So you’re new to cycling and just got your first bike? Well first of all, congratulations! Having a new bike is such a great experience, thinking of all the great and wonderful adventures the two of you will embark on is exhilarating. However, there are a few basic essentials that you need to have on your bike to make your biking experience a little more enjoyable, and safer. To make it easier for you to get a better understanding. We at RACKTRENDZ have compiled this list of Top 10 Essential Bike Accessories, to help you figure out what you need so you can shop from the comfort of your home. 

1. Helmet

Helmets are an absolute must in the world of cycling. Whether you’re planning on hitting the mountains and shredding down some slopes, or racing through the valleys or just going for a nice breezy ride, having a good sturdy helmet can make a huge difference. We all should wear a helmet as it greatly reduces the risk of serious injuries. 

But obviously not all helmets are made the same and there are a variety of factors to be considered before investing in one, such as the overall durability, the comfort and padding, the size and adjustability and the overall breathability of the helmet in terms of vents. It can become a daunting task looking for a helmet that fits your needs, which is why we carry a wide selection of quality helmets for you to choose from. 

Click the link to browse our collection of helmets. 

2. Locks

Not everyone has access to indoor storage for their bikes, especially if they go outside. You become heavily reliant on parking in a safe spot on the street, but that’s not always the best bet. Investing in a good-quality bike lock can be the difference between getting your bike stolen.

While it is generally difficult to get a sense of how secure locks are, U-locks tend to be the safest option. Especially in places where the crime-rate tends to be slightly high, investing in a U-lock can act as a great deterrent. Alternatively, you can also invest in a cable lock as they tend to occupy the least space in your backpack, are also light and easy to use. However, cable locks tend to be easy to bypass and most bolt-cutters can cut through it.

Another option when it comes to locks are chain locks. They offer the flexibility of chains while also being durable and strong. They can work as a great alternative to U and cable locks and the price is usually in between the other two.

Choosing the right lock depends on a variety of factors such as overall neighbourhood safety, price, features, but the general consensus tends to be in favour of U-locks being regarded as the safest. 

Onguard Bulldog DT Bike Lock

 

If you want to browse a huge collection of high-quality bike locks, click this link

 

3. Lights

Bike lights go a long way in making your journey safer. While it may not be a necessity if you mainly travel in the city during the day; it becomes absolutely essential at night, especially when you’re out on your adventures outside of the city.

While in cities, the only possible time you need a light is during early morning or late nights, the ability to illuminate a dark road is essential for any light.

Recent years have witnessed remarkable strides in illumination technology, thanks to the emergence of exceptionally efficient, blazing LEDs and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. These advancements have birthed compact yet potent bike lights.

When it comes to mountain biking, high-powered lights reign supreme, their brilliance cutting through the darkness like a beacon of guidance. However, their utility extends beyond rugged trails; they prove invaluable on unlit stretches of road.

Even when a light boasts the capacity to emit thousands of lumens, simulating the brilliance of daylight, it's endowed with versatility. Multiple settings empower you to dial down the intensity on city streets. This not only conserves precious battery life but also ensures you don't inadvertently blind fellow road users.

For a deeper dive into the world of bike lighting, check out our collection here.

4. Cleaning kit

It’s important that you clean your bike regularly at home, but what’s even more important is to be able to do it well. Bike cleaning kits contain professional equipment that leave your bikes squeaky clean and looking good. If you love the outdoors and love taking your bike outdoors, a bike cleaning kit is a must have. It also helps in improving the longevity of your bike as it takes off the regular wear and tear that builds up. To choose from a wide range of cleaning kits for your bike, click the link. 

A bike pump is something you cannot live without. It’s like oxygen for your bike, and the best part about all of it is that pumps are designed to be portable. You never need to worry about a flat tire, or your air running out again, and whether you’re out in the wilderness or in the middle of the city, having immediate access to a cycle pump can completely change the situation. 

Evo floor pump

 

6.Allen Keys and Repair Kit

When venturing into the realm of biking, equipping yourself with more than just the basics can transform you from a casual rider to an unstoppable force on two wheels. While a bike pump is undeniably essential, augmenting your toolkit with a comprehensive set of Allen keys and a trusty bike repair kit is the key to conquering any unforeseen hurdle.

Picture this: You're in the midst of an exhilarating ride, far from civilization when suddenly, a mishap strikes. A flat tire threatens to derail your adventure. This is where a well-prepared biker shines.

Investing in a set of spare tubes, coupled with a meticulous cleaning and repair regimen, renders you virtually invincible. Those pesky punctures become mere blips on your biking radar.

With your trusty bike repair kit, you'll handle any on-the-road challenge like a seasoned pro. Tightening bolts, adjusting components, and ensuring your ride remains in peak condition becomes second nature.

In the world of biking, being full-proof is the ultimate goal. So, don't just settle for the ordinary; arm yourself with the extraordinary. Be the biker who conquers every trail, and let your bike repair kit be your steadfast companion on the journey to biking greatness. 

 

7. Water

When embarking on a cycling journey, one thing becomes abundantly clear: hydration is not a luxury but an absolute necessity. The bike world offers various solutions, catering to different riders' needs.

For the adventurous mountain bikers who tackle rugged terrains, hydration bags with built-in bladders often reign supreme. These nifty contraptions are the go-to choice, ensuring a continuous supply of water during treacherous off-road excursions.

Yet, the story shifts when we pivot to the realm of road cycling and commuting. Here, simplicity often takes center stage. A water bottle and a snugly secured bottle cage become your trusted allies. No need for cumbersome packs; just a swift reach for refreshment when you need it most.

Mounting a bottle cage on your bike is a breeze, thanks to the threaded bosses thoughtfully placed on the down tube and seat tube of most bicycle frames. This convenient setup ensures that you can access water on the go without carrying the weight on your back, offering a streamlined and comfortable solution.

So, whether you opt for the convenience of a sleek water bottle and bottle cage for your daily commute or embrace the rugged allure of hydration bags for your mountainous adventures, staying hydrated on your bike is a journey-defining choice. To explore a huge selection of hydration equipment click here.

8. Seat Padding

Let’s face it, as enjoyable as biking is, the factory seats on bikes rarely are. Whether you’re looking to brave the outdoors or just have a nice stroll in the city, you need to be comfortable while doing it. Which is why we recommend seat paddings, or a bike seat with inbuilt paddings. This helps cushion your tailbone on the seat, so the next time you’re out on your bike, you don’t need to worry about being in pain. Biking doesn’t need to be a struggle, you can make it fun for yourself by getting yourself a new bike seat.

9. Rack Bag

When it comes to optimizing your bike for the ultimate cycling experience, a bike rack bag stands out as a game-changing accessory. 

The convenience of having a dedicated storage solution right at your fingertips, rack bags attach to your bike's rack, offering a secure and easily accessible compartment for all your essentials. Whether it's a spare tube, energy bars, or a lightweight jacket, the bike rack bag ensures you're equipped for any twist and turn along your journey.

In the world of biking, where every ounce matters, the streamlined design of the bike rack bag minimizes wind resistance, ensuring your ride remains smooth and efficient. No more compromising your cycling rhythm with bulky backpacks or overburdened pockets.

RockBros Rack Bag

Rack bags aren't just about practicality—it's about elevating your bike storage. They are usually  crafted from durable materials which also make them the ideal travel buddy. Shop from a wide range of storage solutions at great prices. 

10. Phone/GPS holder

In today’s day and age, technology has permeated every aspect of our lives, for better or for worse. So much so that having a phone/gps holder for your bike is now an absolute necessity. It makes life easier when your pockets are empty and you can ride without getting distracted.

Having the option to mount your phone/gps on your bike can now actually help you stay focused on the road. You don’t need to constantly reach for your piece of equipment. Furthermore, it also helps when you're outdoors as now it doubles as a secondary storage unit.

Phone/GPS holder

But obviously, for this to work efficiently, you need to have a sturdy case that allows the device to be held in place securely. You can browse from a great range of products over here.

Conclusion

So there you have it folks, the absolute list of Top 10 Essential Bike Accessories. We believe just having these products for your bike can make your experience of owning and riding one a lot better.