One of the great things about bicycle riding is that you don’t need much in the way of equipment to get started. In fact, all any beginning bike rider needs is a bike and a helmet. Almost anything beyond that is nice to have, but not really essential. So what are some popular accessories that experienced bicyclists like to have?

Probably the most popular bike accessory is the simple bike rack. Rooftop and hitch bike racks are easy to install and can make getting out for more advanced rides a lot easier. New bike riders may find that the selection of racks in most bike shops is a little overwhelming, but here’s a tip to make it a lot easier. Stick with name brands like Saris bike racks. These companies have a good reputation and stand behind their products with warranties.

If you’re at all mechanically inclined, you’ll probably want to invest in some bike repair tools. There are plenty of basic repair kits that have everything you’ll need to keep your bike maintained and perform simple fixes like flat tires.

Once you’ve got some experience, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of accessories you need and which ones you just want.