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Gear

Below are some of the different kinds of gear you will want to consider for your biking routine.

Bike

  • Get a bike to match your needs. Many road bikes are designed ultra-lightweight for speed. Others are not as fast but built for comfort.

  • Make sure your bike fits your body. A good bike shop will help you find a bike that is right for you. Cranks, handlebars and the seat can be changed to fit your needs.

  • Make sure the bike is in good working order. Check to ensure gears and brakes work properly. If you need help, take it to a qualified mechanic.

Helmet

  • The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recommends that all bicyclists wear helmets. Children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear helmets.

  • Make sure your helmet meets the standards of the American Standards Institute, the American Society for Testing and Materials, and the Snell Memorial Foundation's Standards for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling. Helmets should be labeled accordingly.

  • Ensure a proper helmet first using these guidelines (PDF).

Front Lamp and Reflectors

  • If you use your bike between sunset and sunrise, it must be equipped with a front lamp and rear and side reflectors that are visible from at least 500 feet. This is both to help other motorists see you and also to illuminate your path.

Rear-View Mirror

  • A rear-view mirror will help you maneuver through traffic. Rear-view mirrors can be helmet-mounted or mounted on your handlebars.

Toolkit

  • Be prepared for flats and other minor breakdowns by bringing a small toolkit, including a tire patch and pump.

Carriers and Bags

  • Helpful items include a frame-mounted water bottle and a small handlebar or rack-mounted bag to hold your tools, extra clothing, and other items.

Gloves

  • Fingerless cycling gloves protect your hands in case of falls and help cushion your hands on the handlebars.

Bike Lock

  • A bike lock can be purchased at a sporting-goods store and can help ensure your bike remains safe when it is parked on the street or on the sidewalk in a bike rack.