Cycling has always been an excellent means of transport and a more environmentally friendly option than driving a car and many people these days enjoy cycling as a hobby and sporting activity. While it can be enjoyed individually, it’s also a great communal hobby. In recent years, biking is becoming more popular, especially these days when the lockdown has turned the daily commute into a vague memory for many.
To keep fit or entertain the family, a lot of people turned to their bikes, whether they got new ones or jumped back in the old saddle. You may be new to the biking world or you just want to upgrade your old bike, but you know that you need cycling accessories. Choosing the right ones can be a complicated and overwhelming process, so here is a list of the essential equipment you need for an enjoyable bike ride.
Must-Have Cycling Accessories
Whether you’re a casual rider, a daily commuter or an experienced cyclist, having the right gear for the journey can make all the difference. You can find a variety of cycling accessories online, carefully designed to satisfy your cycling needs. The right bike accessories and gadgets can make your ride smooth and fun.
Helmets
The helmet is the most important piece of bike gear you can have. It may not be compulsory, but it’s advisable to wear it as it can protect your head in the event of a crash. When choosing your bike helmet, make sure to match it to your head size and your style of riding. Recreational bike helmets are the right choice for casual cyclists, while mountain bike helmets are designed to offer ventilation and rear head coverage to protect you in case of a backwards fall. Road bike helmets, on the other hand, are aerodynamic, ventilated and lightweight.
Bike Pumps
A bicycle tyre pump is one of the most essential accessories that can prevent unexpected disasters. Keep your tyre pressure up regularly and keep in mind that topping of your air pressure before your ride is a must. Make sure to always carry a mini pump along on your rides. Good tyre pressure prevents punctures on the road and in case of a flat tyre while on the road, a mini pump can provide enough air to get you to the final destination.
Bike Lock
You’ve put a certain amount of money into your bike. Good, quality bikes are usually more expensive and you don’t want to play it fast and loose with security. No matter what kind of ride you have, a lock is one of the most important bike accessories. Cable locks are convenient, but chain locks, heavy-duty locks and U or D locks are recommendable because they make it difficult for a thief to get much leverage.
Bike Lights
When cycling before dawn and after dusk, make sure you’re in line with local bike laws. Choose LED rear lights, rechargeable rear light, tire spoke reflectors, headlamps and more. The brightness of bike lights is usually expressed in lumens and front bike lights fall in two distinct categories – light for being seen and lights for seeing. Most lights come with a variety of modes, so you can choose what’s most suitable for your biking adventures.
Bike Bag
Having a bike bag can be very helpful in any cycling situation, whether commuting to work or taking a biking tour throughout the country. A quality bag is a combination of style and functionality and can keep your belongings safe and dry in any weather.
Bike Bell
A bike bell is one of the oldest bike accessories. Today, you can choose from a variety of bike bells that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They’re available in many different designs and finishes, so you can surely find one that will match your bike.
Basket
A bicycle basket is a smart and simple bike accessory that can make grocery shopping easier. Latest designs are available in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that’s most suitable for your needs and use it as a storage tank whenever needed.
Hydration
Carrying fluids with you while riding is very important as you should be hydrating throughout your ride. Hydration is crucial for your body and should be high on your list of bike accessories. For that reason, make sure you always carry a basic water bottle and holder of hydration pack on your journey.
Bike Racks
If you like to take your bike with you to your favourite surf spot or the countryside, make sure you transport it right. Get a quality bike rack for your car or a bike carrier that are stable, versatile and easy to set up. This way you’ll ensure a means of safe transport to just about any destination.
Smartwatch
If you want to indicate the speed and the time you’ve spent riding your bike, as well as the distance you’ve covered, choose a high-quality smartwatch designed for cycling. There are many options out there, you can wear some of them on your arm wrist, while others can be mounted on your bike’s handlebar and convert into a handy bicycle speedometer.
Mirror
A lightweight handlebar mirror can give you a 360◦ panorama of your surroundings and a clear rear view of any oncoming vehicles. There are a variety of bicycle mirrors you can choose from, fully adjustable and easy to set up.
Once you have the essential bike gear, you’re off to a solid start. Make sure to choose every item according to your riding style and enjoy safe and comfortable rides and keep the longevity of your bike longer.
