Cycling accessories that will appeal to everyone

A rare cyclist is limited to buying an "iron horse": more often a set of accessories is selected for transport. These are additional devices that increase the comfort of the rider, expand the original functionality, although you can do without them. This is a key difference from bicycle accessories.

Lighting and lighting devices

The standard equipment of the bicycle does not provide for equipping with lighting devices. But if you plan to ride at night, you need to take care of high-quality light. Not only comfort, but also safety depends on it. Headlights are selected according to the following rules:

✅ If the cyclist plans to ride on illuminated city streets, a dim lamp is enough - the main thing is that the two-wheeled vehicle is visible to pedestrians and other road users
✅ For sorties into dark corners, you need high-quality light - a flashlight of 200 lumens or more
✅ For country trips, you need a powerful lighting device - from 600 lumens
✅ For cross-country travel, buy a flashlight with 1000 lumens or more



If an exciting off-road tour is ahead, a device with a wide beam of light is preferred. It is convenient when the power is adjusted manually on the go. An additional headlight attached to the helmet will not interfere. Then the cyclist will be able to look around in the dark by simply turning his head.



It is imperative to take care of safety by hanging marker lights and reflectors. But decorative lighting is only a matter of taste.

Sound signal devices

The horn is an integral part of the bike, necessary to ensure safety. It is installed to warn pedestrians of their approach. The bell will help avoid collision with other road users.

What sound signal devices are installed on two-wheeled vehicles:

✅ A classic of the genre is a mechanical bell that works after pressing the lever with your finger. Inside the signal there is a hammer that knocks on the metal case - a pleasant melodic ringing sounds. True, it is heard only by pedestrians, but such a device will not reach the motorist
✅ Klaxon - resembles a pear, is a rubberized pipe that squeaks loudly when pressed. The sound is loud! This signal is most suitable for retro bikes.
✅ Pneumoklaxon is the loudest and most convenient, but it is better for pedestrians not to give signs with such a signal, as it can be very frightening. Consists of a balloon that is inflated with air and a horn that makes a sound
✅ Electronic call - a speaker with a battery or rechargeable battery, capable of emitting different signals and even melodies. Sounds a little quieter than a pneumoklaxon



When buying a sound device, you should take care of the mount for it. The simplest option is a clamp that wraps around the steering wheel. But also calls are fixed on screws or by means of rubber rings.

Rear-view mirrors

Although such an accessory is optional, it is better to get one if you plan to drive on crowded sidewalks or noisy highways. The mirror makes it easier to look around the bike, helping to keep things under control. This is an affordable and effective means of preventing accidents.

The accessory is selected primarily for quality, achieving a good overview. The aesthetic component fades into the background, although it is taken into account.

Mirrors are different:

? In size - large, medium, small and even microscopic. The latter are fixed at the end of the steering wheel
? In shape - oval, round, diamond-shaped



By the way, for bicycles they produce not only ordinary flat, but even panoramic mirrors. They provide maximum visibility.

Anti-theft

There are cyclists who do not buy locks and chains, arguing that an experienced burglar will break into any device. But most riders prefer to play it safe - and rightly so. Vehicles left unattended and without anti-theft means are doubly vulnerable. After all, theft can be tempted by an ordinary, not entirely decent person who simply grabs everything that lies badly. While the thinnest and weakest cable of such a potential thief will definitely stop.

✅ D or U-shaped lock is considered the most secure. It is difficult to open it with a master key and almost impossible to eat. However, due to the specifics of the shape, it is difficult to fix the device
✅ Chain lock - effective if the links are thick, made of especially strong alloys. But in this case, there are difficulties with storage, plus we will feel the weight of the product - it’s harder to ride
✅ Lock with a cable - pleases with ease, the ability to fold compactly. Reliability depends on the integrity of the manufacturer - you should give preference to trusted brands



They also use chain or wheel locks that do not allow the hijacker to leave on the stolen “iron horse”. If the transport is left for a short time, you can use such devices - with a bicycle on your shoulders it is difficult to run far and fast.

Accessories to expand functionality

Today, with the help of numerous devices, you can turn a bicycle into a comfortable vehicle with enhanced functionality. Manufacturers include fantasy, offering a variety of devices, among which it remains to choose those that are really needed and important.

✅ Bottle holders - designed to securely hold water bottles. The cheapest are plastic, a little more expensive and stronger are aluminum. The strongest and most durable are made of carbon, but not everyone can afford the cost
✅ Flasks for liquid - especially indispensable in the heat, during a long walk. Preferably plastic accessories that are lightweight. It is only worth choosing the product meticulously - the plastic must be of high quality, without harmful impurities, without foreign odors. It is also worth checking how well the lid closes to prevent leakage.
✅ Mounts and cases for gadgets - from smartphones to navigators and bike computers
✅ Bags - help out when transporting things. You can choose to your taste accessories that are mounted under the saddle, on the frame or on the handlebars.
✅ Child seats - necessary for transporting children. There are models mounted on the frame, and modifications for installation on the trunk



Perhaps the most outlandish accessories for our reality are baby strollers-trolleys that cling to a bicycle. Inside, there are usually one or two chairs with rigid fixation. Such devices should only be purchased from trusted brands that conduct crash tests. But in any case, maximum caution is important, since the complete safety of children cannot be guaranteed.

Protective devices

Another group of accessories that you can do without. But they help keep the "iron horse" safe and sound, extend the life of components.

✅ Covers - help to cover the transport from precipitation, protect from dirt and dust, help out when carrying / transporting
✅ Protective covers for chains - prevent the ingress of pebbles, sand, eliminate accidental bumps when driving over rough terrain
✅ Protection of the frame feathers - it is necessary mainly for aggressive riding. Prevents damage and contamination

The same group includes saddle covers, but they are different in purpose. There are protective products that cover the seats to prevent premature wear, scratches, and other damage. But you can buy a cover with a filler that will provide maximum comfort to the rider.



When studying the range of accessories for bicycles, the eyes of racing enthusiasts light up - everything is so necessary and useful. Only it is better to limit yourself to devices that are really necessary. When choosing accessories, you should be guided by the rule of the "golden mean". Excessive asceticism is useless - you do not need to deny yourself convenience. But hanging vehicles on all sides with devices that will hang idle is not the best solution - the weight of the structure will increase.