New riders often spend too much on things they don’t need and skip the essentials. This checklist covers what you actually need, in order of priority.
Must-haves
1. A helmet that fits
Fit matters more than price. It should sit level, low on your forehead, and not move when you shake your head.
2. Lights
Front white and rear red lights, rechargeable if possible. A front light like the Fenix BC15R and a Fenix BC05R tail light covers most riders. See our bike lights guide.
3. A lock
If you leave the bike anywhere, use a U-lock or folding lock. See our bike locks guide.
4. A basic repair kit
- Spare tube and patch kit
- Tire levers
- Mini pump or CO2
- A multi-tool
Learn to fix a flat at home first. Our flat prevention tips help you avoid them.
5. Water
A bottle and cage, or a cup holder for casual rides.
Comfort upgrades
- Padded shorts or liners.
- Gloves to reduce numbness and protect your hands in a fall.
- A comfortable saddle or gel seat cover.
- Flat pedals with good grip, if your current ones are slippery.
Safety extras
- A bell for shared paths.
- A mirror for traffic.
- Reflective clothing or ankle bands.
Nice-to-haves
- A bike computer or phone mount.
- A floor pump with a gauge for home.
- A repair stand for maintenance.
- Fenders and a rack for commuting.
Don’t forget the bike
Before each ride, check tire pressure, brakes and the chain (the “ABC check”: air, brakes, chain). And if you’re still shopping for a bike, our guide to choosing a bike helps.
Helmet fit, step by step
- Measure your head about 2 cm above your eyebrows and pick the matching size.
- Position: the helmet should sit level, about two finger widths above your eyebrows.
- Side straps: adjust them to form a “V” just under each earlobe.
- Chin strap: buckle it so only one or two fingers fit underneath.
- Retention dial: tighten until the helmet doesn’t move when you shake your head.
- Replace it after any crash or after the age the manufacturer recommends.
Building your repair kit
A small kit in a saddle bag handles most roadside problems:
- Spare tube in the right size and valve type (Presta or Schrader)
- Patch kit as a backup for a second flat
- Tire levers, two or three
- Mini pump or CO2 inflator with a spare cartridge
- Multi-tool with hex keys, screwdrivers and ideally a chain tool
- Quick link for your chain speed
- A little cash or card and your ID
Practice changing a tube at home once. It’s much easier when you’re not on the side of the road.
How to fix a flat
- Shift to the smallest cog and remove the wheel.
- Use tire levers to remove one side of the tire.
- Pull out the tube and find the cause; run your fingers carefully inside the tire to find glass or thorns.
- Put a little air in the new tube, tuck it into the tire and seat the tire bead by hand.
- Inflate to the pressure on the tire sidewall and check the tire sits evenly.
- Refit the wheel and check the brakes.
Clothing basics
You can ride in normal clothes, but a few items make rides more comfortable:
- Padded shorts or liners for rides over 30 minutes
- Moisture-wicking tops instead of cotton
- A light windproof jacket for cool mornings
- Gloves for grip, comfort and protection
- Glasses to keep out dust, bugs and wind
The ABC pre-ride check
- A: Air. Squeeze the tires, or better, check with a gauge.
- B: Brakes. Squeeze both levers; they should stop the wheels firmly before reaching the bars.
- C: Chain. It should be clean and lightly lubed, with smooth shifting.
- Quick release: check that wheels and seatposts are tight.
- Check lights if you’ll be out near dusk.
What to skip at first
- Expensive clipless pedals and shoes until you know you’ll ride often
- High-end bike computers when a phone works fine
- Fancy kit before you’ve found what you enjoy
Spend first on safety and comfort, then upgrade as your riding grows.
Budget priorities
If you can only buy a few things, buy them in this order: a helmet, lights, a lock (if you park anywhere), a repair kit and padded shorts. These cover safety, security and comfort.
Gear for riding with kids
If you ride with children, add a few items to your list:
- Kids’ helmets that fit properly (the same fit rules apply)
- Lights and reflectors on their bikes too
- A bell they can reach and enjoy using
- A small first-aid kit with plasters, wipes and antiseptic
- Snacks and water for every rider
- A child seat or trailer with its own safety checks for younger kids
Riding together is one of the best ways to build safe habits early. Start on quiet paths, practice stopping and signaling and build up to short neighborhood rides.
Storing your gear
Keep your helmet, lights, lock and repair kit together near the bike, on a hook or shelf by the door. When everything lives in one place, you never leave without it. Charge lights in the same spot so they’re ready for the next ride, and restock your repair kit as soon as you use a tube or a CO2 cartridge.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the most important bike accessory?
A properly fitted helmet, followed closely by front and rear lights.
Do I need special shoes?
Not at first. Flat pedals with good grip work well with sneakers.
How often should I check tire pressure?
Weekly at least, and before longer rides. Tires lose pressure naturally over time.
What should I carry on every ride?
A spare tube, tire levers, a pump, a multi-tool, your phone and ID.
A video from BIKE198 on gear essentials for a ride.
Shop the gear
- Fenix BC15R Rechargeable Bike Light
- Fenix BC05R V2.0 Tail Light
- Motorcycle/Bicycle Multi-Tool
- Universal Gel Saddle Seat Cover
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Top image: “Female cyclist on N Dearborn Street bike lane, Chicago, 2025” by DimiTalen (resized and cropped), CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.