So, I put a Schwinn World 24 Commuter on layaway at performance bike today. It has a rack and fenders already, but what else would you call a necessary accessory? Obviously a lock, I'm going to give myself a forty dollar allowance for a lock, as I'm not in a high risk area, and a helmet, I figure a twenty dollar one is as good as 120 as far as protection. And lights; definitely getting lights that are rechargable, or rechargable batteries. But what else? What else can you guys not live without on your rides?

EDIT: I'm also investing in a trunk rack for the car since the boyfriend's car isnt big enough to fit it, lol. I dont know the area well enough to ride it home yet.

Spare tubes and a method to inflate them on the road.

Gloves and eye wear.

Computer for speed and mileage.

I won't ride without a mirror.

Talking about front and rear lights alone would take more than one thread. Clothing could be another one or two.

A multi tool.

A rack trunk and/or panniers.

Maybe a seat pack.

*points at opening post* I am getting head and tail lights, I just wrapped it up into the generality of lights.

Totally forgot about pumps and tubes! *writes down* Also investing in a mini tool kit on amazon by Topeak I think. Cover all my bases.

You need tire levers, a multitool and a pump for any ride that is longer than a couple of miles if you don't want to risk being stranded. Historically for me tires have tended to flat at the least opportune moments (in the middle of a century ride, for example).

A rack is not strictly essential, but it sure felt that way for me because I hated wearing a backpack. You don't need panniers or a trunk bag if you don't want to spend too much. You can always bungee a regular backpack directly to your rack, or attach a milk crate with zip ties. Not as 'sexy', but very functional.

I know you said you are in a low risk area, but I suggest not skimping on the lock...at the very least, get a U lock. It'd be such a waste to invest money in a new bike but have it stolen because you wanted to save a few bucks.

Definitely getting a u-lock, I simply mean getting something that's on sale, maybe something that includes a cable for a little extra incentive NOT to pick my bike to steal. Tons of people just leave their bikes sitting outside unlocked, so my bike won't be much of a target for those looking for an easy steal. I'm just not going to spend a hundred bucks on one of those 'new york' locks or anything. Especially since I have to invest in a trunk mounted car bike rack.

Not a bad idea for the backpack rackpack. I'm sure I've got plenty of backpacks/messenger bags laying around I could bungee to it. And I could get some of those super-strength automotive bungees to attach a milk crate to the back; I'd been considering it anyways since it's going to be my errand bike as well.

Bottle and cage, tire patch kit, saddle bag to carry your tools in, seat cover if you have to leave it out in the rain, gloves, reflective vest...

I second a pair of good gloves.

If you intend to use a multi-use path, or if you ride near pedestrians, I would recommend a bell. I have one on my commuter, and I miss one not having one when I am on my road bike.

Delta Airzound. It's a really loud air horn that I use to stop dogs from chasing me. It has also saved my butt by getting the attention of drivers about to turn on me.

Is just a seat cover sufficient for leaving it out in the rain? I was planning on getting a full bike cover, but seeing as the bike rack near my work is under cover, I guess it wouldn't be a big deal to just cover the seat, and I'm not crazy enough to decide to ride anywhere else in the rain, lol. And I have a garage for storing the bike.

Gloves are a good idea, I can't believe I didn't think of that. O.o I remember when I was a kid my hands would get SO raw riding my bike around.

My bike comes with a little bell. Definitely getting something nice and loud for these drivers around here; half of them are on their phone the entire time. As far as dogs, we don't have as many roaming around; it happens, but it's not common enough that I worry about it. I would have worried about it in my old neighborhood though.

Wow... sounds like you need a bank roll to get this show on the road.

Don't get overwhelmed by it all. Just buy a little at a time as you need it. For example, you might not need rain gear if you have an alternate transportation. Same for fenders. I've been riding for many years and I still don't have an AirZounds.

You don't know what you're missing. There is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing the look on the face of the soccer mom with her head glued to a cell phone as she is about to pull out in front of you and you give her a blast of the AirZound. It's really stops her in her tracks as it sounds like a Mack truck bearing down on you. I'm sure more than a couple inattentive drivers have left skid marks on the road as well as their pants when I've let them know where I'm at.

I've already got fenders on the bike I got. I think I'll be okay minus the rain stuff. I do want to get a helmet mounted mirror, though. When test riding, I didn't feel comfortable with the turn-to-look thing. Doing my best to get things in the order that I need them, in the price bracket I can afford. Off brands in places where it's appropriate. Lots of amazon shopping with free shipping, lol. I do have the relaxing knowledge that my job and most places I'd need to go are within walking distance if a tire pops on me.

I just want to know what kind of stuff people on here discovered that they couldn't live without once they had it.

I've got an AirZound. Bought it for the heck of it, it was cheap. With light/computer mounts and bottles already in cages, I don't have room. Probably wouldn't use it if I did anyway. Using it on people seems a little mean spirited to me. Maybe nuisance dogs.

A good pair of gloves, spare tube, tools to remove said tube, a pump or CO2 canister (all can fit in a small/medium seat bag).

And fold out bike rack baskets such as this one -> https://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cyclin...ing-basket.jsp

Panniers are nice, but the times you need one, often you forgot to take one along, so I keep a basket on my left side of the bike rack and put the pannier on the right when I do plan ahead. But when I do not plan for it, the fold out rack and a few bungie cords and I can tie down the occasional groceries etc without a hassle.

Jim

Gloves to wear while riding and at least one disposable glove in with the flat repair kit- cuts down on the grease getting on your hand when removing the rear wheel. Possibly throw in a Grease Monkey Wipe as well.

The most important thing that I couldn't make do without after getting it was my floor pump. I got like 3 pinch flats in like a week relying on the air compressor at the c-store.

Mean spirited to stop someone from running into you? You really must be a daredevil.

Sorry about your wallet!

Still, there are few necessary accessories.... just those that are useful.

I carry a good repair kit and two spare tubes, though I rarely get a puncture.

I carry a lock, though I dont need to lock my bike up at work or at home, and dont generally stop on the way.

I like glasses, but have ridden without them.

I sometimes have worn gloves in summer, and do so currently, but have often not worn them.

I have good winter gear, but then it gets down to freezing here, and I ride year round.

I buy a computer for my bike whenever I buy a new bike. It doesnt leave the shop without one, but then I am a numbers geek.... your km-age may vary.

z

I have to admit, a bike computer keeps me from getting a bit bored. Seeing how many miles you have ridden, tracking average speed, how fast am I going on this down hill, how long is that doggone long grade, etc.

What is a must? Safety items:
Helmet
Gloves; if you fall you don't want to scrape your hands
Eye protection? I wear glasses and I see plenty of people biking without any glasses, so I don't know if these are mandatory
Water bottle and cage, or camelbak because you need water
Bright lime green safety vest, which is also optional, but will help you be seen better

Not getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire:
Frame pump
Spare tube
Patch kit, in case you get multiple flats)
Tire levers
Pair of latex/nitrile gloves to keep from getting dirty, greasy hands when repairing flat
Seat pack to hold all this junk

Everything else is as you see fit depending on how you ride. If you start taking long rides (15-20 miles), you will want moisture wicking clothing. Bike jerseys can be bought fairly cheap. Padded cycling shorts to prevent chafing and add comfort. You stock up on these on sale AFTER the summer season. As winter is mostly behind us, you don't need winter clothing. But it's all on sale now :-) If you are going to ride in the rain, you would probably want full fenders to keep dry. I have a multitool but I've never used it on the road. At home, I have real tools.

Most of these items will be a one time investment. Well, five thousand miles minimum :-)

For me

Bare minimum:

Pump, patch kit, 1 spare tube + levers - stored in a quick release seat bag
Helmet (actually there are occasions I've forgone a helmet - but it's very rare)
Rear blinkie (light)

Almost always necessary:

Sunglasses (or ski goggles depending on the weather )
Gloves
Reflective leg band (out of habit more than necessity but I do think it's a great all-round visibility aid)

Assuming I need to leave the bike:

U-Lock + cable

Riding in low-light/dark:

Helmet lights, front light(s) depending on how dark it is.
Reflective sash or vest

Longer rides:

Water bottle or two (with water!) + snacks
Extra spare tube
Multi-tool

I always have a computer with cadence on my bikes too but it's definitely not necessary.

A bell is very handy if commuting on trails that will have a lot of traffic. I've recently been experimenting with a mirror too. I will also often use my helmet mounted camera (I have a Contour HD), especially in low-light conditions.

I don't have racks or permanent fenders on most of my bikes. For rides < 10 mi I don't think a backpack is all that uncomfortable, and I wear one for roughly 1/5th of my commutes.

Once you start riding more, it might be worth getting bike shorts. Even the cheaper $20 liner style ones you can wear under jeans are a good start for commuting, imo, and very serviceable ones can be had for <$35. For jerseys, just having a technical fabric base layer is fine for starting out - any cheap synthetic athletic shirt from Target/Old Navy will work to keep you a lot drier.

I feel like when you go to the trouble of having a helmet, rear blinkie and a reflective leg band (in any light conditions), drivers realize and understand that you are trying to be visible and safe and that you're neither a daredevil fixie-riding messenger-hipster nor a total slowpoke n00b (even if you are one of those!).

Any particular reason you can't put one on the road bike? Or would it add too much weight?

I ring my beautiful two tone brass bell. It's such a pretty, dainty sound, it works every time.

Me too brother. Ring that bell on the road racer and ride on the MUP too. Let your freak flag fly. HHAHHAHahhahaa