Bike accessories are designed to make riding safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. From tools and locks to repair stands and stands for repairs there are numerous solutions available.
Handlebar-mounted baskets provide extra storage while making commutes and shopping trips more efficient. Our favorite is the Ortlieb Seat Pack, an easy solution that has enough room for clothes or groceries.
Helmet
Bike helmets provide crucial protection for head, face and brain in the event of an accident. A quality bike helmet should provide ample ventilation while fitting comfortably and should have both a hard outer shell and absorbent liner that measures at least one-half inch thick.
Before testing a new helmet, it should be exposed to temperatures, humidity and other environmental elements for 4-24 hours before testing begins. This conditioning helps prepare it for conditions it will encounter during use or storage.
Some cyclists resist wearing helmets, but it is crucial that all cyclists do. Donning one will increase visibility on the road, make you feel safer, set an example to children and lower health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle.
Mudguards
Mudguards provide your bike with protection from dirt, mud, and debris while you ride. Furthermore, they help to keep you dry and cleaner during each ride – particularly useful for mountain biking where riders may encounter dirtier conditions than expected! They’re especially beneficial in these types of terrain where riding conditions may change frequently.
Most mudguards are constructed of either plastic or rubber; plastic options tend to be less costly and more durable, while rubber variants provide greater coverage with their more flexible materials. Both varieties are easy to keep clean with water or soap for thorough cleanup.
Mudguards may not be the most eye-catching additions to your bike, but they are invaluable in keeping you dry and more comfortable while riding. Plus they reduce risk from spray from tires which could otherwise cause accidents and injuries!
Fenders
Fenders serve primarily to avoid wheel spray and make cycling more comfortable – thus encouraging longer rides! They provide protection from spray that hits the wheels, keeping buttocks, feet and legs dry for maximum riding comfort – encouraging longer and more frequent journeys.
Fenders are essential in rainy climates for cyclists, even if they rarely ride on wet streets. Wheel spray from wet pavement contains not just rainwater but also dirt, oil and other forms of debris which can leave a rider wet and messy without proper protection such as fenders.
Proper fenders consist of two sections; the rear section spans from chainstays to just below the “equator” of the tire; and a front mudflap extending past brake calipers; while clip-on fenders offer lighter protection; both types attach to fork crown and chainstay bridges on frames with caliper brakes.
Lights
Lights are one of the essential bike accessories, as most cycling accidents happen during daylight hours and having lights is an effective way to lower risk by making yourself more visible to other road users.
Lights generally fall into two categories: those which allow you to be seen (‘be-seen’) and those which allow others to see you (‘see-seen’). Be-seen lights can either flash intermittently, or remain steady. For the best experience, the ideal options will feature multiple settings that give you flexibility.
Studies have shown that attaching flashing lights to your helmet or clothing can greatly increase visibility to drivers. Some winter cycling shoes and overshoes include loops for this purpose; additionally, wheel lights that you wrap around spokes may also increase your visibility.
Tires
Tires are one of the key elements in creating an exceptional biking experience, making a significant impactful statement about you as a rider and how much you value each momentous pedal stroke. A wide variety of tires exist depending on terrain type and riding style preferences.
Tread is an integral element in tire performance, as it determines grip across different surfaces and conditions. A slick tire will provide fast yet smooth ride while offering little in terms of traction; in comparison, knobby tires feature large knobbies which dig into surfaces to offer additional traction in all conditions.
Bike tires typically feature an inflatable tube which must be properly inflated to achieve optimal PSI for best handling, ride comfort and reduced puncture risk. Some bikes may operate without tubes at all; these may be more susceptible to punctures requiring a special repair kit for punctures.