It’s not your imagination–bicycles are everywhere these days. During quarantine, those who already had bikes rediscovered the joy of pedal power, while others stood in line to buy them. According to the National Bicycle Dealers Association, Americans spent $3,939,230,000 on new bikes in 2020.
So it’s no surprise that bike owners are also shopping for ramped-up ways to make biking more efficient, comfortable, and fun. E-bike sales in the United States soared 53 percent in 2020, and bike accessory sales increased 16 percent.
Experienced cyclists know that great bike gear equals a great ride. Whether commuting daily to work, riding for pleasure, competitively training, or pedaling the distance, visit the bike accessory aisles to discover exciting products you never knew you needed.
Commuter Cyclists
You need gear that has built-in safety features for navigating traffic both day and night and keeps you and your cargo dry in all kinds of weather.
GORE Wear Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket, $200 at Spokes Etc. Ultra-lightweight, waterproof, and breathable shell with reflective details and pocket storage.
Pearl iZumi Merino Cycling Cap, $40 at REI. Thin, wool-blend layer fits under most helmets, has a sun bill, and offers superior moisture transfer and thermal regulation on chilly rides.
LIVALL Smart Bike Helmet, $149 at Amazon. Flashing LED and turn signal lighting add visibility on the road. Microphone and speakers connect via Bluetooth for music and calls, and in the event of an accident, SOS Alert signals are delivered to your emergency contacts via an app.
Ortlieb Commuter-Bag Two Pannier, $225 at REI. Waterproof fabric protects laptop and papers, while carry handle and shoulder strap allow easy conversion to a commuter bag once at school or work.
RockyMounts Hendrix Lock, $69.95 at Green Lizard Cycling. Mounted to the frame, this compact folding lock never leaves you without a way to secure your bike. Combine with a quality cable lock for added protection.
Social Cyclists
You need gear that adds style, fun, and practical comfort.
Portland Design Works Bar-ista Coffee Cup Holder, $18 at Bikenetic. Take that latte with you. Attaches to handlebars and works with most travel mugs.
Portland Design Works Lucky Cat Water Bottle Cage, $25 at REI. Feeling lucky? Cut in the shape of a maneki-neko (Japanese for “beckoning cat”), this holder is both cute and functional.
UPPEL Phone Mount with Bluetooth Speakers, $60 at Amazon. Wireless, waterproof speakers paired with wide-beam and strobe LED headlight, hands-free calling, and one-touch bell.
Topeak Trolley Tote Folding MTX Rear Basket, $80 at BicycleHero. Rugged, roomy, foldable crate with telescoping pull handle makes it easy to transport groceries, a picnic, and bulky items. Mounts on rear rack.
Axiom QR Dual-Function Premium Pet Basket, $79.99 at The Bike Lane. Fido should join the fun, too. Mounts on both handlebars and rear rack. Padded handle and tether leash included.
Burley Encore X Child Trailer, $599.99 at Spokes Etc. Don’t leave the kids behind. Quickly converts to push stroller with included kit. Ventilated windows with sunshade. Detach the seat and use as cargo trailer.
Fitness and Distance Cyclists
You need lightweight gear that that keeps you safe, tracks your progress and doesn’t slow you down.
Wahoo KICKR CORE Smart Trainer, $899.99 at Green Lizard Cycling. Works with your bike to deliver a realistic and quiet indoor training experience. Built-in cadence measurement without the need of an external sensor.
Garmin Edge 830 Sensor Bundle Bike Computer– 2020, $499.99 at Spokes Etc. Performance GPS cycling computer with mapping to monitor achievement, progress, and health data, and features safety lights and a bike theft alarm that works with your smartphone.
Garneau Air Gel Ultra Gloves, $29.99 at Bikenetic. Gel padding provides a pain-free ride. Keeps blood flowing and prevents numbness. Ventilation prevents sweat and rubbing.
CamelBak Chase Hydration Vest (available in men’s and women’s), $100 at REI. Never be thirsty with a 1.5 L hydration reservoir supported by vent mesh. Reflective details for visibility, and easy-access harness pockets for snacks and essentials.
Stan’s No Tubes Dart Tool, $25 at The Bike Lane. Don’t be stuck miles from nowhere. Easy-to-use, lightweight mobile puncture repair kit uses sealant to form an instant, airtight bond for tubeless tires that will get you to your destination. Includes two preloaded darts; refills purchased separately.
Park Tool Mini Pump, $22.95 at Bikenetic. Low on air? This pump is small enough to carry, yet big enough to pump efficiently. Bolt beneath water bottle cage.
Feature image, © Mirko Vitali/stock.adobe.com
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