Helmets are the single most important piece of safety equipment in bicycling. Since they are designed to prevent head injury, it's no exaggeration to say that wearing one could save your life. These are design-tested to disperse the energy of impact in the event of an accident. Helmets come in three sizes, and you should choose the smallest size that comfortably fits your head. Tighten the chin strap to hold the helmet on securely.
Gloves come in different styles depending on their use.
The synthetic holds up better, and stays more supple, than real leather. Palm padding provides comfort and helps avoid calluses developing on long rides. Newer gel types provide optimal palm padding and help prevent hand-numbness through weight displacement. Some feature a backpack design and allow you to carry tools, tire pump, cel phone, etc. As a safety accessory, particularly for road-riding, solo riders should always use a rearview mirror.