The Top 10 Accessories Every Cyclist Must Own

Whether you're new to cycling or have been into the sport since the pennyfarthing was popular, odds are high that you've got the basics beyond a bike and a helmet (you do have those, right?). But the basics will only get you so far, which is where these ten accessories come into play. These items will help keep your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible while helping to minimize any headaches that may come your way.

1. Bike Pump

Gone are the days where you just pumped up a tire until it felt firm by hand. A good bike pump will allow you to stay within your tire manufacturer's recommended limits (these can be located on the side of the tire). You can also experiment within these limits to find your ideal tire pressure. Every rider will have a different ideal pressure based upon the size/width of your tires as well as your weight and the kind of surface you're riding on.

2. Tire Levers

A good local bike shop is irreplaceable. But there are plenty of things you should be able to do yourself. One of those is changing a flat tire. This skill becomes even more crucial should you find yourself on the side of the road with a staple puncture in your tube. Tire levers will help make the job of fixing a flat tire a simple and painless exercise. A set of tire levers are cheap, lightweight, and pack easily; the perfect trifecta that earns them a permanent place in your saddle bag. Which brings us to our next item...

3. Saddle Bag

Your saddle bag is for all the necessities that you need to take with you every time you leave the house for a ride. Typically this includes the aforementioned tire levers, a spare tube, a multitool, and maybe a CO2 cartridge and nozzle or a mini bike pump. Sure you could put all these items in your jersey pockets, but it's easier if they never leave your bike because then they'll always be with you when you need them. If you have extra room you can always put your house/car keys in there as well.

4. Bike Repair Stand

I'm gonna go ahead and admit that for a long time I would just prop my bike up however I could while making adjustments or repairs. Then I got a bike stand and I'm not exaggerating when I say that it made everything easier. No longer did I have to find a suitable wall or surface to balance the bike while I lubed the chain. And I could properly clean and maintain all of the components without spending my time hunched over and squatting down. The one I got even came with a tool stand so that everything I needed while working on the bike was in arms' reach. It doesn't matter if you get a wall-mounted stand or a floor stand. It just matters that you get one. An easier-to-maintain bike is a faster bike, and a faster bike means a happier cyclist.

5. AirTag

While this isn't exactly what most people think of when they think of cycling accessories, this item offers an invaluable service: peace of mind. Let's face it, bikes are expensive. If you travel with your bike, throwing an AirTag in the bike bag is a little piece of insurance against the airline losing your bag. If you want a more everyday scenario, throwing an air tag into the frame of your bike (or wherever you can hide it; could also be the saddle bag if no option to place it in the frame) dramatically increases your chances of recovery in case of theft. 

6. Bike Rack

While on the subject of traveling with your bike, you're much more likely to travel with your bike within driving distance than by plane. Don't just throw your bike in the back of your car, leaving it free to scratch or to be scratched. There are tons of options that help you properly transport your bike, from roof racks that use suction to trunk racks or even racks that fit into a trailer hitch. Leave the space in your car for all the other things you might need to bring with you and transport your bike using a device designed for the job.

7. Bike Computer

If you're a data nerd like me, you can't imagine going for a ride without recording it. Even if you're not, there's something to be said for tracking the distance covered in your ride along with things like average speed and the route you took. If you're new to the sport, you could just start out by getting a mount for your phone. Apps like Strava and Ride With GPS are great free options that let you see your stats in real time while riding. If you want to upgrade from your phone, there are plenty of great options for a dedicated bike computer. While your phone is an adequate way to track your ride, having a bike computer that has a visible screen in all conditions, can withstand just about any weather condition, and has a long battery life is a worthwhile upgrade.

8. Chain Cleaning Device

If you don't have a chain cleaner, the likelihood of you regularly cleaning your chain is pretty low. It's a messy ordeal, grease gets all over your hands and your garage/work area, and it can be tedious. If you do have a chain cleaner, the job is much, much easier. The mess is contained, and the process is faster. This leads to you being incentivized to clean your drivetrain more regularly, which leads to less wear and tear on your components, leading to less money spent on repairs and replacements, etc., etc. You see where I'm heading with this. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this kind of prevention is relatively inexpensive and easy to do.

9. Chamois Cream

Every other one of these accessories is for your bike. This one is for you. Every experienced cyclist knows that saddle sores and chafing are an unfortunate side effect that affects us all at one point or another. That being said, there is a way to reduce and even prevent any discomfort in your nether-regions. Chamois cream keeps things--ahem--lubricated so that you can sit in the saddle and pedal all day with nary a care in the world.

10. Bone Conduction Headphones

It's totally understandable that you want to listen to music/podcasts/audiobooks while on those solo rides. But it's undeniably dangerous to bike with two earbuds in your ears. Being able to listen to your surroundings is a crucial part of staying safe while out on the road. That's where bone conducting headphones can be a literal life-saver. They allow you to both hear your music and any potential road hazards. On a personal note, I initially got a cheap pair from Amazon that promptly broke two weeks later. Then I shelled out some more money for the Shokz OpenRun and those have held up incredibly well to over a year of all the abuse I can put them through (this isn't sponsored, I'm just a fan).

 

If I can be real for a second here, owning these items won't make you any more of a cyclist than you already are. The best part of cycling is the freedom to explore, and all you need for that is a bike. But this list of thoughtfully curated items exists to help you make your cycling experience a little more enjoyable. The same applies to every bit of apparel we create. We rigorously test each item to make sure it meets our lofty expectations. We don't release anything that we don't put our full weight and support behind. There's nothing wrong with riding a bike exactly as you're currently doing, whatever that may be. But if you're looking for an upgrade, these items as well as anything in our store are well worth the investment.

Keep the rubber side down,

Nick