Now that you have the bike, what do you need? You should also buy a few other things before you hit the road in addition to your camp gear.
The following items have been separated into those you must have for a ride and those you might find useful at home to help you keep your bike in good shape.
Things you need for a ride
Pump and CO2 release
Putting air in your tyres is important, and you shouldn’t go anywhere without it. Anywhere and at any time, you can get a puncture, and being stuck hundreds of miles from home is the worst thing that can happen. Trust us, spending a little more on a good hand pump is worth it. You can also buy a CO2 inflator, which uses pressurised gas canisters to fill your tyre in seconds.
Extra tubes
Always have at least one extra tube. If you get a flat tyre, it’s better to just get a new tube than to try to fix it on the side of the road. To fix the leaky tube when you get home, just put it away. Even if you don’t need two tubes, someone else on the ride with you might be glad you have one extra.
Tyre levers
Of course, you’ll need something to help you take off your tyres. In the past, a few metal spoons might have worked, but now it makes more sense to bring something lighter that doesn’t move around as much. Levers made of plastic work great for this, and they usually stack well, making it easy to store them.
Read More: Cycling’s Health Benefits.
Kit and patches for fixing punctures
If you happen to get multiple punctures and use up all of your spare tubes, which is very rare, you should always bring something with you to fix them. It is possible to use the old-fashioned patch and glue method, but the self-adhesive patches are easier to use, take up less space, and are easy to find.
Bag for the seat
Anything you need to carry on the road has to fit in something, and a seat bag is the best choice. One of your extra tubes, some levers, a patch kit in case one of your tyres goes flat, and an air pump should all fit. Get a bag that is easy to take off, so you can use it on different bikes or leave it off when you stop to keep it from getting stolen.
Front and back lights
You need lights even if you don’t plan to ride at night. You may be held up many times, maybe because of a break, and then arrive home a little later than planned. Lights help you see where you’re going and let people know you’re there. Sometimes you’ll be going in places with lots of trees that make it hard to see, and a good rear light could mean the difference between being seen and not being seen.
A multi-tool with Allen keys
There are many tools that can be used together to make small repairs and changes while you are riding. If you have the right tools, other users will be able to help you even if you don’t know much. Some of the things that should be in your multi-tool are Allen keys, a screwdriver, and a chain link remover. You should always bring an extra chain link with this.
Bottle of water and a cage
Any bike should be able to fit a bottle cage, and many bikes can fit two cages, so you can take two bottles if you need to. You shouldn’t ride for long lengths without a drink, so don’t go without one if you’re going to be riding for more than an hour or if it’s really hot outside.
The machine cycle
No matter how important it is, having a way to track your speed, distance, and success is always a good thing. A lot of them have GPS, which means they can also help you get home. A phone app will often work just as well if you don’t want to pay for one.
Lock for bikes
For rides where you have to stop somewhere along the way, even if it’s just to use the toilet or eat a snack, and leave your bike, you will need a lock. Someone who wants to steal your bike might not be able to bring a huge, heavy lock with them on a ride. A small, movable lock might be enough to keep them away. You can leave your heavy lock at work if you’re just riding your bike to work.
Your mind will have to turn to taking care of your bike after a ride. You should be able to keep your bike in good shape with a few extra parts.
Read More: How to Choose the Right Bike.
Things you need at home
Cleaner for bikes
Make sure your bike stays in great shape by cleaning it often. A good bike cleaner should be able to clean the chain and gears as well as the rest of the bike. Just remember that when you wash your bike, you shouldn’t use a high-pressure washer because water will get into places it shouldn’t, like the gears.
Chain oil and upkeep spray
You need to grease all the moving parts on your bike after you’ve cleaned it well. Use a good chain lube. If you plan to ride mostly in wet conditions, choose a “wet lube” with a higher thickness. If you plan to ride mostly in dry conditions, choose a “dry lube.” You should use a general cleaning spray in other places to get rid of any water that might get in and cause rust, but not on your brake blocks!
Repair stand or work station
It’s much easier to clean or work on your bike when you don’t have to worry about keeping it straight. A good bike stand will make your job much easier, whether you’re cleaning the chain or adjusting the gears. Plus, your back will thank you because you won’t have to bend over your bike as much.
Set of tools for general repair
If you want to do simple repairs and maintenance on your bike, a good general bike maintenance tool kit will have most of the tools you’ll need. It would be too expensive to buy all the tools individually. A tool kit is much easier and less expensive.
Pump for tracks
It can be hard to pump up your tyres by hand, and you’ll have to do it more often on your bike than on your car. Use a track pump instead when you get home. You can hold it in place with your feet while it inflates in seconds. Keep your tyre pressures high. This will help your performance and lower your risk of getting flats.
Stand for storage
Putting your bike away often means leaning it against a wall or stacking it on top of other bikes. Grab a self-standing bike stand instead. This will let you keep the bike standing straight without it needing to lean on anything. That way, your pride and joy won’t get scratched or marked up for no reason.
