BikeParts.com Rider @johnweilerr
While our weather in Colorado has been on the cooler side, warmer days are just around the corner. As spring turns to summer, long trail rides on your mountain bike and epic road ride on your road bike lie just ahead. But it can be a thrill kill to plan the most epic of rides only to arrive at the trailhead or meet the group and be without a required bike part or cycling item. Do you have all of the cycling accessories and gear you need to make the most of the summer riding season? Make the most of late spring and early summer riding with our checklist of cycling apparel and bike part must haves!
If your riding or training has been intermittent through the winter months and early spring, then chances are your bike maintenance may have been intermittent too. Before logging big miles, you should conduct bike maintenance and safety check. This includes a good cleaning of your bike, careful attention of your chain and drivetrain components, and inspection of your brake pads, wheels and tires. For some extra pointers on getting your bike ride ready, check out our post Spring Cleaning! 4 Essential Bike Maintenance Tips to Get Your Bike on the Road.
If it’s been a while since you’ve logged extended miles, you may have forgotten what you usually bring along with you. Following are a few to have in your jersey pocket or saddle bag.
- Basic repair and maintenance kit The basic supplies you should have in your kit include a spare inner tube, tire levers, patch kit, mini-pump, and a folding multi-tool. In case of a chain break, bring a chain master link. A small paper clip or zip tie can help keep the chain together to limp the bike home. While not considered essential items, some cyclist take their basic kit a bit further and include other items like a small amount of duck tape, zip ties or rubber bands.
- Water and/or sports drink and a light snack
- Cash, ATM card, Personal Identification
- The right cycling apparel. Whether you want to ride in the new spring cycling styles or spin in your usual cycling gear, the main point to remember is to have clothing options available to you while riding. The weather turns quick and a rain shower or quick drop in temperature can make the best of rides turn sour quickly. Consider having a standby bike ready bag available. Pack it with arm and leg warmers, a headband or cap, rain jacket, and lube.
- Map or a GPS
- Sunscreen
Additionally, if you are competing in any of the upcoming races like The Growler, Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Dirty Kanza, or other events, you might want to check out our Comprehensive Checklist for Spring Racing.
There you have it. The quick, yet a thorough list of items to have on hand. Keep in mind, as you ride more through the season, some worn bike parts that weren’t visible upon your first bike inspections may become apparent as the season progresses. Be sure to stop by the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to pick up the cycling accessories you need! Hope to see you soon!
Posted by staffwriter8 
Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com Blog 