When you are starting out in cycling, it may seem that the maintenance and start-up of a bicycle is difficult, since you are not familiar with the equipment of a bicycle or with its functions. In this sense, it is necessary that you study your bicycle to identify its structure, handling techniques and cycling accessories for beginners .
In the market there is a wide variety of accessories that seek to satisfy from basic needs for beginners, to advanced needs for experts who demand greater performance. However, initially it will not be necessary to make a large investment, you can start with basic equipment that will allow you to adapt to this practice . Get to know these 9 cycling accessories for beginners that will make you improve your riding experience!
Importance and considerations for acquiring cycling accessories for beginners
Cycling accessories for beginners can help you get into this practice and define how you want to develop it . In this way, you will be able to identify your needs in the future and evaluate which equipment may be most beneficial for you.
It will be useless to make a large investment when you are starting, since you will not be able to take full advantage of its capabilities and it can affect your development. Also, over time more efficient accessories may emerge and make obsolete those that you have initially purchased, but were not able to enjoy.
These accessories are primarily designed to ensure riders’ safety and comfort, as well as to help them perform better . In this sense, the basic variants can offer you a wide variety of benefits and help you have a better driving experience.
9 cycling accessories for beginners to help you improve your experience.
1. Helmet
Helmets are one of the most important beginner cycling accessories, as they will help protect your skull from falls or accidents .
Due to their importance, when acquiring them you must carefully evaluate their characteristics and benefits . You must bear in mind that the most expensive or lightest are not always the best.
Likewise, it is not advisable to buy helmets used or that have been stored for several years, since their materials may be deteriorated.
The factors that you should consider when buying a helmet are:
- Security : its main objective is to protect the cyclist against possible events, so the security features that these offer should be studied. Helmets with MIPS technology are the most recommended by cyclists due to the protection systems they have in place.
- Fit : it is important that the surface of the helmet is adjustable and adapts to your skull for greater protection.
- Ventilation : they must have special vents that allow air flow to keep the head ventilated and avoid overheating.
- Weight : the helmet should not cause discomfort when wearing it , so its weight should be evaluated to avoid displeasure. This may vary according to the use for which it is intended and the quality of its materials, being important to study these aspects to guarantee its effectiveness.
- Comfort and Aerodynamics : These features can help you improve your performance and experience by helping you perform better by offering less drag and discomfort .
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2. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are cycling accessories for beginners and experts that will help you protect your eyes from objects or strong winds, avoiding accidents .
Characteristics to evaluate when purchasing sunglasses:
- Optimal air flow to avoid fogging and keep your eyes fresh.
- Ultraviolet (UV) protection.
- Photochromic and polarized lenses : adjust to changes in contrast and avoid eye irritation.
- Field of vision : they should not obstruct or hinder your vision.
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3. Light system
The lights can help you protect yourself, as they guarantee the visibility of the bicycle and help you avoid possible traffic accidents . In the same way, they will help you to better visualize your route in low-light environments.
To be more visible you can complement this system with fluorescent vests and reflective bands , as well as wear clothing with bright colors.
Among the most important characteristics that you should evaluate:
- Lumens : this characteristic defines the light capacity of the system, that is, how much light it emits. The higher the lumens, the lights will offer brighter and better visibility . Systems can be found offering from 30 to over 2,000 lumens.
- Use : you must define if you want it to be seen or illuminate your environment. If you want to give it both uses, in the market you can find integrated systems that will offer you these characteristics.
- Road regulations : if you are entering urban cycling, it will be necessary to have lighting systems that comply with road regulations. In this sense, you should have a white light in the front and a red one in the rear , as well as a flashing red reflector in the back for the low beams. Generally, the lights and the reflector are required to be visible at 200 and 50 meters respectively.
- Battery life : This characteristic will define the duration that the system will offer in operation. It is recommended LED light systems that have a lower consumption . Also, the power of the light and the battery, as well as the charging systems should be evaluated.
- Assembly : it must be adaptable to your bike. In general, they are usually fastened with velcro or magic closure, as well as screws with special grips.
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4. Bicycle GPS
Bicycle GPS are technological devices that can help you improve your performance and riding experience. These devices are one of the most important cycling accessories for beginners, as they will help you define your routes and obtain data on your performance .
At the time of acquiring them you must evaluate:
- Connectivity and transmission systems : they will help you to have a greater precision of the data in real time. Likewise, there are models that allow you to connect with your smartphone to share data or include extra functions.
- Sensors : they will allow you to evaluate data and statistics of your performance. Basic models help you evaluate speed, distance traveled, and travel time. Similarly, there are variants that provide information on cadence or pedaling speed, heart rate, calories burned, altitude, temperature and gradient.
- Autonomy : It will define the duration of the battery life when the device is in operation. This may vary according to connection technologies, display, and battery capacity.
- Screen Features : Screen size and contrast can influence your viewing. The smaller the dimensions, the more difficult it can be to see the information when the bike is in motion.
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5. Buzzer
The bells represent a dynamic and economical way to notify your proximity to a place , avoiding inconveniences or accidents in areas such as crossings or roadblocks.
Among the most important characteristics that you should evaluate when purchasing a doorbell are:
- Assembly : they must be easy to adapt and must be well attached to the bicycle.
- Ability to make loud sounds : they should stand out from the sound of traffic, but without causing damage to the hearing.
- Size : They should not take up a large space, as this may make it impossible to install computers or lighting systems.
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6. Storage saddlebag
Saddlebags will offer you extra storage on your bike, since they will allow you to have important tools such as tubes or tires, patches, CO2 cartridges or a manual pump within reach.
They can also store tools such as flat or Phillips screwdrivers, Allen keys, chain cutters or levers for removing tires.
When acquiring the saddlebags you must evaluate:
- Storage capacity : the space must allow us to store the utensils and tools that we need. Some models offer internal spacers and multi-tool holders.
- Assembly : these accessories must be easy to install and remove, and have special locks to prevent falls on the way.
- Weight distribution : in order not to affect stability, it is recommended to place the saddlebag on the midline or center of mass of the bicycle.
- Manufacturing material and protection system : they must be made of resistant materials to avoid perforations. Likewise, they must be waterproof and have an optimal closure system, preferably with zippers.
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7. Water container
This accessory is essential for long journeys, as it will allow you to stay hydrated . It will also help you avoid carrying extra weight in your backpack and have a bra in case you want to transport something small.
Characteristics to evaluate when purchasing a bottle and its carrier:
- Capacity to contain liquids (according to your needs).
- Safety lid to avoid spills and contamination of the liquid inside.
- Materials : they are usually made of aluminum, plastics or carbon fiber.
- Mounting and fastening to the bicycle : with systems that are easy to adapt and that help prevent falls and noise.
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8. Portable tire pump or inflator
A portable pump can allow you to keep your tires at the proper pressure to prevent punctures or blowouts , as well as improve the performance of the bike.
When purchasing a portable pump you should evaluate:
- Size, weight and ways to attach it to the bike.
- Connectors for Presta and Schrader valves: Presta valves, also called French or high pressure valves, are mainly found on road bikes; Schrader valves are found in recreational bicycles and automobile tires.
- Efficient pumping capacity at the required pressure.
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9. Multipurpose bike tool
It is one of the most important cycling accessories for beginners in case of bicycle failures or accidents, as they have multiple tools that will allow you to adjust the bicycle and carry out repairs .
The best models offer Allen keys, flat and Philips screwdrivers , chain cutters and special levers for making quick corrections on the bike.
Characteristics to evaluate when acquiring a multitool:
- Number of tools.
- Easy to use.
- Resistance of the manufacturing material.
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conclusion
Beginner cycling accessories are an added support to bikes to enhance their performance and the rider experience . However, if you are a beginner it can be difficult to select them, since you are not familiar with the parts and equipment of a bicycle, nor with its functions.
When acquiring accessories for your bicycle, you should study which one best suits it and your needs, not all the available equipment will work for you. For this reason you have to make sure that the accessories you buy are compatible and have the necessary measures to adapt them to your bike .
