Are you thinking about getting in shape this spring? Have you already decided that the best way to do that is to start riding a bicycle? Cycling can be a fun and rewarding activity, but there are things to consider before you simply hop on a bike and go for a ride. Here is a list of equipment that can be essential for any cyclist:

Bike seat: Since a bicycle of course comes with a seat, you might be under the impression that purchasing a new one is a waste of money. Unfortunately, standard seats are often relatively small and hard. If you're trying to lose weight, a poor bicycle seat can be uncomfortable and may even lead to blisters, similarly to a poorly-fitting shoe causing blisters. Head down to your local bike shop and ask them about the seats that are available. Even if you're not excessively overweight, a good seat may mean the difference between you biking uncomfortably once a week or less and biking comfortably several times a week.

Bike computer or odometer: When you're just getting started with cycling, keeping track of how fast you go and how far you go may seem pointless. If you're not in shape, you may only be able to ride once around the block before becoming winded. But with a bike computer or odometer, you can keep track of your progress and see how well you're improving. For example, you may start out only riding a quarter mile in fifteen minutes. As you improve, you can watch your endurance rise. Instead of only riding a quarter mile, you can try to beat the average speed of around 3 or 4 miles in that same time-frame. 

Bike locks: While you may plan on keeping your bike inside your garage, home or a shed outside, you may eventually want to stop at a store while biking. If you decide to stop at the grocery store to pick up a few ingredients for dinner, you want to know that nobody is going to abscond with your bike while you're inside. Picking up 2 or more locks from your local bike shop will help provide the maximum deterrent to potential thieves. Choose multiple types of locks, so that a casual thief is less likely to be able to remove them or to want to spend time removing them. For example, you might choose a U-lock to lock your tires to your frame and a cable or chain lock to attach your bicycle to the bike rack. Potential thieves may have the equipment to remove one lock, but not the other, forcing them to abandon any ideas of taking off with your bike.