Best cycling accessories
It’s always best to be prepared
Cycling is supposed to alleviate stress, but this doesn’t mean things always go to plan. Here are a few must-have accessories for every cyclist to help you prepare for the most common of problems that can stop you in your tracks.
Whether it’s dealing with punctures, keeping yourself dry and safe, or being able to securely lock your bike up and return later to find it’s still where you left it.
This is the ultimate list of cyclists’ must-haves, so treat yourself and be prepared for anything that comes your way.
Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet
Lots of colors available
Schwinn is iconic in American biking history, meaning its products are designed for use on America’s roads. The Thrasher helmet comes in a huge amount of color options, making it easy to match your helmet to your kit for that all important aesthetic.
With 21 integrated vents, your head will stay nice and cool, while the easy-to-adjust side straps offer a fine-tuned fit. At the front is a removable visor, while at the back is a dial that allows for a 360-degree fit, offering both comfort and safety while out riding. Speaking of safety, it’s amazing how many of its reviewers have vouched for the protection it’s offered when they themselves have been involved with collisions. That certainly speaks volumes in our books.
Gore C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry 1985 Jacket
The ultimate wet weather jacket from the biggest name in waterproof cycling jackets
If you are wondering why 1985, well that's a tribute to when Gore released the first revolutionary Gore-Tex jacket and a reminder they have been at the top of the outdoor jacket game for a long time.
Gore’s Shakedry technology is their most advanced material yet and has quickly become the gold standard for wet weather activities. Shakedry uses a single layer of Gore-Tex technical membrane which forces water to bead and roll off whilst allowing any humidity on the inside to escape. As the water doesn’t soak into the jacket there is no chilling effect, making this a great windproof layer even in wet weather. Constructed from a single layer of Shakedry membrane paired with a thin liner, the resulting jacket is very light and packs away easily.
Gore has specced the C5 Shakedry 1985 with a reinforced two-way zipper and an ergonomically shaped collar with adjustable velcro for a perfect fit. The back features reflective detailing and a small rear zipped pocket that doubles as a storage sack for the jacket to fold away into.
Moreok Cycling gloves
Match your gloves to your kit
These half-finger cycling gloves from Moreok come with all the features you’d expect to find: a hook and loop closure, breathable fabric for a comfortable fit, thick 5mm gel pads on the heel of the hand to help reduce numbness and arm fatigue, Terry cloth on the thumbs, easy-off hooks, anti-slip silicone print on the palm, and an adjustable Velcro wrist strap.
All this for a budget price, plus they come in a whopping 13 different color options, making these super easy to match with your bike and/or your kit. Aesthetics matter!
Torege Polarized Sports sunglasses
Interchangeable polarized lenses at a fraction of the price
If you’re not looking to shell out on a big name, these polarized sports sunglasses from Torege offer exceptional value.
You get three interchangeable lenses, which are available in multiple colors (along with several frame color options), and are treated with a UV400 protective coating. Made from polycarbonate, the lenses are designed to be impact- and scratch-resistant, meaning they’ll withstand the test of time.
The rimless jacket frame design is reminiscent of more high-end models from the likes of Oakley, and offers a clear lower field of vision. It’s all topped off with a soft rubber nose pad for a comfortable fit.
DAWAY A35 Bike Repair Kit
Everything you need to fix your bike on the go
We like the Daway repair kit because it simply contains every tool you need to fix a flat tire. They’re all conveniently stored inside a bag, which you can fix to your frame so you’re never without it.
Included in the kit is also a 16-in-1 multi-tool which is fully equipped with all the tools you could possibly need to get your flat fixed so you can keep rolling towards your destination. It has both a Phillips and flat head screwdriver, hex wrenches from sizes 2-6mm, a socket spanner for sizes 8, 9 and 10mm), a flat wrench for sizes 8, 10 and 15mm, and a sleeve extension rod. And it doesn’t stop there: there is also a metal rasp and two plastic tire levers, plus 8 tube patches. On top of all that, there’s a dog bone hex wrench, suitable for nut sizes between 6 and 15mm - perfect to get your wheel out if you don’t have quick-release skewers.
The mini pump is another stand-out piece. It’s constructed from steel and ABS plastic, is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves, and can pump a tire all the way up to 120 PSI. Plus it has its own mounting bracket and dust cap for extra convenience.
Topeak Race Rocket Master Blaster
A small but powerful bike pump that will get you re-inflated and back on the road
Topeak has been keeping riders on the road by making innovative tools and pumps for a long time. The Race Rocket Master Blaster is a compact and lightweight pump that will easily fit into a jersey pocket and has a max rating of 120psi.
Neatly stored inside the pump body, an extendable hose is combined with Topeak’s Smarthead Threadlock head. This head threads to the valve stem and allows both Presta and Schrader valves to be inflated without needing to change any fiddly internal parts.
Blackburn Tradesman
If inspector gadget were a bike multi-tool, he’d be a Blackburn Tradesman
Blackburn’s Tradesman multi-tool has 18 built-in tools, with Hex heads from 2-8mm, two Torx bits, screwdrivers, a valve core remover and a disc pad spreader. But that's not all; there is also a chain tool with an integrated quick link splitter, and it even has a spot to store your quick link, so you don’t have to dump out your entire seat pack to find it — no word on go-go gadget faster-legs yet, though.
It’s heavy when you drop it onto a scale, and it's pretty big too, though this does give you a bit more leverage for loosening sticky bolts.
Ascher USB Rechargeable Set
Rechargeable front and rear set
This pair of lights from Ascher is USB rechargeable and each features three LED bulbs to spread its light over a wide coverage for maximum visibility from all angles.
The 80 lumen output is ample brightness to be seen during dusky rides, but if you need to see where you're going on unlit roads, the higher-lumen options might be better suited to your needs.
The 650mAh battery offers hours of battery life between charges, and with a single rubber strap each, the lights are easy to fit and remove. Both front and rear lights come with four settings which include full brightness, half brightness, slow flashing and fast flashing, and a single button allows you to cycle between the modes.
Hiplok DX
For the daily commuter, this is ergonomic excellence
If you are concerned about lugging a heavy bike lock in your backpack while commuting, a lightweight solution which does not sacrifice security is the Hiplok DX. At only 1120grams, it will hardly bother you stowed in a backpack or attached to your belt, yet still offers significant safety.
An astute concept which merges the structural strength of a traditional U-lock with low mass and outstanding portability.
The Hiplok DX does what its name implies, enabling a rider to secure this lock to a belt or shoulder strap, thanks to prongs moulded into its chassis.
Although the 14mm shackle diameter might not be as large as some rivals, none can compete with the Hiplok’s remarkably low weight. If you value portability and desire the security of a U-lock, this is a compelling alternative.
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Mildred joined as Reviews Writer for Cyclingnews and BikePerfect in December 2020. She loves all forms of cycling from long-distance audax to daily errand-running by bike, and does almost everything on two wheels, including moving house, and started out her cycling career working in a bike shop. For the past five years she's volunteered at The Bristol Bike Project as a mechanic and session coordinator, and now sits on its board of directors.
Since then she's gone on to write for a multitude of cycling publications, including Bikeradar, Cycling Plus, Singletrack, Red Bull, Cycling UK and Total Women's Cycling. She's dedicated to providing more coverage of women's specific cycling tech, elevating under-represented voices in the sport, and making cycling more accessible overall.
Height: 156cm (5'2")
Weight: 75kg
Rides: Stayer Groadinger UG, Triban RC520 Women's Disc, Genesis Flyer, Marin Larkspur, Cotic BFe 26, Clandestine custom bike