by Wordy

Created on: February 02, 2009

Essential: a bike. Optional: every other piece of cycling equipment on the market.

OK, I'm being a little flippant, but the matter of "necessity" as applied to bicycle equipment is more to do with the type of riding you do and how you might want to deal with any problems whilst on the road or trail.

Here's a run-down of some common bicycling equipment and its relative necessity.

Helmet. In some countries wearing a helmet is required by law, so in those places, definitely on the necessary list. Where it's a matter of choice, you need to weigh up your risk. The balance of professional opinion is very much in favor of wearing a helmet for even the shortest journeys, and a look at a helmet that's been involved in an accident is usually enough to convince skeptics that they are a good ides (all those dents in the helmet would have been your head!). If you're going to wear a helmet, make sure it fits, the straps are adjusted property and it's in the correct position on your head (on the top and straight, not on the back like some sort of trendy beret).

Puncture Repair Kit. Pretty useful. Whatever type of riding you do, sooner or later you'll get a puncture. Punctures are quick and easy to repair at the side of the road; pushing your bike a long distance back home or to the nearest bike shop is a pain. Make sure you have a pump as well!

Other tools. Depends on how mechanically minded you are. A set of Allan keys is a good idea to tighten any loose bits as you go along, but other tools are only necessary if you intend to service, maintain and repair your bike yourself. Otherwise, ditch the tools and take the bike to the shop.

Lights. Absolutely necessary if you're going to ride at night. Helmet mounted front lights are useful but bar mounted ones work equally well. A red flashing rear light is mandatory. Choose lights that offer the level of illumination you need; a mountain biker riding unlit off road trails will need very bright lights to be safe; a commuter riding well lit roads will need flashing lights in order to be seen by motorists and other road users.

Racks, panniers and bags. There are loads of different types of bags and packs to fit to a bike, from tiny saddle bags to carry the bare minimum to cavernous panniers to carry enough luggage for a two week holiday. The alternative to a bike fixed bag is a rucksack. Assess how much you might want to carry (and how often) and choose a bag accordingly.

Cycling jacket. Anyone riding a bike would find it useful to invest

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