It's no surprise that biking has quickly become the way to get around in 2020. Not only does it give us welcomed opportunities for exercise and fresh air, but it’s also one of the safer ways to travel currently (along with being a perfect socially distant activity). And, with a long weekend on our horizons, it's the perfect time to get outside and cruise — so, we rounded up 14 bike accessories for a cool, comfortable, and SAFE ride.
Whether it's a $17 vintage-style bell that comes in an array of candy-coated colors or a super-rugged folding pannier bag with such an ardent following that it was sold out until recently, the ahead goods will help make your ride secure and stylish. Click through to outfit your bike for the long-summer haul — and be sure to shout out your favorite bells and whistles in the comments below.
We’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.
PetSafe Bicycle Basket
If you’ve got a Toto-sized furry friend, then we suggest toting them around in this wicker basket complete with a woven sunshade — it's one seriously adorable way to keep your canine companion cool as you cruise through town.
The basket easily attaches to your handlebars and comes with a removable, washable liner. (FYI: if your doggo is more than 13 lbs, we recommend that you opt for a trailer.)
Banjo Brothers Grocery Bag
If you’re hauling a larger load, a pannier-style bag that hangs from your rear wheels is a safer option. (A too-heavily-loaded front basket will throw off your equilibrium.) This glowingly-reviewed bag has a ripstop nylon construction and a folding design, allowing it to flatten when empty and hold a lot when open. (You will need a rear rack — which your local bike shop can easily install — for any bag like this.)
Bonus: this super-popular carryall was sold out for a minute, but just restocked. Run, don’t walk. (Or, actually, bike.)
Banjo Brothers Banjo Brothers Grocery Bag Pannier, $, available at Amazon
Green Gear Guru Frame Bag
For those who don’t need to tote quite as much: try this neat little bag that hangs from your frame — it’s sewn in the US from re-purposed fabric, so no two bags are exactly alike.
It’s also surprisingly roomy, despite its low profile.
Green Guru Gear Upshift Frame Bag, $, available at Amazon
Electra Linear Cup Holder
Trust us: you need a cup holder. Cruising around your neighborhood on a perfect summer day with a fresh cold brew is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
JBL Clip Bluetooth Speaker
The person who rides around the city blasting their own private tunes to the entire world is a polarizing individual. However, we always get excited when they ride by, so we are going to suggest adding a lil’ portable speaker to your cycling kit.
It is a good way to make your presence known to other cyclists, after all.
JBL CLIP 3 - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Teal, $, available at Amazon
Lululemon Align Bike Shorts
How can we talk about bike accessories without talking about bike shorts? What was once a niche aerobics garment somehow daily attire for stylish women everywhere — and that was before a global state of quarantine made it even more acceptable to spend days on end in spandex.
Anyway, you definitely need a pair of bike shorts, and we swear by this Shopping team-vetted Lululemon pair.
lululemon Align Short 6", $, available at lululemon
Vinyl Decals
Don’t forget the time-honored tradition of adorning your ride with weatherproof stickers that express your allegiance to important things like dumplings or Lizzie McGuire reruns.
Minna May Studio Dumpling Vinyl Decal, $, available at Etsy
Walnut Studiolo Leather Bike Frame Handle
While this premium leather accessory is on the pricier side, we couldn’t resist including it. Anyone who keeps their wheels inside — especially in their fourth-floor walkup apartment — will consider this simple-but-ingenious leather carrying strap money well spent.
Walnut Studiolo Leather Bike Frame Handle, $, available at Etsy
Schwinn Splash Guard
Did you know you could drastically improve the quality of your ride to the tune of less than $10? Never before has a simple piece of plastic provided so much protection from the elements. Your white jeans will thank you.
Schwinn Clip-On Splash Guard Fender, $, available at Walmart
Kryptonite U-Bracket
Don’t let your heavy-duty U-lock (which we’re assuming you already have) swing loosey-goosey from your frame or take up precious room and weight in your backpack. A mount keeps your lock close at hand and out of the way.
Kryptonite Transfit FlexFrame-U Bracket, $, available at Amazon
Firmstrong Classic Beach Cruiser Bell
This sunny lemon yellow is one of nine fruity colors that Firmstrong offers for its classically styled bell.
Simply designed and easy to mount, it’s a sweet and stylish choice for your ride — and at less than $17, you can nab one for your roommate, too.
Firmstrong Classic Beach Cruiser Bicycle Bell, $, available at Amazon
Portland Design Works Asteroid USB Tail Light
Safety first! Lights are a must for riding around after the sun goes down — we like Portland Design Works’ cool angular design with easy USB charging capability.
Portland Design Works Asteroid USB Tail Light, $, available at Backcountry
Bovon Bike Phone Mount
Also filed under safety is a mount for your phone — you know, so that you’re not trying to ride one-handed and navigate on Google maps at the same time.
Bovon Bike Phone Mount, $, available at Amazon
Thousand Helmet
We almost didn’t include a helmet in this story, because this crucial protective gear should not be considered an “accessory” — it is absolutely a necessity. However, we will take any opportunity to preach bike safety: so please, please, please make sure you have your helmet!
We did an exhaustive round-up of the protective essentials last month, but at least two avid cyclists on the Shopping team are fans of this classic Thousand style.
Thousand Heritage Bike Helmet, $, available at Thousand
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14 Bike Accessories For Safe & Stylish Summer Rides
![14 Bike Accessories For Safe & Stylish Summer Rides]()
Reviewed by streakoggi
on
July 02, 2020
Rating:
