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Everthing that's not part of the function of the bicycle is considered an accessory. Lights, locks, bags, and mirrors, to name a few, are what make cycling fun and safe. Texas state law requires that a bicycle ridden after sundown or before sunrise be equipped with a power front light (the white reflector your bike came with fills no leagal requirement), and a power tail light or reflector visible for 300 feet and 500 feet respectively. Today the power tail light, or "blinky" as Steve likes to call it, is a favorite amount nocturnal cyclists. Many riders use a flashing or "see me" headlight in addition to a steady beam headlight. |
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 Is there a car rack in your future? An auto-mounted bicycle carrier is the easy alternative to stuffing your prized bicycle in too small a vehicle or taking up valuable space in the back of your SUV. Denton Bicycle Center can determine the best bicycle rack for your vehicle. Some strap on the trunk deck. Some fit into a received hitch. Whatever the type, the pros at Denton Bicycle Center can give you the inside of your car or truck back, so you can carry more important things. Like family and friends. |
 How fast did you go down that hill?! A cycling computer keeps you honest, but it also can keep up with your daily mileage. We stock computers from Bontrager and Cateye. The more functions, the more cost. Some computers will provide only current speed and miles traveled. Others will tell you your average speed, trip distance, cadence, time of day, altitude and more, all right there on your handlebar. |
 Air seeps out of bicycle tire at a rate of about 15 to 20 pounds per week. So in 2 weeks, your tires could be 40 lbs low. Keeping your tires at the proper pressure is routine. You’ll expect this loss of air and will need to plan for it. Many cyclists air their tires at every ride, thereby never needing to add much air. Others, particularly after a long intermission, will need to put 50 or more pounds of air into their tires. A high quality pump makes this job easier. And if it’s easier, it’s easier to keep your tires at their correct pressure. |
 Needing air on the road brings up its own set of problems. You didn’t expect to get a flat, but now you’ve got to either call home and ruin your ride, or fix the problem as quickly as possible and continue on. This is where the portable frame pump or inflator comes in. The frame pump is much smaller than the floor pump, thus making it portable. But this portability is what makes it inefficient. It’s going to take many more strokes of the pump with such a small barrel and length. Most modern frame pumps fit in a clamp fastened underneath your water bottle bracket. Ask the pros at DBC for placement advice. It will get the job done, but not as fast as your big floor pump at home.
A relatively new inflation device is the power inflator. Power inflators generally use a C02 cartridge in a holder and are only used one time. These inflators do a quick job, but as stated, are only used once. It’s all time and money; quick inflation and higher cost versus slower inflation and zero cost. |
 Keeping your bicycle locked is how new bicycles get to be old friends. Unfortunately, someone may be waiting for you to run in the library or the store and leave your bike unattended. Locking up your bike is so easy, it’s easy to forget to do it. Don’t forget. Use a cable lock or a “U” lock. Both provide some level of security. Try to determine your level before it’s too late. |
 Parts, not accessories, are necessary for the smooth proper working of any bicycle. Tires and tubes, chains, wheels, and saddles… the list goes on. Fortunately, most of these parts are in stock at Denton Bicycle Center. Plus, we have the know-how to help you make the right choice. Some parts, like seat posts and wheel hubs, last a long time. Others, like chains or saddles, need to be changed once in a while. Some parts are changed due to wear or accidents, like tires and tubes, wheels and spokes. Most of these parts are in stock, or just a few days away. |
 Rear racks are great for larger items. Books, packages and musical instruments are just some of the things that can be carried on a rear (or front) rack. Just remember, racks carry stuff, not selves. No passengers. That’s state law. |
 An under-seat bag is the proper way to carry tools, a spare inner tube and that important power inflator. Sizes vary, but we recommend the smallest bag to do the job. Too big a bag and you’ll become a mule for your riding buddies. |
 Drink water, and plenty of it. Whether you use a bottle mounted in a cage on your frame or handlebar, or a hydration pack on your back, water is lost through perspiration and must be replaced. Constantly. |
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Accessories
