Beginner’s Cycling essentials: 10 essential cycling accessories for beginners

 

Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, exercise or sport. Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century and cycling quickly became an activity after bicycles were introduced in the 19th century. Cycling is a common form of transportation in other parts of the world.

In this part of the world, cycling is more considered a sporting or fitness activity. Since the COVID 19 lockdown, there has been an upsurge in cycling interest.

 

But if you do have an interest in cycling, whether fitness inspired or for commuting, riding should be fun. In other for you to have a glitch-free ride we have rounded up a few numbers of cycling accessories that can make your rides easier, safer and more comfortable. Some are essential, while others are nice to have.

Here is a list of essential cycling gears that will make your time on the two wheels more enjoyable.

 

Lock


First up, a good lock is important if you plan on leaving your bike unattended at any point. It’s impossible to be certain how good a lock is just by looking at it so you might have to carry out a self-test.

For those times when you need to take a break on a journey (leave your bike on the street) or need to secure your bike at home, investing in a quality lock is a small price to pay to avoid the inconvenience of walking home or even the cost of a new bike.

 

Luggage


A small bag lets you safeguard your valuables on the bike. There are many options when it comes to cycling bag for carrying things on a bike. Making a perfect choice depends on the type of riding you’re doing. For a short ride around town, consider a small, compact rucksack with compression straps to keep the contents stable, or a courier-style shoulder bag.

For longer rides, it is best to let the bike take the load. A rack and panniers will give you lots of capacity for office essentials, shopping or even a weekend away.

You can also invest in bike packing bags if your bike doesn’t have eyelets for a rack. Bike packing bags offer plenty of carrying capacity and the option to load gear in various positions across the bike.

 

Front and Rear lights


Lights can do two jobs: make you visible and illuminate the road. A compact front light will often be enough for riding on a well-lit street/road at night.

For unlit roads/ mountain biking, you need something more powerful. High-powered lights are essential. In the last few years, the development of extremely efficient, bright LEDs and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries has resulted in compact lights that pack incredible power.

 

Pump, spares and tools


A multi-tool is essential for roadside repairs. There’s a wide range of options out there when it comes to multi-tools. Some offer the basic tools required for quick on-the-bike adjustments, such as changing your saddle height or tightening loose bolts; others are equipped for more significant repairs. Deciding the number of tools to carry depends on the type of riding you’re doing. If you are riding within, you may decide to carry little or no tool because you will easily have access to a repair shop or taxi ride back home. But if you are going inter-city/state or mountain biking, you should #bPREPARED for any surprises.

 

Bottle


Staying hydrated is very essential. If you’re riding any considerable distance, you’ll need to stay hydrated on the bike.

There are few options, including a hydration backpack or hip pack with a hydration bladder, typically favoured by mountain bikers, but for road cycling and commuting, a simple water bottle and cage will do the job.

You can fit a bottle cage to most bikes via the bosses on the down tube and seat tube, and using a bottle means you’re not lugging that liquid around on your back.

 

Helmet


Wearing a bicycle helmet is essential when cycling. In some places, it is mandatory by law, but if that is not the case where you are, you should still invest in a quality helmet. Investing in a quality helmet can save your life.

If a helmet’s going to be effective at all, it needs to be properly fitted and securely attached to your head, which means it should be level, covering your forehead, and the straps should be snug.

Bike clothing

 

Specialist bike clothing may look odd to newcomers, but they are very comfortable, especially for longer rides. The good news for beginners is that you don’t have to ride head-to-foot in proper bike clothing. Mountain bikers have long worn loose-fitting cycling shorts, with hidden padded liners and non-clingy jerseys. You can start with these and gradually invest in more cycling clothing that suits your needs.

 

Cycling shoes



Cycling-specific shoes have stiff soles, so your feet don’t get sore or waste energy flexing over the pedals. There are shoes with flat soles, but the majority have threads so you can bolt on the cleats used with clipless pedals.

Mountain bike shoes are sold with these threads recessed in the sole so you can still use them with regular pedals or walk in them – a great option for new riders – but road shoes leave the cleat exposed, making them much harder to walk in.

 

Bike computer/ Smartwatch


Some riders don’t consider bike computers a necessity but if your ambition is fitness inspired you might want to invest in one. Bike computers help calculate how fast you’re going, how far you’ve been, or even (for newer models) how fast your heart rate is. Most smartwatches can serve the same functions so if you already own a smartwatch, you might not need to invest in a bike computer.

Computers cost less for the cheapest, most basic models while newer models with GPS functionality and more data costs up to hundreds of dollars.

 

Begin your cycling journey by shopping from our cycling edit. We have put together a list of products that will make your shopping easier.

 

CYCLING STYLE EDIT

BAGS
Adidas Daily Waistbag
Adidas Lin Core Waist Bag
BOTTLES
Adidas Performance Bottle 0.5 (FT8939)
Adidas Performance Bottle 0.5 (FM9938)
CAPS
ADIDAS MH PER CAP SE
Adidas MH CAP SE
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TIGHTS
Adidas Shorts Tights
Adidas Heat Ready Short
SOCKS
Adidas Low Cut Socks (3p)
Adidas Solid Crew Socks 

 

 

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