| Buying a bicycle is very exciting, and it's | | | | drink, which means you lose sight of the |
| easy to forget that you need to buy some | | | | track ahead. That means you lose both speed |
| appropriate biking gear as well. If you're | | | | and control. Sometimes it seems easiest just |
| wearing the right gear, cycling is a great | | | | to avoid drinking water, and wait for a |
| deal safer and more enjoyable. Of course you | | | | break. However you then run the risk of |
| can ride your bicycle wearing any old track | | | | getting dehydrated. A hydration pack allows |
| pants or running shorts, but if you're | | | | you to sip your water without disrupting your |
| planning to ride longer distances or only | | | | ride, plus you can also store your cell |
| bumpy mountain trails, you'll be very glad | | | | phone, keys, rain jacket and some food inside |
| you invested in some padded shorts. Riding | | | | it. It's still a good idea to have a water |
| will be a lot more comfortable, and because | | | | bottle with you too, just in case.A good pair |
| they're soft they will help prevent rashes.A | | | | of goggles or wraparound sunglasses is also |
| helmet is definitely a must when you're | | | | recommended. They protect your eyes from the |
| cycling. Don't just buy the cheapest one you | | | | sun's glare and from any dust on the track. |
| can find, either. It's important that the | | | | Orange or yellow lenses are recommended, as |
| helmet is made of superior materials, so that | | | | these colors brighten the track, lighten the |
| it provides optimum comfort and protection. | | | | dark and shady patches, and help increase |
| If you try and save a few bucks on your | | | | visibility. They also work well when the sky |
| helmet you will regret it in an accident, | | | | is overcast or in early evening.Another good |
| because a low quality helmet won't do much to | | | | idea for longer rides is half-finger gloves. |
| save your from head injuries. It might even | | | | The gloves have padded palms for protection, |
| cause neck problems if it's a poor fit. So | | | | but your fingers are free. These help you to |
| spend the few dollars extra and choose the | | | | avoid developing rashes or other problems |
| best helmet you can. It's also good if the | | | | with your hands on long rides.Remember, too, |
| helmet has proper venting to stop you | | | | that your bicycle is part of your bike gear. |
| overheating in hot riding conditions.Another | | | | It's worth spending the money to buy one that |
| good idea, although perhaps only essential if | | | | is durable and designed for the type of |
| you plan to do long-distance rides, is a | | | | riding you plan to do. It helps if it's |
| hydration pack. Traditionally, cyclists have | | | | lightweight and has good suspension. By |
| carried a water bottle on the frame of their | | | | choosing the right bicycle and bike gear, |
| bicycle, and that's okay for short trips. | | | | cycling will become a great deal more |
| But it means you either have to stop to | | | | enjoyable. |
| drink, or else you have to lift your head to | | | | |