Key Cycling Accessories to Make Your Rides More Comfortable, Fun, and Safe
If you’ve been on a bike this summer, chances are you’ve thought about adding something to make your rides easier, faster, or just more stylish. If your helmet stinks, your shoes feel worn, or the longer rides could use more cushion, it’s time to upgrade.
We’ve selected standout accessories that will improve your rides. We found sleeker, safer helmets, shoes for road and off-road riding, and cushier bibs — all of which should keep you excited about your next cycling adventure.
We skipped essentials like bottle cages and CO2 pumps in favor of gear that will elevate your pedal-powered experience.
Bike Accessories You Know You Want
Chrome Mini Metro 20L Messenger Bag: $90 (24% Off)
The Mini Metro is a smaller take on the original that holds a 15-inch laptop, extra shoes, and other odds and ends for your commuting pleasure. It’s made to sling over your shoulder and buckle like a seatbelt. The waterproof CORDURA should hold up against abuse, and the reinforced straps are made to last.
Shop the Mini Metro 20L Messenger Bag
Smith Guide’s Choice ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses: $143 (20% Off)
These sunglasses are angled toward anglers, but cyclists also know the joys of tinted lenses during dawn and twilight rides. Seeing more color with more contrast and less glare will let you keep an eye out for road hazards. The hinges are made to flex, and the nose and temple are padded.
Shop the Guide’s Choice ChromaPop Sunglasses
Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT ROAM GPS Bike Computer Bundle: $480
This is a kit for navigation and tracking all kinds of data. It includes Wahoo’s first color screen display with new navigation options on the device. This is designed to make it easier to find routes or waypoints.
For the data junkies, this bundle includes Wahoo’s TICKR heart-rate monitor and sensors for recording RPM, speed, and cadence. That’s the whole enchilada of key riding metrics. And don’t think this is just for roadies — the ROAM integrates Singletracks and MTB Project.
Shop the ELEMNT ROAM GPS Bundle
Specialized Stix Elite 2 Headlight & Taillight: $40 Each
The Stix Elite 2 lights have several beam modes and hours of battery life. Use the headlight’s full beams for night rides and a flash mode to save the battery during day trips.
The taillight has six red-light modes with 100-lumen outputs. A flexible mounting system lets you use the headlight on most styles of handlebars, which is a bonus if you ride more than one. Both recharge via USB.
Shop the Stix Elite 2 HeadlightShop the Stix Elite 2 Taillight
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T Equipe EVO Short & Cento EVO Bib Short — Men’s: From $229 & $329
The Equipe has a new chamois that allows for more airflow on long, hot rides. For shock absorption, Assos uses 8mm-thick memory foam in the free-floating chamois that can rebound to its original composition. A lay-flat design helps them stay snug against the body and in place.
The Cento chamois uses 2 mm more memory foam than the Equipe and adds a brushed microfiber layer at the front. Designed with longer hauls in mind, these bibs allow a little more room in the body and along the insert’s side panels, which creates more freedom of movement in that vulnerable, high-torque area.
Shop the T Equipe EVO ShortShop the Cento EVO Bib Short
Specialized Propero III + ANGi MIPS Helmet: $140
At its core, the Propero III is a helmet that balances racing performance and comfort and comes with MIPS technology for added protection in case of a rotational impact.
For added safety, there’s an ANGi Crash Sensor that works with Specialized’s app to detect a crash and notify an emergency contact if you can’t reach your phone. The sensor can sync with Strava for tracking as well.
Shimano SH-RC9 S-PHYRE Cycling Shoe — Men’s: $425
An all-around road shoe that’s carbon-stiff for sprints and light for long climbs. Dual BOA closures allow for on-the-go adjustments. A single size 42 shoe comes in at 243 g, and they work with three-bolt road cleats.
Shop the SH-RC9 S-PHYRE Cycling Shoe
Kask Protone Helmet: $300
The Protone is shaped to slip through the air in most riding positions and allow plenty of ventilation. The inside of the lid uses Coolmax padding against your head for improved moisture transfer and evaporation. The same material is used in socks to help wick moisture and avoid odors.
Five Ten Freerider Pro Cycling Shoe — Men’s & Women’s: $150
The Freeriders are made for all-mountain or enduro rides. The Stealth rubber soles grip onto flat pedals and have a flexible midsole to let you feel the terrain. Reinforced toes protect against some contact with the ground, and the uppers are made to dry fast. They look pretty slick off the bike too.
Shop Men’s Freerider ShoeShop Women’s Freerider Shoe
If you’re looking for bargains on bike accessories, Competitive Cyclist still has a sale on select items. Those aren’t likely to come back in stock, so if you see something you like, add it to your cart.
This article is sponsored by Competitive Cyclist. Find other deals on bikes and accessories here.
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