New to cycling but not sure where to start? We've got, Aga, founder of BikeShops.London, to help you decide on the most vital accessories to get you started on two wheels. Aga is passionate about connecting those who want to cycle, with those who have the knowledge to help people cycle! We thought she’d be the perfect person to help you decide on the most vital accessories to get you started on two wheels. 

If you've recently started cycling but don't know what gear you should get, we at BikeShops.London are here to help you cut through the noise and make sure you select only the most essential accessories (you can get all the fun stuff later of course!). 

There are thousands of bike accessories that can enhance your riding experience, but if you are new to the cycling world, selecting the truly essential accessories can become confusing and overwhelming. Questions like "what do I need? And "how is this so expensive?" may float your head non-stop. We're here to guide you through the maze.

Here are the top 4 biking accessories you need to get started cycling:

A good will turn heads (and your keep own noggin' stable). 

1. Helmet

An obvious classic! First and foremost, your head must be protected at all times. It doesn't matter how experienced a cyclist may be. Sadly, accidents are real and they happen mostly unexpectedly, that's why you should always prioritise your safety.  Cycling Intelligence wrote about this in a very interesting article, the stats are quite disturbing too.

In order for the helmet to do its job, it's your responsibility to select the right size, so that it properly fits to your head. It should sit level on your head and low on your forehead.

It is also essential to make sure it's properly secured, so that in case of a impact it will stick to your head and wont fly off.

That’s why we recommend visiting your local bike shop for this purchase; while a cheap helmet on Amazon might feel good for your wallet, it probably won’t feel great on your head! Failing that, here's Wiggle's guide to buying a helmet online. 

Bags come in all shapes and sizes. 

2. Handlebar Bag

This might seem silly initially - can’t you just put whatever you need in your pockets? Dear reader, we once thought the same too, but the humble handlebar (or saddle) bag will soon become something you can’t live without!

What will you store in there? Many cyclists start with a small storage bag to keep spare parts in (e.g. inner tubes, or an Allan key - don’t worry if you don’t know what they are yet!), although your requirements may grow in time. Which is significant, as you can carry whatever you like in them without worrying about the problem of having extra weight.

BikeShops.London's number 1 tip for this purchasing is do your best to make sure it’s tough and durable. You’ll want a waterproofed bag, keeping all your items dry in even the worst conditions. A decent handlebar bag will be sturdy, and accompany you & your bike through all the challenges (and fun) of being out on the road. 

Seasonal fairy lights shouldn't be seasonal. 

3. Lights

Optional in day time, mandatory during the night time, your bike lights are definitively an essential accessory to carry with you all the time.

By law you must keep your lights on when it's dark, and the reason is pretty straightforward: you must be visible to other vehicles and at the same time you must be able to see where you are going. Sometimes street lights are not sufficient, so your front and rear indicators can make a huge difference and may in fact save your life.

As a general rule, the front light is white and the back one must be red. Legally, helmet-fitted lights cannot substitute bike-fitted lights.

Remember that when buying a new complete bicycle, front and rear reflector must be fitted on both the bike and the pedals, so if your new bike doesn't have these, make sure yo talk to your bike seller to fit them for you.

At BikeShops.London, our favourite (if there can be such a thing!) guide to cycle lighting regulations is from Cycling UK - check it out here.

Lock it up! You won't regret it. 

4. Lock

When riding, you may need to stop for a water, toilet, or cake break. That's why it's essential to be able to safely secure your bike while you're away.

Ideally, you want to lock your bike to a firm, immovable object, possibly in the proximity of CCTV cameras.

To make sure your bike is properly secured, use 2 x D-locks, one for each wheel. Make sure that when locking it you catch the wheel, frame and your immovable object - and check out this guide for extra assistance. 

In case of emergency, if you don't have a lock with you, you could use your helmet straps to secure it to an object and leave your bike to the highest gear, so that it will be hard to build the momentum and ride it off. 

Of course, the ideal scenario is dropping your bike off at your nearest Spokesafe Hub or Locker and parking it securely there for as long as you need. 

And should the worst happen? Check out our previous blog "My Bike Has Been Stolen", for more insights on bike theft and safety.

5. BikeShops.London - Bonus Tip!

Flat tyres happen, and if you have no mechanical knowledge you won't be able to fix the issue yourself.

Picture this: you're on the side of the road, it's raining because you know, it’s never dry when these things happen, no one is stopping to help because you know, everyone's in a rush. So you open your YouTube app and start looking for "how to easily fix your flat tyre" video... but it turns out to be not as easy as you thought.

Now, that may sound too dramatic, but for novice cyclists with no basic mechanical knowledge, such experience could be incredibly stressful and overwhelming.

That's why we created BikeShops.London: find your nearest bike workshop or mobile mechanic, check out their opening times and contact them directly. And if they rescue you and your bike, make sure to thank them & help your fellow London cyclists by leaving your saviour mechanic a review on their page on BikeShops.London,

Find your local service & repair professional or accessory specialist on BikeShops.London