Ten Accessories you Need for Your Bike

To have the best possible experience on your bike you need accessories.   Some are essential for safety, like a helmet or lights, some will help you keep your bike working smoothly, such as an air pump and tire repair kit, and others will increase your comfort and convenience if you have the budget and do enough riding to justify the expense.   

How to prioritize accessories?
If you are getting ready to outfit a new bike, or have a bike you have taken out of storage that has not been ridden in a while, there are a lot of accessories available to purchase so what criteria should you use to begin the selection process?   

---

Safety should be your first priority.  You want to have gear that protects you and makes you clearly visible to other road users.  Utility should be another consideration, i.e.  accessories that help you keep your bike in working order, secure, and enable you to carry what you need to have when you get to your destination.  Lastly, your comfort on the bike should be a factor, so that your trip is enjoyable and efficient.  You do not have to purchase everything at once, and as you ride more, you will probably identify other accessories that you would like to have.  If you are just starting out start with the basics and buy additional things as you identify a need. 

How to choose accessories?
The bike industry loves to innovate so for each accessory there is a range of products available at multiple price points.  New accessories are coming out all the time and some may not fit older bikes and some require installation.  There is also an accessory for every budget, although be careful that when selecting the cheapest version unless you are a casual user because it will probably wear out quicker or may not perform as expected. 

Where to buy?
The widest selection of accessories is available online, but unless you have a trusted advisor (a riding buddy who knows everything!)  be aware you will have to make the investment in time to research options for functionality and price.  There is value in purchasing at a local bike shop, where we stock a curated selection of accessories that are tried and true and you get recommendations that may prevent you from making a poor selection you will regret later.  Shopping locally is not always more expensive, you avoid shipping charges, instant gratification and expert installation.  Sometimes it is actually cheaper to purchase at a bike shop in the long run!  Another source of of accessories is garage sales and items donated from friends they no longer need. 

​Top ten accessories
The top of the list are accessories related to safety:

1. Helmet – There is always a risk of a crash while on your bike even though it may be through no fault of your own—road hazards, distracted motorists, and other cyclists passing too close, all can result in your going down.  The risk is small, but the impact could be great unless you take this one simple precaution and wear a helmet.  Serious cyclists understand the risk and they always wear a helmet.    
2. Lights – There is a reason a front light and rear reflector are required by law in Chicago—both at night and during the day these will help protect you by making you visible to others.  

Utility accessories will help you get the most from your ride:

1. Inflation – Bikes roll with less effort if properly inflated.   If your bike has not been ridden in a while you will definitely need a floor pump, hand pump, or Co2 cartridge to air the tires.  If you ride regularly, most tires need to be topped up weekly.  If you ride on low tires, you risk a pinch flat.   
2. Bicycle bag – If you use your bike for transportation, a fanny pack, back pack, basket, or panniers mounted on a rear rack will enable you to carry your wallet, cell phone, change of clothes, lap top, lock, repair kit, rain gear, groceries, library books, or yoga mat. 
3. Lock – If you are going to leave your bike outside for any amount of time, invest is a good lock or two. In the city, a u-lock is recommended, and make sure you make arrangements to secure your wheels with locking skewers or a cable. 
4. Kick stand – If your bike did not come with a kick stand, you can add one to help you keep the bike upright and from bent components that are a risk when bikes fall down. 

Accessories that increase your comfort include:

1. Fenders – Plastic or metal covers for your wheels will protect you and your bike from dirt and water.  Even if you do not start your ride in the rain you never know when the skies will open up during your ride. 
2. Cycling computer – These little devices that attach to your handlebars and wheel provide valuable feedback on your speed, cycles per minute, time, and distance and can help track your fitness goals.
3. Water bottle holder and bottle – Most bikes have the facilities to attach a water bottle holder to carry a bottle with water or a sports drink.  Staying hydrated is a good practice, especially in warm weather. 
4. Clothing – Visible and reflective gear is another form of safety to help you be seen, especially in low light conditions such as dawn, dusk, night, or rain.  Options include pants, tops, and socks made with wicking fabric, shorts with padding, gloves, rain gear, and cycling shoes. 

Other gear that did not make our list is a mirror, bell, cell phone holder, multitool, flat tire repair kit, sun glasses, bandana, nutritional snacks, child carrier or trailer, and bike lubricant.  Happy shopping!