and it keeps your foot properly positioned.
Stuff to Wear
You can wear most anything to ride a bike, but clothes especially designed for riding are a wonder. In terms of comfort and function, top-quality bicycle apparel is incredibly well-matched to the task of riding. Bike jerseys fit snug, are longer in the back, don't hold too much moisture, and come in designs for improved visibility. Riding shorts generally come with padding. You can get casual-style or racing-style shorts --somewhat traditional looking, or very tight. For colder weather, there are specialized jackets, tights and pants, heavier gloves -- we have a variety of great stuff.
