There’s more to cycling than just a good bike

Buying a bike helmet is an absolute necessity for every cyclist. The most serious injuries resulting from bike accidents can usually be avoided simply by wearing protective headgear. Every model of helmet on sale in Canada meets national standards and, no matter which you choose, will give you proper protection. The most expensive types will often be lighter, better ventilated and, often, more attractive. The most important consideration is to choose a helmet that is the right size and comfortable to wear. The fit should be tight enough to rest snugly on your head without, however, causing any undue pressure.

Special bike shorts and gloves are not essential, but you will find that that they can make cycling much more pleasant. Gloves will protect your hands from vibrations and help avoid chafing when you are out on a long ride. Shorts specifically designed for cycling have a padded section in the seat (commonly referred to within the sport as a chamois) that will increase your comfort in the saddle. In addition, as these shorts fit very snugly, they offer great freedom of movement without causing chafing. However, some riders don’t like the tight, moulded-to-the-body look of lycra shorts. Two choices are open to them if they nevertheless want to take advantage of a chamois: they can pull on a pair of regular shorts over a bike short, or wear the shorts or skirts offered by certain sports clothing makers that have a bike short sewn in. That way, they get to enjoy the comfort of a chamois and a more relaxed look.

Purchasing a repair kit is highly recommended for anyone planning to take his or her bike out on the road for anything more than a few kilometres. Such a kit should include a pump, a multi-function bike tool, a set of patches and a spare tube. The ideal way to carry it is not to load down your pockets, but to get a small bag that holds everything and can be neatly attached under the saddle.

Cycling can certainly make you thirsty, especially when it’s hot. However, two solutions make it easy to carry your favourite thirst-quencher along for the ride: the classic bottle carrier or cage and the hydration pack, which is worn on the back. Conventional bottle carriers have the advantage of being simple and affordable; what’s more, the bottles are super easy to clean, since they can be popped into the dishwasher. Hydration packs, on the other hand, enable you to carry 1.5 or 3 L of liquid, depending on the model, while most bike bottles only hold about 0.6 L. Some types also have a storage pocket into which you can put snacks, a repair kit, and your keys and wallet. In addition, since you drink the contents of the pack using a long, straw-like drinking tube, you can keep your two hands firmly planted on the handlebars, an impossibility with regular bike bottles.

Attaching a rack and panniers to your bike is a must for any bike trip. Pedalling with a pack on your back is not only exhausting, but also makes controlling your ride much more difficult. Panniers let you take along a picnic when you’re out for a day trip, carry your laptop, books and papers if you’re off to work or school, or hold your purchases while you’re doing the shopping. Your choice of pannier will, of course, depend upon your particular needs, particularly in terms of how much you want to carry.

If you use your bike to get around town on a regular basis, you should probably lock it. Buying a good lock is an excellent investment, since it will help discourage thieves. Generally, U-shaped locks are sturdier than cable-style models, but the latter can be somewhat more practical, as their length allows you to lock both wheels easily.

Cycling in the rain is never a pleasure, but bike riders often end up getting wetter from the water splashed by their tires, rather than from the drops falling from the sky. Who doesn’t remember their legs being completely soaked by the spray of water spurting out from their back tire? Mounting fenders on your bike provides a very effective way of avoiding that problem, as well as preventing any nasty gunk from staining your clothing.

Among other things, these measure your speed, the distance ridden and how long you’ve been pedalling. This is not an essential accessory, but it can be very useful during long rides or on bike trips, in order to get a good idea of the distance to be covered until you reach your destination. Those who cycle to get in shape may also find bike computers an excellent source of motivation, encouraging them to try to pedal a little faster or a little farther as they continue their training.

As a rule, young children love—and adapt very well to—going out on a bike ride with Mom or Dad. The best buy for the tiniest tykes is a child trailer inside which they can be comfortably settled… and that will let them drift happily off to dreamland!