The sales guy is trying to help you

Before you finalize the deal on that new bike, you need to consider these essential items to go along with it. These vital accessories will add to the joy of riding and help keep you and your bike in tip-top shape. Even if you’ve been riding for years and are adding to an established stable, many of the essentials that you already own may need updating or replacing (that crack in your helmet liner would be one clue).

Our point is, do your shopping now. Most bike shops will offer a sweet discount on gear, parts and accessories when purchased with your new bike. You’ll not only save money, you’ll head out for your first ride on your new bike geared to go.

THE HELMET

This one is obvious; protect your most vital organ—your brain. Helmet prices vary, so why are some helmets so expensive? All helmets, regardless of price, have to adhere to CPSC safety standards. Spending more on a helmet will get you better ventilation, lower weight and a more precise fit. If you are on a budget, consider the Bell Slant. At $55, it won’t break the bank, but it will surely break your fall.

CYCLING SHORTS

Having padding in the shorts (called a chamois) makes a big difference in comfort. Many companies make relatively inexpensive Lycra cycling shorts that you can wear under your favorite gym shorts if you are on a budget. Understand that good cycling shorts are cut to work best on the bike. Trying them on in the bike shop and walking around with them on will feel weird. Get on a bike to determine if the shorts you are trying fit correctly.

GLOVES

We wouldn’t ride without gloves. They help prevent nasty blisters and will likely save your skin in a crash. Lightweight, full-fingered gloves like the SixSixOne Raji or Lizard Skins G- Love are our particular preference. Some people like a lot of padding in the palm, but we have found that minimal padding with a quality set of grips (like ODI Lock-On grips) is the best way to go.

HYDRATION

You will want to drink during your rides, so pick up three or four water bottles and a cage (or two) to secure your bottles to your bike. If you just dropped some coin on a new full- suspension rig, your water-bottle mounts will likely be limited. If this is the case, then a hydration pack is the way to go. Either way, you have to be able to hydrate on your rides.

SPARE KIT

Sooner or later, you will get a flat or suffer a mechanical problem while on a ride. Having a multi-tool and a few spares will get you through these situations with the least amount of hassle. Your kit needs to contain a spare tube, a SRAM Powerlink, a multi-tool, a patch kit and an inflation device (either a mini pump or CO2 inflator will do the trick). If you wear a hydration pack, it will all fit in there. If not, get yourself a seat pack that attaches under and behind your saddle.

STORAGE STAND

So you spent a pretty penny on your new bike; now, the last thing we’d want is for it to fall over in the garage. At $40, Feedback’s Rakk storage stand should have no problem supporting your new ride.

A FLOOR PUMP

Before you hit the trails, be sure to check your tire pressure. A floor pump with a gauge will do the trick. Over or under-inflated tires will affect the ride quality of your bike. Having your tires at the proper pressure will reduce your risk of pinch flats and give you optimal traction out on the trails.

CHAIN LUBE

The best thing you can do to maintain your bike is to keep the chain properly lubed. The environment in which you ride will dictate the type of lube to buy. For dusty and dry dirt, go with a wax or “dry” Teflon lube. In sloppy, wet, muddy conditions, a “wet” lube will suit your needs best.

CHAIN-CLEANING SYSTEM

It is important to apply chain lube to a clean surface, which is why we recommend picking up a chain-cleaning system. We’ve had good luck over the years with Park’s CG-2 Chain Gang cleaning system. A simple citrus degreaser will also get the job done.

TIRE TUBES

You are going to get a flat tire. The friends you ride with are going to get flat tires. Everyone who rides a mountain bike is going to get a flat tire. It doesn’t matter if your bike is equipped with tubeless tires, because sooner or later you will need a tube to get your- self back home without a hike. When you purchase your new bike, add four tubes to the order. You will use them.