Found the right bike for you? Now it's time to equip it with the right accessories.
Essentially, the major categories of bicycle accessories depend little on the type of cycling you do, whether it's road cycling, city cycling, touring, or mountain biking. After all, everyone needs to hydrate, protect their head, inflate their tires, etc. However, you need to choose accessories that are adapted to your cycling practice, because there is sometimes a world of difference between each (e.g., trail and road cycling). Here are the 9 essential accessories for every cyclist.
1. Car racks and transport bags
On the back or on the roof of the car, that's the dilemma of the bike rack . More accessible, the rear rack is practical for families who accumulate bikes of all sizes. But nothing is perfect: access to the car's rear trunk is obstructed. If you own a valuable carbon bike, a roof-mounted rack can be a good idea. Very stable, it prevents bikes from touching each other or parts from being damaged. For those who dream of visiting the legendary passes of the Tour de France, the Giro or the Vuelta, transport bags and boxes make traveling with your bike easy.
2. Bike pumps
Knowing that a well-inflated tire reduces the risk of punctures, it is clear that the pump is the cyclist's friend. A floor pump, which you keep at home, is a good starting point. Those who make long journeys will undoubtedly want to equip themselves with a small pump attached to the bike frame. Or include a few CO2 cartridges in their gear to quickly get back on the road.
3. Bags and repair kit
Imagine you're halfway through a magnificent 60-kilometer country ride in the Eastern Townships, and you get a flat tire... A discreet bag under the saddle, equipped with a basic repair kit (tire levers, Allen keys, inner tube, CO2 cartridge) is a must-have for every cyclist.
4. Lighting system
The Highway Safety Code does not require a bicycle to be equipped with an LED lighting system. Yet, it is the only way to be visible at all times , day and night, but especially at the end of the day. Put all the chances on your side by installing an additional light at the back, front, or on your helmet.
5. Electronics
To know if you're progressing as a cyclist, you need benchmarks. This is what data collection (distance, speed, power) during your bike rides allows. Smartphones can measure some of these performances, thanks to applications like Strava . But it has the disadvantage of running out of battery, while also eating into your cellular data plan. To have peace of mind, you can get a GPS and a cyclometer to measure speed, distance, and ascent. To take the experience a step further, you can integrate a power sensor into the crankset. These sensors, which are increasingly sophisticated and less expensive, allow cyclists to refine their training sessions to optimize every pedal stroke.
6. Cycling shoes
It's only once you've tried cycling shoes , clipped to the pedal, that you realize the benefits they provide. Although an adaptation period is necessary, once the transition is complete, you can't do without them! You will have to choose between road, triathlon, or mountain shoes. The latter will be more versatile as they have a more flexible sole and the cleat is more embedded under the shoe, which makes walking easier.
7. Helmets and glasses
They come in all shapes and colors . While city cyclists place great importance on style, road and mountain cyclists will want to choose a model that breathes, in addition to being aerodynamic and lightweight. The lightest helmets weigh only 170g!
8. Water bottles or hydration pack
Water (or other hydrating beverages) is a cyclist's fuel. There are at least two ways to carry it with you. While one or two bottles attached to the bike frame are sufficient for bikepackers and road cyclists, mountain bikers will prefer a hydration pack , which is more stable on the back and allows them to drink through a tube without letting go of the handlebars.
9. Trainers
Given the harshness of Quebec winters, a trainer is a must for any cyclist wishing to maintain progress made during the summer and prepare for the next season. The choice is vast . To spice up your training sessions, treat yourself to a virtual and interactive experience. Mont Ventoux awaits you!
For more cycling tips, subscribe to the Bicycles Quilicot newsletter or follow us on Facebook!