The Essentials

Article courtesy of Mike Palmeri of Cartecay Bikes

Helmet
Today’s helmets are very light & very strong and can keep you from having to relearn the alphabet in the event of a crash. DON’T leave home without one! $29.99 and up; they all protect your head the same. The lighter the helmet and the bigger the number of vents, the bigger the price.

Tire Pump
Compact & high pressure, can either be frame-mounted or carried in a seatbag or pack. CO2 inflators work well, but it pays to have a small pump as a back-up. $14.99 and up; make sure you get one that fits the valve on your tires. Most are interchangeable.

Spare Tube & Patch Kit
If you don’t carry this, don’t ride any farther than you want to walk. Always be prepared! $3.99 for a tube, $2.99 for a patch kit; make sure you get the right type tube for your wheel & tire – they are NOT interchangeable.

Mini-Tool
Has a variety of sizes of wrenches to make road or trail side adjustments on any bike. $19.99 and up; the more $$, the more tools and goodies. Take the time to learn how to use them!

Seat Bag or Pack
You need a place to carry your tube, patch kit and other goodies (like $$, keys & food). $14.99 and up; All basically the same, come in different sizes. Expanding models are useful if you need more or less room.

Water Bottle & Bottle Cage
You NEED at least one. You won’t be riding far without hydration. If you plan to ride more than an hour, you might want two or carry a hydration pack (see list below). $3.00 and up for bottle, $5.99 and up for cage; Bottles are all pretty much the same, and you will accumulate many. Cages can get pricey depending on weight and material.