Here’s a few bike gear basics that just about every bike will need. This is just enough to make sure you can carry what you need, fix a flat and hydrate.
Starter kit must-haves:
Pedals: High-end bikes come without pedals because each rider has different preferences—flats, straps or clip-in. If you’d like clip-in pedals, there are a few options we can help you decide between.
Helmet: Someday you will tip over, so protect your most valuable asset! If your helmet is over 5 years old, it’s time to get a new one. After falling and hitting the ground once, you also need to replace it.
Bottle cage & water bottle: One is a must, and if you’re doing rides longer than an hour, you might want to have two on your bike. We have some Main Street bottles that will get you started.
Saddlebag (for a flat kit): A good place to start for bags is putting everything you need for a flat tire in a bag under your seat.
Spare tube: Keep an extra tube in your saddlebag. Make sure it’s the right tube size, valve, and valve length for your tires.
Pump or CO2: You can fit a CO2 valve and tank in your saddlebag too, or you can get a small pump that attaches to your frame.
Tire levers: You’ll need to get that tire popped off the rim to fix a flat. These will fit in your saddlebag too.
Patch kit: When you find the hole in the tube, you can patch it if it’s small and save your spare tube for a bigger tear.
Consider these as well:
Bib shorts (with padded chamois crotch): This will make riding much more comfortable. Wear without underwear.
Headlight: If riding in low visibility this helps you see the trail/road and helps cars see you.
Taillight: This is always a good idea to have if you ride at all on the road—and a must-have if riding on the road in fog, rain, or low light.