5 Accessories Every Cyclist Must-have

If you’ve just decided on a new bike, you’d be well within your rights to be excited at the prospect of taking it out for a ride. Prior to doing that, though, there are a few accessories that you might want to consider.

No basketball player becomes a favorite in the BetAmerica Extra NBA odds if they don’t have a hoop and a ball to practice. For cyclists, there are also a few must-haves that are fundamental.

5 Accessories Every Cyclist Must-have

Before we start looking at the few pieces of equipment, we’ve highlighted we want to take a moment to explain the different categories of accessories.

Some of these will be for your safety, some will be for style and others will be to give you greater enjoyment from your cycling experience.

Number 5. Decent Lights

Specifically – Kryptonite Incite X3 and X4 Set

These lights will set you back in the region of $75 which is probably 5-10 times more than you can pick up a cheap set but they’ll serve you so much better. For starters, they give you all-round visibility with a combination of front, rear and side lights but they’re also visible to other road users in the worst of weather conditions.

On top of that, the lights are detachable within seconds and will slot easily in your pocket owing to their small size. When you’ve spent a decent amount the last thing you want is someone stealing them; unfortunately, it does happen!

Finally, the lights are USB chargeable and have an indicator on them to show you how much life they have left in them.

Number 4. Smartphone holder

Specifically – Delta Cycle XL Smartphone Holder

The joy of cycling, for us at least, is getting out to fresh air and nature. For that reason, we hate to recommend a smartphone holder but in a modern world, you’d be a fool not to have one fitted.

The Delta Cycle XL isn’t tailored to any particular brand and can therefore be adjusted to securely hold most phones and only costs $30.

Whether you’re someone that needs their phone at their fingertips or if you simply want to use it as a sat nav this holder makes it much easier. As with most things, there are cheaper versions available but if they send your phone crashing to the floor as you hit a pothole then you’ll soon be wishing you paid a little more.

Number 3. A long-range light

Specifically – Beryl Laserlight

We know, it’s the second light we’ve mentioned but this one is a bit different. This is a laser light. It attaches to your handlebars and projects six meters with the intention to project a bicycle design onto the floor ahead of you.

This increases your visibility on poorly lit roads and, in particular, is a real help when driving in traffic as it helps vehicles become aware of your presence without relying on them using their mirrors. The only downside is that it costs a handsome $125. Then again, if it saves you getting knocked off your bike then it’s money well spent.

Number 2. A multi-tool 

Specifically – Wolf EnCase Handlebar Bike Tool System

Yes, we all dread the mid-ride breakdown but if you’re covering decent distances on a regular basis it is only a matter of time until it happens to you, if it hasn’t already! Unfortunately, roadside repair jobs are just part and parcel of cycling.

Save yourself the stress of carrying a multi-tool in your bag or pocket and instead go for this clever system from Wolf that sits inside your handlebars.

The tool comes in two parts to facilitate storage and whilst your wallet will feel the pinch at $120 the tool contains literally everything you will possibly need meaning you have peace of mind when you ride.

Number 1. A good helmet

Specifically – Nutcase Vio

Argh!! So often you see someone with a top-dollar bike only to see it paired with a cheap and cheerful helmet. It drives us mad.

Studies show that you’re up to 15 times more likely to die on a bicycle than you are in a car accident and yet the purchase of a helmet is seen as an inconvenience to many.

Sure, the odds of you having an accident are still slim but the Nutcase Vio could be the difference between it being a minor bump or a serious one. It’s priced at $150 but it has a wraparound light bar that increases your visibility whilst the scientific development of the structure means the helmet – rather than your skull – absorbs the shockwaves on impact. It even looks smart too.

There you have it, five bike accessories you simply must-have. What would you add to the list?