So you’ve bought a Giant bicycle. Now what? Even though you’ve made a solid choice of buying a high-quality bike, you’ll still need several other things for a complete cycling experience. Easy as riding a bike, eh? Try going on a long bike ride with nothing but your two-wheeler. Blisters, bum pain, hunger and thirst will be quick to remind you that there’s nothing easy about cycling. And to make things extra clear, the cycling gods may decide to throw a flat your way as a reminder that you need to be prepared for anything on the road.
To ensure that you enjoy your bike to the fullest, Giant has a long list of cycle accessories to safeguard you on your adventures. But do you need to go full Tour de France mode just to get to work or cruise around the city? Of course not, overpacking is equally bad as underpacking, especially if you’re a novice cyclist. You surely don’t want to fight both winds and heavy gear while cycling, right?
There’s a difference between essential items and nice-to-have accessories, and as a beginner cyclist, it’s best to stick with the first bunch. Luckily, you won’t have to go out of your way to find these must-haves since you can shop the full range of Giant bike accessories Australia wide online. To make your shopping spree easier, here’s what you need to look for and why.
Safety Comes First and Last for an Enjoyable Cycling Experience
If you’re wondering whether buying safety gear is really that important, let me tell you, no one’s safe from accidents on the road. It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or a pro, cycling to work or conquering a mountain, you shouldn’t leave your house without a helmet.
Mandatory or not, the helmet is critical to preventing life-threatening injuries. A short, joyous ride from point A to point B can quickly turn into a nightmare when a careless driver decides to get out of his/her vehicle just when you’re passing by. Dooring is a deadly danger to cyclists and it’s just one of the scenarios you can’t predict while cycling on the streets. According to helmets.org, 74% of fatal crashes involved a head injury and a whopping 97% of cyclists who died weren’t wearing a helmet.
That’s why, when shopping for Giant bike accessories, the helmet is the first thing you need to cross out from your checklist. Worried whether a helmet will boil your brains in the hot Australian sun? Fret not, all Giant helmets are designed with your comfort and safety in mind. Thanks to the advanced technologies and up to the minute designs, you’ll stay cool and look even cooler.
Apart from the helmet, you can further enhance your safety with elbow pads, knee pads and hi-vis gear. The first two won’t only protect you from impact in case you hit the ground, but they’ll also protect you from scratches and scrapes if you’re riding through rough mountain terrain. As for the hi-vis Giant bicycle accessories, these fluorescent and reflective items will reduce your risk of being hit or doored by a vehicle by helping attentive drivers see you from afar.
Look the Part for Maximum Comfort on Your Cycling Journey
If you haven’t had a piece of loose clothing stuck in your chain or wheels, you may be thinking that cycling apparel isn’t quite necessary. However, you should know that those radiant form-fitting tees, tights and shorts you see cyclists wearing aren’t a fashion statement. They’re specially designed to give cyclists optimum support and comfort and in most cases, to further enhance their safety.
For instance, the Giant Liv Jersey is a skin-tight piece of clothing made from quick-drying and moisture-wicking fabric that’ll keep you dry and smelling like daisies even after the most demanding routes. Moreover, it offers SPF protection to shield your skin from harmful UV rays and it features reflective details to make it easily visible. Like that wasn’t enough, this jersey has easy-access pockets in the back where you can store your map, ID, cash or a quick pick me up snack.
When shopping for Giant cycle accessories you’ll also come across a wide variety of shoes. While these aren’t necessary when commuting, they’re a good investment for avid cyclists who go on long rides. Just as running shoes provide adequate support, traction and balance, cycling shoes will help you put the pedal to the metal whilst protecting your feet from impact, fatigue and cramps.
Clever Storage Solutions to Stay Organized on the Go
Speaking of long-distance cycling, what else should you bring on your long bike ride? Depending on where and when you go, your list of on-the-go items will look something like this:
- Rainwear – in case of iffy weather
- Mitts – to prevent sore hands and blisters
- Water Bottle – to stay hydrated
- Snacks – to replenish your energy
- Repair Kit – to quickly patch up a flat or broken chain
Of course, there are plenty of other items you could carry on your long ride such as your keys, wallet, phone, ID, cash etc. But how does one pack all of these things on just two wheels; won’t they get in the way? Fret not, Giant offers innovative storage solutions that make travelling by bike an easy task. There’s a wide variety of handlebar, saddle, frame and stem bags that’ll help you stay organized on the road and keep your gear easily accessible.
For instance, the neat and compact Giant H2Pro 17 litre saddlebag offers plenty of storage space to safely stow all your essentials and a convenient bungee cord to carry additional items on the outside. What’s more, the cleverly designed H2Pro has an air bleed valve which allows you to keep its volume to a minimum.
This bag is so spacious that it also packs up our bike accessories talk for the day. With that being said, you’re now ready to check out the awesome Giant bike accessories Australia has to offer and make your cycling adventures nothing short of amazing.
