Cycling Essentials, Safety, & Gear:

Helmet: No matter what your cycling discipline is, please wear a helmet. In most parks it's a rule. Riding without helmets jeopardize can trail access for everyone. If you see somebody without a helmet, be a friend and remind him or her to get one.

Gloves: Gloves can really help remove some of the stress placed on you palms and protect your hands in the event of a crash.

Shorts, Shirts, & Shoes: There are so many choices it is hard to decide, this is really a personal preference. The important part is to make sure that you feel comfortable in whatever you choose, and make sure you are dressed for the conditions outside!


Hydration & Snacks: Very important! Be sure to have water bottles or hydration packs. Exercise equals sweating and sweating leads to dehydration. So always carry some water during hot days and/or long rides. It also never hurts to carry a little something like a candy bar, cookies, or energy bars to help put if you bonk on a trail.

Basic Tool Kit: At minimum you should have some basic tools to fix your bicycle.
While many "standard/automotive" tools can be used to repair your bike, they are many special tools that are sized to work with bike related applications.
Many bike shops carry "multi-tools" which are tools designed to carry with you on your bike while on a ride, these tools are temping to use as your main tool for home use also, but I have to stress that these tools are not designed to be used as everyday tools, so definitely consider purchasing a separate home tool kit.

Home Tool Kit:

~ First, buy yourself a small toolbox that you set to the side just for your bike tool collection. This will keep all your tools organized and keep your "cycling" specialty tools separate from your standard tools.

~ Pumps, there is are two different style tube stems, schrader and presta. So when buying a pump, look for one that will work on both valves.
** Little adapters can be purchased to make presta valves look like a schrader valve.
** Also note that a floor pump is for "home" use, while what are call "mini" pumps are used to carry along on your bike.

~ Tire Levers, buy 2-3 levers so that 1 can act as a pry-bar and the others to remove the tire.
** Consider levers labelled "Steel Core" as they will last longer and the only levers strong enough for very tight rim/tire combinations.
~ Hex/Allen Wrenches (Usually a grouping of 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, & 10 mm are a good start)
~ Quality Phillips & Flat head screwdrivers. (Make sure the tips remain in good condition)

~ MORE to come...

Tools to Carry on a ride or commuter:

Safety tips: Try to always ride with a buddy, but if you can not, it is a good idea to bring a cell phone, or at the very least let somebody know where you are and when you'll be back!