eg. helmet, lights, pump
and do i need to know how to change the tire tube?Which other stuff would i need other than my bike?
1 - Get a helmet and use it. Period.
#2 - saddle bag, spare tube, tire levers, pump, and learn to use it at home before you have a flat. (CO2 is a nice-to-have but not always reliable.)
#3 - get a multi-tool. I like the Park MT-1
#4 - gloves.
#5 - water bottle or Camelbak.
#6 - bike shorts. They're padded and they don't get hung up on things.
#7 - go take a safety class, especially one that teaches safe riding in traffic, or riding in a group. It will make you more confident and safer. Seriously. League of American Bicyclists LCI instruction is excellent and consistent.
You'll eventually want real bike shoes and clip-in pedals if you ride a lot. They will allow you to pedal faster and use your muscles through more of the pedal stroke. Cages will do OK.
From there, everything becomes specialized.
Cold weather? You'll need hats, jackets, arm warmers, tights, shoe covers. A wind vest and arm warmers almost went on my # essentials above.
Do you ride in the rain? Fenders, raincoat, etc.
Do you ride at night? Lots of reflective gear, front and rear lights.
Want to carry stuff? Get a handlebar bag.
Touring or commuting? Front and/or rear rack, panniers, trunk bag, etc.
I've tried one of everything over the years. I have different bikes for different occasions, and different accessories to go with. It becomes an addiction, but you'll eventually find things you really like, and things that will go on Craigslist. You can find forums with dozens of posts in one thread arguing over the best kind of handlebar bag.
Most important is to just get out there and ride - a lot!Which other stuff would i need other than my bike?
1. Helmet. Never put your butt on the seat without your helmet on your head.
2. Tire levers (about $3), spare tube (about $5), patch kit (about $5), and a pump (about $15). Why both a spare tube and a patch kit? You might get more than one flat in a single ride.
3. Wedge bag to hold all the above. Put a card with your name, address, and emergency phone numbers in the bag.
4. If your bike doesn't have a water bottle cage, get one. A water bottle is essential.
5. Lights if you ride at night. For night riding, I also wear a reflective vest and bands on my left ankle and wrist.
Learn to change a flat tire. Any experienced cyclist will be glad to show you how to do it for free just because they love the sport. To find an experienced cyclist, go to any bike shop. The experienced cyclists are the guys drooling over the most expensive bikes in the store.
HTH
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