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I’ve been cycling for about 2 years now. I started out on a hybrid bike. And being a noob then, I didn’t know what I would need to be able to cycle safely and comfortably.
So in order to help budding cyclists, here are 5 things/categories of things which I feel that you will need if you are starting out on a bike (especially road or mountain biking).
1) HELMET
This is sooooo important. A helmet protects your head in case you get into any accidents. And more often than not, especially at higher speeds, you will find that any impact will cause you to lose your balance and for some reason, one or some part of your head will be impacted.
2) JERSEY, BIB SHORTS, SHOES, GLOVES
The right clothes will give you the comfort you’ll want while riding. These sportswear are made with material specifically to absorb/dissipate sweat so you don’t feel like you are drenched in your perspiration.
The choices are never-ending out there, my current favourite:
• CONCEPT SPEED
https://conceptspeed.cc
PS: This is a never-ending “poison” (if you know what I mean)
3) SPARE TUBE & CO2 CANNISTER
If you live and ride in a small city like me where taxis and private transport hire is readily available, you might be able to close one eye to this. But it would really suck if you intend to do a long ride with friends and have to quit midway due to a puncture. #sadface
Semi-pro tip: I put my spares in a bottle. My friends know I call this my utility bottle because it has other items in there too haha.. Like tissue, allergy pills, alcohol swab.. so useful. I love my utility bottle hee..
4) BIKE COMPUTER / HEART RATE MONITOR
I use the Garmin Edge 530. It’s light and I feel it is sufficient for my needs. You can navigate on it and more importantly, measure your heart rate! I’ve heard of unfortunate stories of riders getting cardiac arrests while on a ride. PLEASE use a heart rate monitor. I use the Wahoo TICKR.
5) ENERGY GELS / BARS
My current favourite gel is: GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel
My go-to is the OUTRAGE CHOCOLATE flavour. Yums! Don’t forget to drink water after taking the gels!
As for bars, I take bars when my rides are long and when my required energy release is slower.
I like the Yogood Choco and Nuts Muesli Bars cos’ it’s yummy, however it does get messy when the chocolate melts in my pockets. The best is still the Milo Chocolate Snack Bar, no mess.
So there you have it, let me know in the comments if you have any other suggestions!
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Melodie Mike Ng 