The Best Accessories That Every Cyclist Should Consider Buying

Do you want to make some modifications or upgrades to your bike, or you just got a new bike and want to make certain preparations before taking it out on a ride, getting the right accessories for your bike is a must. Your ride won’t be great if you aren’t prepared to fix a flat tire or if the weather leaves you wet and cold.  There are an unlimited number of customizations you can do to your bike using a variety of accessories. Whether you are riding through the woods, a hilly region, or exploring a new city, the right accessories will make your ride safer and more comfortable. No doubt accessories will improve your experience, but with so many options out there, one can get confused while choosing accessories for their beloved bike, especially those new to the sport.  Some accessories are essential, while some just add elegance and attractiveness to your bike. If you want help, we have curated a list of the best, must-have accessories that every bike owner should consider buying. Read on to know more. **Helmet** Every amateur or expert cyclist should always wear a helmet that meets all safety standards. Other accessories may be optional, but you cannot compromise when it comes to a helmet. Go for a helmet with the right size and weight that fits your head comfortably while riding.  Ventilation is another important feature of bike helmets which will keep you comfortable and cool during summers. Padded helmets are nice, and you can make fit adjustments if your helmet has an adjustable dial. You can go for helmets in reflective, bright colours, but safety should be the priority when buying a bike helmet.  **Bike Pump** No one wants to go to the local bike shop whenever the bike’s tires have low pressure. Getting a bike pump is an excellent investment to keep optimum air pressure in the bike tires. Ideal air pressure ensures a comfortable bike ride and reduces the risk of punctures.  You can go for a bike pump with dual valve heads that fit both Presta and Schrader valves. Small, pocket-sized pumps may not be ideal to maintain your bike’s tires over a long period, but they are certainly very helpful if an unexpected incident causes flat tires and you want to inflate the tires and reach home.  **Bike Lock** You surely must have put a lot of money and effort into purchasing your dream bike. Do not be negligent when it comes to security, and get a reliable bike lock to keep your bike safe from theft. For friendly neighbourhoods, a cable lock is fine, but you should get a U-lock or chain lock for better protection.  If you regularly rent bikes for riding, you should get a bike lock so that you don’t have to pay for bike replacement in case it gets lost or stolen. Most rental bikes come with a lock, but they can be faulty and having your own lock is the best bet.  **Bottle Cage and Water Bottle** Hydration is vital if you are riding during the summers or on a trail away from the city. Some bicycles come with frame mounts but without a bottle holder. A strong, lightweight holder will help keep your water bottle and ensure that the bottle does not fly out on difficult terrains or potholes. While cycling, it is recommended to drink water every 20 minutes. An insulated water bottle will serve your hydration requirements, and make sure to get an ideal size. If you buy a big bottle, you can get away with it, but you will regret buying a small bottle which needs to be refilled every time.  **Bike Lights or Reflectors** Everyone will agree that riding a bike at night is thrilling and more peaceful than riding during daytime. A good set of rear and front bike lights will ensure proper visibility while riding and also ensure that other vehicles can clearly see you.  Most lights these days come with mounting gear, have a nice battery life, and are rechargeable. You can go for rear LED lights, spoke reflectors, pedal strips, and other lighting accessories. Lights are a better option than reflectors because reflectors only work when light hits them, and this can lead to accidents in low-light areas. **Phone Mount** It is not recommended to use your phone while riding a bike for both your and your phone’s safety. However, you may require navigation and GPS if you are riding in a new city or place. You can buy a strong phone mount that attaches to the handlebars and keeps your phone secure. You will be disappointed if an accident occurs due to riding your bike with your phone in one hand. A phone mount will make it easy to see the phone while riding, and it will keep the phone safe even on tough trails, potholes, and difficult terrains.  **Rear Rack** One of the top accessories, especially for long bike rides, is the rear rack. It will increase the utility and functionality of your bike a lot. You can ride your bike to the local store and keep a milk crate or strap a bag to your bike’s rack.  It will help you carry stuff conveniently while adding a great appearance to your bike. If you are riding very close to your home or in a park, a friend of yours or a kid can even sit on the rack and ride with you. Make sure you do this at a safe place and at slow speeds.  **Chain Lube** You should treat your bike in the same way as you treat your car. Get a good quality chain lube to enhance safety and increase the longevity of your bike’s chain. You will have a nice and comfortable ride every time if the chain of your bike is in a nice condition. You should buy a chain lubricant based on the style of your rides and the local climate. If you live in a place with high rainfall, an oily wet lube is ideal because it does not wash away easily. Dry lube is recommended for dry climates because wet blue will trap sand and dust particles.  **Tire Repair Kit** Tires are a very important part of your bike, and you cannot ride properly if the tires are in bad condition. You may not be able to ride at all if the tires are flat, and if an unexpected incident leads to flat tires, you will get in a tricky situation while riding. Having a tire repair kit is great, and you will be in a position to fix your bike’s tires if something happens. You can keep a spare tube, tire inflator, and a CO2 cartridge in your repair kit. Practice fixing your tires at home so you can fix your bike’s tires if the need arises or even help a fellow cyclist.  **Summing Up** Some bike riders are happy with minimum, essential accessories, while others want as many useful accessories as they can get for their bike. We looked at some must-have and helpful bike accessories in the above blog. Safety always comes first, and you should always purchase accessories from genuine, high-quality brands that will stay in good condition for a long time.  If you are on the lookout for great bikes at affordable prices, want to sell your bike, or want certain spare parts, be sure to check out the Sprocket bike marketplace website or the Sprocket iOS or Android app