Best Bike Accessories to Make Cycling More Fun

Last updated: April 07, 2022
BEST OVERALL
User-Friendly, Durable and Convenient
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BEST BUDGET
Easy to Mount, Bright and Affordable
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BEST STORAGE
Light, Rugged and Versatile
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BEST WATER HOLDER
Great Value, Durable and Stable
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BEST FOR KIDS
Tough, Comfortable and Light
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Your guide

There’s a wide variety of bike accessories that can make your cycling experience more enjoyable. These are small purchases – a perfect way to treat yourself, or a great way to give a thoughtful gift to a friend.

Top 5 Bike Accessories

Although cycling might seem straightforward, that isn’t always the case. There’s plenty of avenues to improve this fun pastime. There’s also a lot of unexpected situations that can occur when cycling – but luckily, all of them can be dealt with ahead of time. Provided, of course, you have the right equipment.

We’ve put together a short list of the best bike accessories. Once you’re properly equipped and prepared, you can rest easy and pedal hard, knowing that you’re ready for any challenges to come.

1. Best Overall - Vibrelli Pump

Specifications:

  • Weight → 2.55 lb
  • Max PSI → 160
  • Valve compatibility → Presta/Schrader
  • Height → 24.5”

Key Features:

  • T-valve
  • Steel barrel
  • Inflation needle included
  • Easy to read, accurate gauge

Vibrelli Bike Floor Pump Review

For our best overall pick, we’ve chosen the one thing that is, above all others, a true must-have. A reliable floor pump helps you maintain ideal tire pressure and achieve maximum performance when cycling.

Paying attention to the little things is the key to ensuring cycling safety. We’ve chosen Vibrelli’s floor pump – large, light, and built to last, it’s a great and reliable accessory that will help you keep you steady on the road for years to come. If you’re looking for more options, check out our guide on the best bike pumps.

Durable

Vibrelli’s pump has a 34” hose that is quite flexible. The barrel of the pump is made from high-quality steel that can easily handle high-pressure pumping. It’s strong, heavy-duty even, but pulls that off without weighing a ton. Weighing in at 2.5 lbs, it isn’t really light in the truest sense of the word – but it is light for a bike pump

The large reinforced handle is durable and user-friendly, measuring in at 12 inches. The handle features a very large gauge that is easy to read, and which provides accurate pressure measurements up to 160 PSI – which is the maximum pressure that this pump can achieve.

Versatile

The Vibrelli’s rapid T-valve is compatible with both Presta/Dunlop and Schrader valves. Switching between the two different settings is easy, and is done with a simple flick of the switch.

The pump also features an inflation needle, allowing it to be used with sports balls and other inflatable objects. The T-valve guarantees a strong seal that helps prevent any potential leaks.

The pump also comes with a handy pocket-sized glueless puncture kit, a convenient addition that can easily protect you from flats while on the road.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Versatile
  • Clear gauge
  • Puncture kit included
Cons
  • Substandard maximum PSI
  • Plastic body

2. Best Budget - BV Bicycle Light

Specifications:

  • Brightness → 35/3 LM
  • Maximum Battery life → 80 hours
  • Batteries → 4 for headlight, 2 for taillight
  • Range → 30 – 40 feet

Key Features:

  • 3 modes of operation
  • Headlight/taillight combo
  • 5 LED headlight
  • Weather-resistant

BV Bicycle Light Review

Safety is of paramount importance on the road. That also holds true when it comes to cycling. Some of the riskiest circumstances when it comes are biking are low-visibility conditions.

Thankfully, even cycling on pitch-black nights can be made safe and enjoyable – you just need a light, and BV has you covered. For our best budget pick, we’ve selected this simple bicycle headlight/taillight combo that will only set you back less than half the price of a decent meal. And if you need more options, check out our guide on some other bike lights options.

Bright, Convenient, and Durable

BV’s lights offer a lot of power and durability. The 5 LED headlight has a range of approx 30-40 feet and shines at a brightness of 35 Lumens. It’s slightly more intense than your average headlight, but it doesn’t overdo it. It takes 4 AAA batteries and can shine for up to 80 hours at maximum.

The 3 LED rear light of taillight features an angle-adjustable mount and shines at an intensity of 3 lumens. It takes 2 AAA batteries, and can also be mounted on saddlebags.

The headlight features easy-to-install, tool-less quick-release handlebar mounts. It’s compatible with most handlebar sizes, and the installation process is quick and easy. Likewise, the taillight features a simple clip-on quick-release system, and it will fit most seat posts.

The headlight features a cut-away design that allows light to pass through the sides for added visibility. Both of the lights feature 3 distinct modes, and a set of rubber sizing shims is included with each purchase

Durable, weather-resistant, convenient and affordable, these lights are a great addition to any bike. If you don’t already have a headlight/taillight combo, this is the perfect way to solve that oversight in one simple step.

Pros
  • Bright
  • Great value
  • Easy to install
  • Quick-release mounts
Cons
  • Requires 6 batteries
  • Rear mount could be more secure

3. Best Storage - Ibera Bike Rack

Specifications:

  • Weight → 1.65 lb.
  • Weight capacity → 55 lb
  • Frame height compatibility → 26’’ – 29”
  • Material → Aluminum

Key Features:

  • Adjustable height
  • Quick-release bag mounting system
  • Top fender board splashguard
  • Durable aluminum construction

Ibera Bike Rack Review

No matter how and where to you might cycle, we’ve all caught ourselves wishing we had just a little more storage space. Ibera’s bike rack is a great way to solve that issue permanently.

Made from high-quality materials, this adjustable bike rack is a great way to make your machine even more versatile and useful.

Robust, Versatile, High-Capacity

Ibera’s bike rack is made from durable, TIG-welded heat-treated anodized aluminum. The rack is 15 x 6 x 14 inches, and quite light too – weighing in at just 1.65 lbs. But don’t let that fool you – this isn’t a fashion statement, but a serious, utilitarian accessory. The Ibera rack can carry loads up to a maximum weight of 55 lbs.

The rack is installed with a simple, quick-release mounting system. The only drawback of this bike rack is that it isn’t compatible with disk brake bicycles. However, it does have an adjustable height – meaning that it can be used with bike frames ranging from 26” to 29”.

Ibera’s rack also features a built-in top fender board splashguard that’s a great fit for wet conditions. Seeing as how the aluminum is anodized, the rack is also corrosion-resistant. It also allows you to attach a reflector or taillight, which is another convenient feature.

This rack is compatible with most strap-attached trunk bags and panniers. The high-quality aluminum used in the rack’s construction is the same material used to make bike frames – so the rack can not only handle the added weight but keep it from swaying. Even at maximum capacity, the Ibera rack allows you to enjoy a steady, stable ride.

The mixture of the sleek, streamlined profile, low weight and large carrying capacity makes this rack a great choice for anything from everyday commuting to longer, heavier touring.

Pros
  • Efficient
  • Great Value
  • User-friendly
  • Multi-purpose
Cons
  • Not compatible with disk brake bikes
  • Liable to bend if the bike falls over

4. Best Water Holder - UShake

Specifications:

  • Weight → 4.2 oz
  • Bottle capacity → 26 OZ
  • Requires drilled holes → Yes
  • Screws → M5 x 12

Key Features:

  • Durable aluminum alloy
  • Two separate holders
  • Scratch-resistant oxidation
  • Slightly bendable

Ushake Water Bottle Cage Review

Upon hearing the phrase bike accessories, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is a water bottle holder. Enjoying a nice, long ride on a hot day without this little piece of equipment is unimaginable.

We’ve chosen UShake’s water bottle cages as our top pick in this category. Easy to install, built to last, and offering great value, this is a 2-for-1 deal that you don’t want to miss out on.

Top of the Line Materials

USHAKE’s water bottle cages are made from premium, top-of-the-line materials. The 6061-T6 heat-treated aluminum alloy is tough, durable, and most of all, incredibly light. Each water bottle holder weighs just a measly 2.1 oz.

During the manufacturing process, the aluminum goes through a process of anodic oxidation – making it even more durable and corrosion-resistant. Unlike the usual process where it is cast into shape, anodic oxidation uses an electrochemical method for production. The cages will last a long time, without even the slightest hint of chipping or damage.

The cages are installed using the included 4mm hex key. They do require threaded holes in the bike’s frame – but this won’t pose an issue for the vast majority of bike owners. Each water bottle holder is held in place by two M5 x 12 screws.

The cages offer a snug, stable fit that will keep bottles in place even when dealing with bumps or rough terrain. The wrap-around design of the arms means that you won’t have to worry about either of the bottles falling out. The holders can be slightly bent, and can accommodate 26 OZ bottles easily, with a maximum supported bottle diameter of 3”.

Pros
  • Great value
  • Resistant to bumps
  • Can hold a variety of bottle sizes
  • Incredibly convenient
Cons
  • Requires threaded holes
  • Held together by just two screws

5. Best For Kids - Schwinn Helmet

Specifications:

  • Weight → 12 oz
  • Materials → EPS, PVC Microshell
  • Helmet size → 55-58cm
  • Visor included → Yes

Key Features:

  • Dial-adjustable fit
  • Three-piece microshell
  • 20 air vents
  • Adjustable straps

Schwinn Thrasher Review

If you’ve reached this part of the article, by now you’re well aware of the wide variety of fun and useful ways in which bike accessories can make this great activity even more enjoyable.

But this next item is in a category of its own. When it comes to bike accessories for children, a good, comfortable, and safe bike helmet is the way to go. Nothing trumps security when it comes to children – but let’s face it, when you’re a kid, wearing a bike helmet can seem pretty lame.

But this isn’t negotiable. Instilling proper road safety in children is of the utmost importance. This stylish helmet might just help you have an easier time of it.

Plenty of Protection

Schwinn’s Thrasher helmet is a stylish, comfortable, and durable helmet that will help keep your child safe at all times. The helmet is made from a combination of EPS and a two-piece PVC microshell. It’s quite tough, but still light – with a weight of just 337g or just under 12 oz.

The full-range padding of the helmet works well in conjunction with the dial-adjustable fit system. Schwinn’s 360-degree comfort system allows your child to always enjoy a perfect, snug, and comfortable fit that can be customized at any time.

The youth model of the Thrasher will fit heads with a circumference ranging from 21.25 to 22.88 inches. In general, most kids ages 8 to 14 will have no trouble with this helmet.

The adjustable side straps on the helmet allow you to further fine-tune your fit, while the 20 air vents allow for a lot of ventilation. This property is further improved with the addition of moisture-wicking pads. The Thrasher also has a detachable visor that can help you reduce glare on particularly sunny days.

This is a durable, rugged helmet – one that will help keep your child safe, without compromising on comfort and weight. It’s a great way to introduce children to the world of cycling in a safe manner.

Pros
  • Lots of protection
  • Well-padded and comfortable
  • Adjustable
  • Breathable
Cons
  • Relatively small visor
  • Above-average price

Bike Accessories: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wearing a Helmet Necessary?

You should always wear a helmet when cycling. Studies have shown that most bike-related fatalities occur due to head injuries - and helmets reduce the risk of brain damage by up to 70% according to certain sources. Simply put, there are no drawbacks to wearing a helmet - and newer models are quite light and breathable on average.

How Important Is Maintaining Tire Pressure?

Maintaining tire pressure is very important. This isn’t just a question of performance - properly inflated tires are a must-have for ensuring speed and proper traction, yes, but they are also a necessary part of bike safety.

Even if you’re cycling on a familiar route that isn’t challenging, having deflated tires can make even the most familiar of turns a risky affair with a risk of losing control.

Do I Need to Put a Headlight and Taillight on My Bike?

Yes. Even if you only cycle by day, lights are a cheap investment that will help with visibility. A sudden change of weather, or simply staying outdoors for longer than expected can completely change road visibility, and it’s much better to be prepared.

Best Bike Accessories to Make Cycling More Fun — Bike Hacks