Products

Well first you need a bicycle. Got that already? Then here are few more items that can make your cycling experience safer and more enjoyable. Whether you are looking for a new bike or to accessorize one you already own, here's some recommended places to spend your dough.

Recommended accessories:

Helmet	It is unlawful for bicyclists under the age of 16 to ride without a helmet. Don't take chances with your noggin -- wear a helmet whenever you are on a bike.
Bike shorts	Bicycle shorts are padded, so they e
Gloves	Gloves protect your hands from getting tired or numb while riding by dispersing the pressure from the handlebar across a wide surface. They also protect your skin in case of a fall.
Pump, spare tubes, patch kit	A flat can just ruin an otherwise enjoyable ride. Everyone gets one sometime or another. Be prepared with these essential tire repair products.

Accessories that are nice additions

Bike shoes	When your foot pushes down on the pedal, your everyday shoe will flex and wrap around the pedal stealing some of the force you are applying to the pedal. To maximize your energy output, bike shoes are designed with stiff soles. They really do make a difference!
Clipless pedals	Most people are familiar with the platform pedals where your foot can just push forward and down on the pedal while lightly resting on the upstroke. Clipless pedals hold your foot on the pedal allowing you to pull up on the pedal as well (you release your foot by pivoting it out). They allow you to pedal more smoothly and at a higher cadence (RPM).

Where to purchase

When possible, you should buy from local bike shops. This is especially important when purchasing a bicycle since fitting the bicycle to your specific body dimensions is critical to safe and enjoyable cycling. Many also perform free minor adjustments to your bike after the purchase.

Local Bike Shops Internet Stores Bicycle Manufacturers Accessory Manufacturers

Local Bike Shops

A.J. Barnes Bicycle Emporium	1401 Johnson Ferry Rd, #1 Marietta, GA 30062	(770)977-7426
Atlanta Cycling	4335 Cobb Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339	(770)952-7731
Atlanta Pro Bikes	632 N. Highland Ave., NE Atlanta, GA 30306	(404)874-1214
The Bicycle Link	210 Pharr Road Atlanta, GA 30305	(404)233-4103
Book Ends Bike Shop	119 Newman Rd. Carrollton, GA 30117	(770)834-6594
Bicycle Outfitters	4900-C Stewart Mill Road Douglasville, GA 30135	(770)577-6200
CycleWorks	4880 Lower Roswell Rd, #460 Marietta, GA 30062	(770)509-9494
CycleWorks	1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd Roswell, GA 30076	(770)993-2626
CycleWorks	3576 Peachtree Ind. Blvd Duluth, GA 30096	(770)476-4949
Free Flight Bicycles	2949 Canton Rd, NE Marietta, GA 30066	(770)422-5237
Peachtree Bicycle Center	2837 Peachtree Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30305	(404)262-9853
Perpetual Motion Bicycles	1002 Maple St Carrollton, GA 30117	(770)834-3278

Internet Stores

Internet stores often offer a wider selection of accessories than you find in a retail store. Still, if you can find what you are looking for at a local bike shop, you are better off giving them your business.

While there are quite a few online stores selling cycling products, I have found the following to carry a large selection.

Bike Nashbar	This company sells nothing but cycling products.
Performance Bicycle	Another store similar Bike Nashbar but with a better selection of most products.
REI	There are also two REI stores in metro Atlanta.
Campmor	A company specializing in camping equipment with a few bicycling specific accessories. Good source for bicycle touring needs.
Price Point	Another store similar to Nashbar and Performance, but their delivery is sometimes quite slow.

Bicycle Manufacturers

Airborne Direct	Sells titanium road bikes and mountain bikes only through the mail.
Bianchi	Add a little Italian flavor to your cycling.
Bruce Gordon Bicycles	Sells good touring bicycles. You must order directly from the company, but people have said Bruce does an excellent job at fitting the bicycle to your body's measurements (that you send him).
KHS Bicycles
Klein	Manufactures high quality road and mountain bikes. Gary Klein is an aerospace engineer and MIT graduate who loves bicycling. These bikes are the result!
Lemond Bikes	Greg Lemond was the first American to win the Tour de France. He doesn't race anymore, but you can buy a bike with his name on it.
Litespeed	Sells titanium road bikes and mountain bikes. You can also find Litespeed bicycles in some of the Internet stores and local Atlanta bike shops.
Raleigh USA Bicycle Company	They've been making bicycles for a long time.
Rivendell Bicycle Works	Among others, they sells the "All Rounder" which is touted to serve as a road bike and a mountain bike -- just swap tires.
Shimano	They don't make bicycles, but practically any bicycle you buy will have Shimano components.
Specialized
Terry Precision Cycling	Bicycles, clothing, and accessories specifically for women.
Trek Bicycles	Bicycles that the USPS Team rode to win the Tour de France in 1999 and 2000.
Waterford	Expensive but high quality and comfortable bikes.

Accessory Manufacturers

Canari	High quality and comfortable cycling clothing.
Carnac	Expensive Italian cycling shoes, but well known for their wide toe box that is more comfortable for cyclists with wider feet.
Continental Tires	High quality bicycle tires with enough models to fit most any type of rider.
DeFeet	Technically engineering athletic apparel. Their socks are favored by many cyclists.
NorthWave	Expensive Italian cycling shoes often used by professional cyclists.
Park Tool Bicycle Tool Company	Practically the industry standard in bicycle tools.
Pearl Izumi	Comfortable, performance apparel that fits well.
Riverside Cycles	They sell the n'Aero Pak -- an aerodynamic set of panniers.
SealSkinz	Waterproof products for your hands and feet. I've seen one complaint about a lingering odor after wearing the gloves without a glove liner.
Selle Italia	Bicycle saddles since 1897.
Selle San Marco	Another saddle manufacturer.
SpeedPlay	Makers of clipless pedals that provide 34 - 37 degrees of "float" allowing your feet to point in their natural direction rather than having the pedal/cleat mechanism force them into an unnatural and uncomfortable position.
Terry Bicycles	Ergonomic bicycle saddles.
Thule Car Rack Systems	Automobile racks to take your bike places -- the next best way to riding it there.