9 Biking Accessories Every Rider Needs

Taking up cycling as a hobby is a great way to stay in shape and get around in a cost-effective manner. It is also good for the environment to travel this way. However, buying a bicycle is just your first step toward receiving all of these benefits.

There are plenty of other cycling accessories that you will need to make all your journeys safer and more enjoyable. Here are just some of the biking accessories that every bike rider needs.
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Bike Lock
One of the benefits of driving a car is that you never have to worry about where you are going to leave your vehicle. Many cyclists can benefit from using a bike lock to safely store their bikes when they are out and about. These locks are especially useful if your workplace doesn’t feature any off-street storage for those who choose to cycle instead of drive. No one wants to keep their bike with them all day. Using a bike lock allows you to safely store your bike outside without worrying about it being stolen. The best thing about bike locks is that they are small and malleable. This means that you can reliably bring them everywhere you go in your backpack or even your pockets. You will also notice how easy it is to find a spot for your bike outside.

Bike Helmet
A bike helmet isn’t just a necessary accessory, it is often required that cyclists wear them by law in many countries across the world, but it isn’t yet the law in the UK.  These helmets are designed to protect your head, one of the most fragile parts of the human body, in the unfortunate event that you are knocked off your bike while riding. You can easily recover from a scraped knee or elbow, but head injuries tend to be a lot worse. You can always cycle with elbow pads and knee guards if you choose, but a bike helmet is an absolute must for every rider. To get the most out of one of these accessories, it is advised that you replace your helmet every three to five years.

Lights
Almost every bike is fitted with a front light and a rear reflective light as a legal requirement; however, you will need more than these if you plan to regularly cycle at night. You will find many kinds of cycling lights on the market, but the best ones are the kind that easily clips to your handlebars and can be charged by USB. That way, you should be able to keep them topped up wherever you are.

Bicycle Insurance
While the accessories above are all good to have, there is never a guarantee that they will work one hundred percent of the time. That is why it is a good idea to get bicycle insurance. This type of cover works like any other insurance policy, so bicycle insurance from a company like Bicy Insurance should cover the cost of your bike if it is damaged or stolen and it wasn’t your fault. You don’t want to be off the road for too long, and these small monthly payments can help you get back on your bike in no time. Of course, the cost of your policy will depend on the make and age of your current bike.

Bicycle Pump
All those hours on your bike are going to have an effect on your tires. Nothing lasts forever, and your bike tires will slowly deflate over time. This happens when you ride your bike and when it is left standing for a long while.

Cycling is much easier and safer with fully inflated tires, which is why you will always need a bicycle pump. These bike pumps come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Fortunately, a real bike expert should point you toward the right pump. Again, these pumps are small enough to carry with you, so an unexpected flat tire shouldn’t get in your way.

Bells
Sometimes there is nothing worse than having to continuously stop to move around pedestrians in your way. A bike bell can alert those ahead of you and signal your presence so you can keep moving forward. However, it is always wise to stick to the cycle lanes where possible.

Bike Computer
Almost every bit of gym equipment has an in-built computer so that you can track your progress. Fortunately, you can also buy a similar device for your bike. An onboard bike computer clips safely onto your handlebars and features a calorie tracker, timer, and GPS system. This gadget is perfect for cyclists that take up the activity for exercise, although it is always handy to have a GPS on you.

Allen Keys
No one wants to be stranded at the side of the road. When you own a car, you can always rely on roadside assistance to help you out when things go wrong. Cyclists usually have to rely on themselves. That is why you will never regret carrying a set of allen keys with you. These small tools can help you navigate any part of your bike so that you can learn how to fix most issues yourself.

Rucksack
If you can take away any piece of advice from this article, it is that every cyclist can benefit from leaving the house with a rucksack. Whether you are cycling to lose weight or to speed up your morning commute, you will need somewhere to store your bike lock, onboard computer, bike pump, and allen keys. Even if you do not feel like you need all these accessories, you can’t deny that a rucksack wouldn’t come in handy for storing your waterproof gear. No one likes to cycle in the rain, so try to make sure you always come prepared.

Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of things that a cyclist needs. However, every rider will find a use for all these items. In other words, these are all bike accessories that every rider needs.