It is not unusual to spot a newbie cyclist doing it wrong. The bike fit, the frame size or maybe even the gear. Often, cyclists buy accessories just to have them around with no real use while cycling. In fact, some may just give in to promotions and sales and buy gear on an impulse. We know the sport is addictive and so is the struggle against buying all the fancy stuff you spot. However, all this can wait, you can invest as you go along.

With the right guidance, unnecessary expenditure can be avoided. If you happen to be a newbie cyclist, here is a checklist that will help you make the most of your new found love and still go easy on the pocket.

Buy the basics:

Helmet:-

No matter how expensive your bike, ensure you buy a good helmet. In case of an accident or fall, it will ultimately be your helmet that may save you.

Water bottle:

We all know the importance of carrying a bottle of water when we workout, same goes for when you are cycling. As you are ride in the open, staying hydrated is a must. Doing so will help you process and transport nutrients and excrete any waste products once they are metabolized.

Most bicycle brands these days do not provide a bottle cage and you might have to buy one when you buy a bike.

Puncture kit:

Considering the poor quality roads in India, carrying a puncture kit along is a must. A standard puncture kit will include glue, a few puncture patches and sand paper. It won’t cost you much and is usually easy to carry. Do make it a point to learn how to identify and fix a bicycle puncture.

Padded shorts:

As a newbie cyclist, you are guaranteed to not be able to sit for long intervals on the seat. In such times, padded bicycle shorts are a must. Wearing one will definitely help you reduce the spanking and make your ride a bit more comfortable and pleasurable.

Mini pump:

If you are looking to progress from fun rides to long rides, a good mini pump is a essential cycling gear. Not only will the pump will make your life easier on the road, but is also a very reliable tool.

The secondary:

Cycling apparel (jersey, socks, and gloves):

Having the right kind of cycling apparel will play a bigger role if you are going long distance. The Lycra can help wick the sweat and keep you cool ad comfortable. Buy a a cycling jersey to match your shorts/bib shorts. A cycling jersey will also provide you with some more space to keep your nutrition, money, id card and puncture kit.

You can also consider buying a pair of sunglasses to keep away the dirt, flying debris and harsh sunrays. While a good pair of gloves can wick the sweat and protect your hands from debris after a fall, cycling socks can make riding more comfortable.

Lube:

It is important to keep your bicycle drivetrain clean at all times. The cleaner your drivetrain, the smoother your ride. Just make sure you buy a good lube (do consider the time of the year) as it will help you shift gears easier and maintain the health of the chain.

Saddle bag:

Need more storage space, go buy yourself a saddle bag. You can store a spare tube, puncture kit, a portable tool kit and much more.

Good shoes:

You can ride with your ordinary shoes but having a good pair of cycling shoes can do the trick. It offers better control and grip while cycling. Make sure you buy the right shoes according to your shoe size, comfort, and the type of bike you ride.

Tail light:

If you find yourself cycling in the mornings, a tail light is a must. Often we might find ourselves cycling on roads without any lights. Having a tail light can help the other vehicles to notice us and avoid any unfortunate accidents. You can also buy a headlight if you would like one.

The luxury:

Cyclometer:

You can certainly measure the distance and speed with the use of Strava or other cycling apps. However, if you do have that extra bit to spend, a cyclometer can be extremely useful.

Tools (Hex key/Allen keys):

Tools are an essential part when it comes to cycling. Having a portable tool kit on yourself while cycling is a must. It can be very helpful when it comes to making those small adjustments on the go. Moreover, they can be very helpful in terms of an emergency.

Heart rate monitor/ Power meter:

If you are serious about training, a heart rate monitor/power meter can be ideal for you to measure your progress, or else it is just another fancy equipment to have.

Cleaning equipment:

Love riding your bike? Make it a point to clean it regularly. Invest in a good service stand, brush, degreaser and other essentials and make it a point to clean your bike.  

Home trainer:

If you are not a fan of the rain or the cold winter mornings, that make it hard to wake up, a home trainer could be an essential item. You can simply mount your bike indoors and ride your heart out.

Nutrition:

If you are into leisure cycling, nutrition is the last thing you would want to worry about. However, if you still feel the need, consider opting for Fast and up effervescent tablets that will serve the purpose. If you are an endurance athlete or race professionally, nutrition is vital and that’s where Unived sports comes into play.

If you think we have missed out on any important essential cycling gear, feel free to add them in the comments below.