Bicycle Accessories and Their Importance

If you buy a bike in countries like Japan and Netherlands, it comes with basic bike accessories such as headlights, bell, kickstand, and a basket or a rack. But, in many other countries, this is not the case. It is a shame that some bicycle shops don’t even bother to keep stock of these important accessories and maintenance tools.

These accessories are not just for safety and maintenance, they also enhance the ride quality and rider’s comfort. Making the ride more convenient will positively affect the ride quality in tournaments or bike trips. Longer the trip, the better the accessories you must have because these tools and safety gear will be helpful while you are on the road and alone.

This article lists different kinds of bike accessories you must buy if you are an avid bike rider. Here, the accessories can be classified into two major categories such as:

• Safety accessories
• Convenience accessories

Safety Accessories

Since safety is the priority, safety gear must be of paramount importance. It is the first thing one must think of while purchasing a bicycle and gear. The safety gears are as follows:

Reflective gear

Cyclists and experts in this field have somewhat different opinions about reflective gears. Although it is an essential item, some think it is unnecessary. Others feel that if the rider lives in a rural area or experiences harsh and longer winters, this gear is a must.

Helmet

It is a must for every rider, whether they’re in a competition or a casual evening ride for fun. The biking community strongly recommends this safety gear for everyone.

Horns

It is an important safety device but always overlooked by many. Nowadays, people think of horns as an antique device, but they are vital for alerting car drivers and pedestrians. Giving out a sound signal is essential whenever and wherever you are riding.

Mirrors

Mirrors always give you an idea of your surroundings while you are riding on a busy road. It also cancels the need for looking back all the time to take turns or overtake vehicles. The mirrors may sound like unnecessary equipment, but they can save you from a lot of accidents.

Hand gloves

Some may think that gloves are just for show, but it isn’t. The gloves help reduce the fatigue and stress on your palm to a significant amount. And it also helps in reducing the pressure on the ulnar nerve in the palm, which is why one feels numbness or pain in the fingers after long rides without gloves.

Convenience Accessories

These equipment or devices help the rider have resourceful and tension-free rides. These accessories are to enhance the bike’s ride quality and the bike’s utility to a higher level.

Baskets

This is a valuable piece of equipment you can attach to your bike. It can carry oversized packages or utilities for your long trip. 

You can carry bike tools or food items in this basket. The basket comes in different sizes, and you can choose the one you prefer.

Locks

Locks are considered frivolous by many, but those are the people who never faced theft in their neighbourhood or don’t take long rides. An experienced rider will understand the importance of locks and grab them while they are on long rides. You’ll never know the instances when you have to keep your bike outside a cafe, restaurant, or bank. And the safety of your bike is not the same everywhere in the city. Your neighbourhood might be safe for keeping the bikes outside, but the whole city is not the same.

Pants clip

It might sound new to many riders, especially for amateur riders. As the name says, it is a clip to attach to your pants (near the ankle area) to prevent them from hitting the chain and getting greasy. It is a simple gear, yet very useful.

Fenders

This one is probably more necessary than other convenience bike accessories. If you live in a place where it rains a lot, and places are always wet, this is the right accessory for you. Fenders’ primary and sole purpose is to keep rain and mud from splattering on you from the tyres.

Gadget and bottle holders

The gadget holder will help you keep the phone or GPS device in a place where you can see it and navigate. And the bottle holder is there for you to keep the water or special drinks to keep you hydrated.

These are the necessary accessories a rider must purchase.