How to Choose Bicycle Accessories

Bicycling is a great way to stay fit, and you'll save tons of money if you choose a bicycle over a car to commute to work or school or to run errands. Once you've picked out the perfect bike, you'll want to get a few accessories to make riding more fun, safe, easy and comfortable.

Things You'll Need

• Helmet
• Reflectors and/or lights
• Ankle bands (optional)
• Lock (optional)
• Mirror (optional)
• Bell or horn (optional)
• Water bottle (optional)
• Basket, pouch, panniers, backpack or trailer (optional)
• Bike pump (optional)
• Bicycle repair kit (optional)

Instructions

1. The most important bicycling accessory, and one you should never be without, is a helmet. Accidents can always happen, no matter how careful you are or where you're riding, and wearing a helmet can mean the difference between life and death. Wearing a white or other brightly colored helmet makes you more noticeable to drivers.

2. Reflectors are another very important safety consideration, and they can be attached just about anywhere on your bike. You can even get reflective ankle bands to keep your pants cuff out of your bike chain, and many specially designed cycling clothes come with reflective patches or strips sewn into them. Lights are also important, especially if you will be cycling during dusk or at night. A blinking red light attached to the back of your bike (or your jacket or backpack) will make you more visible to any drivers coming up behind you.

3. An unattended bicycle without a lock is just waiting to get stolen. When you lock up your bike, make sure to thread the chain through the frame of the bicycle, not just through the spokes of the wheel.

4. Mirrors help you see cars or other cyclists coming up behind you. Mirrors can be attached to your handlebars or your helmet.

5. A bell or horn can be used to announce your presence to pedestrians or other cyclists in front of you. Also helpful is the phrase, "Passing on your left!"

6. It's important to stay well-hydrated when your exercising, and a couple water bottle attached to the frame of your bike make a long ride much more enjoyable. Also available are backpack-style hydration systems.

7. If you're going to be transporting anything other than yourself on your bicycle, you'll need some way to carry it. Baskets can be attached to the handlebars of your bike, but be careful—carrying too much weight up front can make steering difficult. Smaller pouches can be attached to the frame of your bike, and panniers can be attached to a rack over the back wheel. A simple backpack is also an option. Trailers can be attached to your bike for carrying children—or groceries or furniture.

8. A pump specially designed for bicycles is a safer way to keep your tires full than the air hoses at gas stations. A small repair kit with tools, lube and spare parts can help keep your bicycle in tip-top shape.