| There are a few things you'll need to have | | | | required. If you're planning on biking |
| when you start cycling. The first and most | | | | regularly, it's smart to have one even in |
| obvious is a quality bike that fits you! | | | | areas where no helmet law exists. Get a good |
| While that might seem like a no-brainer, | | | | quality helmet that fits you snugly. Since |
| plenty of people start out on bikes that are | | | | you'll be wearing it every time you go out on |
| too small, or made with poor quality parts, | | | | your bike, spending a little more to get a |
| just because they're cheaper. The right fit | | | | helmet that's comfortable is a smart idea. |
| and a well made bike can make your ride a lot | | | | Remember that this item could mean the |
| easier, however. Don't be tempted to bargain | | | | difference between safety and a trip to the |
| shop for your bicycle. Instead, buy one that | | | | hospital. Even if you're a careful cyclist, |
| will last you a long time. Once you have a | | | | rough terrain, careless pedestrians and |
| bike that's right for you, it's time to get | | | | drivers who don't watch where they're going |
| the other items that will help you become a | | | | are all hazards. |
| regular cyclist. | | | | |
| | | | Clothes |
| Lights | | | | |
| | | | While special cycling clothing is certainly |
| The minimum required by law for your bike is | | | | optional, it's wise to pay attention to what |
| a few reflectors. However, a headlight and | | | | you're wearing. Loose garments should be |
| tail light are helpful, even in daylight | | | | avoided, or tucked up so they don't get |
| hours. When it's dark and rainy, they can | | | | caught in the chain. Stay warm, but remember |
| make a big difference in your visibility to | | | | that exercise can make you get overheated in |
| cars. Choose lights with long battery life | | | | clothes that are comfortable when you're not |
| and reasonable lighting power, but be sure | | | | riding. If you're riding a long distance to |
| that you don't pick a light so bright it'll | | | | work, a separate set of clothes to bike in |
| blind pedestrians and other cyclists. | | | | will keep your work clothing pristine and |
| | | | odor-free. |
| Tools | | | | |
| | | | Locks |
| Just like driving a car, accidents do happen | | | | |
| while you're biking. Keep a small tool kit on | | | | Unless you're lucky enough to live in an area |
| you at all times to take car of flat tires, | | | | where you can keep your bike inside all the |
| uncooperative chains, loose bolts and other | | | | time, a lock is important. Even in rural |
| problems. A good kit will contain enough | | | | areas, there are people who will gladly steal |
| tools to get a wheel off, a spare inner tube, | | | | and resell your bicycle. For some, a simple |
| a puncture kit, and a small emergency pump. | | | | chain and padlock will do the job. If you |
| If you have a cell phone, think about taking | | | | live somewhere with more determined thieves, |
| it, too. | | | | however, a good lock is vital. Kryptonite |
| | | | brand is popular, but others work just as |
| Helmet | | | | well. Be willing to pay a little bit for a |
| | | | good lock - it could be the thing that keeps |
| While it's legal in most locations to go | | | | you from having to buy a whole new bike. |
| without a helmet, in many others, one is | | | | |