| As bicycles gain appeal, you may be noticing more | | | | That's where things like water bottles come in. A |
| and more the things people have with their bikes. | | | | water bottle holder seems like such a small thing, but it |
| Sometimes it's a trailer for carrying children or cargo. | | | | can mean a lot. And if you enjoy mountain biking, an |
| Sometimes it's just a really nice water bottle. | | | | easy way to carry water can be an issue of safety, |
| What's necessary? What's just extra stuff? | | | | although for a serious ride you may need more than |
| Mostly this depends on your own needs. You aren't | | | | just what one small water bottle can carry. |
| going to need a trailer if you won't be hauling kids or | | | | Check out your pedals too. Good pedals are metal |
| stuff around on your bike. Odds are good, on the other | | | | with teeth to help your shoes grip to them. I remember |
| hand, that you will want a way to carry a water bottle. | | | | hating these as a teen, because I wouldn't pay |
| You don't have to be riding extreme distances for the | | | | attention and sometimes get whacked on the leg by |
| water bottle to just make sense, especially on warm | | | | one. But as an adult I understand the advantages. A |
| days. | | | | good grip between your pedals and your shoes is a |
| The most important accessory, of course, is the | | | | good way to keep your feet from slipping, which can |
| bicycle helmet. It's the law most places that you wear | | | | distract you and result in an accident. |
| one. A good quality bike helmet can also save your life | | | | You'll probably want a good quality lock too. If you |
| in an accident. It doesn't take much of an accident for | | | | know you're going to ride out and bring your bike back |
| a bike rider to have serious head injuries without a | | | | home, storing it in a locked garage, maybe you'll do well |
| helmet. | | | | enough without one. But if you want to leave your bike |
| If you're going to be riding at night, or even dawn or | | | | alone for even a few minutes anywhere, you need a |
| dusk, lights will be another worthwhile investment. | | | | lock. Bicycles are all too easily stolen. |
| You're hard enough to see on a bike in bright sunlight. | | | | Whether you're looking for a bike to ride in your leisure |
| You don't want to be harder to see when it's a little or | | | | time or something for a commute to work, you need |
| a lot dark out. Go for quality. You aren't investing in a | | | | more than just the bike to make the most of the |
| bike part, after all. You're investing in your safety. | | | | experience. The right accessories can make your life |
| Comfort is not a bad thing to think about either, | | | | simpler, make bike riding more pleasant or even help |
| especially if you're going to be riding your bicycle a lot. | | | | protect you from injury. |