Essential Bike-Curious Commuter Gear

When you hit the road make sure you are prepared. Pump those tires up, clean off those reflectors, and make sure you’re carrying this important gear with you:

1. Helmet: It’s the law. A helmet can be the difference between a minor cycling accident and a catastrophic one. You only have one head, so treat it well.

2. Headlight and Taillight: In Earl’s district, cyclists are required to have both a working head and taillight when riding in the dark. Elsewhere they may be optional, but having working lights is a vital part of riding safely at night. Get a white light for your front handlebars so you can see the road ahead, and a red light that clips onto your bag or your seat post so that cars and cyclists coming up behind you know you’re there.

3. Bike rack: If you don’t like carrying your belongings on your back, you can get a rack that sits over the back wheel of your bike. Depending on your preference, you can get a quick-release rack, or something more permanent. The rack allows you to strap down an extra jacket, or your lunch, or even a bag of groceries. Depending on your load, you can also attach extra bags (called “panniers” in the cycling world) to the side of the bike.

4. Fenders: If you plan on riding in all sorts of weather, fenders can be good to have over the tires so that your clothing does not become water and mud-spattered. Even if you don’t plan on riding in inclement weather, you may want fenders; Mother Nature can always take you by surprise.

5. Spare tube and basic bike tools: You never know when you’re going to get a flat, so just like you carry a spare tire in your car, it’s important to carry a spare tube on your bike. Also be sure to carry basic bike tools, including bicycle tire irons and a frame pump. Many local bike shops offer maintenance clinics where you can learn how to change a flat tire.

6. Allen wrench: An allen wrench allows you to adjust your seat and your handlebars on the road, ensuring that you will have a comfortable ride. Many bike stores sell cycling multi-tools that have all of the wrenches you will need.