Bringing home a new bike is a happy moment, and it is tempting to hop on and ride. But most bikes arrive without some of the things that make everyday cycling comfortable and safe. It helps to think about what you will need in the first weeks, and to sort out the essentials early, before a rainy morning or a dark evening catches you out.
Lights come first. You need a white light at the front and a red one at the back, and it is best to choose ones that are easy to take off and put back on. Reflectors and a bell are just as useful, and they cost you no effort. Check that your lights work before every longer ride, and keep spare batteries or a charging cable close to hand.
A lock and something to carry things in
A good lock is the next priority, and it is worth getting it on the very first day. A new bike attracts attention, and the habit of locking it every single time should begin at once. Choose a lock that suits where you leave the bike, and remember that it should go around the frame and a wheel, and around something fixed and solid.
Mudguards keep water and mud off your clothes, which matters more than you would expect on a British morning. A chain guard protects your trousers from grease. If you carry a bag, think about a rack, basket or panniers so that the weight sits on the bike and not on your back. Do not overload the handlebars, because heavy bags there make steering unsteady.
A pump and a small puncture repair kit are worth having at home, and a small one for the journey. Learn how to use them before you need them, ideally on a dry afternoon rather than by the roadside. A helmet is a personal choice, but if you decide to wear one, make sure it fits snugly and sits level on your head.
You do not have to buy everything at once. Begin with lights, a lock and a pump, and add the rest as you discover what your own routes and habits require. The best kit is the kit that you will actually use.
