Whether for short workouts through the neighborhood, quick trips to the store or commuting to work, having the right bike accessories can enhance your riding comfort and your safety. Your local bike shop can help outfit you and your bike with this smart safety gear.
Get a grip.
Y-shaped handlebars, known as riser bars, let you sit taller, reducing strain from leaning forward and a wide handlebar grip, such as Ergon bike grips (starting at $30, www.ergon-bike.com) provides a more even distribution of pressure across the width of your hands.
Protect from head to toe.
Helmets are a necessity. So is your comfort. Bell’s Citi ($48, www.bellbikehelmets.com) features an adjustable fit with lots of padding and ventilation. Gloves protect your hands, help reduce vibration and prevent sweaty hands from slipping. Try gloves infused with carbon or gel for maximum protection, such as Pearl’s Pittard ($35, www.pearlizumi.com). For feet, a lightweight, flexible hiking shoe is better bicycling wear than a flimsy or stiff gym shoe. Feet also benefit from larger pedals, which require you to exert fewer pounds per square inch for propulsion.
Gain a full view.
A small rear-view mirror, mounted to your helmet, the bow of your eyeglasses or your handlebars, can help you avoid accidents by giving you side and rear views without having to turn your head.
Widen wheels wisely.
Wider wheels absorb more of the jarring from bumps and holes in the road, but narrow wheels require you to expend less energy to propel the bike. A happy medium, such as a 11⁄2-inch tire, is best.
Cushion the curb.
Front fork and seat post suspension – like those featured on a number of mountain bikes – can significantly reduce shock from bumps, so your joints don’t have to. They’re not the most attractive attire, but padded bike shorts (starting at $40, plus sizes available at www.teamestrogen.com) also provide cushion in just the right place, as well as wick moisture and help prevent chafing. If chaffing does occur, chamois cream lubricant slathered directly on body parts that experience the most pressure at the seat (i.e. groin) can help you counter the rubbing that can precipitate an irritating if not painful burn.
Saddle up.
Save your own seat by riding on a gender-specific, gel-padded bike seat, known as a saddle in cycling circles. Saddles with a notch forged in the center reduce pressure on the crotch.
Get in gear.
Changing gears allows you to pedal at the same number of revolutions per second, despite terrain, to maintain your speed. Make sure your bike offers plenty of gears – five or more is optimal – especially if you plan to ride hills.
Hydrate, hydrate.
A special attachment for your bike, known as a water bottle cage, keeps water bottles within easy reach. Hydration backpacks, such as a Camelbak (starting at $35, www.camelbak.com), let you wear your water and provide easy access via a hose, so you can drink hands-free while you ride. Many hydration packs also have small cargo pockets to stash your car keys, spare tire tubes, a bike pump and more.
Is there such a glove for cycling?
Thank you.
The handbrake issue mentioned above is a problem. I'm going to research this.
I can't squeeze the levers... also, shifting is an issue. Can you help me?
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