Road Bike Accessories: What You Need to Get Started

There is so much to riding road bikes than mere physical activity. The thrill, the experience, the freedom – so many things allure expert and novice bike riders to hop on their bikes and seize the day. Besides owning a good bike, you must have adequate road bike accessories that will keep you protected, make you go faster, and which can even enhance your riding excitement and experience. There are numerous gear and other road bike items that will give you what you strive for, however, you don’t need to spend thousands and thousands of dollars to get the enjoyment. Here is where novice bike riders get hooked and end up spending a fortune on bike accessories that they don’t know whether they actually need or not. For that reason, here is a thorough guide on the essential pieces of road bike equipment that you need to get you started.

Helmet

The absolute must-have road bike accessory is the bike helmet. The quality bike helmet won’t only protect your head if you were to crash or fall, but it can help you cool your head via well-ventilated vents. What’s more, modern helmets are light, safe, and pretty good-looking. Besides providing you with the most vital and highest level of protection, they can also help you go further.

How to choose the right bike helmet?

There are a few key features you must consider before purchasing a bike helmet. First, make sure to choose the right fit. The shell shape should not strain you, so try out various ones before deciding which to buy. Next, it’s important for the helmet to have adequate ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable, hence see whether there are enough vents that will channel air over your head to protect you from overheating. It must be light and weigh less the 200g, and if you want to go faster and upscale your ride, search for aerodynamic helmets to give you the boost.

Bike pumps and CO2 chargers

Many people won’t see this as the most crucial road bike gear, but in the event of a flat tire or if your bike’s air pressure tops of, you need to inflate your tires if you wish to proceed with the ride or go back. Especially if you are looking to buy new road bikes for sale so you could enjoy your ride with no destination, you must get at least a mini bike pump that will save you from unexpected disasters. Or on the other hand, you can get a CO2 inflation device that will provide you with enough air to get back home

How to choose the right pumps?

You don’t want to carry bulky items in order to make your cycling experience more fun. Get one small inflation device, either a pocket-sized pump or a mini CO2 charger that is easy to carry. Both items would assist your maximally if you have a flat tire while you are on the go, but probably small pumps are better options due to their reusability and reliability.

Road cycling clothing

All bike riders should have road cycling clothing that is made to perfectly close the body to improve aerodynamics and prevent chaffing. Nowadays, you can find numerous manufacturers and fabrics to choose from, but the key is to look for synthetic fabrics like polyester, lycra, and elastin as they are stretchable, lightweight, cozy, utterly durable, and wick of sweat. The cost is also an important feature to consider, however, it’s smart to invest in good road cycling clothes as they are beneficial in the long run.

How to choose the right riding clothes?

The most crucial factor is the fit. Don’t get too “fit” or too small clothes, just make sure that excess clothes don’t impede you from riding. The fabrics should have anti-bacterial properties, they should be water-resistant, breathable, light, and wicking. Probably you would need to layer up depending on the weather conditions, but cotton is a big “no-no” as it doesn’t wick off sweat and you risk getting a cold. Also, in hot temperatures look for fabrics with a 50+ UV rating for additional protection.

Cycling gloves

Gloves, above all, protect your skin and hands in the event of an accident. But, the greatest feature of having cycling gloves is that they prevent friction, blisters, and your ulnar nerve. When you place pressure on this nerve that runs through the palm of your hand, you can very fast experience numbness in your hands and fingers, impeding you from the ride. Having cycling gloves prevents that from happening.

How to choose the right gloves?

Cycling-specific gloves must be out of quality material that offers dexterity, good grip and control, and of course, protection. Check whether the gloves come with paddled palms, or if they have webbing between the thumb and index finger as this would help you with the grip. It’s advisable for the gloves to have very thin leather or synthetic palms for added control and comfort.

Cycling shoes

Most people tend to neglect the importance of having good bike shoes, but they are essential for the right control, comfort, and performance. Road bike shoes have to be designed meticulously to fit the rider. They should be stiff to improve power transfer, lightweight, comfortable, and with good width and closing mechanisms.

How to choose the right cycling shoes?

Size is the most important feature so make sure you find the right fit. The shoe must fit in the length, forefoot width, and provide a snug hold at the heel. Next, try to get shoes with cleats mounted to your shoe which lock you to the pedal. Road shoe cleats have a larger surface area and they provide foot stability when riding, plus they are more comfortable. Make sure that you get shoes with sufficient ventilation for your feet to breathe. Lastly, aim to get a velcro strap mechanism, ratchet, or dial system for perfect fastening adjustment.

Hydration accessories

An equally important bike accessory is a water bottle. Just like helmets, you must have some hydration accessory to keep you going especially if you set off on a long ride or when you want to go on a mountain trail adventure. The key is to get an insulated bottle and have a water bottle cage. Get a good, lightweight bottle cage preferably made out of aluminum or plastic that would provide a secure and rattle-free gold for our water bottle.

Other key accessories

Bike safety lights and reflectors are crucial, as well as having a bike lock for starters if you wish to rest along the road. Furthermore, it would be neat and handy to have some bike cleaning supplies, a mini tool kit, and a chain lube for road mishaps.

With all the above-mentioned accessories and vital road bike amenities, you would surely have a pleasant and adventuresome ride.