Gear Guide - Essentials for Cycling
Everything You Need to Get More Out of Every Ride
Whether you’re buying your first bike or adding another one to the quiver, the right gear makes all the difference. From essential accessories to the small details that make riding smoother, safer, and more fun, we stock what actually gets used.
Not sure what you need? That’s where we shine. Drop by the shop or reach out online and get straight-up advice from riders who know these trails, roads, and conditions firsthand. We’ll help you get set up right so you can spend less time fiddling and more time riding.
Helmets
Helmets That Let You Ride With Confidence
A good ride starts with a good helmet. Not because riding is inherently dangerous, but because things can happen, and preparation matters. Today’s helmets are lighter, cooler, and more comfortable than ever, with fits and styles for every kind of rider.
If your helmet is more than a few seasons old, it’s time to take a hard look. Sun, sweat, and daily use slowly break down the materials that protect you when it counts. We’ll help you find a helmet that fits properly, feels right, and lets you focus on the ride, not your head.
Check out our tailored selection of helmets for every rider!
Bike Locks
Locks That Protect Your Investment
Leaving your bike unattended is part of riding in real life. Coffee stops, errands, post-ride food—it happens. A solid lock isn’t about paranoia; it’s about reducing risk and keeping your bike where you left it.
As a rule of thumb, spending up to 10% of your bike’s value on a lock is smart insurance. Quality locks are built to slow thieves down, draw attention, and make your bike a harder target. That’s often all it takes.
Lock It Up Properly
A good lock won’t make your bike theft-proof, but it will make it a much harder target. Most theft is about opportunity. If your bike is easier to steal than the one next to it, it’s the one that disappears.
Use a high-quality lock: a solid U-lock or a heavy-duty chain lock. Always secure your bike to something that’s fixed to the ground. Bike racks are usually best. Poles only work if they’re cemented in, and the bike can’t be lifted over the top.
Lock the frame first, not just a wheel. If possible, secure a wheel as well. That usually means two locks or a lock plus a cable, but it’s far cheaper than replacing a bike.
Lakeside Tip:
Quick stops are when bikes get stolen. Even if you’re “just running in for a minute,” lock it properly.
If you’re unsure which lock makes sense for your bike and how you actually use it, come talk to us at the shop. We’ll help you choose a setup that fits your riding.
Bike Lights
See and be seen
Bike lights perform a very valuable function: they help you see and be seen! While they certainly help you find the way when the sun goes down, they're immensely useful during the day. You want to do whatever you need to do to be seen on the road and illuminate the trails for epic night rides, and lights are a phenomenal first step.
Studies have found that daytime running lights improve visibility in all conditions, so there’s never a bad time to shine.
If you think there's any chance you'll be out and about half an hour before sunrise or half an hour after sunset, you need a light. It's the (by)law.
Pedals
Pedals That Match How You Ride
Many performance bikes don’t come with pedals, and that’s intentional. Pedals are personal, and most riders already know what works for them or want something specific from day one.
Whether you prefer clipping in for efficiency or running flats for versatility, the right pedal depends on how and where you ride. Trails, roads, commuting, bike packing, it all matters.
Not sure what makes sense for you? Ask us. We’ll cut through the options and help you choose pedals that feel right the first time, not after a costly swap.
Tools and Maintenance
Simple Tools and Maintenance Items That Go a Long Way
You don’t need a full workshop to keep your bike running well. A small set of the right tools and maintenance items will make your rides smoother, extend the life of your components, and help you catch small issues before they become expensive ones.
Beyond a floor pump with a pressure gauge and quality chain lube, a few smart additions, like tire levers, a multi-tool, spare tubes or sealant, and a basic cleaning brush, cover most day-to-day needs. These are the items riders actually use, not tools that sit untouched in a drawer.
Proper tire pressure improves comfort, handling, and efficiency while protecting your wheels. Regular cleaning and lubrication reduce drivetrain wear, keep your bike quiet, and save you money over time.
Not sure what you need or how to use it? That’s where we come in. We’ll help you build a simple, practical kit tailored to your riding style and show you how to use it with confidence.
