Carrying things on a bike doesn’t need to get too complicated. Understand what you need to be safe & comfortable. What does the list look like for Commute or Urban Riding?
Overview
The requirements for gear when riding in an urban environment is pretty straight forward, your safety is not threatened in terms of isolation from people and help.
Personnel items like your wallet and phone, then lights and a lock are on the must have list. Whether you need extra things depends on…
- the season and your commitment to riding in all types of weather
- how far you are going
- if you’ll be riding in the dark
- the purpose of your bike trip
The base gear list to follow is targeted at commute or urban riders. Additions for riding in different seasons follow the basic list.
For ideas on ways to carry your gear see How to Carry Gear – Commute, Urban Riding
Choose the gear you need for the riding conditions you will be riding in.
Town Riding – the basics
A serviced, cleaned and checked bike and a bike helmet that is secure & stable
- Clothing suitable for riding in, allows movement and won’t get caught in moving parts
- Wallet, phone, personnel items
- Waterproof/Windproof/Thermal jacket &/or over trousers for riding
- Small tool kit that includes a mini pump
- Long distance commuters or anyone new to riding may want to add padded bike pants or padded bike underwear and bike gloves
Safety Considerations
- Lights, front & rear, that match to the conditions. Choose lights for visibility for day time riding. Choose night riding lights to see by and be seen in bad weather, poor visibility and for night riding.
- A bike lock that matches the level of security needed for where you want to leave your bike
- Additional visibility aids (optional). A cover for a back pack, a vest/jacket or bright outer layer.
Additions that match to your purpose
- Commute – work items, laptop, files, lunch box
- School – books, lunch box, sports/PE gear
- Shopping/Appointments/Library – shopping bags, books
SUMMER
- Sunscreen, sun glasses
- Water
AUTUMN
- Long sleeve top
- Merino base layer next to your skin
- Full finger gloves
- Longer length in riding clothing (3/4, capri style)
WINTER
- Extremity protection – neck warmer, head band, beanie, winter gloves
- Long sleeve merino/thermal base layer next to your skin
- Lights/Visibility aids
- Full length pant or waterproof over trousers
SPRING
- Long sleeve top
- Wind protection or thermal layer
Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.
Buying Guides
Bike Bag Buying Guide
See all your bike bag, basket & pannier options for riding. Be guided to the right buying decision for the riding you do.
How to Carry Gear - Commute, Urban Riding
A great story that shows you all the options for carrying gear in urban environments.
How to Carry Gear - Bike Path, Trail Riding
If you ride on bike paths, easy trails or tracks and want to carry gear with you then this story shows you the options.
Riding with Kids Attached to your Bike
When it comes to taking your kids with you on your bike their are lots of options. What would work best for your family?
Town Riding - Am I Safe?
When you go out for a ride what will keep you safe? Do you need to plan or prepare in a better way? Lets find out.
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Women
Padded Bike Underwear
Pants for Biking
Tops for Biking
Jackets & Over Trousers for Biking
Riding Clothing for Larger Sizes
Warmth Accessories
Bike Saddles
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Bells
Hydration
Handlebar Grips
Kids & Youth
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Riding Clothing
Jackets for Biking/Outdoors
Protective Padding
Bike Gloves
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
Handlebar Grips
Bike Saddle
Bike Locks
Hydration
Family
Ride with a baby/ 1 year old
Ride with a 2-6 year old
Ride with a 4 + year old – on their own bike
Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed
Create a Family Biking Holiday
Ride More Places with Kids
Men
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Saddles
Bike Tops,Jackets & Over Trousers
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Handlebar Grips
Bike Bell
Be comfortable & confident
Successfully Ride an E-Bike
Beginner Rider
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Be Comfortable on your Bike Seat
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
Be Visible on the Bike
Enjoy a Biking Holiday
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
Clothing & Bags
Padded Bike Pants & Underwear
Pants & Shorts for Biking
Bike Tops
Bike Jackets
Over Trousers for Biking
Headbands & Neck Warmers for Biking
Bags, Baskets & Panniers for Biking
Rider Safety & Protection
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
First Aid & Personal Care
Hydration
Bike Tow Ropes
Bike Parts & Care
Bike Saddles
Handlebar Grips
Bike Locks
Bike Carriers
Bike & Chain Cleaning
Bike Tools & Tool Kits to Carry
Kids Bike Seats & Bikes
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Mid Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seats
Towing Kids who ride their own Bike
Bike Trailers for Kids
Kids Balance Bikes
HIRE Kids Bike Seats
Be Comfortable & Confident
Comfort on your Bike Seat
Be Visible on the Bike
Beginner Riders
Get Started – Ride with a baby
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
Bike Path Riding
Beginner to Fitness
Multi-Day
With Kids of all Ages
Kids Riding Bikepaths
Multi-Day with Kids
Bike Path Riding Guide
Ride more Bikepaths
Mountain Biking
Women Beginner to Intermediate
Men Beginner to Intermediate
Multi-Day
With Kids of all ages
Kids Mountain Biking
Multi-Day with Kids
Mountain Biking Guide
Ride more Mountain Bike Trails
Riding in Traffic
Be Visible in Traffic
Commuting
With Kids of all Ages
Kids Riding in Traffic
E – Biking
E-Biking in Traffic
E-Biking on Bikepaths
E-Biking on MTB Trails
A Biking Holiday
E-Biking Guide
Multi-Day Riding
Multi-Day on Bike Paths
Multi-Day on MTB Trails
Multi-Day with Kids on Bike Paths
Multi-Day with Kids on MTB Trails
Multi-Day Guide
A Biking Holiday
Family Biking Holiday
Ride more Multi-Day Rides
Family Riding
Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed
On Bikepaths with Kids
MTB with Kids
In Traffic with Kids
Family Biking Holiday
Family Riding Guide
Ride More Places with Kids
Kids Attached or Towed Buying Guides
Rear Kids Bike Seat
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat
Front Kids Bike Seat
Towing Kids who ride their own bikes
Kids Bike Trailers
Kids & Youth Buying Guides
Kids Bike Helmets
Kids Riding Clothing
Kids Padded Bike Pants
Kids Padded Protection
Kids Handlebar Grips
Kids Balance Bike
Comfort on the Bike Buying Guides
Womens Bike Saddle
Mens Bike Saddle
Padded Bike Pants
Bike Jackets
Carrying Gear
Handlebar Grip
Hydration
Rider Safety Buying Guides
Bike Helmet
Mountain Bike Helmet
Protective Padding
Be Visible
Bike Glove
Bike Light
Mountain Bike Light
First Aid & Personal Care
Gear & Care for Bikes Buying Guides
Bike Carriers
Bike Cleaning
Bike Locks
Chain Cleaning and Lube
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
Women & Families Learning
Comfort on your Bike Seat
Clothing for Biking
Family Biking
Improve your Riding
Carrying Gear
Care for ‘you’
Care for your Bike
Ride More Places
Ride more Bikepaths
Ride more NZ Cycle Trails
Ride more Mountain Bike Trails
Ride more Multi-Day Rides
Ride more Places with Kids
Riding Gear
Bike Helmets
Bike Saddles
Padded Bike Underwear & Pants
Bike Gloves
Bike Jackets
Protective Padding
Bike Locks
Bike Lights
Bike Tools to Carry
Handlebar Grips
Bike and Chain Cleaning
Kids Bike Seats & Bikes
Kids Bike Trailer
Towing kids who ride their own bike
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seats
Balance Bike
Types of Riding
Bikepath Riding
Family Riding
E-Bike Riding
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.