Beyond a mode of transportation, cycling is incredibly rewarding for physical and mental health. Besides the bike itself, accessories and gear are a large factor to cycling long term. Investing in proper equipment that will keep you safe is vital for cyclists at all experience levels. This blog will take you through a list of cycles accessories with varying purposes, from safety, to functionality and improving the riding experience.
Safety
- Helmet: The most important safety gear you will own, a helmet is designed to protect your head in the event of a fall or a collision, and even potentially save your life. Helmets for mountain cycles have more coverage and an adjustable visor, while city helmets are lightweight with more ventilation.ย
- Elbow and Knee Pads: Pads are useful for protecting you from serious injuries in a fall. While pads are not generally seen as necessary for city riding, they are vital for off-road cycling.
- Reflectors and Lights: Equip your bike with a front and tail light. A tail light for bike riding is vital because it makes you visible to vehicles behind you. A better option is a tail light with lazer beam functions. A laser light for bike riding makes it easier to cycle in the dark. Furthermore, reflectors on your clothing, bike and accessories are also effective for making you visible, especially at dawn or dusk
- First Aid Kit: Always keep a first aid kit in your inventory to patch up scrapes and cuts and prevent any probable infections.ย
- Bike Lock: Safety also extends to your bike. A lock with hook joints will ensure that your bike doesnโt get stolen.
Functionality and Health
- Multi-Tool and Tyre Repair Kit: A good multi-tool, gives you an entire toolkit in your pocket, making all sorts of repairs possible. A tyre repair kit will help deal with flat tyres regardless of your location.ย
- Hydration: Fluid intake is very important for preventing dehydration, fatigue and cramping and for sustaining energy levels.
Navigation and Monitoring
- Bicycle Computer: This device monitors your speed, distance and time. More advanced ones come with a GPS tracker and a heart rate monitor.
- Phone Mount: Get a secure phone mount if you want to use your phone for GPS tracking, monitoring your heart rate or listening to music. Waterproof mounts can cost a little more, but are worth it for riding MTB bikes in wet conditions.
Apparel
- Cycling Gloves: Gloves protect your hands, strengthen your grip, and smoothen shocks and vibrations. Gloves come in many varieties, like padded gloves for reducing pressure, thermal and fingerless gloves for cold and hot weather, respectively.
- Clothing: Make sure to wear appropriate clothing for the temperature and trail conditions you will be riding in. Cover yourself properly for cold weather or rain, and wear light clothes for riding on sunny, hot days.
- Sunglasses: Bike sunglasses are useful for protecting your eyes from the sun and improving your eyesight while riding. Sunglass glasses come in different configurations based on your vision needs. Invest in a quality pair of bike riding glasses from brands like Cambio Bikes that will last you a long time.
Conclusion
Accessories for cycles range from basic safety and maintenance to navigation and clothing.ย Ensuring your own safety has to be your highest priority. Next comes maintenance and repair. Besides your own safety, it is necessary to have tools and other gear to keep your bike in shape whenever needed. Finally, a water bottler, navigation tools and clothing may not be as crucial, but significantly improve your cycling experience.
