Every biking accessory you need to improve your summertime cycling

Jul 9 2020, 4:41 pm

Summertime cycling is always something to look forward to once the weather gets good and toasty but it’s especially enticing while the world is dealing with you-know-what.

Whether you’re looking to just get into biking or you’re an accomplished cyclist, the bike paths will be loaded this summer with people favouring the outdoors over taking public transit.

From bike lights, protective gear, water bottles, and all the cycling bells and whistles, here are some great accessories to add to your biking repertoire this summer on the bike paths.

Helmet

This one is a no-brainer. Find a bucket that fits your head well, is comfortable, and has good ventilation. You can add a cool style and design for extra bonus points.

Bike bell

Get noticed. You’re already protected with a helmet, but a bell is a key accessory to make sure you’re heard. Bells are handy for if you suspect a driver or pedestrian doesn’t see you and you want to let them know you’re around. Plus, a bike bell is just so much more pleasant to hear than those aggressive car horns.

Bike pump

Unless you plan on limping to a local bike shop every time your tires are low on pressure, a bike pump is a wise choice to add to your repertoire. Ideally, you have one at home since you needn’t pump air into your tires too often, but some bike pumps are compact enough to fit into a backpack for longer treks.

Bike lock

Bike theft is unfortunately very common and it can be prevented by purchasing a good lock. Good locks are a bit pricey but they’re better than the alternative of having to replace your entire bike. You may want to consider a heavy-duty folding lock that can sleekly attach to your frame without getting in your way as you ride.

Always lock up to a solid object that can’t be moved and remember to go frame first, back wheel, and then front. Always lock up the most valuable part of your bike first.

Flat tire tools

Flat tires can turn a happy ride into a big headache. Especially if you’re far out in the woods or outside the city. Inflator tools are great for quick patch jobs to get you back home before a real fix. You can even get saddlebag repair kits that fit neatly under your seat and contain all the tools you might need — so you can cycle with peace of mind.

With a little bit of at-home practice, you might be the biking hero who comes to the rescue of a fellow cyclist.

Bottle holder

A lot of new bikes have frames with a built-in mount for water bottles and if your bike doesn’t, they’re super simple to install. You’ll want one that is light but snug enough so your thirst-quenchers don’t go flying if you hit a pothole.

Plus, once you have water on-bike, you can just keep going and going.

Cell phone mount

Cyclists these days need a cell phone mount almost as much as a bike tire. Once your phone is mounted, you can download GPS trackers and it’ll automatically keep track of your distance, speed, and elevation.

It’s so much easier to screenshot map apps to brag about how far you biked on social media.

Lights

Nighttime riding is a special treat. It’s quiet and peaceful but it’s integral to be seen, which is why you need both front and rear lights.

Once you can be spotted, night riding will open up a whole new world of cycling. Plus, you get to beat that pesky daytime sun.

Backpack

If you invest in a lightweight backpack, you can stuff it with enough accessories and items to bike until your legs won’t give anymore. From snacks, a cell phone charger, fixing tools, and extra clothing, a backpack is a wise investment for cyclists who want to go on big time biking adventures.

Padding

If you’re going to be hitting the streets a lot this summer, you might get sore near your uh… seat. You can always add padding to your bike’s actual seat but it can get uncomfortable. If you want to strengthen up your own natural seat, padding shorts are a great option to give you an extra layer where it matters most while not sacrificing any comfort.

You’ll be thankful you’re wearing extra padding when you hit a pothole that comes out of nowhere.

Windbreaker

Waterproofing technologies have come a long way in recent years and are now very light and breathable. Windbreaker fabrics don’t crinkle like traditional materials and windbreakers can be bundled up and tossed into a backpack without taking up too much space.

Plus, you’ll be happy to bust one of these out if it really starts to downpour.

Speaker

You’re already protected and noticed, might as well get loud. With hours of battery life, speakers can add a cool soundtrack to those peaceful bike rides. They’re also great options to put your phone on speaker phone to mix in a bit of socializing while you’re cycling.


The products in this article have been independently selected by our writers. Daily Hive may earn a small commission from things you buy through our links, at no additional cost to you. Items in stock as of time of publication

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