These 8 Accessories Will Seriously Upgrade Your Bike Commute

The right gear can make your bike commute better. And we’re not just talking about the wheels and frame beneath you. Here are all the accessories you need to be safe, comfortable, and organized next time you ride to work — which will also help you stay motivated to keep on rolling. 

Thule Roundtrip Duffel

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Missing the window to ride to work because you can’t find your lights, you forgot your shoes or you misplaced your rain jacket is annoying. This duffel organizes everything you need for riding in one spot. The duffel has a flexible accordion storage system with various size cubbies to hold clothes, shades, computer, snacks, socks, gloves, water bottles and more. Bigger sections separate and protect helmet, shoes and tools, as well as wet and stinky kit you want to seal away when you’re at work. You can wear the crossbody duffel on your back, and the strap clips out of the way when you want to leave it loaded but open in your mudroom or chucked in the trunk of your car.

Blackburn Big Switch Ratchet Multi Tool

When your bike seat is creaky and loose, your bottle cage is rattling, or a fender or rack mount has come undone, it often seems impossible to reach the bolt that needs tightening with a standard set of folding hex wrenches. Blackburn’s Switch Ratchet Multi is the perfect tool to angle into hard-to-reach places. The mini ratchet has nine interchangeable bits, including torque bits and screwdrivers, and it becomes the handle of a chain tool in case of a break. The chain tool head doubles as a disc pad spreader, Presta core tool and spoke wrench. Slide this minimalist bike repair powerhouse into your jacket or jersey pocket for commuting, cruising or riding the local crit. 

Spurcycle Bike Bell

With a classic brushed brass dome, anodized aluminum hammer, wire thumb lever and stainless steel mount, this USA-made bell is streamlined, stylish and loud. It mounts with a few quick turns of a 2.5mm hex wrench, so you can let ear-budded joggers, texting walkers, dogs, kids, cars and anyone else you encounter that you’re coming. Lots of bells draw attention because they’re big and ugly. This bell is minimalist and designed to complement your bike, not to distract from it. 

Giro Caden MIPS Urban Cycling Helmet

An integrated light in the back of this hardbody helmet helps cars see you, no matter the weather. With the rechargeable light on, the entire back of the helmet glows red. Inside, a MIPS liner reduces rotational impacts — the helmet is rated to the new speed e-bike safety standard — and 12 vents keep you cool when it’s hot out. An easy-to-adjust internal harness snugs the helmet to your head to keep it comfortably secure, and a magnetic chin clip keeps it on. For riders who like to leave their lid with the bike, a specific lock port in the dent- and ding-resistant shell accepts a chain or u-lock. 

Osprey Radial Bike Commuter Pack

The Radial is packed with commuter-friendly features. The pack frame includes an extra pole that functions as a kickstand, keeping it from tipping over when you set it down loaded. A helmet carry feeds through a helmet vent, so there aren’t awkward slings and straps to get caught. And the pack has five big pockets that hold a laptop, keep your clothes and shoes separate, and expand if you need more space. The ventilated, suspended back and removable hip belt are cool and comfortable whether you’re sprinting to the office or dashing to the gym. Reflective zips and prints increase your visibility, while a hi-viz rain cover keeps content dry in case of precipitation.

Hiplok Gold Wearable Chain Lock

Made from hardened steel with a 12mm shackle and 10mm chain, this is one of the most secure locks you can buy. It’s also one of the easiest to carry. The lock, which has a reflective and protective fabric sleeve, wraps around your waist and secures with a one-hand, quick-release belt closure when you’re riding. Dismount and the 33.5” chain loops around your bike and locks with a coded key. The lock, which fits waists up to 44 inches, has a lifetime warranty and a maximum level Gold security rating from Sold Secure. 

Cannondale Wheel Sensor

The most affordable ride computer out thee comes to life with Cannondale’s app, giving you data on speed, distance, time and calories burned, as well as also how much carbon you’re keeping out of the atmosphere by biking rather driving. Beyond the price, the best thing about this bike computer might be that you don’t have to remember to turn it on. The sensor records automatically when your wheels start spinning, saving up to 30 rides without syncing to the app. Beyond fitness applications, this unit also pings you when your bike needs a tune-up, and if you ride a bike with suspension, it saves those settings. 

DZR H2O

The main reason to wear a bike shoe instead of a sneaker is a stiffer sole, which makes pedaling more efficient. This full grain sheepskin leather option has a nylon shank for superb energy transfer to the pedals, yet it still feels normal to walk in. It’s fully seam-sealed, with a waterproof membrane over moisture-wicking mesh, so even if you’re forced into a puddle when you pedal, you won’t arrive at work with wet feet. Laces tuck away to keep them dry and out of your chainring, and a gum rubber sole offers excellent traction, even on polished office building steps. Run this shoe clipless or with flat pedals, and when you get to work, you won’t have to change; nothing about it looks like a bike shoe.

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