Commuting by bike is one of the most freeing experiences. Once you make the change, you’ll find it’s the best choice you’ll ever make concerning your daily routine. Feeling the air on your face and working up a sweat before a long day of work is so refreshing, and once you have the right bike picked out, you’ll fall in love with your daily ride.
In addition to your bike, you should consider investing in the right gadgets and tools for your ride. Most riders already have the essentials: helmet, shoes, tire pump. But there are a few extras you might want to consider for a smoother transition to full-on bike commuter.
To make sure you have all of the essential bike commuter gear for your daily ride, check out our options below and enjoy the ultimate outdoor experience.
1. Roswheel Bike Bag
Buying all of your essential bike commuter gear is pointless if you don’t have a convenient way to carry it. Roswheel has quite the package for you with this waterproof combo bag and rain cover. It fits snugly atop your rear rack and has a cover included for rainy days. This bag is great for laptops, books, and papers too, as it’s 100% waterproof and made of a durable polyester construction. It holds up to 11 liters and has an expandable bag on the side, giving you up to 14 liters of storage space.
The best part of the Roswheel bag is that it is extremely versatile: it has a shoulder strap and can become a regular shoulder bag once you jump off the bike as well as a gym bag or serving any other function you find yourself attending on your bike. Don’t be deterred by bike commuting because you think you can’t bring a change of clothes or any extra things you’ll need. With this bag you’ll have plenty of space.
2. Kitbest Bike Repair Tool Kit
In this kit, you’ll find everything you need in case something goes wrong on your ride or commute. Having it all tucked away in a small bag that attaches to the back of your seat is a wonderful feeling when you realize your tires are flat and there’s no bike shop in sight. This flat kit includes a mini bike pump which fits both Presta and Schrader valves, a glueless patch kit with six patches, and a multitool with a 16 in 1 feature. This kit has all you need for emergency repairs, air, and punctured tires.
3. Planet Bike Eco Rack
This rack is a lifesaver for commuters who carry heavy bags back and forth. It’s better to keep weight off of your back as you ride so you don’t get too tired and have more energy left for the ride itself. Rear racks are desirable because you can hang your bag to the side of it or attach it to the top. If you want to go truly out there, place a basket on top of the rack for extra security. The Eco Rack is made of aluminum and is easy to attach to the frame of your bike. Pop this on and your back will thank you.
Buy: Planet Bike Eco Rack, Bicycle Touring Carrier, Cargo Rack Fits 26”, 700c, 650c, and 29” MTB and ATB, Frame Mounted with Adjustable Non-Disc Brake Mount $34.02
4. Lezyne Control Drive Co2 Bicycle Inflator
This is a must-have piece of bike commuter gear. The Co2 cartridge is an essential addition to your flat kit but is unfortunately not included with the pump and pressure gauge. This Co2 cartridge can be used to inflate your tires quickly if there isn’t a puncture or hole. This one-time use only item is made of aluminum and brass for extra durability and may be recycled. It has an oversized control knob so you can inflate your tires easily and is compatible with Presta and Schrader valves. Stock up on these little cartridges, because you never know when you’ll need one.
Buy: LEZYNE Control Drive CO2 Bicycle Inflator, with 16g Cartridge, Red $26.99
5. Ascher Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
Every bike needs front and rear lights, and the rechargeable Ascher USB set is our top choice for commuters. They’re great because they recharge so easily and if you forget, you can charge them anywhere. They include four light mode options: bright, low, slow flashing, and fast flashing. The red light at the rear is especially bright and will keep you safe from cars or other cyclists. They attach easily to handlebars and seat posts, with four stretchy rubber grips for different widths. Also consider attaching one to your helmet and jacket. Another perk is that you can easily detach the Ascher lights and take them on a hike, backpacking trip, or camping adventure.
Buy: Ascher Ultra Bright USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set, Powerful Bicycle Front Headlight and Back Taillight, 4 Light Modes, Easy to Install for Men Women Kids Road Mountain Cycling $16.99
6. Power Grips Sport Pedal Kit
For an easier commute, consider tucking your feet into pedals with straps. This will enable you to pull up on your pedal stroke, instead of using only one muscle group to push down. Things get easier when you can use more power and less energy on longer rides, and these pedals will help with that. They attach to your bike in lieu of regular, platform pedals and allow you to insert your feet into the straps or clips for ultimate momentum. These pedals weigh 500 grams and come with completely weather-resistant straps. No need for expensive cycling shoes, just pop these onto your bike and you can keep only one change of footwear in your bag.
7. Craft Rain Gear Reflective Pants
For most people, the commute by bike is deemed impossible before they even try because of one aspect: the weather. How do you get to work on a bike when it’s raining? Well, there are plenty of rain gear options available, and these Craft pants are durable, reflective and waterproof. Just change your clothes when you arrive at work and no one will be the wiser, plus you’ll have enjoyed a refreshing outdoor experience before the day has really started. Match the pants with a jacket and you’ll be all set to ride in any weather.
Buy: Craft Mens Ride Rain Commuter Bike Cycling Windproof and Waterproof Reflective Pants $99.99
8. SMITH Optics Trace Cycling Helmet
This helmet is a great mid-budget option for optimal protection. At a little over $100, you know you’re paying for quality as the $20 helmets people are so keen on purchasing really don’t cut it when your head hits the asphalt. The SMITH Optics helmet is a good deal because it has areocore impact foam, eighteen vents for airflow along your scalp and a vaporfit retention system. It comes in many colors but the price increases with each shade. Take this helmet with you and you’ll always be protected, no matter if you’re riding in traffic or out on the trails. A helmet is obviously an essential piece of bike commuter gear, but it’s not an area where you want to cut costs. Invest in a worthy helmet to protect yourself during your daily commute.
Buy: Smith Optics Trace MIPS Adult Cycling Helmet (Matte White, Large) $250.00
9. Helicopter Duck Bike Bell
Who doesn’t need something ridiculous and cute attached to their bike to make them smile after a long day? There are plenty of “joke” bells out there but this one is particularly fun. There are unicorns, hamburgers, Spidermans — you name it, you’ll find it, and then attach it right onto your handlebar to make some pleasant noise at the car that’s avoiding your eye as you’re trying to cross the street. You’re welcome.
Buy: Lovely Squeeze Duck Bicycle Horns, Silicone Elasticity Belt Easily Install Bike Bell for Kids Sport Outdoor $9.99
10. Kryptonite Bike Lock
This essential lock by Kryptonite has been used for years by many happy customers. The sturdiest, heaviest lock there is, you won’t be disappointed, and hopefully, no bikes will be stolen. Some bike locking tips: always lock through the frame of the bike as well as through the front wheel. If you only lock it to the front tire, the rest of your bike can easily be stolen. Try to lock it out in front of a busy building and not down a side street or in an alley. Kryptonite might be a little more expensive than your average lock, but it’s worth it.
Buy: Kryptonite New-U New York Standard Heavy Duty Bicycle U Lock Bike Lock $114.95