The worst mistake one can make on a bike trip is embarking on it unprepared. There are a few essential practices that you must follow and a few essential accessories that you must always carry with you. Today, we're going to talk about the latter. More specifically, we'll be telling you about certain bike accessories that are absolutely essential for every bike trip. Let's get going then.
This one's a no-brainer really but while we're at it, here´s a look at all the essentials you should look for in a good, safe helmet. Look for good padding and ample air vents for air circulation. Also, never opt for cheap helmets with low safety ratings. They can spell the difference between life and death. You can also equip your helmet with communication gadgets for speaking to your fellow riders or taking hands-free phone calls.
The helmet isn't the only safety equipment you need to save yourself from crashes. A good riding jacket can save your life with its shock absorbing inserts and other safety features. Plus, it also provides respite from wind and cold.
These cheap cords can turn out to be incredibly useful during your bike rides. They allow you to securely fasten extra luggage to your bike in no time. And since they don't take up much space, it never hurts to carry them around when you're travelling.
This one can be skipped when you're not travelling to remote locations. But if you are, keeping a can filled with fuel attached to your bike is always a good idea. It can be the difference between being stranded at the side of the road with no fuel and refuelling your bike enough to travel to a fuel pump.
Modern bikes come with tubeless tyres and fixing them is an incredibly easy process if you have one of these repair kits handy. They come cheap and don't take up much space in your luggage as well. So, there's no reason why you should ignore them.
The convenience of your phone showing you GPS directions right under your eyes is really quite the comforting experience. While you're buying this, also opt for a USB charger so that your phone doesn't run out of battery.
A dirty chain can affect your braking and transmission. So, when on long rides, always keep it lubricated from time to time.
Riding for long durations causes serious strain on your hands and wrists. And riding without gloves in winter can cause your hands to go numb, which in turn slows down your reflexes, posing a safety problem. Having a good pair of riding gloves can mitigate these issues.
Better safe than sorry. A must-have essential for any bike ride is a fully equipped first-aid kit. There is just no excuse for not carrying one.
These being the absolute essentials for bike trips, some additional accessories that could also come in handy include an multi-purpose knife, a flashlight, and a spare key.
