Bikes have become quite common in large urban areas. It used to be the ride for kids and young adults, however nowadays even proper adults use bicycles when they are commuting to work. Obviously bike has its advantages when you are navigating the city. It’s great for impromptu weekend picnic if you have lust for life.
As bicycles become ubiquitous, so do their accessories. Every cyclists has their preferences, and some of them have particular needs. This has created a market for bicycle accessories which can be overwhelming. If you are wondering: “What accessories should I get for my bike?” follow our breakdown. By the end you will not only be inspired, but you will also have better understanding of the role bike accessories play.
Bike Lock
You splurged royally on the bike and it would be a shame to get it nicked just because you were lazy to protect it. While lock in itself is not infallible, it does serve to discourage any would be thieves of your favorite bicycle.
Armored cables are one of the most typical locks for bikes. They are lighter than chains and steel cables, yet they provide protection from potential attempts at violating them with wire cutters. You can go for a slick model with rubber coats, or just a plain sheath.
Heavy duty locks for bikes are practically chains. The shackles and the chain itself are usually made from hardened steel. High end bike locks have mechanisms with D lock that are hard to brake. Carrying bulky and heavy chains around might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they do protect your bike once they are set in place.
Adding an extra layer of security, by using a combination to open the lock is also very prudent. It is convenient in the sense that you eliminate the need to carry a key for the bike lock. And the dread of forgetting said key when you head out the door.
U locks are the ultimate bike protection device. They are made from premium hardened steel which is very hard to crack. When compared to the chain, u locks can be fairly lighter while providing relatively strong grip. That is, if they are designed to be lightweight by using advanced materials.
Bells and Horns
Signaling is very important in traffic. That’s why your frame is abundantly stocked with high visibility reflective surfaces and lights. The ability to produce audible sounds to attract the attention of pedestrians and fellow micro commuters is an absolute necessity when you are on a busy urban street. Traffic culture is not uniform across the board. And sometimes a pedestrian is in front of you and you simply have to use high and prolonged sound to make them notice your trajectory.
Usually you either get loud sound or you get longevity of sound. Though you can find models of bike bells that strike a balance between the two. Nowadays they make them easy to install as well. So no screwing required, just secure the adjustable release strap and off you go. The style of your bicycle bell is a matter of personal preference. Size, color and positioning are in your hands as long as you are able to use the bell on a very short notice.
Touting a bike horn is always fun. You can don your bike with a double note horn actuated via squeeze able bulb. You can get quirky with it and go for a bugle type horn. The choice has more to do with your personality than anything else for even the authorities can’t mess with you as long as you have a warning device.
Phone Holders
We can’t put our smart devices for a minute, can we? A wide array of slick phone holders for bikes are available and they are used on a regular basis. Do keep in mind that your eyes better be fixated on the road ahead than on a screen attached to your handle bars.
They are designed to satisfy user friendly standards. For example, the quad lock cases will not restrict your view of the display screen and they are compatible with wireless charging. Phone holder cases tolerate shocks, ingress of water and dust, and they have wrap around design. Mounting them is easy because high end models use the ‘twist, lock and go’ system.
You can use the quad lock off the bike as well and they are compatible with most phone cameras. Do check if your bike phone holder supports your specific smart phone to avoid experiencing buyers remorse.
Pumps
Bike pumps can be a point of contention among cyclists. They come in variety of sizes and styles. Some prefer mini pumps because of their weight (circa 80g). Although small they can be built from tough materials like aluminium, and fitted with narrow barrel diameter pump head as well as extendable hose. Pumps designed to include valves relieve the stress when you are filling the tire.
Then there are those that prefer a full sized bike pump made from steel. Such road floor pumps are even fitted with analog gauge to help calibrate air pressure in the tires. It really boils down to your personal preference unless you embark on a long distance route and you require a specific type of pump.
Bike Bag
Don’t underestimate the utility of having a frame pack or handlebar bag. It’s also an opportunity to add a touch of style. Their sizes are usually fairly compact and they serve to hold either valuables or some small technical gear. Although you can go for a bike bag with 9 liter capacity if you want. This is more typical for cyclists eager to cover great distances. If you an urban cyclist you can manage your ride with as little and as small bike bags as possible.
