Old school add-ons
 

I don't have a smart phone. At this point just have reflectors on the bike, front back and side on the wheels. 27 inch wheel Motobecane from the 70s, good shape, xl.

Back in those days we had wheel driven mileage meters, as well as speedometers, etc. some people mounted on the front. An odometer would be nice, any recommendations on that?

Get a phone! Not only can you call for help(if needed) but there are apps that replace all those clamped on devices. I like Strava. The free app is usually good enough, records your average speed, mileage and maps the routes via satellite imagery. Segments on your route may have “KOM” or “QOM” ( King of the Mountain/ Queen of the Mountain) recorded times to beat. Nothing to add to your bike except a decent phone mount.

If you simply want distance/speed data and are after something a little stylish for your bike, the Cateye "Quick" may fit the bill.

https://www.cateye.com/intl/products...ers/CC-RS100W/

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...49c4ac23aa.jpg

I'd suggest a Huret Multito, but that's been out of production for probably 40 years.

For something still being made, I've been very happy with the basic Cateye wired computers. One such model is their Velo 7.
https://www.cateye.com/intl/products/computers/

These tell you speed, odometer, and some other stuff that I don't bother with. The instructions aren't the clearest, but these are easy to use and extremely reliable!
I've got Cateye Mity (the earlier equivalent) that are at least 10 years old and run about 7 years on a battery.

Steve in Peoria
(I'm also using an Avocet 20 on one bike, but it's been out of production for 30 years or so)

We have come a long ways since the days of the Huret wheel revolution counter. Even a cheap sub-$10 wired computer will give you more than you want and if properly calibrated for wheel circumference is amazingly accurate. I've given a few of these away as gifts for someone who just wanted to know how fast they were going and how far. Can't beat the price https://www.ebay.com/itm/274493634334.

I look back fondly on owning a 1973 Motobecane Le Champion road bike for several decades. I gave it away a few years ago when riding such a beast just became too painful. However, nothing beats the comfort of a recumbent though it is certainly not as fast as the Le Champion was.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...87e485a586.png
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I've been getting good use out of my mid 70s Motobecane. No real complaints. Since I never really gave proper thought to upgrades and investing in bikes when I didn't have a lot of money, I may be a little like the proverbial old dog. I don't find it uncomfortable, though I see how the handlebars can stress the hands.

There was a scout leader back in the 70s, Rick who did cross country bike rides and complained about the stress on his hands, like carpal tunnel.

Just how old school do you wish to go ? <Click

Barry

You don't need a smartphone. You don't need an odometer. Just like you don't need skinny tires. See, even people with 700 wheels went from 23mm, to 25mm, and now 28mm and the next thing you know, 1-1/4" will be the hot thing again and your 27's have been there all this time. Reflectors are fine if you get caught out riding at dusk or something, but if you ride in traffic or roads with motor vehicles during daylight, especially in the shadows, you might want a rear light.

Odometers and bike computers are for people who are concerned with distances, rates, and times. They're the ones who used to have second hands on their watches, because they were concerned with things like the precise timing of bus schedules or something. Then they got the digital watches so they could count tenths of a second. Nowadays, their smartphones keep a record of all those tenths and hundredths of a second and the GPS location too. You could get your accountant one if he didn't already have one. He was the guy with the calculator watch back in the eighties.

The only add-ons you might need are a bell, fenders, and a mirror, besides a bag and any necessary rack but that depends entirely on what you need to carry along. Again, a rear light might also be useful to help out drivers these days.

I think it's up to the individual to decide what they need. I mean of course this should go without saying, yet people here are saying other things.