Making sure you have the best bicycle accessories can make a difference, whether you’re out for a leisurely Sunday ride, battling through the heavy commuter traffic, or competing on the international stage.
We’ve selected 10 of the best cycling accessories to help you have a better experience, no matter why you’re riding and regardless of your skill level or expertise.
Best Bicycle Accessories
The world of bike gear might be confusing and daunting if you’re new to riding bicycles. Additionally, cycling is more expensive as you learn about the best bike accessories.
We assure you that the cycling gear rabbit hole is deep, complex, and expensive. But there’s no need to get lost in accessory research if you’re new to the sport or just want to make sure you’re ready for the occasional bike ride.
Listed below are some genuine “must-have” bicycle accessories. Both your own safety and the durability of the bicycle depend on this equipment. You can consider taking out your vehicle whenever you’re ready. But you’re off to a good start if you have these accessories.
Let’s dive deeper to learn more about the best bicycle accessories:
Helmet
The following bicycle accessories are all necessary. But this one is unquestionably, positively non-negotiable.
It is your obligation to protect your head even if riding a bicycle without a helmet is permitted in your city. Even the most skilled riders occasionally crash. Not to mention, you do not influence the decisions that other people—including drivers, pedestrians, and animals—make while you are riding.
Make sure the bike helmet you choose fits your head size and riding style while making your choice. For casual cyclists, recreational bike helmets may be a cost-effective solution. Mountain bike helmets provide excellent rear head coverage and breathability to keep you safe in a backward crash. Road bike helmets are also quick-moving, lightweight, aerodynamic, and well-ventilated.
Quality Riding Shorts
Consider purchasing some high-quality riding shorts if you plan on renting a bike for a lengthy day of riding. These shorts are made to move with you, preventing rubbing and chafing even after hours of repetitive exercise. In order to provide a bit more cushion between your back and the saddle, cycling shorts are additionally padded.
You wouldn’t say you’re the “riding shorts type,” would you? Not to worry. You don’t have to commit to the complete cyclist appearance if you’re not ready because there are many different designs of cycling shorts available for both men and women. You can choose anything that matches your style, from loose-fitting riding shorts to athletic bibs with built-in support.
Cycling Gloves
For several reasons, gloves are essential cycling gear.
In the case of an accident, they safeguard your hands first. They also avoid friction and blisters. Additionally, both men and women can get gloves for different riding styles.
The third, less well-known advantage of cycling gloves is that they safeguard your ulnar nerve. Through the palm of your hand, this nerve travels. You may feel pain or numbness in your pinkie, ring finger, or entire hand when the ulnar nerve is continually compressed. Padded palms are a feature of cycling gloves to help avoid these problems.
Check the webbing between the thumb and index finger when selecting bicycle gloves. It should be free enough to hold the handlebar properly but not so loose that the material squeezes.
Expand Bike Mount
Whether you’re preparing for a sportive or any other long-distance race, riding on new roads is likely. Consequently, you’ll probably need some directions along the way to ensure that you’re riding the most effective path (and, of course, you don’t get lost!)
While a cycling-specific sat-nav is an option, several less expensive alternatives exist.
As long as you have the correct map (and enough mobile data), the Expand Bike Mount is unquestionably one of the greatest cycling accessories available. It can be modified to fit any smartphone and attaches securely to any bike.
Water Bottle
Running out of water in the middle of a ride is more than just a hassle. It poses a serious risk, particularly if you are seven miles into a mountain trail. Hydration equipment, like helmets, is an essential bicycle accessory just to keep alive.
Depending on how challenging your ride is, your needs will change, but the key line is: don’t be thrifty. The general recommendation is to take three sizable gulps every twenty minutes at the very least. Have an insulated water bottle and a water bottle cage if you ride a bike occasionally. Take a reservoir with you if you want to ride a mountain bike.
Choose a hydration pack size that is a little larger than what you anticipate needing. There is no requirement to fill it all the way. But when you’re ready to start pushing yourself on extended rides, you’ll regret buying too little.
Chain Lube
Use a high-quality chain lubricant to treat your bike with respect. A quality chain lube guarantees your chain’s safety and durability, which will ultimately result in cost savings.
Knowing which kind of lube is ideal for your local climate and frequent rides is the trick to chain lube. Wet lube is oily and more difficult to remove with water. It is, therefore, the best choice for rainy weather.
This greasy substance attracts sand and dust, leaving you with a chain that is clogged with both. Choose dry lube in its place. This lubricant should dry before your ride even though it is applied wet. In wet weather, it is simple to wash off, but over time, it keeps your bike chain cleaner. Skip the wet lubrication, though, if you’re riding in a dry, dusty environment.
Multi-Tool Bike Accessories
The route can be unexpected for cyclists, whether it’s a city street or a dry path. A bolt that has been unfastened by vibration has the ability to surprise even the most meticulous bike owner. For this reason, a multi-tool should be on your list of essential bicycle equipment.
The size, functionality, and quality of multi-tools vary. Some of the larger ones can be kept at home because of their size. However, we advise choosing one that is portable enough to fit in your pocket or saddlebag. If you intend to pick up a rental bike while on vacation, a portable cycling multi-tool is simple to pack for the trip and works well when traveling.
Bike Pump
You must have a bike pump since you cannot ride with flat or underinflated tires. The bike pumps offer the highest air volume and leverage, allowing for quick and simple tire inflation. Although slower and requiring much more work, a tiny hand pump will also work. In any case, the cost of entry-level bike pumps is comparable to hand pumps.
The type of valve used on modern road bikes, Presta valves, requires a compatible pump with a head. Numerous bike pumps with heads work with both Presta and Schrader valves. The ideal pump has an air pressure indicator, so you can adjust tire pressure to find the perfect balance between comfort and speed.
Lights and Reflectors
There are numerous ways to illuminate your bicycle; just search for bike lights and bike reflectors. Make sure you follow the local bike laws any choice you choose, whether it be LED rear lights, pedal strips, or reflective tire spokes.
You are familiar with the characteristics of a normal nighttime ride, including how ambient light and shadows interact. Don’t be scared to add more light and reflection than what is required by law after that. On the safe side, always stumble.
The world of gear is enormous and complex. Numerous bicycle accessories are available to make your two-wheeled excursions easier, safer, and more enjoyable. These are merely the absolute necessities.
Additionally, if you hire a bike, you can probably discover a list whose bike that is already in compliance with safety regulations. Many even offer extras like lights, locks, baskets, and helmets for cyclists.
Whatever method you choose, just ensure you’re prepared to take the path of road safety.
Bike Lock
Your bike costs a lot of money to purchase. Be cautious when it comes to security. A lock is an essential piece of bike equipment, regardless of your mode of transportation.
Depending on how worried you are about bicycle theft, you can choose a different type of lock. Only in low-crime regions are cable locks recommended, despite their convenience. Try U-locks or chain locks for a more difficult theft.
Additionally, if you frequently use rental bikes but don’t own a bike of your own, be sure to have a lock on hand to protect the bike as if it were your own. Many bike rental businesses, including those on our list, include a lock with the bike.
Pedals
Likely, your new or Certified Pre-Owned bike didn’t come with pedals. Why? Due to the wide variety of pedal specifications. The bicycle manufacturers leave the choice of pedals up to the riders.
A simple set of flat pedals may do the trick if you only need something inexpensive and straightforward to get the wheels rolling. They are compatible with your everyday shoes.
You should purchase some clipless pedals as you advance. In order to optimize power transfer and make cycling at high cadences easier, clipless pedals keep your feet firmly planted on the pedals. Additionally, being fastened to the bike is safer when traveling on rocky roads. You’ll also need to buy cycling shoes to put the cleats on the clipless pedals.
Because you “clip in” and “clip out” of clipless pedals, the classification can be unclear. They are known as “clipless” bikes because, in the past, cyclists would secure their feet to the pedals using “toe clips,” which were essentially little cages with straps. With clipless pedals, your feet are kept connected without using toe clips, thanks to a cleat that locks into a binding-like mechanism on the pedal. They, therefore, lack clips.
Spare Tube
Having a replacement tube is the most reliable method to ensure you will be in excellent shape after a flat tire, even if patch kits can be very beneficial. Verify your tire’s size and the valve on your rim! There are just a few tire sizes that tubes will fit, and there are two types of valves: Presta (the slim one) and Scrader (fatter one, same as on your car).
Final Words
Even the most minimalist riders need a few things to help them get ready for a day on the trail or road, despite how much they may want to just get on their bike and ride. We have enhanced what makes a piece of bike gear worthwhile to purchase after testing hundreds of top products and years of personal riding experience on all types of terrain. Our Buying Advice articles can assist you navigate the ins and outs of our main categories if you want more in-depth information to help you decide. We share our top suggestions with you here.
FAQ
Why Do You Need Cycling Shorts?
The function of cycling shorts is very different from that of your typical training shorts. Compression shorts were created because cycling demands to clothe close to the body so the cyclist can cut through the wind without the fabric holding them back. Many cycling shorts come with seat padding to protect the sit bones when riding for extended periods, such as during a race or long ride. The material must be strong enough to withstand abrasion and shield the wearer from itchy chafing due to the repetitive cycling motion. Speaking of unpleasantness, anyone who has sat on a bike saddle for an extended time knows how painful it can get.
Which Part of the Bicycle is Most Important?
It is clear from a bicycle’s appearance that the frame is its most crucial component. The frame not only allows you to sit on and maneuver the bike but also supports the quality of the materials used and holds the entire bike up and together.
What 3 Items Do You Need for Bicycle Safety?
Wear safety gear that will increase your visibility to other road users, such as a bike helmet, bright clothing during the day, reflective materials, white front and rear bicycle lights, and reflectors (at night or when visibility is poor).