How to choose the right cycling accessories

Investing in the right cycling accessories can go a long way in keeping you and your bicycle safe. They also increase your bike's performance and comfort levels and help you keep track of your fitness. Bike accessories differ for every cyclist. They can be stylish, fun, practical, or a combination of all three.

So, whether you want to keep your road bike safe or personalise your new ride, bike accessories will do the trick. No matter how often you ride, a set of cycle accessories is important for children and adults. If you're looking for cycling accessories and you need help figuring out where to start, we've created this simple guide to help you make an informed decision on your next purchase.

Which cycling accessories do you need?

There’s a wide range of cycle accessories. Some are absolutely necessary, while others are designed to make cycling more enjoyable. However, for most cyclists, especially those who're just starting out, it's not easy to determine which bike accessories are most important. Sometimes, must-have accessories can be left out. Below, we look at cycling accessories every biker must have, starting with essential ones.

Helmets

A bicycle helmet is the most important accessory for any cyclist. It should be a mandatory purchase for every biker as it protects your head against serious injury in the event of an accident. It's strongly recommended to wear a helmet when riding, even if the law in your country does not require you to. When buying a helmet, take into account its safety features and how it fits. A good helmet should fit firmly, leaving no gaps between the helmet and your head.

Clothing

You also need the right cycling gear. Reflective or visible gear is crucial, especially when riding in traffic or low light conditions such as at night, rain, or dawn. Choosing bright or reflective colours like yellow or orange will increase your chances of being seen by motorists and other cyclists. There’s a wide range of clothing for cyclists. While you may not need every type of gear on the market, specific shirts with a pouch for carrying a phone, food, and other things can come in handy. Most importantly, the material must be breathable.

Locks

Bike theft is one of the most common problems bedevilling cyclists. A good bike lock will keep your bike secure when you leave it and attend to something else. There are four main types of bike locks. These include the U-lock, chain lock, cable lock, and folding lock. U-locks are the most common type, as their bulky locking mechanism is designed to resist chisels, hammers, and other tools. The horseshoe shape of these locks limits leverage by preventing thieves from inserting a crowbar and popping it apart.

Repair kits

Cyclists must always carry a basic repair kit whenever they go riding. These kits contain tools that can help them repair a puncture and make minor adjustments to the bike when needed. The bike repair kit can be fitted in a bag mounted to the seat or virtually anywhere on the bike's frame. You may have other bike maintenance tools at home, but a bike repair kit is what you need when you're out there cycling.

Additional cycling accessories to have

While it’s up to you to determine which bicycle accessories are necessary for your riding, it’s a good idea to start with the basics and buy additional ones as needed. Here are a few cycle accessories you may need to enhance your cycling experience.

Accessories for enhancing performance and optimising training

For a racing cyclist, it's good to equip your bicycle with accessories for measuring and improving performance. You’ll decide on the bike gadgets you need based on your personal goals. Bike computers are the most common bike accessories for enhancing performance. You can also use a heart rate monitor to detect and measure your heart rate.

Accessories for increasing comfort and functionality

Most bicycle accessories are designed to provide optimum comfort. These accessories allow you to maintain high-performance levels in longer and tougher rides, carry everything you need for the ride, and stay hydrated in warmer months. Saddle bags are a more convenient way to carry your gear than stuffing them in a backpack. You can also attach baskets for shopping to carry pets and other small items. A basket can also help you to carry books or clothes to school or the gym. Some of these accessories have quick-release capabilities that allow you to detach them from your bike, while others are bolted onto the bike's frame.

Buy the best bike accessories online

Here at vidaXL, we have a huge range of top-quality cycling accessories from different brands. All our bike accessories are made from high-quality materials to ensure your safety. Whether you ride regularly or once in a while, we have the best accessories that will ensure your rides are comfortable, safe, and fun.