Your bike and gear

A bike that fits you well and is in good shape makes all the difference. Get the right gear for the job and you’ll be grinning your way around town.

You don’t need an expensive state-of-the-art bike, but your bike will need to be safe, comfortable, and the right size for you.

Carefully consider how you want to use your bike. Is it primarily for transport, or will you want to use it for mountain biking, trail riding or road biking?

It’s best to try before you buy to get the feel for a few different types of bikes and see what suits you.  You can borrow one from a friend, hire a bike(external link) or go into your local bike shop(external link) for a chat, test ride their bikes and see what accessories are available.

If you have a bike that's not been used for a while, consider taking it to your local bike shop(external link) to check it’s safe and roadworthy.  

You’ll also want to consider some other gear, from the essentials and legal requirements(external link), down to some practical optional items:

• A helmet, which is a legal requirement in NZ.
• White front and red rear lights, visible from 200 metres away.
• A bell, to give people a friendly heads-up that you’re approaching.
• A D-lock or a heavy-duty chain lock. Always lock your bike through the frame and rear wheel to a solid object. See our bike security page for more tips on locks and keeping your bike safe.
• Rainproof jacket.
• Hi-vis or brightly coloured clothing.
• Puncture repair kit or a spare inner tube, tyre levers and compact pump. Investing in puncture-resistant tyres is well worthwhile if you can.
• A basket or panniers.
• Mudguards for biking in any weather.