The Best Bike Accessories
With so many concerns surrounding emissions and traffic, many people are trying to avoid driving these days. Biking is not only a great way to beat the crowds, but it may also help the environment and improve your health. But when you first buy a bike, it likely won’t come with all the things you need to fully customize it for your use. Check out our list of the best bike accessories below and improve the way you ride and care for your bike.
What to Look For
When choosing our favorite bike accessories, we looked for ones that improve your safety, add storage for your belongings, and help you care for your bike. XCH Robots’ bicycle repair bag takes the top spot on our list, with several valuable tools to help ensure your bike stays in tip-top shape. For cleaning, check out Park Tool’s brush kit to keep it sparkling as you ride. Keep on reading to learn more about our favorite accessories and why we love them.
XCH Robots Bicycle Repair Bag
Fix it quick
The more you ride your bike, the more wear and tear it goes through. XCH Robots’ repair bag helps you make the adjustments and fixes you need to prevent major issues from occurring. Whether repairing a tire, filling it with air, or just tightening bolts, this set has the tools to help you do it all. Best yet, the carrying bag has straps to help you conveniently attach it to your bike in case of an emergency.
Pros:
- Tools feel sturdy and durable
- Straps make it easy to attach and keep with you on the go
- The mini air pump can help quickly fill tires in an emergency
Cons:
- Because of the straps, you can’t access the bag without removing it from your bike
ROCK BROS Waterproof Bike Bag and Phone Mount
Store and more
Storing your valuables in a safe place can be difficult when you’re biking. Things can easily fall out of your pockets, and many bike pouches get soaked if it rains. ROCK BROS’ bike bag, on the other hand, is designed to keep them safe and dry with its waterproof design. It securely attaches to your bike frame and can even hold your phone in place if you’re using it for music or directions.
Pros:
- Works well with a variety of phones
- Waterproof design protects your phone and your valuables within
- Easy to install with the provided straps
Cons:
- The plastic screen cover may sometimes impede certain phones’ fingerprint ID scanners
Meilan X5 Smart Bike Taillight
Riding at night can be dangerous, especially when streets aren’t well-lit. To make sure you stay safe on the road, consider Meilan’s X5 smart bike taillight. It uses a motion sensor to detect your speed and can flash whenever you brake so others know you’re slowing down. With a 2,000mAh battery, it can be on for up to 10 hours before needing recharging. Best yet, it also comes with a wireless remote that can be installed on your handlebar for manual control.
Pros:
- Multiple lighting modes help indicate what you’re doing as you ride
- The waterproof casing can prevent shorting
- Light is extremely bright and easily visible in dark and hazy conditions
Cons:
- Works great in the evening or night but isn’t the best on brighter days
Accmor Classic Bike Bell
Few things are more classic than the chime of a bike bell as someone rides by. Accmor’s bell is crisp and clear, perfect for alerting pedestrians that you’re coming near. It can easily be mounted to your bike’s handlebars, only requiring a screwdriver for installation. And to help it last longer, it has an anti-rust coating that protects it from rain and humidity.
Pros:
- Produces a loud sound despite its small size
- Extremely easy to install
- Can be used left or right-handed
Cons:
- Occasionally may ring on its own, particularly if you’re going over large bumps
Park Tool Bike Cleaning Brush Kit
Whether you’ve been riding your bike in mud or it has just accumulated dirt over casual strolls about town, Park Tool’s cleaning brush kit can keep it looking like new. It comes with a soft brush for gently cleaning surfaces, a bottle brush for getting into smaller areas, a sponge and bristle brush for scrubbing, and a gear brush to get grime from clogging things up. They can be used dry or with soap, helping you do both light and deep cleaning whenever you need.
Pros:
- Brushes can go through many cleanings without falling apart
- Specific brushes for different uses help make the process easier
- Its ability to be used wet or dry is a huge plus
Cons:
- It’s not the cheapest brush set, but they work perfectly for any job
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a taillight when I ride my bike at night?
We recommend looking up your local laws regarding requirements when riding your bike at night. Regardless of whether or not it’s mandated, however, we highly recommend using a taillight and reflective gear when riding to ensure cars on the road clearly see you from all directions. A good taillight can also help alert people when turning or slowing down.
Is it safe to use dish soap to clean my bike?
You really don’t need to use some fancy soap to clean your bike. Regular household dish soap is fantastic for cleaning your bike, especially if it does a good job of removing grease and grime. After cleaning your chain, however, we recommend properly lubricating it to ensure it continues to work properly.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.