Bike commuting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, keep active and stay healthy, all while reducing traffic and carbon emissions.
That being said, naturally there are some extra considerations you’d need to take if you want to get serious about committing to commuting with a bike, as opposed to driving or even taking public transportation.
There are many commuter bike accessories that can absolutely revolutionize your experience. Six of the best of them will be covered in this article.
Top Commuter Bike Accessories
Bike Fenders
If you’re not familiar with bike fenders, basically they are “shields” that help protect you and your bike’s components from mud, sand, dirt, and other road debris. Alternatively, you can think of them as mudguards.
Fenders can not only improve your comfort, but by keeping spray and debris that accumulates on your bike to a minimum, fenders can potentially minimize abrasive wear, as well as chemical corrosion to the bike’s chain, frame and other components.
Bike Headlights
Bike commuters often must get an earlier start than others, and likewise, often get home later. This can entail leaving for work or arriving home in pitch darkness.
Just like a car needs headlights, so too does your commuter bike. There are many high-quality, high-lumen, adjustable bike lights, some of which can be clamped directly onto your handlebars.
In other words, there are many good options. Get what works for you.
Bike Tail Lights
Whereas bike headlights are invaluable commuter bike accessories because they allow you to see, rear bike lights allow you to be seen, making them an imperative for cyclists who ride in the dark.
Bike tail lights improve safety by alerting other motorists of your presence and are much better than reflectors because they actively produce light (some even flash) rather than relying solely on reflectivity to signal your presence.
Bike Bags or Racks
Commuting cyclists have a distinct issue that doesn’t really affect motorists. There’s limited space on the bike for personal items, briefcases, or other necessaries.
Bike bags and bike racks both help address this shortcoming by expanding the overall space on your bike for taking along what you need.
Ergonomic Grips
Long rides to work can take a toll on your hands. And, while your hands won’t be the only part of you that gets fatigued, uncomfortable handlebar grips are not something you should have to suffer through.
There are many ergonomic grips for bike handlebars that can be easily installed to allow good control of the bike and reduce hand discomfort.. A good pair of ergonomic grips can be a commuter’s best friend.
A Solid Bike Lock
Bike commuting means you often need to leave your bike outside when you arrive to your destination. A reliable bike lock will help protect your bike from theft and is a must have accessory for all cyclists.
Thinking About Bike Commuting? Here Are Some of the Top Arguments in Favor
Not a commuter cyclist yet, but considering? Here are some quick arguments in favor:
- Commuting with a bike can reduce your expenses on transportation, be they fare or fuel.
- Commuting will incur lower maintenance costs (it’s almost always cheaper to fix a bike than a car!).
- Cycling reduces reliance on public transportation schedules (where applicable)
- Cyclists can often circumvent traffic on heavily used roadways.
- It’s easier (and often more cost effective) to “park” a bike than a car.
- Regular cycling comes with a litany of health benefits, both physical and mental.
- Cycling reduces your carbon footprint and contributes no harmful emissions.
- And, on top of that, it’s fun and rewarding!
In short, if you’ve been considering commuting with your bike, give it a try in the near future. You just might not go back!
Explore These and Other Commuter Bike Accessories Here
Already a commuter and looking for upgrades and other commuter bike accessories? Get them online at Planet Bike. Planet Bike carries an impressive collection of high-quality, utilitarian accessories for commuters, inclusive of everything mentioned in this list along with much more.
Visit their website today or get in touch with them directly for more information.
For more information about LED Bike Lights and Gravel Bike Accessories Please visit: Planet Bike.
