Bike Ride Checklist

• Rain coat
  Unless the weather is guaranteed to be warm and dry, you should always bring a light-weight rain coat on a bike ride. Choose a rain jacket that has multiple zippered pockets and a hood, is able to be compressed into a small pouch and stored in a bike bag if not being used, and fits loose enough to allow for mobility. A yellow or brightly-colored rain coat will help with visibility.
• Long or short-sleeved bike jersey
  It is best to wear a bike jersey when bike riding. The fabric will pull moisture away from your skin and allow you to stay warmer. If you do not have a bike jersey, consider wearing a lightweight polyester shirt. Never wear cotton!
• Long pants
  They should fit tightly to your legs and contain polyester and/or neoprene. Cotton should not be worn as it will hold moisture, then cause chaffing and possible hypothermia in cold weather.
• Cycling gloves
  Gloves help you deal with vibration, and can save your hands from being scraped up if you fall. Extra padding on the palms is more comfortable.
• Thin wool mittens
  Even a light breeze on a cool day can make your fingers cold when bike riding. A pair of thin wool mittens to wear under your bike gloves for added warmth and in case it begins to rain will make a bike ride much more enjoyable.
• Sunglasses or preferred biking glasses
• SPD pedals or appropriate shoes for biking

  Specialized biking shoes may not be necessary for a short bike trip. However, SPD pedals or bike shoes that clip on to the bike pedal provide a big advantage in that they give more power to the cyclist. Even on a short bike ride, if you have more power you will be less tired at the end of the ride. The disadvantage is that some bike shoes have clips that protrude on the bottom which makes walking and getting traction difficult. Choose a biking shoe with recessed cleats which allows you to walk on hard surfaces.

  For a really short commute, the type of shoe likely won't matter But be warned that if you wear nice shoes for bicycling, rain, mud, chains, and gears can all make a mess of a nice-looking shoe.

  Note: For serious cycling or racing choose a bike racing shoe that is rigid and light. For touring, I'd recommend a mountain biking shoe that has some bend to it when flexed and recessed cleats.
• Water bottle of hydrating liquid
• Bike socks
  These are made of a material that repels moisture.
• Headband (if needed)
  This will keep hair and perspiration out of your face and eyes.
• Tools for changing a tire and making fine-tune adjustments.
• Helmet
  Replace every 5 years.
• Phone (in a waterproof bag)
• Bike that is suited for road or off-road conditions, depending on where you will be riding.
• Bike pump
  It is important to bring along a small, lightweight bike pump, even on a short bike ride. The bike pump should be made to attach to the bike frame or consider packing a CO2 cartridge.
• Spare inner tube
• Tire patch kit