By Shauna Scott Rhone
The Cincinnati Enquirer

After the bike, the helmet is the most important accessory. Make sure your helmet has the correct fit and adjustment. Any bike store can help you adjust your helmet just right. Although these tips come from Kids Health, they apply to children and adult helmets.

A helmet should:

• Sit level on your head - not tilted forward or backward. (Do not wear a hat under the helmet.)

• Have strong, wide straps that fasten snugly under the chin.

• Be tight enough (with straps fastened) so that no sudden pulling or twisting can move the helmet around on your head.

• Always be fastened while riding.

• Be replaced every 5 years - and immediately if you have a hard fall and hit your head while wearing the helmet.

Saddle up

Seating comfort is crucial to enjoying the ride. Saddle widths and style vary according to the type of cycling and the preference of the cyclist.

The Bikes Belong Coalition(bikesbelong.org) has these tips to prevent a bad fit, or "blazing saddles."

Firm, narrow seats work fine for the more athletic rider who put most of their weight on the pedals. For more casual riding, choose a seat with more width and padding.

If you're a new rider, expect a little seat soreness on the first few outings. If you're still sore, your saddle may need adjusting. Its top should be level with the ground. If your knees aren't slightly bent when your feet are at the bottom of the pedal stroke, you don't have the correct seat height, which can also cause discomfort.

Pain and soreness in the lower back, neck, arm and shoulders may mean your handlebars are set at the wrong angle. Take the bike to a bike shop and ask for an adjustment.

Other accessories

If you travel away from home, you'll need a bike lock. While the cable locks are more flexible, the U-shaped locks are good for securing to solid items, like posts and railings.

Carrying pouches fit just under the seat. Must-haves are a puncture repair kit, mini pump and wrench multi-tool to help remove wheels, unkink a chain and loosen bolts.

Biking parents with small children may want to invest in bicycle child carriers or trailers, which allow the little ones to experience the road too.