Essential Equipment

When buying your bike, you may need some of the following to go with it.

Reflectors

You must have a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors if manufactured after 1/10/85).

Lights

When cycling in the dark, by law you must have white front and red rear lights, which can be steady or flashing. There are a number of different styles of bike light, from the traditional filament bulbs to LEDs to battery-free types such as dynamos or magnet-driven lights. Lights can attach to the bike itself, or to your clothing or bag.

Lock

This is a vital piece of equipment if you ever want to let your bike out of your sight! Locks come in many different styles and price ranges. The general guidance to purchase a strong D lock (for locking the frame) plus an additional chain or cable lock (for securing the wheels). You need to spend a reasonable amount on a lock to get the security required – some people suggest 10% of the value of the bike as a guide.

Where and how you lock up your bike can also make a vast difference to the likelihood of theft.

Bell

A bicycle bell is a considerate way for cyclists to alert other road users of their presence, particularly useful if you are likely to be cycling on paths shared with pedestrians.

By law, all new bicycles must now be sold with a bell, but there is no legal requirement to continue to keep it on your bike or to use it.

Mudguards

Useful if you are likely to be cycling on wet or muddy routes and want to keep your clothes dry. Front mudguards also stop water spraying up from your front wheel into your eyes.

Helmet

Helmets are designed to provide protection if you fall off your bike. They are made of polystyrene which contains tiny air pockets. When pressure is applied the air pockets are crushed and absorb energy, minimising impact on the skull. Helmets also aim to reduce damage to the skin of the head by preventing direct contact between the head and the road.

The wearing of helmets is a controversial issue, with arguments both for and against their use. For a full summary of the debate, see the Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation website www.cyclehelmets.org.

There is currently no UK legislation requiring helmets to be worn, so it is an entirely personal choice. If you do decide to wear a helmet, make sure it is a proper cycle helmet (not climbing, canoeing etc), is brand new and conforms to British/European safety standards – EN1078 (for adults) or EN1080 (for children). Replace a helmet if it has taken a bash. Equally important is to ensure the helmet is fitted correctly, as they can be ineffective or even dangerous if not fitted or worn correctly.

Clothing

You can cycle in virtually any clothing and footwear, provided it does not interfere with your ability to ride or control the bike and is not likely to get tangled up in the wheels or brakes.

However, for longer rides or those in poor weather or light conditions, some of the following might keep you more comfortable:

  • Waterproofs (jacket and over-trousers)
  • Water/windproof gloves
  • Waterproof socks or over-shoes (or carry a change of footwear)
  • Layers of clothing (as your temperature can change significantly while cycling)
  • High visibility bands or jacket for dull or dark conditions
  • Sunglasses

Specialist clothing like padded shorts or wicking t-shirts are available for longer, faster or muddier rides. They are not usually needed for everyday cycling to work or the shops, but are more comfortable if you regularly cycle longer distances.

Basic toolkit

For basic home or roadside repairs and adjustments, you need the following tools:

  • Pump (there are different types of valve on the inner tubes, so make sure the pump is the right one or can be converted)
  • Puncture repair kit
  • Spare inner tube (the right size for your wheel)
  • Allen keys
  • Small adjustable spanner
  • Tyre levers
  • Lubricant e.g. WD40 or GT85
  • Grease

You can also buy multi-purpose bike tools, which combine things like Allen keys, screwdrivers and tyre levers into a portable set.

To learn how to make basic repairs and adjustments to your bike, see our Repairs and Maintenance section.

Maps/guides

Moving Forward publishes a series of cycling and walking maps covering the 20 main towns of Somerset, available on our Maps page.

See our Where to Cycle section for more information on cycle routes and finding your way.

Bags, panniers and trailers

If you will need to transport items on your bikes, you will need some means to carry them!

Rucksacks

Good for shorter distances and where you will want to continue carrying your stuff on foot after you leave the bike. Over longer distances they can be uncomfortable as they weigh you down and can cause a sweaty back.

Messenger bags

Worn slung across one shoulder, these are more like ‘normal’ bags.

Front basket

Attach to the handlebars of your bike. They can be fixed or detachable. Good for small, light and delicate items, but not suitable for heavier stuff as the position on the handlebars affects the steering.

Pannier bags

These usually attach to the rear rack of a bike. They come in many styles and sizes, with the larger sizes capable of holding really quite heavy loads. Panniers are preferable to rucksacks for heavier loads as you don’t carry the weight on your body. They are not as comfortable as rucksacks for carrying once you get off the bike, although several have straps or even rucksack-style attachments you can use. It may not be possible to fit a rear rack to some full-suspension or disk brake bikes. Prices and quality can vary quite dramatically, so make sure you choose something suited to the type and frequency of cycling you are likely to do. You can get briefcase-style pannier bags and ones particularly designed for laptops and other equipment.

Trailers

These are good for transporting heavy loads or children over longer distances. They are towed behind the bike, so can be difficult to get through narrower gaps or tight turns. You can get trailers to carry many different “unusual” loads, such as large musical instruments, surfboards and even coffins!

Cycle carriers (for cars)

To transport your bicycle by car, you can either put it inside (if enough space), or you can carry it on the outside of the car.

There are a number of different types of carrier. You will need to consider which is best for you based on the type of car, the number of bikes you wish to carry and your physical ability to fix the bike into position.

  • Roof Carriers
  • Rear Carriers
  • Towball Mounted Carriers
  • Trailers

With all types, the number plate and lights must be left clearly visible, otherwise you will need a light board (an extension board for your rear lights and number plate which fixes on the outside of the bikes).

You must make sure the carriers and the bicycle are firmly tied down (using extra straps or bungies if needed), drive a bit slower and stop occasionally to check the fixings if on a long journey.