Bike Commuting Essentials
Riding essentials, repair-kits, apparel & storage!
Cycling to work & what you need to know!
There's no better time to start cycling to work than now! Commuting to work by bike can be a really enjoyable way to start and finish the work day, especially if you're properly equipped and prepared! Biking to work can be incredibly rewarding but also has it's difficulties which is why we curated a list of some commuting essentials to make your ride to work manageable and a more enjoyable experience.
Safety
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Safety is the number one priority when deciding to commute by bike. The key is visibility & being prepared!
Cycling lights
Cycling lights let you be seen by vehicles, pedestrians, and other riders. Depending on where you live and how early or late your commute is, lights may also be essential to light up the pathway in front of you. Lights help ensure you have a safe ride and keep you visible. The typical light set up includes a white light facing forward, whether attached to your helmet or handlebars along with a red light facing the rear.
Bike bell
A bike bell is essential to help alert pedestrians and other riders that you're approaching. Although yelling, "On your left" does the trick, a bike bell is a much more considerate and convenient way of respecting others utilizing the pathways around you.
If you ever plan on passing pedestrians or other riders, a bike bell is a must have for your commuting set up!
Bike helmet
Helmets provide the much needed protection and safety you need in the case of a fall or crash. No matter how careful you are or how skilled of a rider you are, accidents happen and when they do, you'll be happy that you wore a helmet to protect your precious cargo.
Bike helmets have different technologies to create light wight, well ventilated, and enhanced safety features such as MIPS and ANGI to keep you safe and comfortable.
On-Bike Essentials
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Carry all of your essentials conveniently on your bike and stay dry with bike racks, pannier bags, and fenders.
Racks for your bike
Arrive to work without the sweaty back that backpacks cause with trapped heat. A bike rack is an essential way to carry all your necessities. Racks can affix to your bike in a variety of ways and can accommodate all sorts of different brake systems. If you're looking for an effective, sweat-free way to carry essentials, look no further than a rack for your bike!
Pannier bags
If you plan on carrying a lunch, books, or a change of clothes for your commute, you're going to need something to store it in and a pannier bag is one of the best ways to do it.
Pannier bags or saddle bags offer plenty of space and distribute the weight on your bike in a way that won't limit performance or balance. We stock budget friendly models as well as higher end models that include waterproof options!
Bike fenders
Fenders help stop wheel spray from puddles, muddle, and rain from spraying up in your face or leaving a wet stripe down your back. Be prepared for any condition by install fenders on your bike!
Bike fenders come in a variety of styles to fit your bike. Whether you're looking for a full wrap fender or something that you can clip on, we have a fender that will work for you!
Tools & Repairs
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Flats happen! Make sure you're equipped to handle any minor repair you might run into during your commute
Bike tube
Carrying a spare tube during your commute is absolutely essential! Flats happen, and when they do you'll be happy you came prepared for the job with a spare tube.
Your tire tube size can be found on the side wall of your tire. It's also important to take note of the type of valve stem your bike has. A schrader valve will look familiar, like the valve stem on your vehicle. A presta valve is a long skinny valve stem with a little nut on the end of it.
Multi tools
A multi tool is really handy to carry with you on your commute in case of any minor repair you might need to make. Things like a loose stem or handlebar can happen if you're not checking regularly. Or perhaps you need to make a minor adjustment to your saddle height. With a multi tool you'll be able to make those small adjustments without a problem.
We stock a variety of multi tools that include the basic essentials to more complex tools that include chain breakers. The multi tool is the ultimate package to complete any on commute repair.
Apparel & Accessories
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Cycling apparel and accessories purpose built for shielding you from the elements and keep you comfortable and dry.
Cycling apparel
Whether you're looking for a transitional piece you can bike and look casual in or if you're looking for a technical piece to shield you from the elements, The Bike Shop has you covered!
We stock everything from insulated and waterproof jackets to merino wool shirts and tech tees. Proper apparel can really make or break your riding experience. Fabrics that wick moisture away, put padding where it's needed, and are purposefully designed with the riding position in mind will help improve your cycling experience.
