Equip Yourself Properly for Bicycling

Gear up for Biking :

 Biking is a very popular leisure and fitness activity today. More and more people are getting into biking because of the fun and health benefits that it brings.

 Some people, however, have found a new way of looking at bikes.

 Bikes can be compared to cars, which can become objects of attraction.

People are excited about accessorizing their bikes.

 Bike accessories are important since they enhance the activity by providing additional comfort and style to the bike itself.

 There are many different types of bike accessories and they should be seen in accordance with the type of biking activity that one is going to embark into. There are basically three types of bikes if we classify them according to function.

 Once again, let’s expand on our previous discussion of bicycle types and activities and include some of the add ins that are available.  Listed below are the types of bikes, biking activities and the necessary accessories that a cyclist can avail of:

1. Utility Bikes

Utility bikes are perhaps the most common type of bikes. They are used for performing daily tasks and errands such as going to the convenient store to buy something, go to a friend on the other side of the subdivision and other such activities. They are also used for commuting. These bikes are not too fancy and are usually the simplest type of bike out there. The frames of utility bikes are sturdy and the other parts are variable depending on the brand and the type of activity that it is used.

The accessories that can be availed for this type of bike are:

a) Bike rack

A bike rack should be a must if one has a utility bike. Utility bikes are commonly used for daily errands and they should be stored properly and should not be left on the garden.

 A bike rack is mostly needed for there is more than one bike in the house. There are other types of bike storage units such as the freestanding models, those that can be hung or the wall-mounted ones.

b) Bike carrier racks

 Bike carrier racks are important for those people who use their bikes to go to work or to commute. The modern trend in using a bike to work is that people would usually take their cars to a certain point where they can park and avoid the imminent traffic ahead.

 They leave their cars and use their bikes to traverse the traffic-infested city streets. Bike carrier racks hold the bikes for transport. There are different types of bike carrier racks for different kinds of cars and bikes.

c) Basket

 A bike basket is very important especially for those people who go to the stores with their bikes. There are detachable models on the market that appeal to people who don’t really like the look of their bikes with baskets on them.

2. Mountain bikes

 Mountain biking is a great way to have fun and be one with nature at the same time. Mountain bikes are rugged bikes with highly sturdy frames. A mountain biker shouldn’t leave for the mountains with the following.

a) Gloves

 Mountain biking requires strength and endurance. During the trip, one’s hands can really take a beating because it is a relatively strenuous activity. If a biker falls off his bike while his hands will be hurt if he is not wearing any gloves.

b) Proper shoes

 The rule in choosing shoes for mountain biking is that they should have a thick sole, should be durable and should be comfortable. Different shoes are available for different kinds of terrain.

c) Sports glasses

 The mountains offer elements that are out of our control. One should protect himself from the wind, falling debris, bugs and other airborne hazards. Wearing proper glasses provides protection.

d) Water bottle or hydration backpack

 Water is one’s best friend in the mountains. A water bottle or a hydration backpack is a must for mountain biking.

3) Tour bikes

 Tour bikes are used for long trips. They are made to give the maximum amount of comfort for the rider. A tour biker shouldn’t be without the following accessories:

a) Odometer

 An odometer is a must for tour bikers because they make map interpretation easier. Maps would tell you the distance towards the next turn, and you should know when you’re already there.

b) Bike lights

 Bike lights should be installed when embarking on long tour trips because you’ll never know when you’ll hit the road.

c) Tire liners

 Helps prevent flats; therefore, they are a must.

These are some of the different bike accessories that bikers can avail depending on the type of biking activity that they are going to do. Always remember that biking is all about having fun and bike accessories are there to enhance the experience.