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Biking Accessories
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Published: August 17, 2006
Just like any other activity in our consumer-driven world, biking is not complete unless you have the proper biking accessories.
While some are direly needed and others are merely arbitrary gadgets, the world of biking accessories is abundant and misleading. Helmets. Reflectors. Small packs fitting under your seat. Bike manufactures and other, related companies have infiltrated many bike shops with futile, purely aesthetic ornaments for your two wheels.
Here are some of the most popular, essential accessories:
Helmets— Level of Necessity: Essential.
The helmet is the most important of all the biking accessories because of its undeniable significance to the well-being of any cyclist. The cyclist should wear the helmet just as people in cars need to wear seatbelts. Its purpose, while not fashionable, is simply to save lives. The 21st century helmet contains multi-shells as well as breathable vents to decrease heat. The strap system also has been modified over the years and continues to become increasingly convenient.
Shoes—Level of Necessity: Essential.
Shoes are important biking accessories for advanced and enthusiastic road cyclists. What appears to be Velcro plastic clogs actually can increase cadence (the amount of times your pedals make a full revolution) by making your strikes on the pedals more efficient and centered. Additionally, your feet are sure to remain on the pedals during aggressive rides. However, some shoes may require a change in pedals; be sure to check if you will need to purchase a new set. Beginners do not need to purchase the shoes, which average from about $80 to nearly $300 (see Nike's Lance Armstrong-inspired shoe).
Shorts—Level of Necessity: Not required unless riding for extended periods of time.
For long rides, padded shorts provide an extra level of comfort for the rider and also allow for better recovery from any soreness. Often made of a nylon-spandex, biking shorts minimize wind resistance with their skin-tight fitting.
Jerseys—Level of Necessity: Not required, but increases comfort and decreases heat and sweat.
Cycling jerseys have technologically advanced almost as quickly as the technological improvements of bikes. These lightweight jerseys are composed of a fabric meant to efficiently soak up perspiration. Some fabrics are even designed to achieve optimal aerodynamics. For example, in his final Tour de France, Lance Armstrong wore a jersey containing small dimples on the fabric, minimizing the wind drag and making him more aerodynamic.
Gloves—Level of Necessity: Somewhat essential, especially for avid mountain bikers and road cycling over long distances.
Biking gloves protect hands from painful blisters and stubborn calluses occurring when cyclists hold onto the handlebars for too long or too tightly. Resembling motorcycle gloves or the fashionable gloves from the early 1900s, these gloves often have the tips of the fingers removed and are made of leather tops and rubber bottoms for gripping purposes.
Water Bottle—Level of Necessity: Essential.
Hydration is vital for all types of biking, even if it is an informal, enjoyable stroll through neighborhoods streets. Be sure to find a water bottle which will properly fit into the inside of your frame. In terms of these biking accessories, each water bottle is basically the same, except for size and how the nozzle opens.
Locks—Level of Necessity: Essential.
Generally, there are two options when selecting a bike lock. First, there is the standard cable lock. While these tend to be cheaper than U-Locks, the cable locks are easier to snap, leaving your bike more vulnerable to theft. The U-Lock is comprised of thick metal and covered with a rubber or plastic skin, making it more difficult to snap. Though more expensive, the U-Lock is a reliable source of safety for bicycles when used properly.
Computers—Level of Necessity: Essential for the advanced biker, helpful for the enthusiastic intermediate.
This smaller and simpler version of a computer can measure your heartbeat, cadence, distance and occasionally calories burned. If your heart is the engine, then these computers are the speedometers. Like previous biking accessories, this device can range from cheap to expensive. For the up-and-coming intermediate rider, this will improve gauging workouts and should provide insight on how to augment performance. Beginner riders can overlook these bike accessories since casual rides do not require such physiological measurements.
Amidst the vast array of ribbon-tailed horns, epilepsy-inducing colorful spoke decorations and overly complicated tire pumps, the primary biking accessories are easy to find in any local cycle shop or sports department store. Though many are unessential for the novice or average rider- such as the dimple-ridden, sweat-removing jersey or the $150 cycling shoe- every rider needs a helmet and a lock.
As one becomes more interested and invested within the sport, the once-arbitrary biking accessories begin to carry more weight and should be considered to improve performance. Until then, pump up the tires, strap on your helmet and let the road safely take you where it will.
While some are direly needed and others are merely arbitrary gadgets, the world of biking accessories is abundant and misleading. Helmets. Reflectors. Small packs fitting under your seat. Bike manufactures and other, related companies have infiltrated many bike shops with futile, purely aesthetic ornaments for your two wheels.
Here are some of the most popular, essential accessories:
Helmets— Level of Necessity: Essential.
The helmet is the most important of all the biking accessories because of its undeniable significance to the well-being of any cyclist. The cyclist should wear the helmet just as people in cars need to wear seatbelts. Its purpose, while not fashionable, is simply to save lives. The 21st century helmet contains multi-shells as well as breathable vents to decrease heat. The strap system also has been modified over the years and continues to become increasingly convenient.
Shoes—Level of Necessity: Essential.
Shoes are important biking accessories for advanced and enthusiastic road cyclists. What appears to be Velcro plastic clogs actually can increase cadence (the amount of times your pedals make a full revolution) by making your strikes on the pedals more efficient and centered. Additionally, your feet are sure to remain on the pedals during aggressive rides. However, some shoes may require a change in pedals; be sure to check if you will need to purchase a new set. Beginners do not need to purchase the shoes, which average from about $80 to nearly $300 (see Nike's Lance Armstrong-inspired shoe).
Shorts—Level of Necessity: Not required unless riding for extended periods of time.
For long rides, padded shorts provide an extra level of comfort for the rider and also allow for better recovery from any soreness. Often made of a nylon-spandex, biking shorts minimize wind resistance with their skin-tight fitting.
Jerseys—Level of Necessity: Not required, but increases comfort and decreases heat and sweat.
Cycling jerseys have technologically advanced almost as quickly as the technological improvements of bikes. These lightweight jerseys are composed of a fabric meant to efficiently soak up perspiration. Some fabrics are even designed to achieve optimal aerodynamics. For example, in his final Tour de France, Lance Armstrong wore a jersey containing small dimples on the fabric, minimizing the wind drag and making him more aerodynamic.
Gloves—Level of Necessity: Somewhat essential, especially for avid mountain bikers and road cycling over long distances.
Biking gloves protect hands from painful blisters and stubborn calluses occurring when cyclists hold onto the handlebars for too long or too tightly. Resembling motorcycle gloves or the fashionable gloves from the early 1900s, these gloves often have the tips of the fingers removed and are made of leather tops and rubber bottoms for gripping purposes.
Water Bottle—Level of Necessity: Essential.
Hydration is vital for all types of biking, even if it is an informal, enjoyable stroll through neighborhoods streets. Be sure to find a water bottle which will properly fit into the inside of your frame. In terms of these biking accessories, each water bottle is basically the same, except for size and how the nozzle opens.
Locks—Level of Necessity: Essential.
Generally, there are two options when selecting a bike lock. First, there is the standard cable lock. While these tend to be cheaper than U-Locks, the cable locks are easier to snap, leaving your bike more vulnerable to theft. The U-Lock is comprised of thick metal and covered with a rubber or plastic skin, making it more difficult to snap. Though more expensive, the U-Lock is a reliable source of safety for bicycles when used properly.
Computers—Level of Necessity: Essential for the advanced biker, helpful for the enthusiastic intermediate.
This smaller and simpler version of a computer can measure your heartbeat, cadence, distance and occasionally calories burned. If your heart is the engine, then these computers are the speedometers. Like previous biking accessories, this device can range from cheap to expensive. For the up-and-coming intermediate rider, this will improve gauging workouts and should provide insight on how to augment performance. Beginner riders can overlook these bike accessories since casual rides do not require such physiological measurements.
Amidst the vast array of ribbon-tailed horns, epilepsy-inducing colorful spoke decorations and overly complicated tire pumps, the primary biking accessories are easy to find in any local cycle shop or sports department store. Though many are unessential for the novice or average rider- such as the dimple-ridden, sweat-removing jersey or the $150 cycling shoe- every rider needs a helmet and a lock.
As one becomes more interested and invested within the sport, the once-arbitrary biking accessories begin to carry more weight and should be considered to improve performance. Until then, pump up the tires, strap on your helmet and let the road safely take you where it will.
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