Bike Water Bottles

Casual riders who are looking to challenge themselves a little bit more often start to plan longer bicycle rides. It's a great way to see if one is ready for a more formidable challenge, like a multi-day race, and even better, is an excellent method for getting more exercise. But when switching from a casual afternoon of riding to something more serious, there are some upgrades and changes that are essential in terms of training and gear.

One of the most important parts of training well for longer-distance bike rides is knowing how to keep sufficiently hydrated. Especially in warmer, sunnier climates, drinking the proper amount of water while in the middle of a ride is a crucial skill. While having a single water bottle might be okay for shorter rides, carrying multiple bike water bottles is the best idea for those embarking upon longer journeys.

The advantage of multiple water bottles truly cannot be understated. Instead of having one, and having to stop to refill, keeping a couple around ensures that riders have enough water to make it through. More importantly, in case of riding in more remote areas, having more water than usual is a great safety measure, too. After all, hydration is the fuel for long-distance pursuits, so there's no reason to shortchange oneself.

After a sturdy helmet (always the most important part of any cyclist's outfit) and bike water bottles, the other most important piece of gear is a comfortable pair of shorts. It might sound obvious, but not dressing the part can mean some serious chafing and negative side effects. Finding a pair of snug, well-fitting bike shorts means more than just wind resistance. It also means keeping sweat from pooling, and it means creating a more comfortable seat for your body on the bicycle. If planning on longer rides, consider upgrading to a better pair of bike shorts.

A note on speed and bike water bottles: some alarmists were concerned that water bottles needed to be aerodynamic, or else having them on the bike was going to kill one's time and create too much air resistance. After so much debate, scientifically minded bicyclists put this theory to the test in a wind tunnel, and found that there's no reason to worry about a water bottle or two in a secured cage. It doesn't add any minutes or resistance to a ride, so don't think there' s a need to skimp on bike water bottles just to make it into qualifying rounds.

Some other crucial gear for longer-distance bike riding that's helpful for professionals and beginners alike is a sturdy and durable pack, in which a small first aid kit and a tire-patching kit should be placed. It's always good to plan for small emergencies, which can easily be fixed, and having the right supplies means that the ride doesn't have to quite be over. Toss some trail mix, energy bars, or any sort of small snack loaded with protein and good sugars, in case of fatigue, and that's a survival pack to last any rider embarking on longer trips.