Cycling is a great activity that can be done by everyone. Riding on the road is something that every cyclist should practice because it requires your full attention and focus to avoid collision with cars or pedestrians at all times. Whether you are cycling for fun, fitness, or transportation, it is good to have the right gear to ensure your safety while on the road. The following list provides the top accessories that will ensure your trip goes smoothly and safely:
Bike Handlebar Bags
A handlebar bag can come in handy for carrying items such as cell phones, wallets, cash, snacks, and other small travel accessories. This accessory is important if you are planning to take your bicycle along with you on public or local transport where it cannot be brought into the vehicle with ease because of its size. When looking for the right bag for your needs, consider searching for an expert review online that offers detailed information as well as suggestions on the best handlebar bags available in the market. Some also double up as a saddlebag and can carry tools such as tire levers and pumps, which can come in handy for minor repairs during cycling trips.
Bicycle Helmet
No matter what kind of cycling you are participating in, a helmet will protect your head from injury due to falls. If you fall and hit your head, the helmet helps absorb most of the impact and keeps you protected from serious injuries. Even if it does not prevent a concussion or a severe headache, wearing a helmet will keep major impact away from your brain. This means that when you wear a helmet on a cycling trip, there is no need to worry about falling off the bike because the impact will be minimized by the protective gear.
Rear View Mirror
Riding on roads where cars travel at high speeds is risky especially if cyclists do not have rearview mirrors attached to their helmets or bicycles. A rearview mirror can put an end to your curiosity because it enables you to see what is coming from behind. It also comes in handy when cycling with a group of people or on roads with high traffic because it allows you to keep an eye on the flow of vehicles behind you. A rearview mirror can be attached to your bicycle’s handlebars, slide into place inside your helmet visor, or clip onto your eyeglasses.
Bicycle Lights
Riding at night is not advisable unless you are using bicycle lights for targeted illumination. Even though some cyclists consider riding at night as a challenge, it poses serious risks if no lights are available on the road or bicycle. This means that when cycling in poorly lit areas, the reflective gear may come in handy but it will only work effectively if car drivers have good visibility of cyclists on the road thanks to steady light beams emitted from strong front and backlights. There are several types of bicycle lights available in the market and can be placed on your helmet or attached to your bike easily.
Bike Lock
It is crucial to have a secure way to lock your bicycle when you step away from it even for a brief period. A good quality lock will discourage thieves from trying to steal from you but it should not stop you from enjoying cycling trips either. Before heading out, ensure that all important items such as bicycles and gears are securely locked so that they cannot be stolen. This way, only you have access to these valuables at all times because without a key nobody else can use them except you, who has the spare key with you during cycling trips. Theft is rather common when going on cycling trips so any type of bike lock will help you secure your road-riding gear.
Gloves
Cycling gloves can protect your hands from blisters and calluses. They also provide a good grip when handling handlebars, which means you have better control of the bicycle during long journeys or ride at high speeds. Wearing cycling gloves is beneficial for cyclists because it prevents their hands from being badly hurt in case they fall while riding on uneven roads and off-road trails. Although no proof wearing gloves can reduce the impact on the skin if a cyclist falls, this accessory makes it easier to get back up after a fall without feeling pain in one’s palms and fingers due to friction or impact with the ground while falling.
Getting the right accessories before heading out to cycle can help you enhance your road-riding experience and it’s best to spend some time researching for the right accessory that will meet your specific needs. Ensure that you review the accessories you will need before setting out on your cycling trips so that you can plan to get these items without worrying about their availability while on the road.
