Get ready to ride by the oceanside by getting gear rated to withstand exposure to sand and salt air. From portable toolkits to bicycle locks, cargo carriers and protective supplies, this five-point checklist covers everything you need to take a beach cruiser bike on a coastal ride.
1. A Portable Repair Toolkit
Cyclists should always carry a portable repair toolkit. You never know when you may need to use a tire pump with a pressure gauge, spare inner tubes, a patch kit, tire levers or a chain tool.
Experienced riders often also pack extra chain links and dry or wet lubricant. Check out multi-tools designed to fit into the handlebars or the seat post on a bike.
2. A Cargo Carrying Solution
When you are considering ways to carry cargo on a beach cruiser, you might first think of a classic wicker basket for bike.
Based on your riding lifestyle, you may prefer a basket made of this material, plastic or textiles.
Various baskets and carriers are made to mount to the handlebars, frame or back cargo rack. Check out convenient designs that double as a stylish bag or collapse between uses.
3. A Bike Lock
On a long ride up or down the coast, you may want to stop to visit destinations along a beach, boardwalk, pier or shore side street.
Use a standard bike lock to secure the frame and wheel of your ride to an anchored fixture such as a bike rack, or try a new model that locks the frame and wheel independently and can send tamper notifications to your smartphone during brief stops.
4. Dry Lubricant
If your path leads over sandy surfaces, you should plan ahead in terms of the type of lubricant you apply to your chain during maintenance and bring on beachside rides.
Dry lubricant is a better choice for dry environments than wet lubricants. Look for a low-viscosity formula that is waxy rather than tacky to minimize abrasion damage and chain skipping.
Dry lubricant takes several hours to dry after application and requires more frequent reapplication.
5. A Temporary Bike Shelter
A rain cover or bike tent can be helpful on coastal rides. Look for a lightweight, low-profile shelter made of durable, water-resistant material.
This cover can keep your seat and protect your frame from the combination of salt and water that causes rust. Some designs can accommodate bike locks. If you reside in a coastal area, this bike protection may also be helpful for storage.
Always wash off or wipe down your frame and chain and allow your bike to dry completely after riding along the shore.
This checklist can ensure that you are prepared for almost anything that might occur on a coastal ride. Getting these items can prepare you to fix or maintain your bike on the go, carry a change of clothes or be able to secure your bike during stops for peace of mind.
Dry lubricant and a rain cover can protect any bike from seaside elements so you can keep riding for years to come.
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