SHK

What accessories do you have for your bike that you cant live without? or simply just think is awesome.

Im always searching amazon and other sites for cool bike accessories. Headlights? Bells? saddle bags? Cycle computers? phone mounts?

Hardrock23

My computer and saddle bag filled with tools. I dont care for having alot on my bike, but i do like looking at all the accessories that are out there. Oh, and a bar-end mirror...thats what i like/use most.

rekmeyata

My saddle bag and the tire tools inside of it and the pump. Listed by priority is the bag with the tools, pump, water bottle cages and bottles, computer is last. Riding at night would add the lights before the computer.

Mirrors are ok, I tried using one and I found for myself it wasn't necessary, I've been riding for over 40 years without one so when I got one I found out I didn't really need it, but that's a personal thing that only you can decide if you need one. Bells is another unnecessary item, bells cannot be heard of the din of city traffic, plus it takes a hand to operate the bell that is now taking a hand off a brake and potentially increasing your chance for an accident; besides my voice is louder than any bell.

I don't know what "cool" stuff you're seeing on Amazon but you do have to be careful you don't over do it with unnecessary accessories, and believe me besides all the stuff that Hardrock and myself mentioned there isn't much left that is important nor will be found but on a very very few bikes.

SkunkWerX

Exactly! Reading my mind.
Computer, Tools, mirror. Those are the top three.

I include one spare inner tube and mini pump as part of "tools".

indyfabz

I like to keep it simple:

TenSpeedV2

Garmin EDGE 810 is the only accessory on my bike. Lights are not counted as those are a necessity.

SkunkWerX

HA!! Cool set up! I have visions of one day taking a multi day tour...I see rigs like yours and am impressed by the thought that goes into the set up and what is necessary weight, and what is not.

indyfabz

That's from last month in Montana at the start of an eleven day tour through the mountains.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/105349...57667672266654




There are actually no bike gadgets other than flat fixing stuff, a bike computer and a tail light. But inside there is, among other things, a full kitchen. The only other electronics were a dumb phone, charging cord, headlamp, camera (carried in the jersey pocket), a few spare, rechargeable AAA batteries and their charger. I like to keep things low tech. Didn't use a computer once during the trip.

SkunkWerX

I still have lights on my hybrid. My fitness routine was wake up before going to work, and get in a ride. it was early dawn, and warranted the lights. No mostly daytime, but the flashing rear light does come in handy.... like on a foggy morning.

fietsbob

A Spork, for pot noodles & Ice cream.

GerryinHouston

Front and rear high power blinkies, simple speed/distance computer and a rack bag with tools and rainjacket. Also, a big bike bell (love it!...).

cyccommute 

What are you waiting for, Christmas? Pick a date, pick a route and make it happen.

cyccommute 

Pump, CoolTool, Rema Tiptop patch kit, computer. Lights in the winter.

alabamadp

Quad lock phone mount.

canklecat

None of my accessories has been a complete waste of money, but there are a few I use every ride, more or less in order of how often I use 'em:

• Mirrycle handlebar mirror. Feel nekkid without it.
• Bottle cage and 24 oz Polar bottle. Me thirsty. Me drink like hot dog in summer.
• Combination bell/compass. Kitschy but useful. I have no natural sense of direction and refer to the compass often. The bell is less useful -- no amount of adjustment puts it where I can flick the clapper without compromising my grip stability. It could be more useful only if the manufacturer added a bobble head doll.
• Repurposed lens pouches from my old Lowepro waist bag, now used on the handlebar to hold my phone and other doodads.
• Bontrager BackRack S. With a bungee cargo net, bungee cords and long Velcro strap, and a shoulder bag I can always stop for a few groceries on the way home.
• Fairly heavy steel cable and disc padlock. Doubles as a melee weapon against the zombie hordes.
• Lights. Serfas SL-255 headlight, runs on a pair of AA's. Planet Bike Blinky 5 on the rear rack, runs on AAA's. On the helmet, Blackburn 2'Fer and Vivo-Bike Illuminati, both lightweight USB rechargeables.
• P&S camera, although I mostly use the old iPhone 4s for snaps and short videos, along with running a cycling app.

Stuff I carry every ride but don't often actually need:

• Some sorta Park multi-tool. I may add another with a chain and spoke tool.
• Patch kit.
• Topeak Race Rocket HP mini-pump. Since I use heavy duty puncture resistant tires I figured I'd rarely need a pump on the road. So I got the smallest decent pump I could find and usually take it with me off the bike.

I just added an Ion Speed Pro video camera a couple of weeks ago. Just for safety purposes. My rides aren't interesting enough to publish many videos, although occasionally I see some amusing or crazy stuff and plan to edit 'em down to a year end compilation.

TheLibrarian

Streamers that come out of the handlebars (no just kidding but it would be cool), and a quick release seat seat post.

IndianaRecRider

Can't live without? I guess that would be my rack mounted bag with tools/pump/spare tube, headlight (when riding after dark), rear blinkie (on all the time, day or night) and also my handlebar mounted mirror. One too many close calls necessitated its addition this past Spring.

Nice accessories to have but aren't "life and death"...Edge 800 (when it decides to work) and my Hero4 Session.

Milton Keynes

Headlight and taillight, of course. Stowaway 400 bag mounted just behind the handlebars on the top tube to hold keys, wallet, and smartphone. Under seat bag to hold tools, patch kit, and spare tube. Air pump mounted on side of seat tube.

Milton Keynes

And playing cards in the spokes of the rear wheel.

Milton Keynes

Don't forget the mini bar:

Milton Keynes

Oh I never thought I'd need a bell, but since I've been getting up early and riding before work, I come across a lot of early morning walkers. So I've ordered a small bell but it hasn't arrived yet. Also got one for my son's bike, I'm sure he'll love it.

Yendor72

My Taggio Pro Bicycle pump head is a must need for me. So simple to use, I need to order another one to have a spare.

caffein8ed

I do a lot of riding at night, so my lighting setup is easily the most essential accessory for me.

Front lighting:
Fenix BT20 headlight for steady light
Planet Bike ½-Watt headlight used in blinky mode only

Rear lighting:
A pair of Planet Bike Blinky 3 tail lights

Additional accessories:
Mirrycle handlebar mirror
Saddle bag with tools, a small first aid kit, and a CO2 inflator w/2 carts
2 bottle cages w/24oz Polar bottles

Finally, as a numbers/stats nerd, this gives me much joy:
Sigma ROX 5.0 bike computer w/HR chest strap

wphamilton

Distributed to my 3 bikes are 2 bells, 2 light groups, 2 computers so I guess those are the awesome gadgets, but not "can't live without".

Similarly for fenders, one without and two with.

cyclist2000

Hmm, can't live without or think is awesome?...


For my normal 20 mile ride, I like a frame bag and a small bag on the top of the top tube for my phone and some energy snacks.


I like a Super flash tail light but never need to use it, but the day that I do use it, it will be a life saver.


On my Touring bike, lights, reflectors, reflective tape and fenders.