Accessories for Bicycle | Cool Accessories You May Have
There are lots of accessories that you need to buy to get the best out of your bicycle, Some items may seem like overkill at first glance, but if used correctly can save you from injury and even death!
Here we have picked some of the must have accessories for bicycle that you will need to get the best out of your bicycle.
Must Have Accessories for Bicycle | Everything You Should Know
Bike Clothing
Proper bike clothing makes a difference. Whenever you go for a ride and you put on the right biking clothes, you can ride more effectively and easily than otherwise. Let’s discuss some of the essential bike clothing to help you choose yours easily.
Padded Bike Shorts
As the name suggests, padded bike shorts are bike shorts or “half-pants” with padding in it. These shorts are specially designed to ensure maximum comfort and safety of the riders during the riding sessions. It doesn’t matter whether you are cycling on rough, off-road terrain or cruising the pavements; these shorts reduces the pressure points and also prevent chafing so that you can ride comfortably.
Moreover, the padding also absorbs road vibrations and shocks to provide you with an impact-free, enjoyable riding session.
Cycling Jerseys
- Short-sleeve Jerseys
Wearing a bike jersey during cycling is not a choice but a REQUIREMENT. There are several types of jerseys available in the market to provide choice and versatility. Below, we have discussed the two main types of jerseys to know which would fit you perfectly.
- Full–sleeve Jerseys
Full–sleeve jerseys are cycling t-shirts that have long, full-length sleeves in them. These jerseys are the right fit for winter and adverse riding conditions as they save you from the chilly wind and helps you to ride comfortably.
Jackets
When the weather is extremely chilly out there and you still need to go for your riding sessions, a bike jacket will keep you warm and comfortable during the rides. This special clothing item is also usually waterproof so that you are well protected from the chills while cycling.
- Thermal Jacket
Thermal jackets are specially designed biking jackets only for the winter months. These jackets are not only warm but at the same time also breathable and windproof to provide you with maximum comfort during your riding regimen in the colder months.
Footwear
The footwear you pick for your bike riding sessions impacts your riding style and effectiveness a lot. The right footwear will improve your performance and maximize comfort and enable you to enjoy your rides even more.
We have discussed cycling footwear in detail below for better understanding.
Shoes
As the name says, biking shoes [or sometimes known as cycling footwear] are specially made for riding cycles only. These shoes have better rigidity and bindings so that you can transfer power to the pedals more effectively for faster and better riding performance.
Even though they are rigid and sound super sporty, bike shoes are extremely comfortable to ensure your easiness during the rides.
>>> Want to Know More How to Choose Shoes? Check Cycling Shoes Buyers Guide <<<
Shoe Covers
Shoe covers are an interesting addition to your biking shoes. These are specially designed biking shoe accessories that help you keep your shoes protected from the cold, wind and water. You just need to put them over your regular cycling shoes to enjoy the ride comfortably even when the weather outside is not favorable.
Some of the most popular shoe cover types you must know about are:
- Rainproof Shoe Covers
Rainproof shoe covers are exclusively made for rainy seasons or dripping weather conditions.
Made with waterproof and water-resistant fabric, these covers ensure that the water doesn’t leak in and wet your cycling shoes to make you uncomfortable during your cycling sessions.
- Thermal Shoe Covers
Thermal shoe covers are for the winter seasons. These are usually made with traditional neoprene material that bars the cold wind from entering your shoes and making you feel the chill while cycling. The thermal shoe covers keep you warm and cozy in the winter months cycling sessions.
Socks
Cycling socks are wonderful additions to your biking footwear. Made with breathable materials, these products are committed to reducing discomfort in your feet because of sweating while riding your cycle. Moreover, they also assist in keeping your feet stay cooler so that you don’t feel any uneasiness during cycling.
A navigation system is extremely important for any bike rider. This is because without navigation, there are high chances that you might get lost when you try to ride your bicycle in unknown locations.
Let’s discuss the most common types of navigation used in bicycles to understand further.
Bike Computer / Gps
A bicycle computer [also known as a cyclo-computer or cyclometer] is a mini-computer or device fitted on your cycle that helps you to use the GPS for accurate mapping of your route. It not only displays the path ahead with detailed information but at the same time also records your riding information for future uses.
Want to know more how to choose? check Bike Computer & GPS Buyers Guide
Map App (Free)
It doesn’t matter if you are using a paid or free application, a map app is extremely important for cycle riders because it keeps you away from getting lost while riding your cycle, especially in the wild. This app usually marks your way precisely after you insert your location so that you can finish your cycling session without getting lost.
Safety Gear
When you go for a ride, safety should be your main concern, and therefore, different safety gears are a must. However, remember that the safety concerns should not be only for you. You must also consider other's security when cycling on the road.
Some of the most common safety gears that you should buy are:
Helmet
Helmets are extremely important because they ensure the safety of your skull. Whenever you meet any unfortunate event during your riding regimen, this accessory will ensure that your head remains safe and intact and you don’t end up in the hospital.
But aside from safety, also consider your comfort and functionality while purchasing a helmet for your next adventures.
Want to know more how to choose? check Bike Helmet Buyers Guide
Elbow and Knee Pads
Head is not the only body part that you must protect while riding your bicycle- other parts like your elbows and knees must be protected to ensure your utmost safety and security during the rides. To protect your elbows and knees, wear elbow and knee pads when you ride your bike so that even if you fell down, there are zero chances that you would suffer from any scratches or injuries.
Polarized Sunglasses (Changeable Lenses)
Sunglasses to eyes are what helmets are for your head during cycling sessions. Sunglasses protect your eyes from any dirt, dust and gravel of the road that has the potential to hurt and irritate your precious eyes. And we all know what a moment of blindness can do during any of your cycling sessions.
A pair of polarized sunglasses are an excellent choice for your adventures because it not only protects your precious eyes from the dirt but also eliminates reflections and glare so that they don’t get blinded by the light reflections.
Want to know more how to choose? check Cycling Sunglass Buyers Guide
Self Defense Pen
Even though it’s not a “must,” but a self-defense pen surely gives you additional safety and security, especially when you are riding alone or in an unknown location. This “normal” looking pen actually has a sharp pointy head that can be used as a knife whenever you feel that you are in danger.
Another thing about self-defense pens is that they are legal in the US.
Lights & Horns
Lights increase the visibility of your bicycle, especially in the dark. And when the cycle is more visible to others, there are fewer chances that other cars and vehicles will collide with you and cause any unfortunate events. Having red lights on your cycle is a must to protect yourself from any accidents.
Like lights, horns are also crucial for your safety. Whenever there is any pedestrian or any other vehicle in front of you; It is useful to announce your presence and avoid any type of collision or unfortunate event.
A horn not only provides safety to the rider but at the same time also ensures other security.
Want to know more how to choose? check Cycling Lights Buyers Guide
First Aid Kit
Even when you take all the safety measures, you still might experience some cuts or scratches here and there while riding your bike. And for such reasons, a first aid kit is a must for you. It doesn’t have to be a fully-packed one- you can just have the basics and make a kit that would keep you safe yet won’t increase the bike weight.
Bike Mirror
Like bike horns, bike mirrors make the road safer for riders, pedestrians, and other vehicles. This additional accessory not only increases the visibility of the rider but at the same time also helps them to ride effectively without any chances of unwanted collisions.
Cycling Gloves
Like all other parts of your body, if you want to protect your palms from getting blisters from long hours of riding, then don’t forget about the cycling gloves. These incredible accessories not only protect your palm from getting hurt but at the same time also prevent them from slipping off the handlebars for maximum safety.
Below, we have discussed some widely used cycling gloves to know even better.
- Half Finger Gloves
Half-finger gloves [also known as fingerless mitt] are specially designed hand gloves that provide an extra level of cushioning to your palms while you are holding the handlebars. These mittens are extremely popular during the summer as they do not cover the whole hand to ensure phenomenal comfort while you ride.
- Full Finger Gloves
During the colder months, you need to keep your hands warm for an effective riding session. And that’s where the full-finger gloves come into play. These incredible cycling gloves not only keep your palms super warm and comfortable but at the same time also keep them on the handlebars to prevent any slip.
Food and Drink
Food and drinks are extremely important during long riding sessions. They not only fulfill your stomach but at the same time also keep you energized and hydrated for a super successful cycling tour.
However, you must know that you cannot carry your regular food and drinks with you as they might be messy and heavyweight. Let’s see some high-energy food items that you can carry with convenience during your riding sessions.
Food Bars
Food bars or protein bars, however you call them, are miracle foods. These bars are super small in size but packed with nutrients and energy-boosting elements so that your energy level rises quickly and effectively during the high-intensity riding sessions.
A piece or two of these protein bars would be enough for you for your touring.
Gel Snacks
If you want variations and don’t want to eat the protein bars, then you always have gel snacks. These are also compact and contain a high amount of protein and nutrients to increase your energy level for an intense cycling regimen.
Transportation & Storage
When you want and need to transport and store their bike effortlessly, you must need transportation and storage options.
Some of the most common storage and transportation accessories that you can use are:
Transportation Rack
Transportation racks are used to carry your cycle easily on your car from one place to the other. You first have to install the rack on your car and then mount your cycle on it safely to take it anywhere and everywhere you go.
As there are different types and styles of transportation racks available in the market, you can pick anyone that fits your car perfectly.
Want to know more how to choose? check Cycling Rack Buyers Guide
Garage Stand
When you are not riding your cycle for one reason or another, you need to store it correctly to keep it moving when you ride it again. And that’s why a garage stand is crucial. This stand holds your beloved cycle precisely so that you can store it correctly without affecting its workability.
Bike Tools & Maintenance
Buying an excellent quality bike and riding it isn’t everything; you also have to maintain it perfectly to ensure its quality and extend its durability.
Let’s discuss a few of the tools and accessories you need to maintain your bike so that it lasts longer and provides you with incredible services.
Pumps
Wheels and tires are one of the most crucial parts that affect the quality of your ride- perfectly inflated tires can get your cycle up and influence it to move fast. To keep the wheels and tires in the right condition and to run, you need an incredible quality bike pump. A bicycle tire pump inflates the tires precisely to have just the right amount of air in them for a comfortable yet fast riding session.
Want to know more how to choose? check Cycling Pump Buyers Guide
Patch Kit for Punctures
One of the most common phenomenon that every biker face during their cycling sessions is tire punctures. And if it happens where there is no repair shops or any help around, then it’s an apocalypse. To handle such situations with ease, there can be nothing better than a patch kit for punctures. This incredible kit will help you to repair tire punctures anywhere and everywhere you need.
Multipurpose Repair Kit
Tire punctures are not the only mishap you experience as a biker. There are many other inconveniences, including loose screws here and there, chain problems, and others you face now and then when you go for a cycling session. To get rid of such problems easily, a multipurpose repair kit would be just the perfect match. From repairing minor problems to taking care of some major inconveniences, this kit is your best ally during tours.
Workstands
Bike repair stands or work stands, however you call them, are essential for any bikers. This is because these specially made stands allow you to repair your cycle easily and effectively without taking the help of others. From lifting the bike to holding it tightly in place, these stands are everything you need for the repair and maintenance works.
Want to know more how to choose? check Cycling Workstand Buyers Guide
Bike Lube
To keep your chain running and durable for a long period, you need to lube it properly. Chain lubricant helps the links and parts of the chain well-oiled so that it doesn’t suffer from any wear and tear and runs smoothly for an enjoyable riding session.
Want to know more how to choose? check Bicycle Chain Lube Buyers Guide
Communication
Going for a riding trip doesn’t mean that you have to be out of contact with everyone. Communication is important during rides because it not only helps you to connect to the world but at the same time also makes sure that you get help in times of need.
Below, we have discussed some of the cycling accessories that help to carry your phone with you during your rides so that you never get out of touch.
Waterproof Phone Case
It’s not always that you would ride in sunny, dry weather conditions. More often than not, you would also go for a ride in rainy or adverse weather conditions. And to keep your phone safe from the water or dripping snow, a waterproof phone case is a must. This amazing phone case will ensure that no matter where you ride or how heavy the rainfall is, your phone will always be safe and work in times of need.
Phone Bike Mount/Cell Phone Holder
Keeping your cell phone inside the pocket while riding your bike is not safe for your riding style and the phone itself. The constant pedaling can break the phone and cut you off from any communication.
However, if you install a cell phone holder on your bike, you can easily mount your phone there and keep it super safe.
Another benefit of a phone bike mount is that it helps you to navigate the mapping apps easily.
Want to know more how to choose? check Cell Phone Mount Buyers Guide
Phone Protector
When you are riding, there might be situations when you fell off the bike and break off your phone screen. Or it might fell itself and break. To protect your phone screen even after a fall, you should use a phone protector. This protective layer will make sure that your cell phone is safe and sound after each riding session.
Anti Theft
Bike theft is a common incident, especially if you park your cycle in any unprotected place. However, the good news is that many anti-theft accessories promise to keep your cycle safe and protected while you park it anywhere you want.
Bike Lock
Bike locks are crucial to keeping thieves at arm’s length. This anti-theft accessory allows you to lock your cycle so that thieves cannot take it away. As there are many types and styles of bike locks available in the market, you have the freedom to choose one according to your needs and preference.
Want to know more how to choose? check Bike Security Lock Buyers Guide
Hidden Gps Bike Tracker
As the name suggests, a hidden GPS tracker is kept hidden in your bicycle so that you can find it easily when it gets lost or taken away. As it is hidden and the thief doesn’t know about it, it’s very easy to find your cycle without even notifying the thief.
Baggage
We have said earlier that sometimes you might want to ride with your bag and baggage. Well, this is totally fine. However, as a bike is not a car, you have been very choosy while choosing the bag type for traveling purposes.
Some of the bags that you can pick for your cycling trips are:
Hydration Pack
From the name, it is very easy to understand that this bag is specially made to carry your water and drinks that keep you hydrated throughout your journey. Made with highly insulating materials, these bags are used as a backpack and have pipes that help you drink even without stop pedaling.
Bike Travel Bag
Bike travel bags are used to carry anything and everything you want to carry in them. These bags are large compared to the hydration packs and are perfect for long trips or carrying all of your things.
Frame Bag
As the name suggests, a frame bag is a type of bike bag that can be mounted on the frame for easy and convenient carrying purposes. Aside from convenience, as there are more than a few types of frame bags available in the market, you can also pick just the right bag according to your preference and riding style.
Some of the most common bike frame bags you should know about are:
- Front Mount Bag
If you want to see your things right in front of your eyes while you ride, then there is nothing better than a front mount cycle bag. These bags are mounted on the handlebars of the bike and are usually small so that they don’t block your view during the ridings.
- Triangle Frame Storage Bag
The most interesting type of bike bag is the triangle frame bag. As the name suggests, these bags are specially designed with a triangle shape to fit the triangle space in-between the top tube, seat tube and downtube of your cycle. This incredible bag is mostly used to carry heavier items because it maintains a low center of gravity and makes it easy to paddle.
- Under Seat Saddle Bag
These frame bags are the ones that you incorporate under the seat saddle to carry your things easily. This somewhat conical-shaped bag is wind resistance and extremely lightweight and therefore won’t affect your bikes maneuverability at all.
- Waterproof Map Case
As the name suggests, these cases are used to carry paper maps easily so that you don’t get lost in the wilderness during the riding sessions. These are usually waterproof and mounted at the front because you constantly need to check the map to avoid getting lost.
Components
It’s not always that the components that come with the bike would last forever. At some point or the other, you might have to replace these accessories to improve performance and enjoy the best riding sessions of your life.
A few of the components that might require replacement are:
Bike Saddle
The bike seat that comes with your bike might not be as padded or comfortable as you want it to be, and therefore, you might want to change it nevertheless. As there are many types and styles of seat saddles available in the market, you have the freedom to choose just the right one according to your needs and budget.
Want to know more how to choose? check Comfortable Bike Saddle Buyers Guide
Seat Cover/cushion
There are several different types of seat covers available in the market that can ensure extraordinary comfort for your back and hips. Let’s discuss the seat cover types in detail to know more.
- Foam Seat Cover
Foam seat covers are generally constructed with high-quality memory foam materials to provide the best comfort to the riders. These covers can absorb the shock and vibrations of the road successfully so that you can enjoy an extremely effective riding session without sacrificing your comfort level.
Another advantage of foam seat covers is that they are super responsive and incredibly comfortable for longer rides.
- Gel Seat Cover
Even though foam covers seem plushier, in reality, gel seat covers are plushier and compact and therefore, provide more cushioning for a super comfortable ride. However, these are not the best seat covers for longer rides and more preferred by commuter riders than the off-road, racing cyclists.
Pedals
Pedals are considered one of the most crucial parts of a road bicycle. This is because these are what helps you to ride the bike easily.
As there are different types of riders with different needs, bicycles come with different types of pedals of effective riding routines. Let’s know more about various pedals to understand more.
- Flat Pedals
As the name sounds, flat pedals are completely flat and have a very smooth surface. Moreover, these pedals have a larger surface area and offer incredible stability so that it is very easy to ride the cycle with them. Also, because of such benefits and ease of use, these pedals are the best choice for beginners.
- Clipless Pedals
Clipless pedals are exactly the opposite of what you think of after hearing the term “clipless”- these special pedals are clipped onto the bike pedal so that you can pedal fearlessly in any type of terrain of your choice. These pedals make sure that your feet don’t slip off and cause any accidents.
Want to know more how to choose? check MTB Pedals Buyers Guide
Tires, Tubes, and Wheels
Tires and wheels help you to roll on the road perfectly. The combination of both these components not only helps you to roll faster on the road but at the same time also improves your performance by several notches. To enjoy the best cycling experience of your life, get a pair of excellent wheels and tires.
On the other hand, tire tubes affect the performance of the tires themselves. While the tubes in the tire hold the air precisely, the tubeless ones are preferred by users as they don’t suffer from punctures and last for a long time.
Want to know more how to choose? check Cycling Tire Buyers Guide
Want to know more how to choose? check Bicycle Wheel Buyers Guide
Want to know more how to choose? check Cycling Tube Buyers Guide
Brakes and Brakesets
Brakes and the brake sets incorporated in a bike are extremely important. This is because the safety of the rider and the surrounding depend on how quickly the brakes can stop the bike and how well they work.
Usually, road bikes incorporate different types of braking mechanisms to meet the demand of different riders. From hydraulic disc brakes to caliper brakes, you can choose the ones according to your requirement and budget.
Drivetrain Components
The drivetrain components play a crucial part in your cycle. They not only determine the performance of the bike but at the same time also decide how well you can ride on your favorite cycle without much problem. From the gears to the shifter and suspension, everything is important, and therefore, you must be very cautious while picking your cycle.
However, you can always change your drivetrain components according to your preference to enjoy the best rides every time.
Record That Epic Ride – Camera Gear
Recording your ride is a fun thing to relieve your fun memories in later times. The recording devices are an excellent gear to add on while you go for a ride. Let’s discuss some of the top recording devices and gears favored by cyclists worldwide that you can try too.
GoPro Mount Kit
The GoPRO mount kit is the “hot cake” right at the moment. This camera with its kits can be an incredible accessory to have on each of your rides if you want to record the nitty-gritty of it. It’s not only easy to hold and captures flawless videos but at the same time, it is very durable and sturdy and would give you amazing quality recordings.
The GoPro Mount Kit is a must.
Camera Bag
If you are a professional and love to carry your camera everywhere you go, then a camera bag that can be taken on a bicycle is a must for you. These specially made bags are super lightweight and offer many compartments that help you carry your camera kit easily on a cycle without the fear of damaging them.
More often than not, bike camera bags are also waterproof to provide that extra level of security that you look for.
Additional Gears
Above discussed accessories are not the only cool accessories that you can have for your favorite road bike. There are also some other things that you can install on your cycle to enjoy your rides to the fullest.
Some of the most commonly used gears are:
Trainers
Bike trainers are wonderful. This incredible accessory allows you to ride your cycle indoors when the weather outside is not favorable. Even though trainers are indoor accessories and hold your bicycle in a stationary position, they help you to train and ride on your favorite road bike even without stepping outside.
Want to know more how to choose? check Cycling Trainer Buyers Guide
Child Seats & Carriers
If you have a baby and you want to take them for a spin on your cycle, then a child seat would be an excellent addition to your bike. This interesting accessory allows you to carry your child or children [not more than 2] while you ride for fun and enjoyment.
Moreover, you can also add carriers onto your cycle if you want to use it for carrying things in times of need.
Want to know more how to choose? check Cycling Child Seat Buyers Guide
Trailers
If you don’t want to install a child seat on your bike, you can always add a trailer to it. Trailers are popular because they allow you to take your baby on a ride with you and spare you from putting the extra weight on a child seat.
Want to know more how to choose? check Cycle Trailer Buyers Guide
Wrapping Up
Even when the list above of interesting biking accessories might seem overwhelming at first, the more you read, the more you will understand that all these are necessary. Having all these cool gears will help you improve your performance and make your riding sessions more enjoyable.
