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Bike accessories improve your riding comfort and experience, but there are so many alternatives that newcomers to the sport may become overwhelmed. To assist you in navigating the plethora of shoes and bike lights available, here is a list of key points that all roadies should consider while acquiring new shoes or bicycle lights to make riding more approachable, safer, and rewarding:
Shoes:
Shoes are one of three points of contact between a rider and their bike, and they are essential for both performance and comfort. Road bike shoes are ultralight, rigid to improve power transmission and come in a variety of width and closing systems to meet the needs of different riders. When purchasing a cycling shoe, keep the following factors in mind:
- Size charts: Before searching for the lightweight, quickest, and stiffest shoe, make sure it fits properly and is comfortable. Some shoes will be available in half sizes and varying widths to accommodate a wide range of body sizes and types. Size charts are helpful, but the ideal approach is to try them on in a store to ensure they fit in length, forefoot breadth and create a snug fit in the heel region.
- Cleats: Cleats are the devices that secure your foot to the pedal. This ‘clipless’ arrangement allows for the most effective power and velocity transfer through your bike. A three-bolt arrangement with a more extensive surface area for increased power transmission and foot stabilisation is used in road shoe cleats. A standard mountain bike cleat, on the other hand, is a two-bolt arrangement designed to accommodate walking and debris clearance. You can use a mountain bike pedal and shoe combo on a road bike because it usually has a more accessible double-sided pedal design. Walking in such shoes is more comfortable, but they are also bulkier.
- Shape: Each shoe has a slightly varied sole, which affects the breadth of the shoe throughout its length. Some will have a narrower heel to prevent slipping, while others will have a bigger toe box to accommodate wide feet or splayed toes. If you have exceptionally wide or narrow feet, it’s also something to think about.
Lights:
Whether you choose to ride your bike during the day or at night, riding with lights specific for bikes is a no-brainer. According to a study conducted in Denmark, seven out of ten cycling accidents occur during the day. The usage of lights during the day is the single most effective way for cyclists to improve their safety. When shopping for bicycle lights, the following are the main qualities to look for:
- Lumen number: The most common characteristic of light is lumen count, which indicates how much light is generated; the higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Bicycle lights come in a variety of brightness counts ranging from 30 to 2,000.
- Attachment Style: Most lights are attached to the handlebar or seat post by velcro straps, a screw that clamps a bracket around the handlebar or seat post, or an elastic rubber strap. As a result, double-check that each light and its mounting system are compatible with your bike.
- Battery Life: The run duration is determined by the size of the battery and the intensity of the light. Look for lights that can be charged by USB and have extended run times to meet your needs.
Summing Up:
If you’re new to cycling, you’ll want to invest in the right shoes and bike lights to enjoy your time on your bike and be safe at the same time. Your cycling experience can be elevated by having the right bike accessories. Get the equipment you require to have more enjoyment.
