Did you get a new bike and want to know all the essential bike accessories you should buy? Or do you just desire cool cycling gadgets to enhance your biking experience? Whichever reason, we got you covered. This article showcases the best bike accessories you should get. These accessories aren’t just the essential items you need for your bike, but are considered must-have bike accessories today.
Thousands of people ride bicycles daily for fun, exercise, or commuting to work. Having the right bike accessories can save you from uncertainties when you are on the road. So, whether you are hitting for a mountain bike camping, exercising, or riding your bike to work, you need these top 8 accessories:
Helmet
A Helmet is a very crucial bike accessory for safety, so as a cyclist, Helmet is a must-have! It ensures your head is protected in case of accidents, fall, or collision. When choosing a helmet, it is essential to pick a helmet that best fits your head and is not too loose or tight. A good helmet should fit on your head steadily and cover your forehead. It is also essential to pick helmets that meet safety standards so as to ensure their durability and safety. For comfort, it is important to choose helmets with good padding inside. The padding does not only enhance comfort but also helps absorb impact in case of an accident. While choosing a helmet, check out the ones with a visor. Pick the one with a built-in visor, as it provides shade from the sun and your eyes from rain or dust.
Bike Lights
The next essential bike accessory you should get is bike lights. Bike lights are essential for enhancing visibility and for safety. You need to get a front light and a rear light. When buying the bike light, consider the light mounting. Check if the type you are buying has an adjustable mounting system, so you can easily adjust it as you prefer. Also, do well to consider the battery life, especially if you plan to ride for extended periods. There are also additional features that you could add to your lighting, like the side visibility light, built-in reflectors, or the ability to adjust the beam pattern.
Bike Computer
A bike computer is a great choice if you desire a cool and useful bike accessory. This accessory is used for tracking and displaying various metrics associated with your biking performance. The computer bike has basic and advanced features, so you have to determine which functionality you need. The basic bike computers feature data like speed, distance, and time. While the advanced model features GPS navigation, heart rate monitoring, cadence tracking, and connectivity to external sensors. So, just check the one you need and go for it. Before getting a Bike computer, check if the bike can connect to other devices, as not all bike offer that. Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility allows pairing with features like power meters, smartphones, heart rate monitors, and others. Additionally, check for the durability of the bike computer and buy bike computers that are water-resistant in case of rainy days.
Bike Bell or Horn
A bike bell is a crucial accessory for alerting pedestrians, other cyclists, and vehicles while on the road. While searching for the right bile bell, it is good to consider the audibility, the kind of sound you desire, durability, and accessibility. Also, consider the compatibility of the bell with your bike because some bells or horns require a kind of configuration or handlebar diameter.
Bike Multiple Tool
Bike multiple tools are one of the essential bike accessories every bike owner should buy. This toolbox features all the tools you need for your bike repair. It is portable and allows you to repair the bike at any point in time. Since you want to be ready for any repair anytime, get a compact and lightweight multi-tool. This way, you can carry it around without stress during your rides. Also, different toolboxes come with varying tool selections. Some of the common tools you need in the multi-tool include hex wrenches in different sizes, Torx wrenches, spoke wrenches, screwdrivers, and chain tools, amongst others.
Bike Pump
The importance of a bike pump for a cyclist cannot be over-emphasized. A bike pump is an essential accessory used for maintaining proper tire pressure and ensuring a smooth and safe drive. Bikes come with different valve types, so when buying a bike pump, check for the pimp compatible with your bike’s valve. Pumps are of two types, the floor pump and the mini-pumps. The floor pumps are the big kind of pump and are mostly used at home for garage use. On the other hand, the mini pump is smaller and portable and usually carried around while riding. Consider the one you need and check for durability and pumping efficiency.
Bike Lock
This bike accessory is used for preventing theft and securing your bike when parked. So it is definitely a must-have! There are different bike locks today, but you should get the one that provides a high level of security to avoid theft. Some of the lock types available include u-locks, chain locks, folding locks, cable locks, and others. Before picking your bike lock, consider the locking mechanism that is easier for you and is more secure. The length and diameter of the lock should also be considered. Ensure that the bike lock is long enough to secure the bike to an object. The lock’s thickness should be strong enough to resist cutting or sawing attempts.
Bike Chain Lubricant
Bike Chain lubricant is used for maintaining a smooth and efficient operation while riding your bike. Bike chain lubricant of different types; wet lube, dry lube, and ceramic or wax-based lube. The wet lube is thicker and viscous and is suitable for wet and muddy conditions. The dry lubes are usually thin and come in liquid form. It is designed to reduce the accumulation of dirt and dust on the bike chain. The ceramic lube types are mostly used for their low friction properties and clean application. You can apply the lubrication of your bike using drip bottles or aerosol spray.
The right bike accessories not only enhance your cycling experience but make sure of safety and convenience. As discussed in this article, the best accessories you need are helmets, bike computers, bike horns, multiple bike tools, bike locks, and bike chain lubricant. These top 8 best bike accessories will ensure you have a hassle-free biking experience.
