| When you browse around a bike shop, it is easy to | | | | too cheap on a bicycle light because the cheaper |
| get caught up in all of the accessories there are to | | | | models barely light up enough for you to see what is |
| buy. Some you can easily brush off and find no | | | | ahead of you. A good high beam bicycle light will |
| need for, however, even casual bike riders should | | | | provide tons of light to see the road ahead as well |
| consider purchasing various bicycling accessories to | | | | as alert any oncoming traffic. The better quality |
| make their riding much more comfortable. You don't | | | | lights usually require a battery pack that are |
| need any accessories to ride a bike (accept for a | | | | rechargeable. The same goes for having a back |
| helmet for safety), however, I realized after starting | | | | light. These are not as expensive but are a good |
| back to riding that specific items are now a necessity | | | | idea to have as the more light you have the less |
| for myself. | | | | chance of cars not seeing you. |
| The first thing I purchased for my bicycle was a | | | | One accessory that you may not consider is the |
| well-cushioned comfort seat. You can find various | | | | bicycle bell. I was one of those people who laughed |
| types in a bike shop including ones that you can pull | | | | at the thought of having a bell on my bike. A bell |
| over your regular seat. I prefer buying a whole new | | | | makes it much easier to warn people ahead of you |
| seat rather than to cover up an uncomfortable one. | | | | to make way because you are coming through. |
| If you ride for exercise or just for fun, a good | | | | This helps a lot when you are on a bike trail. Some |
| padded seat will allow you to ride for much longer | | | | bike trails also have people walking on them. Rather |
| periods of time. You can install a new seat yourself | | | | than yelling out "on your left" or "on your right", you |
| or have the bike shop do it for you. Seats are one | | | | can simply ring your bell a few times and people will |
| of the many bicycle parts that are easy to self install. | | | | move to the side. This also works great when |
| Another accessory update that helps are pedals with | | | | passing up other bike riders who may not hear you |
| teeth. Most new bicycles come with stock pedals | | | | yell out. |
| that offer no real grip. These types of pedals are | | | | Other accessories that add to comfort are bicycle |
| made of solid steel and have teeth or claws that | | | | gloves and bottle attachment. Padded gloves will |
| provide a strong grip for the soles of your shoes. | | | | save your hands from calluses and a bottle |
| These types of pedals can prevent your feet from | | | | attachment makes carrying water or a sports drink |
| slipping off of the pedals which can cause an | | | | much easier. Next time you are browsing bicycle |
| accident. | | | | accessories, you may want to ask yourself if a |
| If you do any type of night riding, it would be wise | | | | particular item could make your riding experience |
| to invest in a quality headlight. I learned not to go | | | | much more comfortable as well as safer. |