You Cannot Begin Without These Two

Bike (City, Hybrid, Road, Mountain, Track)

Helmet (should never be optional)

Step 1 - Main Options (based on your own individual needs)

Key Transit Items

Water (bottles or hydration pack)	Eye protection (sunglasses or clear lenses)
Street map	Medical info/emergency contact card
First-aid items	Lock

Repair Items

Spare tube or tubes (and/or patch kit)	Pump
Tire levers	Cycling multi-tool (with Allen wrenches)

Storage and Equipment

Backpack, waistpack or hydration pack	Handlebar bag
Messenger (sling) bag	Cargo rack plus trunk bag
Saddle (underseat) bag	Panniers
Headlight	Mirror (for handlebar or helmet)
Taillight (with blinking option)	Fenders
Bell	Straps or bungee cords

Clothing

Rainwear	Leg straps for pants
Stowaway wind jacket	Shoe or toe covers
Insulation Layer for cool air	Visibility vest

Personal

Cash/credit card/ID	Toilet paper/tissue
Cell phone	Chamois cream/skin lotion
Sunscreen	Lip balm

Step 2 - Post-Ride Items (to carry with you or have at your final destination)

Change of clothing	Toiletry kit
Off-bike footwear	Towel/washcloth

Step 3 - More Gear to Consider...

Padded shorts or tights	Energy food/gels/drinks
Wicking jersey or top	Cycling computer / GPS
Gloves	Heart rate monitor
Bike-specific footwear	Patch kit (and/or spare tube/tubes)
Cycling socks	Pressure gauge
Buff/bandana/skullcap	Lubricant
Small, quick-dry towel (for cleanups)	C02 inflater (with cartridge)
Baby wipes (another cleanup option)	Strips of duct tape (for repairs)