Best of … essential sports bike gear

Contributed by Tim Brugger, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

So, you’ve got yourself a bike, well done. With summer coming, there are few things nicer than hitting the open road and swallowing a few bugs.

Few things, that is, except that before you are ready for the street, you should check these essential sports bike gear off your “to buy” list.

Riding Gloves

Adjustable and cool

Donning the leather before hopping on your bike for a good day’s ride not only looks cool, it adds a measure of safety too. Unfortunately, when the summer sun beats down, it can feel like you’re on the highway to hell more than the road to the coast. Thankfully, Cycle Gear – Street feels your pain. Look for adjustable, goatskin leather riding gloves that are perforated along the back to allow for maximum airflow. Ahhhh, now that’s better.

Seat cushions

Comfort for long rides

Regardless of how comfortable your bike’s seat is, a long ride can takes its toll, if you know what I mean (and I think you do). If there’s nothing wrong with the seat, buying a new one may seem a bit extreme. Even after the longest stretch, a seat cushion like the Bike Bandit Airhawk Seat Cushion will help you feel like you’re floating on air, not bumping along on concrete.

Helmet

Safety can be comfortable

Wearing a helmet has been the law in most states for years, and a good idea regardless of whether it’s required or not. However, there’s no reason your helmet can’t ooze a bit of style, some panache if you will. Bobs Cycle Supply can help you out with a collection of half helmets, including the Bell Drifter Black Hide. They’re safe, lightweight and open, with just the slightest hint of biker gang.

Armor

Protect your body

Any discussion of bikes, let alone bike accessories, has to include something for off-roaders. Whether you tear through the mud and sand for fun or racing, adding some protection is always a good idea. Cycle Gear Off-Road specializes in all things MX, including The Cell, the most advanced knee protection on the market. And if you don’t you lay your bike down now and again, any MX’er will tell you you’re probably not trying hard enough. If/when it happens, your knees and your physical therapist, will thank you for this world-class protection.

Sports apparel

Good-looking clothes

Whichever color and style suits you best, and BuyMotorcycleParts.com has plenty to choose from, a racing jersey is a must for street and motocross bikers alike. Once the leathers and helmet are lost, a Fox jersey will keep you in the biker spirit. It’s kind of like donning the more comfortable togs after a black tie affair; you’re still in party mode, just a bit more subdued.