What should I buy to help with cycling and biking?
If you’re a new rider looking to begin your cycling journey, there are few important cycling accessories that will help you get off to the best start. Aside from your bicycle itself, the most important piece of gear is your helmet. When choosing your biking helmet, ensure that it sits level across your forehead, and does not tilt backwards or wobble from side to side when moved. For nighttime bike riding, it is strongly recommended to have a headlight on the front of your bike. Not only do bike headlights make you more visible to other motorists and pedestrians, they also safely illuminate the road ahead. For standard nighttime commuting, opt for a light with a brightness rating of a 60 – 150 lumens.
What types of features should I look for when shopping for my bicycle?
When shopping for a bicycle, there are a range of factors to consider. First, ask yourself what type of surface you’ll be doing most of your riding on. For paved roads and bike paths, a road bike or electric bike would be the best fit for you. For rougher paved roads and natural surfaces, either a hybrid bike or electric bike would be your best option.
For off-road riding, dirt roads and wilderness trails, a mountain bike is your best option – though there are also electric bikes designed to tackle rougher terrain. Once you choose the right bike type for your needs, it’s important to consider materials, performance features and cost. For example, bikes with a full-suspension system offer the smoothest ride on rugged terrain, but are usually more expensive than hardtail bikes (bicycles with only front suspension) or non-suspension bikes. Additionally, bikes made from carbon fibre are both durable and lightweight, while aluminum bike frames are also durable, but available at all price points. Finally, consider the type of brakes you need. Disc brakes have pads that grip onto the wheel hub’s brake rotor and offer superior braking in all cycling conditions, while rim brakes squeeze the sides of your wheel rims and are usually a more cost-effective choice.
