Whether you just bought a new bike or you have a trusty ride that you've owned for years, there are many ways to outfit it to make cycling more fun.
Setting your bike up properly for the type of riding you do, whether that's around-town cycling, daily commuting or long-distance touring, can make your adventures more comfortable and enjoyable.
Consider picking up these important accessories for your bike before setting out on a ride.
Bike Tools and Repair Kits
Bike Multi-Tool
You never know when you'll need to tighten a loose bolt or fix a busted chain. Be prepared and carry a multi-tool on every ride. Think about carrying tire levers, too. They are helpful when removing your tire from the rim while fixing a flat.
Learn more about bike tools with our Bike Tools: How to Choose article.
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Bike Tire Patch Kit and Spare Tube
If you get a flat tire out on the road, you'll need a way to fix it. A simple patch kit can fix a small puncture in the tube. For large punctures and blowouts, replacing the tube is your best option.
Learn how to fix a flat with our Bike Tire Basics: How to Fix a Flat article.
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Bike Pump
After fixing a flat, you need a way to inflate the tube, so always carry a small pump that will fit in your backpack or mount to your bike frame.
To get rolling again with the least amount of delay, use a carbon dioxide inflator. These inflators use CO2 cartridges to inflate your tires quickly.
Larger floor pumps are intended for home use and are not practical for taking along on a ride. They inflate tires much faster than small, frame-mounted pumps and are built to stand up to frequent use throughout the cycling season.
Read our Bike Pumps: How to Choose article to learn more about your choices.
Bike Accessories
Bike Fenders
Fenders help protect you and your fellow riders from water and mud splatters while you ride.
Fenders are designed with easy clip-on attachment systems or sturdier bolt-on attachment systems. Clip-on fenders are nice for quick installation before the rainy season and easy removal when you need to lighten your bike up for a long ride or race. Clip-on fenders are the easiest option for bikes that don't have threaded fittings for bolts, but they typically don't provide the same protection as bolt-on fenders.
Full-length bolt-on fenders provide the best coverage and they will rattle less during a ride because of their secure attachment to the bike. Bolt-on fenders require that your bike frame has threaded fittings for installation.
Bike Computers
Bike computers let you track distance, speed, time and more. Many are wireless. Higher-end models include GPS for tracking your route, an altimeter for recording elevation gain and loss, and the ability to communicate wirelessly with a heart rate monitor strap.
Some riders prefer to use cycling-specific apps to turn their smartphone into a bike computer. Mounts and cases are available that allow you to attach your phone to your handlebars or stem.
Learn more about bike computers in our Bike Computers: How to Choose article.
Bike Locks
Help protect your bike from crooks with a sturdy lock. For long-term storage, look for a heavy-duty U-lock or chain lock.
Cable locks tend to be less secure, however, they are very convenient for quick stops in low-crime areas. They are also a good choice for use in combination with a U-lock or chain lock to secure easily removed parts, like a seat or front wheel.
For more information, read our Bike Locks: How to Choose article.
Bike Water Bottles and Cages
To stay hydrated while you ride you need easy access to water. A bottle cage holds your water bottle securely and attaches to your bike frame using bolts that screw into threaded fittings on the seat tube or down tube. If your bike doesn't have threaded fittings, look for a bottle cage that installs with straps or a clamp.
Most water bottles for biking have sport tops that are easy to open with one hand or your teeth and allow you to squirt or suck water while you're riding.
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Bike Gear Storage
Bike Cargo Rack
If you plan to pack gear in rear panniers, front panniers, a rack trunk or a basket, or you want to simply strap things down with bungee cords, you'll need to add a cargo rack. A rear rack is the most common type of rack, but if you plan to do any long-distance, multiday tours, look into a front rack for carrying front panniers, too.
Learn more about racks with our Bike Racks and Bags: How to Choose article.
Panniers and On-Bike Packs
Whether you're commuting to work, riding to the grocery store or setting out on a multiday tour, you need a way to carry everything from a bike tool and spare tube to food and camping gear. There are lots of options for carrying your things.
Packs such as saddle packs, handlebar packs and frame bags mount directly to your bike, while panniers, baskets and rack trunks attach to a rack. Some touring bikes include a rear rack, but chances are you'll need to add one.
For carrying lots of gear or bringing your child along, consider pulling a bike trailer behind you.
For more information on bike panniers and on-bike packs, check out our Bike Racks and Bags: How to Choose article.
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Bike Safety Equipment
Bike Lights
Headlights and taillights are essential for use at night and in bad weather.
Headlights range from basic safety models that help motorists see you in dim light, to high-end, high-output lighting systems that light up the trail or road ahead.
Taillights are designed to help motorists and other cyclists see you from behind. Just like the taillights on your car, taillights for bikes are red. Most have flashing and steady modes.
Learn more about lights in our Bike Lights: How to Choose article.
Bike Reflectors, Mirrors and Bells
Bike reflectors, mirrors and bells are simple, low-cost additions with valuable payoffs. Reflectors improve your visibility to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, while a bell is an easy way to alert cyclists and pedestrians to your presence before you pass.
A mirror can help you see vehicles and other cyclists coming up from behind.