Bicycle accessories - what to know and how to choose?

A bicycle is a great tool for both sports and commuting – lightweight, maneuverable, and space-saving. However, bicycle owners often wonder how to ensure maximum safety for themselves or a child traveling with them, where to store carried items, how to protect the bicycle from theft, and more.

These issues can be easily resolved with the right selection of bicycle accessories. These are various accessories that are chosen according to the needs of each bicycle owner.

Choose the Right Lock to Ensure Bicycle Safety

Leaving your bicycle unprotected in a public place might result in having to continue your journey or return home on foot. To avoid this, always lock your bicycle, even if leaving it for a short time. How to choose the right lock?

A bicycle lock must have protection against metal-cutting shears and be long enough to secure the bicycle frame, front wheel, and the stand it is attached to. Always lock the bicycle frame, as it is the most expensive part of the bike. For maximum security, get two locks and secure both the frame and the wheels.

The most reliable locks are U-shaped locks, but they are not convenient to carry due to their weight. Many users choose universal chain locks. Cable locks are recommended only as an additional security measure. Frame locks are designed not to attach the bike to an object but to block the rear wheel, making it impossible to ride the bike. These locks are recommended to be used with a chain lock.

Foldable bicycle locks, such as foldable locks, deserve special mention. They are attached to the bike frame or bottle holder, making them convenient to carry. These locks are quite secure, and users can choose the security level that suits them best.

Be Visible and Audible on the Road

For safety reasons, do not forget the importance of bicycle lights. The front should have a white light, and the rear a red light. These lights with LED bulbs can be mounted on your bike. They have both steady and flashing modes and can be battery-operated or rechargeable via USB. The brightness and runtime vary, so choose according to your needs. Pay attention to the light output, measured in lumens – the higher the lumens, the brighter the light. This is especially important if you often ride your bike in the dark.

To warn inattentive pedestrians or other road users who pose an obstacle, get a bicycle bell.

Spare Parts – What Should You Have?

Just like drivers often carry a spare tire in their car trunk to avoid inconvenience, cyclists should also be prepared.

Assemble a kit of essential spare parts and tools, including multifunctional keys, tire levers, a tire repair kit, a hand pump, and a spare tube. These items can be stored in a special bag. Bicycle bags can be attached under the saddle or on the frame. A hand pump can be mounted next to the bottle holder.

Other Essentials You Might Need

Safety glasses are crucial for safe cycling. If you don’t have any, regular sunglasses can work in a pinch, but it’s best to get specialized cycling glasses. They offer better protection from the sun and other environmental factors such as wind, rain, dust, insects, low-hanging branches, and stones bouncing off the road.

When cycling, you’ll want your mobile phone handy to check messages, missed calls, use navigation, or various sports apps. A mobile phone holder for your bike is highly convenient and recommended. It allows you to see incoming calls and answer them, and if it’s an important call, you can stop and take it. To track your time, distance, speed, calories burned, and heart rate, consider various smart devices. Simple but essential items include a bike water bottle and a water bottle holder. Pedaling a bike requires energy, so you’ll likely want to refresh yourself with water after some time. It’s worth noting that users often choose plastic bottles, but you’ve probably heard about the long-term negative impact of plastic on nature. Learn more about cyclist water bottles and why users choose plastic here.

When cycling, you can’t do without a cycling backpack. Carrying more items than a simple backpack can hold? Get a special bike rack to safely transport your belongings.

One of the most commonly used accessories is a kickstand to park your bike when you need to stop and there’s nowhere to lean it. If you often ride in less clean environments or in the rain, get bike fenders.

To save space in your garage or storage room, you can get a bike stand or wall-mounted bike holder.

Properly Selected Accessories – Safe and Enjoyable Riding

A properly selected bicycle and its accessories provide a way to stay active, a means of transportation, enjoyment, health benefits, a great way to meet new people by joining cycling communities, travel, and for some, a lifestyle.

We invite you to choose bicycles and their accessories. If you want to consult with professionals, we are always waiting for you in our store, by phone, or by writing.