Shopping For Bicycle Accessories

When shopping for bicycle accessories, it’s very easy to get lost in all of the accessories offered and displayed. You don't need any accessories to ride a bike (accept for a helmet for safety), however, setting yourself up with a few specific items can make for a far more comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Bicycle Accessories Add Comfort To Your Ride

Let’s start with an absolute essential: a well-cushioned comfort seat. You can find various types in a bike and you also have the option of buying a cushioned cover but many prefer buying a whole new seat rather than to cover up an uncomfortable one. If you ride for exercise or just for fun, a good padded seat will allow you to ride for far longer periods of time and you will be much more comfortable. You can install a new seat yourself or have the bike shop do it for you. Seats are one of the many bicycle accessories that are easy to self install.

More bicycle accessories you can upgrade that help are bike pedals with teeth. Most new bicycles come with stock pedals that offer no real grip. Better riding pedals are made of solid steel and have teeth or claws that provide a strong grip for the soles of your shoes. These types of pedals can prevent your feet from slipping off which can cause an accident.

Bicycle Accessories For Night Riders

If you do any type of night riding, it’s essential to invest in a quality headlight.  Going without is asking for an accident.  The cheaper models barely light up enough for you to see what is ahead of you and for you to be seen.  So invest in a better light with a good high beam that will throw tons of light on road ahead and alert any oncoming traffic. These better quality lights usually require a battery pack that are rechargeable.

Don’t forget to also buy a back light. These are not as expensive but are critical for being seen from the rear so you have less chance of cars not seeing you.

Consider buying a bike bell.  You may laugh but a bike makes it much easier to warn people ahead of you to make way because you are coming through. This helps a lot when you are on a bike trail. Rather than yelling out "on your left" or "on your right", you can simply ring your bell a few times and people will move to the side. This also works great when passing up other bike riders who may not hear you yell out.

Bicycle Accessories To Protect & Hydrate

Other bicycle accessories that add to comfort are bicycle gloves and bottle attachment. Padded gloves will save your hands from calluses as well as protect you in case of a fall.  A water bottle and bottle attachment makes carrying water or a sports drink much easier and will help you keep hydrated while you ride.

Next time you are browsing bicycle accessories, ask yourself if a particular item could make your riding experience much more comfortable as well as safer. Invest a little in your bicycle accessories and enjoy the ride!

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