Meet Your New Car

Getting Accessories

There are several things in addition to the bike that you are going to need before you can commute. The first is a luggage rack. The simplest kind mounts onto the seat post and sticks out over your rear tire. Using this, you can strap on your briefcase, purse, gym bag, or what ever else you need. Also, you can get pannier bags, which resemble saddlebags. They hang off each side of the rack and come in a variety of sizes. Next are lights. If you are going to be traveling at night or dust, or in heavy traffic, these are a must. There is a multitude of type to chose from. For the headlight, you will need a bright, white light. The tail light needs to be red, and can be a solid, or flashing light. Some have small generators that run off the tires, while others run off batteries. If you opt for the battery-powered lights, be sure to buy rechargeable batteries, otherwise, you will run up quite a bill for batteries. A mirror, while not necessary, is very handy. Once you use one, you will never want to ride without one. There are different types of these as well. Some mount on your helmet, others on the handlebar. This is just a matter of preference. A small tool kit is also a good idea. Just a small one that straps under the seat is adequate. You also should carry an extra tube in case of a flat. Hopefully you are now well equipped with the knowledge you need to obtain and outfit a bike for you transportation needs. These wonderful machines are excellent for a daily ride to work and on errands. Good luck in the bicycle world.