Whether you are just starting out in the cycling world, or you are a seasoned professional, there are plenty of products out there that can make or break your cycling experience. From locks, to lubes, gear, and more - choosing the right piece of equipment can be a difficult task. We are here to point you in the right direction when it comes to selecting your everyday cycling must-haves. Keep reading to find out what is recommended to enhance your cycling experience.

1. Always have a spares kit

Riding out on the road or even on bike paths can prove to be unpredictable when it comes to what might be lying around. Broken glass, nails/screws, steele, large pot holes and who knows what else might be out there to ruin your ride. The last thing you want is to be stuck 30kms away from home with a flat tyre and nothing to change it with. That is why it is important to have a spares kit with you at all times. There are plenty of items that need to go into this kit to ensure a successful tyre change. These include at least two Co2 canisters and an inflator, two spare tyre tubes, a multi tool, tyre levers to help get your tyre off the wheel, and of course, a saddle bag or a canister to keep everything neatly in one place. Bicycle Centre has some great products for all your spares kit needs.

Image: Birzman

2. Water, Lights & Locks = lifesavers 

These three items are vital when it comes to riding your bike. Having plenty of water on board is essential, especially in the summer months. It is normally recommended to bring one to two bottles of water with you on your ride, depending on the time and distance you are planning to ride. Ensuring your bike is equipped with high quality lights on the front and the rear of your bike is also important especially during the darker winter months. This is so you can see what lies ahead when riding in the morning or evening, as well as allowing other riders and drivers on the road to see you. Be sure to charge these up each night before your ride to avoid having them run out of battery on you! Finally, having a high quality lock is a great way to ensure the security of your bike. Hiplok and Magnum have some great compact combination locks which are small and easy to travel with - perfect for that unprecedented coffee shop stop on the way home. 

Image: Ravemen

3. High quality gear helps to improve your experience

Having high quality gear is a great way to make sure you are comfortable on your ride. There is nothing worse than bibshorts that rub, or don't have enough padding to ensure comfortability when on the bike (and after you get off!). Although it might seem expensive, investing in at least one pair of good bib shorts and a jersey is highly recommended. In line with this is investing in a quality pair of sunglasses. Everyone knows how uncomfortable it can be to keep your eyes open when the sun is glaring down at you, especially when you’re out on your bike. Having a pair of sunglasses is a great way to protect your eyes from the sun, wind and rain. Finally, ensuring you have a great helmet that is the right fit for your head is paramount when it comes to your safety. Essentially, having a high quality and properly-fitted helmet can be the difference between surviving a crash or not.

Image: MET

4. Keep it clean

Finally, keeping your bike clean will help you have a smooth and enjoyable ride. Cleaning your bike regularly is a great way to ensure all components are working well, and it assists with the longevity and reliability of these components. From degreaser, to bike wash, lube, and brushes, it is great to have an at home bike cleaning kit so you can clean at your leisure! Check out Peaty’s products. They are by riders, for riders and take an environmentally friendly approach.

Now you know what is a must have when being a part of the cycling world, it is time to create a checklist and see what you have already got, and what you might need to add to your cycle closet. Happy Riding.