While cycling enthusiasts are usually well-versed in cycling gear and well-stocked in accessories, recreational riders - who often ride the popular hybrid bicycle - are sometimes intimidated by the array of accessories offered in their bike shop.
Accessories and cycling clothes can add $100 or more to the price of a new bike, and the buyer should consider this when budgeting for that new ride. Often, the best deals on these extras are available in value packages marketed at the time of purchase. Here are a few necessary pieces of gear and their cost. (Prices are intended for the recreational market).
- Helmet. ($35-250) This is the only absolutely necessary accessory. All bicycling helmets manufactured for the US market must pass Consumer Product Safety Commission standards, so price differences usually reflect cosmetic differences and extras, like adjusting systems and visors. The helmet should fit right and be made for cycling, as some skateboard and in-line skating helmets are exempt from the CPSC standards.
- Water bottle and cage. ($15-25) Hydration is a necessity. Most bikes have "braze-on" fittings for at least one bottle.
- Cycling shorts with padded crotch. ($40-130) While running shorts or even bermudas may be fine for short jaunts, riders who wish to extend their range will soon find that they need some padding over the saddle. Nowadays, casual cycling shorts include a padded compression layer inside baggy shorts with multiple pockets for those who don't wish to look like lycra-clad Tour de France riders.
- Poly-fiber jersey. ($35-80) Cotton is great for casual wear, but it's a no-no for athletics, as it tends to retain moisture and grow heavier as it becomes saturated. Sports-specific polyfiber cycling jerseys wick moisture away from the body, keeping the rider drier and cooler, especially during the warmer months. Back pockets on some jerseys are convenient for carrying extras like money and a cell phone.
- Cycling gloves. ($20-40) Padded cycling gloves relieve pressure on the hands over long rides and improve the grip of sweaty hands. Gel gloves are popular and cost a little more.
- Pedals. ($25-100) While most entry-level hybrids are sold with flat pedals, at some point riders should consider "clipless" pedals or the older style toe-clips and straps. Either of these options will keep the rider's foot in the right position on the pedal and prevent the foot from slapping around as he or she pedals. Research shows that some kind of foot retention on the pedal increases efficiency by up to 30%.
- Cycling shoes. ($75-150) Running or casual shoes are OK for noodling around town, but for more serious cycling, the rider needs a cycling shoe with a reinforced sole. This stiffer shoe protects the nerves in the foot and transfers the rider's energy more efficiently. Clipless pedals need a compatible shoe to match their cleats.
- Seat pack. ($20-50) A medium-sized seat pack is handy for storing tools and flat-repair necessities (see below), a few dollars, cell phone, and so on.
- Tire levers, spare tube, and patch repair kit. ($20-30). A well-stocked seatpack will have all the necessities for fixing the inevitable flat. Most riders simply replace a punctured tube with a spare, but since it's possible to get more than one flat in a ride, a small patch kit should also be carried.
- Pump. ($20-50). Modern frame-mount pumps are light and compact; they usually attach under the water bottle cage, and most will inflate both presta and schrader valves. "How to Fix a Flat" tutorials are available on the web and are worth studying. Most riders only walk home once before ensuring that they know how to change a punctured tube.
A cyclo-computer, while not a necessity, provides the rider with useful info like how far and fast he or she has ridden. A small bell on the handlebars will save the rider from saying "On your left" all day when passing slower riders on a bike trail.
Useful accessories can add to the initial price of a bike, but they will enhance the riding experience and are generally well worth the cost.
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