Cycling accessories

Clothing

Wear bright colours such as orange or yellow to ensure you are seen. A fluoro or reflective vest is also a great idea, and can be purchased cheaply from many discount variety shops. While not essential for cycling, items such as Lycra knicks and gloves can increase your riding comfort.

Trouser clips and reflective leg bands

If your bike doesn't have a chainguard. These are a good way to keep your trousers clean and prevent them getting caught in the chain. Reflective material also increases your visibility at night.

Locks

Expect to pay $70 to $100 for a good bike lock. In general, D-locks are harder to break than cables, but cables can be useful as an extra-protection against theft of quick-release wheels. Remember to always lock your bike in a secure area, utilising the many u-rails or bike lockers as provided at train stations.

Lights

If you ride at night, you must use a front light and rear light. It's a good idea to have lights fixed to your bike so that you don't get caught out without them. Some people use superglue to secure the lights and avoid them being stolen when the bike is unattended.

Panniers and baskets

It is easier to let the bike, rather than the rider carry the load. Hence, a rear rack may be one of the first accessories for a touring or commuting bike. Panniers are specially designed bags that attach to front or rear pannier racks. There are also several types of baskets that can be attached to carry small items.

Water bottle cages

The need for cyclists to maintain their water level makes a water carrier an important accessory.

Child carriers

These are a great way to introduce your child to cycling. Some models attach to the rear of a bike, on top of a carrier, while the more stable versions mount to the centre of the frame ahead of the riders.

Mudguards

Although not compulsory, mudguards are highly recommended for wet weather riding. When shopping for mudguards, look for ones that won't bend easily or rattle.

Pumps

Traditional models have a cloth covered extension tube that screws into the pump at one end and the tyre's valve at the other. Increasingly popular are high pressure pumps that fit directly to the valve without an extension tube. There are also floor pumps, as well as the local service station - but remember not to inflate the tyre too much. You will generally find bikes fitted with one of two types of valve - Presta (racing bikes) Schraeder (similar to a car valve). The two are not interchangeable, so you must ensure your pump fittings match the valve or buy an adaptor.

Bike carriers

The two common ways to carry bikes on vehicles are on a roof rack or a tow bar carrier. Both designs make it easier to transport your bike. When making a decision on which suits you, consider both safety and security factors.

Mirrors

These are helpful for cyclists. The most popular are small circular mirrors on stems that clip to the handlebars. Another small version attaches to the rider's helmet.