Members login

• Home
• About Cycle Shrewsbury
• Join in
• News and events
• Kids
• Commuters
• Cycle routes
• Cycle network improvements
• Sustrans Connect2
• Shops, maintenance and training
• Tips and advice
• Buying a bike
• Road signs and markings
• Keeping your bike in good condition
• Advice for new cyclists
• Advice for parents
• Advice for drivers
• Getting your bike back on the road
• Where to dispose of or recycle your old bike
• Cycling in the dark or winter months
• Health advice
• Bicycle accessories
• Keeping your bike secure
• Trains and bicycles
• Photo gallery
• Cycling for sport
• Useful links
• Contact us
• Cycling in Oswestry and Ludlow

Home > Tips and advice > Bicycle accessories

About this website | Site map |

Bicycle accessories

What accessories do you need for worry-free cycling?

There's nothing to stop you just jumping on your bicycle and going for a great ride, but you may want to consider taking some of the following items with you to improve your safety, make cycling more convenient or to be prepared in case something goes wrong with your bike.

Essential items

• Pump – It is useful to carry a pump with you at all times in case you get a flat tyre. You can get portable pumps which fit to your bike so you don't have to worry about it taking up space in your bag or pannier. Make sure that your pump's valve matches your tyres valves.
• Lock – If you're going to be parking your bike in a public place it's important to have a good quality lock. If your bike is particularly expensive, you might even want to consider using two locks.
• Lights – You're required by law to have a white light at the front of your bike and a red light at the rear. Remember to carry spare batteries. For more advice on lights visit our cycling in the dark or winter months section.

Useful items

• Panniers and pannier rack – It's really useful to have some storage on your bike, especially if you're carrying things you need for school or work. Panniers are bags that fit over the back wheel of your bike; they come in all shapes and sizes. It's safer to use a pannier than to have a shoulder bag, which can affect your balance. It also means that the bike takes the load rather than you and you can carry more.
• Basket – If you use your bike for shopping you might prefer to have a basket fitted at the front of your bike.
• Oil/lubricants – It's important to oil your chain regularly to keep it working smoothly. It might be a good idea to carry a small can for emergencies. Find out more in our keeping your bike in a good condition section.
• Bell – Getting a bell fitted to your bike is a good idea, so you can warn pedestrians if you're cycling on shared paths.
• Maps – If you're planning to cycle an unfamiliar route, you can't always rely on cycle signs, so it's a good idea to carry a map. Cycle Shrewsbury has produced a map showing all the cycle routes in Shrewsbury; you can order these leaflets online.
• Puncture repair kit and spare inner tubes – It's a good idea to carry a puncture repair kit and spare inner tubes in case you get a puncture. Mending a puncture can be quite easy with a little practise, but if you don't feel confident enough to do this your local bike shop can do this for you.
• Mudguards – Many bikes will come with mudguards attached. These are a good idea to protect your bike and your clothes from getting dirty in wet weather. If your bike does not have mudguards and there's not much space between wheels and frames you can use clip-on mudguards.
• Insurance – You can buy a variety of different insurance packages. If your bike is expensive you may want to buy insurance to cover it in case of theft. However, bicycles can often be included in your home insurance. There is also the option of purchasing public liability insurance which, like car insurance, protects you if you cause an accident. You can also buy roadside cover in case you have a problem with your bike and you get stranded.
• Helmet – It's advisable to wear a helmet if you will be cycling on the road. Make sure that it is the right size, properly fitted and comfortable. A poorly fitted helmet can actually make injuries worse. Your bike shop can advise you when purchasing a helmet.
• Cycle toolkit – A toolkit with a spanner and allen key can be useful for adjusting parts on your bike like your saddle height. If you're nervous about adjusting your bike, your bike shop can do it for you, or why not come along to a free Cycle Shrewsbury Dr Bike session.

Cycling with children

• Check out our advice for parents section.

Clothing

• If you are cycling for leisure or to work or school you don't need any particular specialist cycling clothing. However, it is a good idea to have a waterproof jacket for wet weather, some bright or reflective clothing for cycling when it is dull or dark, gloves for cold or windy weather and sunglasses for sunny days.
• There are loads of specialist items on the market from cycling shoes to cycling shorts to cycling gloves. You might find it more comfortable to cycle in these clothes but there's no reason why you shouldn't cycle in your ordinary clothes.
• If you're cycling in trousers, it's a good idea to use something like slappits or cycling clips to stop the bottom of your trousers getting dirty or caught in your chain.

Items to make you more visible

• Take a look at our cycling in the dark or winter months section.

Items for the serious cyclist

• Cycle computer – You can buy software which helps you calculate the speed, distance and time of your trips. Experienced or long-distance cyclists might find this type of equipment beneficial.
• GPS – A Global Positioning System (GPS) device can help to ensure that you don't get lost when cycling. The device provides a mapping tool which connects to satellites to allow you to pinpoint your position. You can also pre-load routes to follow and download maps of the route you have taken.