Three Bike Accessories Worth Buying—and One to Skip

A new bike often needs more than the bike itself for a comfortable first outing. The guide’s three day-one picks are a helmet, a flat-repair kit, and bottle cages. A helmet is described as an important safety barrier, though not a guarantee against injury. The Virginia Tech Helmet Rating resource is recommended for comparing safety testing, and the P2R A20 Mips is highlighted at $60. Major manufacturers generally suggest replacing helmets every three to five years.

A flat kit should match the bike and include inflation equipment, tire levers, a multitool, the right inner tube, and a way to carry everything. Tube dimensions and valve styles can differ between bikes, so a kit that works for one may fail on another. Internal storage also needs checking before the first ride. For longer outings, the guide mentions CO2 cartridges, a CO2 inflator, and a frame pump; mini electric inflators are another increasingly popular option.

For bikes that have room, two bottle cages keep water on the frame rather than adding weight through a hydration pack. Full-suspension mountain bikes are noted as an exception because they often hold only one cage. A hydration pack is the accessory the guide steers riders away from, since its water weight rests on the rider’s sit bones. Taillights and padded cycling shorts receive honorable-mention status: lights can improve visibility around vehicles, while bib-style shorts can make rides more comfortable.