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It’s true, all you REALLY need is a bike, but for the best, most comfortable experience on a bike there are a few accessories that will improve your cycling life immensely. Most of these are under $50 and will make your ride safer, more comfortable and most importantly, more fun!
I’ve included links to my personal favorites but there are lots of great options out there. So, without further ado, my top 10 accessories for bike life!
A Quality Floor Pump
I really love this basic Park Tool PFP-8 Home Mechanic Floor Pump. It’s simple to use, works for both Presta and Shrader valves, has an easy to read gauge, and is relatively inexpensive at $43.95. I check my tire pressure before every ride, so this is literally my most essential tool.
2. A Feedbag (Handlebar Bag)
Having easy access to snacks, your camera, water bottle, bear spray, inhaler, or whatever else you may need is key when you’re riding along. A feedbag attaches to your handlebar and stem and keeps all of your essentials right at your fingertips for quick access. I love this Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag as it can be opened and closed with one hand, has a large inside pocket, multiple outside mesh pockets, and quickly attaches with velcro and a snap for secure attachment to multiple size bikes.
3. Cycling Gloves
Simple and functional, these gloves help absorb road vibration and provide protection to your hands. These come in both half-finger length for warm days and full length for colder rides.
4. Water Bottle
This one may seem obvious, but not all water bottles are created equal. I’m partial to the Purist bottle (and will soon have some in my shop) but until then, encourage you to support the Radical Adventure Riders or your local bike shop.
5. Lock
Bike thieve suck. While nothing will totally prevent it, a good u-lock will at least deter/delay the theft a bit. I highly recommend the smallest u-lock you can get away with, as there is less room to get a tool in to pry the lock apart. Make sure you also register your bike on bikeindex.com as well!
6. Raincoat / Raincape
This is the first cycling specific rain jacket I’ve ever worn that actually fits! Coming in sizes from XS-3XL (which I wear) this jacket has tons of cool features - zip down armpit vents, reflective bits in all the right places, and generous length for riding. As a bonus, here’s a video of me being really excited about trying it on for the first time.
7. A Rack & Panniers
Ok, technically this is 2 pieces of gear, but having a quality rack and panniers will make all the difference if you decide to commute, bike camp, or grocery shop with your bike. I love these panniers - they’re waterproof, have replaceable parts and are super durable.
I don’t have a specific recommendation for a rack, as you’ll need one that is compatible with your bike. Chat with your local bike shop and see what they recommend!
8. Roadside Repair Kit (Tire Levers, Patch Kit & Hand Pump)
Unless you’re running tubeless (and sometimes even then), flat tires are a fact of life. Remove your tires easily with these tire levers. $5 for a set.
Patch Kit
Learn how to patch your tires. It’s quick, it’s sustainable, it’s easy.
Leyzene Sport Drive Hand Pump
I love this pump because it has a flexible hose which makes attaching it to your tire valve easy. It also has attachments for both presta and Schrader valves, so it works for all your bikes!
9. A Bell
Spurcycle Compact Bell
Loud with a clear sound, this bell is nice and compact and doesn’t take a ton of space on your handlebars.
10. Lights
Lumina Micro 650 And Sabre 110 Combo
If you can afford it, I highly recommend a Dynamo lighting system, but second best is a strong front and rear light. I like these from Niterider because they’re USB Rechargeable and have multiple settings. Be sure to check your local laws as many places only allow solid front and rear lights (plus, blinking lights are blinding!!)