Having Fun With Your Cycling Equipment

Everyone looks a little silly.

Many bikers look dorky. It’s a simple fact, not a subjective opinion – many bikers look dorky, and many people shy away from biking because they feel like their safety equipment will eventually lead them to wearing the full-on cycling regalia. But the truth is, you don’t have to wear anything you don’t want to, as long as you continue to wear items that keep you safe – like the mandatory item, the helmet.

Here are some quick ideas for finding equipment that you’ll enjoy when riding your bike.

The helmet –

The helmet is a big complaint amongst bikers and cyclists, simply because it is a bit clumsy and doesn’t look too great, either. But the helmet is mandatory if you want to ride a bike, and in many cases, will make sure you’re not breaking the law. So wear the helmet.

But if you’re not looking for one of “those” helmets, there are other helmets to buy that can still protect your head. Head down to a cycling store and find out what works best for you. Have fun with the helmet, maybe even choosing a “dirt bike” look of a motorcycle helmet or even a novelty helmet that you can at least have some fun with – as long as its chief goal is still proteting your head and not entertainment.

The reflectors –

Reflectors serve a utilitarian purpose, but that’s no reason you can’t have some fun with them, and even make your bike light up really well when someone is driving by it in the evening hours. Find some reflectors of bright and different colors – you can even install a “color” design into your bike. As long as it’s accomplishing the job of actually reflecting light, you should be able to have plenty of fun with installing reflectors.

Ornaments –

You can have even more fun with ornaments because they don’t have any safety purposes. Bells and streamers are fun for kids, and sometimes have even been ironic fun for adults. Check out some odd ornaments that you might be able to pick up with your bike to make it stand out a bit more and reflect your personality.

Useful attachments –

Different than ornament, a “useful attachment” might include a clip that allows you to store a water bottle along the frame of your bike. Other attachments, like cargo holds, can add some flexibility to your biking trips, extending your exercise programs and helping you be prepared for unexpected jaunts into side roads.

Having fun with your cycling equipment is ultimately about amusing yourself, and hopefully making a few others chuckle every now and then. Have fun with your bike, just like you have fun with cycling as a sport.

Photo Credits: richardmasoner

Originally posted 2009-04-01 05:22:00.

This post involves: