Components & Accessories

Buyer's Guide: Workshop Essentials

Small parts keep the ride going. Here is what every cyclist should carry.

1. The "Flat Kit"

Never leave home without these three items:
1. Spare Tube: Check your tire sidewall for size (e.g., 700x25c or 29x2.3).
2. Tire Levers: To pry the tire off the rim.
3. Pump or CO2: To inflate the new tube.

2. Pedals (Flat vs. Clipless)

Flat Pedals: Great for commuting in sneakers. Look for metal pins for grip.
Clipless: You clip in with special shoes. Much more efficient power transfer, but requires practice to unclipping quickly.

3. Protection

Bikes get scratched. Frame Stickers are clear or patterned vinyl decals that you stick on high-wear areas (like where the chain slaps the frame). They keep your resale value high.