	return
	The Must Haves! Helmets Todays helmets are much lighter, cooler, and better fitting. The weight, fit, impact standards, as well as aesthetics for most people are the most important considerations when choosing a helmet. The Image Pro helmet from Bell Sports is light, well-ventilated and generally fits on a wide range of head shapes.The Trek Vapor helmet sells for $32.00 and earned a Best Buy in the Conumer Report Helmet Review for 1999. Pumps If your twenty miles from home with a flat tire, a frame fit pump as well as a tube repair kit will allow you to repair a flat and ride home, instead of that very long walk. The topeak mountain frame pump unfolds and can be used as a floor pump as well as a frame pump and has been evaluated as one of the best dual purpose pumps around. The Topeak Joe Blow is larger and fills your tires faster and easier. Patch Kit, Portable Pump & Tire Irons Imagine that you are twenty miles from home and you have, unfortunately, a flat tire. If you carry a spare tube, tires irons, patch kit and portable pump, you can save yourself that long walk home. Otherwise, carry that portable phone and call your significant other. A Seat Bag Choose one that will carry your spare tube, tire irons, wallet and keys and whatever else you plan to carry. If you need more space, it is a good idea to buy an expandable trunk bag. Trek makes one that is insulated and it will accomodate extra apparel, beverage, camera equipment and more. Water Sources are a Must Have! Should Have Gloves Gloves relieve pressure where sensitive nerves make contact with the handlebar. They also can prevent abrasion in a crash Shorts The saddle is the bain of riding a bicycle. A well padded short is designed to protect you in sensitive areas. Combined with an anatomically designed saddle, you can maximize your comfort when riding your bicycle. The casusal short which has a padded liner is ideal when public scrutiny is an issue. The lycra short is generally the preference for the more serious cyclist. Protective Eyeware Glasses can prevent airborne debris from getting in your eyes and sunglasses are also designed to protect you from ultra-violet light. Both the Eyerodz and Bodyspec 2002 are well designed for cycling. Shoes A good pair of cycling shoes will help prevent your feet from numbing. A stiff cycling shoe also helps you deliver more power when cycling. Today, manufacturers have made shoes with a recessed cleat that can snap into a special pedal. This design is very efficient and much safer than the old fashion toe-clip systems. Riding Apparel The appropriate clothing for riding a bicycle enhances the comfort dimension of cycling. A windbreaker keeps out the chill while working away sweat. Cyling socks are thinner, smoother and stretchier and they won't bunch up and stay cooler on long rides. A good jersey is much more comfortable since it wicks away perspiration. Cycling specific shorts have a large pad to insure more comfort when in the saddle. For Cooler Weather If you ride in the cold, you'll need tights, booties to cover your cycling shoes, a cap or balaclava that fits under your helmet, and a jacket with wind-resistant panels in the chest and arms. Locking Devices The question always arises, "What type of lock should I buy?" Experts agree that the horseshoe lock is the strongest type of lock. Generally, one puts the lock through the frame of bike and locks the bicycle to an immovable object like a sign post or a parking meter. The horeshoe lock is more resistant to bolt cutters, which is the chief tool of the bike thief. The other type of lock featured is the cablelock. It is quick and easy to use and can go through both wheels of the bike to a number of fixed objects. The cable lock is ideal when you have to make a quick stop and for the most part, you can keep your eye on the bicycle. Lights The major issue with lights is whether you want to light up the road or trail or simply be seen. An inexpensive front headlight and flashing rear taillight can insure visibility to motorists. For a little more, the night hawk viper has a super brite 5 watt halogen bulb with over 4 hours of run time. Nice to Have Cyclocomputer Some have more functions than the others. Rear Rack A rear rack is a good idea if you want to carry things that won't fit in a jersey pocket or seat pack. You can put grocery style bags or touring panniers on the sides of the rack. There are racks that clamp directly to the seatpost of the bicycle if your frame will not accomodate a standard rack. Tools A basic toolkit should include the most common allen key wrenches, a chain rivot extractor, a spoke wrench, and some screwdrivers. A portable toolstand makes it much more convenient to work on your bicycle whether it is a simple cleaning of your drivetrain or an overhaul of your entire bicycle. A chain cleaning system contains everything you need to clean the chain , freewheels, cogs, and chainrings. Car Rack There are many types of car racks to suit your particular needs. There are racks for the trunk, roof, and those that fit into trailer hitches. We highly recommend that a professional install your car rack for you and make you aware of the safety precautions in using your rack. Trainer Why not use your bike all year long? A bicycle trainer makes it possible. One simply attaches the trainer to the rear wheel of the bicycle. At this point, the harder you pedal the more resistance is generated by the trainer. A Comfortable Saddle If you need more comfort while riding your bicycle, consider one of the new gel saddles that cushion the seat area. Furthermore, many of these saddles are specifically designed for men and women to relieve pressure in sensitive areas. A well designed saddle along with a good pair of cycling shorts will maximize your comfort while riding your bicycle. Disc Brakes .