Is it necessary to have a $700 bike, sleek pants or the latest hydration system to ride in Columbia? No!
A minimal amount of gear will get you out there riding safely and comfortably.
While expensive gadgets are not necessary, there are some items that are a must when it comes to safe and legal bike riding:
Biking "Musts"
- A bike in good repair. If it has been a while since your trusty two wheeled friend has seen the light of day take it to one of Columbia’s bike shops for a tune up and make sure those brakes are fully functional.
- A good fitting helmet. Make sure it has the proper fit
- Lights and a reflector. Night can sneak up on you and proper illumination is the law.
That’s it! That’s all you need to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and a good cardiovascular workout. But maybe you are one of those people that likes to be prepared for worst case scenarios. It will still only take a little money and gear to get you flying down the road.
Nice, but not necessary:
- A bike lock will give you peace of mind when you have to leave your bike at the rack.
- A set of Allen wrenches, a spare tube, and the basic tools to change a tire. Chances are you won’t get a flat, but when you do it is best to have the tools to change it or at least the phone number of a good friend that owns a truck.
- Fenders to keep off water and mud. They come in a variety of styles to fit any bike and any budget.
- A bike bag to carry your stuff. These attach either to the front handlebars or to a rack on the back of the bike. They are more comfortable than a backpack and you won’t sweat from carrying all that stuff against your skin.
