Most cyclists have gone down the rabbit hole of buying gear for the sake of it, collecting up duplicates of kit that will rarely be used, but if you really love cycling then simply having a bike and riding it isn't quite enough. Even if you're a beginner to cycling you'll soon find yourself wondering how quick you did that commute to work, were you faster or slower than yesterday? How quickly do other people do this route? The more you cycle the more you might also notice your cheap helmet feeling uncomfortable or rubbish lights not illuminating the road ahead. Pick out the best bits of equipment for you and your bike and you've got a fighting chance of not only being comfortable but also outpacing your mates on Strava. This selection of accessories has been tried and tested and there's something here for road, mountain, touring and commuters.
Cube Badger helmet | £110
Cube’s range-topping MTB helmet bears the name of the ferocious badger. Snigger not, anyone that has been confronted by the black and white striped nightwalker will attest to its fearsome nature. Cube’s Natural Fit system is put into play for fantastic comfort on the head and the Badger offers maximum protection from an EPS double-in-mold construction, plus generous coverage over the head and an effective vent system.
Teko High Vis Socks | £25 (2 pair pack)
Maximise visibility on the bike by investing in Teko’s bright high vis socks, which have been infused with Scotchlite yarns to reflect headlights. Light cushioning, seamless toes and an anatomical fit help to ensure all-day riding comfort, and the socks are constructed from 100% post-consumer recycled fibres, so they're environmentally friendly too. The material is moisture wicking, which helps keep feet dry, and the ¾ length keeps your lower legs toasty warm.
Suunto 9 Baro Smartwatch | £585
A durable multisport smartwatch is a must for any aspiring outdoors person, and one with advanced functions like GPS and barometric altitude is a boon for those pushing the envelope. Battery life trumps most other smartwatches out there, even in tracking mode with full accuracy you can expect over 30 hours and in simple watch mode battery life easily extends to over a week. Expect features like daily HR and sleep tracking to get quite addictive though!
Shimano MT3 SPD Touring Shoes | £55
Great both on and off the bike and designed to look at least a little like a normal shoe, Shimano’s MT3 is one of the best options out there for cycle touring and commuting. Flexible enough to walk in but with enough stiffness for decent power transfer to the pedals, the MT3s straddle the line perfectly between SPD and flat MTB shoes. Just watch out for sizing, as the MT3s tend to run small.
Chrome Union Short 2.0 | £91
A fully-featured cycling short that you’d happily wear off the bike is a rare thing indeed, but hipster brand Chrome have come up with the goods in the form of the Union Short 2.0. Four-way water resistant fabric with subtle reflective detailing and useful pockets make them practical, and a relaxed fit and full-length gusset make them as comfortable as a pair of beach shorts to wear. You'll never want to take these off.
SKS Airworx 10.0 Floor Pump | £25
Every keen cyclist needs a floor pump, and this option from SKS is solid and affordable. Built with a steel cylinder and sturdy base, it’s designed to last, and it's all you need for a full stable of bikes thanks to the multi-valve head. Max PSI output is 10 bar / 144 PSI, which should see you right on all road bikes, and the extra long tube and decent gauge make inflating a breeze. There are even adapters for inflating balls and air mattresses.
Osprey Syncro 20 | £90
The Syncro comes in 5, 12, or 20 litre versions and is sold as a cycling pack but could just as easily be used for hiking and commuting. Everything you need for cycling is here, from a high vis raincover to helmet and light attachment points. Osprey’s Airspeed back system is put to good use, hugging the back but letting air flow freely and helping to reduce sweat build up. Pockets aplenty and hydration bladder compatibility make this a great pack for longer tours, too.
Cateye Sync Light Set | £75
Cateye's clever Sync set lets you control up to seven lights with just one button. Get started with the front and rear light set, available from Rutland Cycling - both have good battery life and shine with up to 500 lumens, and the rear light automatically illuminates at high intensity when it senses braking. Everything is controlled via an app where you can toggle settings and monitor battery life as well as pairing up to your lighting kit. A great set for commuting at night.
Tannus Armour Inner Tube Insert | £30
Branded as a 'multi-cell foam compound for your bike', the genius Tannus Armour is less complicated than it sounds. Simply put, Armour is a foam insert that sits between your tyre and inner tube, providing 15 mm of puncture protection from sharp objects and rocks. We think they’re a worthy investment for mountain and adventure bikers who refuse to give up their tubes.
Mio Cyclo 405 HC GPS | £350
With the functions of a cycling computer and the practicality of a GPS, the 405 is the ideal companion on European cycle trips. Direct syncing to Strava via the excellent Mioshare app and the inclusion of cadence sensor and heart rate monitor means you can track, improve and share your performance on the move. Navigating is also easy, using pre-loaded OpenStreetMap European maps via a four inch colour screen that is intuitive to use thanks to an icon based homescreen.
