Adding a few road bike accessories can enhance your experience. However, the sheer volume of choices may overwhelm you. This article will cover Laserlights, clipless pedals, and a laptop pannier bag. Read on for the top accessories you should consider for your road bike. And don’t forget to check out our other articles on bike accessories.
Laser Lights
Laser light road bike accessories have a unique patented technology that combines white light with a laser image to illuminate cyclists. The laser beams out of blind spots, junctions, and other situations where cyclists are unnoticed by motorists. The bright beams project a bike symbol six meters in front of the cyclist, ensuring they are visible. The laser-embedded beams are made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
The laser light is mounted on a handlebar using a rubber ladder strap. This strap hooks into the cradle mount.
A laser light road bike accessory improves visibility when riding in darkened urban areas., providing a high concentration of lumens for late-night street illumination. This accessory is excellent for city riding at nighttime and on dimmer cycle paths. Some brands offer brighter lights with more lumens, while others are not the best for rural riding but great for busy urban environments.
Bike Bells & Shoes
The first thing you should invest in when you get your first road bike is bike bells. These are inexpensive yet effective in letting other drivers know you are approaching. They also make it easier to communicate with other cyclists and are far more acceptable than yelling and swerving to make your way clear. When purchasing a bell, choose one that fits several bar diameters and has a clear and audible ring. In addition, bells with small footprints allow for more space on the bars and computer.
Bike shoes are also essential. Choose cleated shoes if you want to wear clipless pedals. If you’re new to cycling, you’ll want to buy cycling-specific shoes, which have recessed cleats for a more comfortable ride. Many brands of cycling shoes make terrific shoes, and SendIt Gear provides some of the best on the market. For a great example of a high-quality pair, look into shoes that also feature a clever Boa lacing system.
For beginners, you should invest in a bike pack. Bike packs come in various sizes, and some even include reflective details. Many brands also offer lights that can be attached to the bike pack. Some cyclists like the look of a seat pack, while others prefer a more traditional rucksack. With these accessories, you’ll be on the road in no time, with the carrying capacity for whatever necessities your next biking adventure requires.
Clipless Bike Pedals
Look invented the first clipless pedal system in 1984, which Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault used. The company held patents for the design and is still a major player in this space.
There are also road pedals thst are easy to use and lightweight, with good adjustment options and play. The Bioposition concept in the design of the pedals allows them to provide adequate play for the unique movement patterns of each foot. The platform angle and knee alignment can be adjusted, and the carbon spring makes the pedals easy to clip into. Some road pedals also feature a high-quality carbon spring for increased durability. They’re also easy to clip in and out and have a large contact area.
Laptop Pannier Bag
If you want to carry a laptop on your road bike, you should invest in a good laptop pannier bag. These accessories have several benefits. Besides offering secure storage, they are easy to mount on your bike. To avoid slipping and bumping into things while riding, you should choose one that features sturdy mounting hardware. A sturdy back and bottom hook add security and make the weight easier to carry when riding.
A laptop pannier bag should have a secure mounting system, padded interior, and exterior sleeve to protect your laptop from shattered glass. It should also be waterproof, as most laptop panniers have waterproof exteriors. Consider how much space you need in the bag, too. It depends on the size of your laptop and the number of other items you plan to carry. A vertical bag is ideal as it keeps your center of gravity low.
If space is an issue, you may consider a backpack with a padded sleeve to protect your 15-inch laptop. This type of model offers a padded compartment and multiple pockets for other items.
Compression Socks
The best way to avoid leg soreness and pain (besides proper nutrition, dynamic warmups and stretching) is to wear compression socks for road cycling. These socks are designed to reduce inflammation in the biker’s legs, preventing fluid from leaking into damaged muscle cells and causing pain and swelling. When cycling, compression socks can help prevent these issues, and can also help you recover after your workout. Here are some reasons why compression socks are a great accessory for your road bike.
Compression socks protect your legs from minor injuries, especially if you cycle on hard surfaces like dirt or rocks. They provide protection without affecting your cycling form, making them a necessary road bike accessory. They also reduce muscle soreness and prevent swelling. Compression socks are essential to any cycling kit, so consider investing in some! If you’re unsure whether they’re a good idea for your cycling regimen, consult your doctor first.
Depending on the type of cycling you do, it’s important to choose compression socks made of the right material. Ideally, they should have a pressure of 22mmHg around the ankle, which is ideal for most cyclists. Compression socks should be replaced every four to five months, or they will lose their elasticity and become unusable. You can also choose compression socks made of soft, stretchy material.
Tire Pressure Gauge & Small Air Pump
A tire pressure gauge for road bikes can come in handy for various reasons. These devices measure the amount of air in a bicycle tire, allowing you to monitor the pressure while out on the road. Most road bikers rely on a pressure gauge to prevent dangerous situations like flat tires. The simplest type of tire gauge is the black and white gauge.
A tire pressure gauge, along with a small air pump is an essential accessory for any biker, and you should invest in a high-quality one to ensure accuracy. Most of these devices are large and display the tire’s air pressure in psi (pounds per square inch). They may even be adjustable in units to accommodate both imperial and metric measurements.
Another option is a digital bike tire gauge. This gauge is easy to use, with an illuminated nozzle and a digital display. Many models have a built-in battery saver feature, so they shut off automatically after 30 seconds. The mechanical design means that you can use the device to check the pressure in difficult-to-reach tires, and the gauge includes a deflator valve that allows you to release excess air from your tire.
Rainwear
When it rains, you need to stay dry and warm on your road bike, and rainwear for road bikes is an essential part of cycling accessories. Fortunately, several types of rainwear can keep you safe and comfortable on a rainy day. A good raincoat should not only keep you dry while you’re riding, but it should also look good. Rainwear for road bikes should also include an insulated jacket, as cold rain can cause a damp feeling inside the jacket.
Modern rain gear is waterproof and breathable, keeping cyclists warm and dry without overheating. Rainwear for road bikes can even be made from garbage bags in an absolute pinch. Aside from being useful for keeping cyclists warm and dry, they can also help improve road safety. In addition to waterproof rain gear, modern rain suits can also be rolled up to make them much smaller than lined rain jackets. Choosing the right rainwear is essential for the comfort of both you and your bike.
Another type of rainwear for road bikes is a poncho, also known as a cycling rain cape. These are comfortable and well ventilated, but they’re not very practical if you’re riding at high speeds or in a windy climate.
About the Writer
Daniel Watts graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts in English & Literature. He has written professionally for over seven years, helping numerous small and medium-sized businesses establish a strong online brand presence from the ground up.
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Daniel currently works as a Project Manager of Content at a leading Toronto digital marketing agency. His responsibilities include carefully managing written content and helping to facilitate projects at optimal quality. He also helps write content for client websites, quality checks each website, and oversees the editing, approval and posting process for all keyword-optimized content.
