Essential Bike Accessories & Gear
If you just got a new bike or you're planning to get one, this guide will help you figure out what gear you'll want to get. We'll tell you what the must-have's and nice-to-have's are for new riders so you can spend more of your time riding and less time making trips to the bike shop.
Click on anything from the list to explore that section in more detail. Let's jump in!
Accessories for your bike
Here's a list of things that typically attach to the bike, are carried on the bike, or fix the bike.
Must have:
Lights:
Riding in the dark without lights is just asking for trouble. Most of us never intend to, but it's easy to get caught out on a ride by the setting sun. A headlight and taillight not only help you see but also make sure cars can see you.
Lock:
A good bike lock is like insurance for your bike. Whether you're popping into a coffee shop or leaving it outside work, you need something sturdy to keep it from walking off with a stranger.
Multi tool:
Multi tools are like a Swiss Army knife for your bike. It’s tiny but mighty and can fix everything from loose bolts to adjusting your brakes in a pinch.
Flat repair kit:
Flats happen, but they don’t have to ruin your ride. Flat repair kits typically consisting of things like tire levers, CO2 inflators, and tire plugs can save the day—and your walk home. Having a small bottle of tubeless sealant or at least a spare tube and a hand pump isn't a bad idea either. It sounds like a lot, but they're all pretty tiny and don't weigh much.
Water bottle:
Staying hydrated is key. No one like wondering if they'll make it back from the ride because they're dying of thirst. Even if you have more than you need, your water bottle might end up saving someone else's ride.
Nice to have:
Bell:
The polite ding-ding of a bike bell is much better than having to yell out “on your left!” Plus, it just feels cheerful.
Fenders:
If you’ve ever arrived somewhere with a mud stripe up your back, you’ll appreciate what fenders can do. There are plenty of options for commuter bikes and mountain bikes so nothing will spray up into your face or onto your back.
Carrying capacity:
A basket, bag, or rack lets your bike do the heavy lifting. Need to haul groceries, bags, or your work stuff? Problem solved. There's a ton of ways to attach cargo to your bike.
Cycling computer:
For those of you who love stats or goals, keep track of your speed, distance, and more with bike computers. It’s like a Fitbit, but for your bike, and a fun way to nerd out on your rides.
Bike gear you wear
Here's a list of things you typically wear or carry on your body.
Must have:
Helmet:
Protecting your noggin isn’t negotiable. Get a bike helmet that fits well and feels comfortable—you’ll forget you’re even wearing it.
Riding clothes:
A good pair of padded cycling shorts can turn a painful ride into a comfortable one. A nice jersey, jacket, or base layer could also be the gear upgrade you never knew you needed.
Biking shoes:
Biking shoes have stiffer soles help you pedal more efficiently, and if you want the benefits of using clipless pedals, they’re a must. Trust us, they’re worth it.
Nice to have:
Gloves:
They keep your hands comfy and help with grip, plus they’ll save your palms if you take a tumble. While they're nice to have in the summer, gloves are a must pretty much every other time of the year.
Cycling glasses:
Protect your eyes from the sun, wind, dirt, and the always awful rogue eye-seeking bugs with cycling glasses. Bonus: They make you look like a pro.
Hip or back packs:
Perfect for carrying your essentials without feeling bulky. Hydration packs are Ideal for carrying water bladders you can drink on the go, and they have plenty of space for tools, layers, and snacks.
Bike accessories for the house
Here's a list of things you'll need but not during the ride.
Must have:
Floor pump:
Keep your tires at the perfect pressure with a trusty floor pump in the garage. Riding on low tires is like running in flip-flops—just don’t. Your bike will ride poorly and you'll be more likely to get a flat.
Tools:
A basic toolset lets you handle small fixes and adjustments at home. It’s empowering to know you can fix your own bike. Allen keys and wrenches are a good start, and you can buy more as you learn to fix more things.
Spare parts:
Keep extras like tubes, chains, and brake pads handy. When something breaks, you’ll be glad you’re prepared. You can stuff some of them in your pack for on trail repairs or keep 'em at home to save you a trip to the shop.
Chain lube:
A happy chain is a quiet chain. Keep it clean and lubed, and it’ll shift better and last longer, too.
Cleaning supplies:
A clean bike runs better than a dirty bike. You can buy cleaning solutions and brushes specifically made to get into all the hard to clean areas on a bike.
Nice to have:
Bike stand:
A simple bike stand keeps your bike upright and off the ground. It’s great for storage or light maintenance.
Work stand:
If you’re more serious about tinkering, a work stand holds your bike off the ground makes fixing your bike a whole lot easier — it's what real mechanics use.
Kid's bike accessories
Here are some things for kid's bikes or child carriers.
Must have:
Kid's bike helmets:
Little heads need big protection. Get a lid for your kid that fits snugly and has fun designs so they’ll actually want to wear it.
Nice to have:
Child carriers:
These let you bring your little one along for the ride safely and comfortably with an attachable child seat, a tag-along, or a trailer.
Fun bells:
Kids love bells, and it helps teach them about bike safety in a fun way.
Baskets:
Bike baskets are perfect for carrying treasures from their adventures or snacks for the park.
Streamers:
Okay, streamers are not practical, but they’re adorable. And isn’t that the point sometimes?
Bike accessories for the car
Here is some gear that'll come in handy for transportation.
Must have:
Car rack:
The easiest way to bring your bike on road trips or to the trailhead is with a car rack. With models the mount to hitches, spare tires, and the car itself, there's something for everyone.
Nice to have:
Rack ramp:
For heavy bikes or when you’re just not feeling the lift. Makes loading a breeze.
Rack lock:
A little peace of mind for when you leave your car and bike unattended. Keep it secure, and you’ll never have to worry.