
If you’re an aspiring bicycle commuter, there are a few accessories you might want to stock up on. Luckily for you, we’re here: today, we’re compiling a list of the best bicycle accessories for commuting.
Bicycle commuting is appealing for a wide array of reasons. Not only is it eco-conscious, but it’s always a smart way to incorporate exercise into a tight daily schedule. And the best thing about it? You can forget about traffic and gas money.
Alright, let’s get to it!
Quick Comparison
Best Bicycle Accessories for Commuting: It’s Time to Cycle!
Beginner bicycle commuters could do with a few tips, as well as a few accessories. The accessories we’re including in this list are diverse, practical, and convenient.
They also have a wide price range, so there’s no reason for you to go beyond your budget.
1. Lumos Kickstart Smart Bike Helmet
Description
A significant ⅔ of bicycle accidents involve the head and face. You don’t need to hear us say it to know it, but wearing one is imperative when bicycling. By wearing a helmet, you’re reducing the risk of severe head injury.
Now, this is a smart helmet. It flashes red when you brake to warn drivers you’re slowing down. And you can also wirelessly activate front and rear turn signals with a remote or an Apple watch.
This Lumos impact-resistant helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC). Wearing it, you’ll find your head protected by EPS foam core Polycarbonate shell. It’s also highly visible, featuring 360-degree 500 lumens of lighting.
This helmet boasts a secure fit, designed to accommodate head sizes ranging from 21-1/4″ to 24″. Most importantly, it’s lightweight. You won’t feel like you’re carrying a mass of bulk on your head.
Features and Specifications
- 1 Lithium ion 3.7V rechargeable battery included
- 2 hour charging time
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 9 x 5.9 inches
- 10 front white LED
- 38 back red LED
- 22 turn LED
- Smartphone APP available
- Weight: 0.83 lb
Pros
- Highly visible
- Lightweight
- Sufficient 6-hour battery life
- Features signal control
Cons
- Charges slowly
Video: Introducing The New Upgraded Lumos Helmet
2. Beryl Laserlight & Burner Bundle
Description
Say, you’ve got a helmet, but you aren’t satisfied with its visibility. It could be a little dimmer than you’d like. In that case, this Laserlight & Burner Bundle is what could help you.
You’re guaranteeing your visibility with this accessory. It shines an ultra-bright laser image onto the road before you, so that drivers can easily detect you, during the day or in the dark.
You don’t have to turn it off and on either manually. There’s a smart light sensor that switches on and off according to your surroundings. If it’s light, it’ll switch the rear burner on, and vice versa.
Moreover, it boasts a 60-hour runtime and 180-degree visibility. Between the 300/100 lumens beaming and the green laser projection, you won’t have to worry about your safety anymore.
Features and Specifications
- 2 Lithium Polymer batteries (included)
- 60 hours runtime
- 300/100 lumens
Pros
- Excellent, strong light
- 60-hour runtime
- Smart light sensor switches off and on automatically
Cons
- Replacement charger not available
Video: Beryl Laserlight Review
3. BikeSpark Auto-Sensing Rear Light LED Bike
Description
It’s hard not to appreciate this water-resistant rear light. It’s auto-sensing, meaning it senses motion. And when it does, it boosts the brightness for 2 seconds, alerting drivers to your bicycle.
This rear light has an auto on/off feature. All you have to do is hold the control button until the light flashes on. Then, you can forget about it. It’ll turn off by itself after 1 minute of inactivity. If it senses motion, it’ll turn on again.
Super bright and red, the light itself is no joke. The LEDs supply you with 220-degree impressive visibility, with up to 20 lm with low power consumption.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions : 0.9 x 1 x 2.9 inches
- Auto-Sensing On/Off
- Deceleration Flash by Motion Sensing
- 20 lm Super Bright LED
- USB Rechargeable
- Waterproof
- Weight: 3.56 Ounces
Pros
- Runtime can last up to 90 hours
- Auto-sensing
- Light grows brighter as you slow down
Cons
- The mounting bracket isn’t reliable; doesn’t hold the light well
Video: BikeSpark Auto-Sensing Rear Light
4. Planet Bike Superflash Bike Tail Light
Description
This tail light is bound to keep you safe and seen on the road. For starters, it offers a beaming 1/2-watt Blaze LED and two eXtreme LEDs. This light provides visibility for up to 1 mile.
The Superflash tail light is designed for long-term, convenient use. Its lean, space-saving build is weatherproof, light, and durable. And here’s the best thing about it: the Superflash connects to almost any bike. It even arrives with bike mounts and a clip mount.
For the affordable price, the battery life is unbelievable. The Superflash can run for up to 100 hours. It runs on two AA included batteries, which you can regularly replace every 4-5 months.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions : 4 x 4 x 4 inches
- 2 AAA batteries (included)
- Run for up to 100 hours
- Flashing and steady light modes
- Water resistant
- 3.36 Ounces
Pros
- Extremely intense light
- Durable and long-lasting
- Amazing battery life
- Affordable
Cons
- Isn’t very reflective
Video: Planet Bike Superflash Tail Light Review
5. Osprey Radial Bike Commuter Backpack
Description
A biker isn’t complete without a good trusty backpack.
This Osprey backpack seems to have everything going for it: good organization and comfortable design.
The organization is particularly admirable. It features a front organizer pocket and a padded laptop sleeve, in addition to a scratch-free pocket. There’s also a clothing pocket, as well as side panel mesh pocket.
Best of all, this bag has a lid lock helmet attachment and reflective print and zipper pull.
An integrated rain cover protects the entire bag. On top of that, it features a zippered expansion that takes space capacity from 26L to 34L.
You won’t have to worry about your bag sagging down, either. This Osprey bag has an integrated kickstand that keeps everything upright.
Features and Specifications
- 20 x 14 x 12 inches
- Pocket laptop (up tp 15″)
- Integrated rain cover
- Expansion for extra carrying capacity (26L to 34L)
- Loop for blinky light attachment
- Dirty shoe/clothing separation pocket
- Weight: 3 lb
Pros
- Spacious
- Durable
- Easy to access
- Features zippered expansion
Cons
- Can be somewhat uncomfortable in the upper back
Video: Osprey radial backpack review
6. Respect My Lane Ultra-Reflective 100% Waterproof Backpack Bag Rain Cover
Description
All it takes is one glance to realize this is not your usual backpack.
The neon yellow color of this bag is a serious visual assault. Admittedly, this is a good thing. You certainly won’t be hard to spot on the road.
These rain cover backpacks are made out of 3M reflective material, which means that you can be easily detected during both the day and the night.
Waterproof and durable, this rain cover is ideal for long-term use.
But here’s what makes it so appealing: each cover has the words “CYCLIST MAY USE FULL LANE” in white, big letters.
Since each state allows cyclists to use a full lane if needed, you can boldly display this law to drivers near you.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions : 22 x 15 x 8 inches
- 3M ultra-reflective material ILLUMINATES when drivers approach
- “Cyclist May Use Full Lane”: Each state allows cyclists to use full lane if required for safety
- Waterproof and Durable Material
- Remains securely attached with elastic strap and button
- Weight: 5 Ounces
Pros
- Widely adjustable
- Highly visible
- Waterproof and durable
- Good quality
Cons
- Too snug for a big backpack
Video: Respect My Lane
7. HTZPLOO Cycling Gloves
Description
You don’t have to cycle around 24/7 to know how annoying sore hands are. These cycling gloves do an awesome job of providing protection and much more.
These gloves are non-slip. This feature is due to a silicone pad set in the area of the palm. This offers impeccable control: when you’re zooming through the street, you can safely rely on your glove to give you a secure grip.
These gloves aren’t thick. They provide all the support you need while still being lightweight. They’re comfortable and smooth as well, as they’re made from Lycra material.
Additionally, there’s a towel cloth on the thumb that helps to wipe sweat. And here’s the best part: they alleviate hand fatigue. These shock-absorbing gloves absorb all of the road vibrations, leaving little to be felt.
Features and Specifications
- Material: 55% polyester/45% nylon
- Towel cloth on the thumb helps to wipe sweat
- Anti-slip gel silicone on tha palm
- Shock-absorbing padding reduce road vibration
- Lightweight design
- Easy on and off
Pros
- Reduces wrist strain
- Well-padded
- Comfortable
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Takes a while to get used to them
Video: HTZPLOO Bike Gloves Cycling Gloves
8. Brightside Side Lights for Cyclists
Description
This is pretty unique. It’s a sidelight, meaning that instead of being used in the front or the back, it’s used on both sides of your bicycle.
Why? Because of intersections. It can be easy for a reckless driver to miss you, especially if it’s dark, and your tail light isn’t strong enough.
This sidelight is quite secure. It goes onto the top of your helmet, and it’s held in place by two mounts, cable ties, and straps. But you don’t have to fix it to your helmet. You can also use it as a handlebar light.
This light is very lightweight, so you won’t feel like you have a brick on your head. It’s also equipped with 60 Lumen CREE LED lights. The lights themselves are pretty intense, and they have five different modes that you get to choose from.
Features and Specifications
- USB rechargeable
- 60 Lumen CREE LED lights
- 5 modes
- Runs over 18 hour
- 3 hours to chargebattery indicator
- Battery indicator
Pros
- Lightweight
- Bright light
- Durable
Cons
- No cons
Video: Brightside Bike Lights – Side lighting for cyclists
9. Hafny Handlebar Bike Mirror
Description
This bike mirror is unlike most mirrors. It’s made from ultra-clear automotive-grade glass lenses. Most importantly, it stays away from cheap and environmentally unfriendly plastic acrylic.
Instead, its frame is made of sturdy high-impact nylon and fiber. However, the clamp is made from aluminum, and it’s able to fit around handlebars 21~26mm in diameter.
It’s even shatter-proof. The mirror itself is super clear and is slightly convex, which means you get a better rearview.
This 4″ by 1 ¾” mirror is ideal for cyclists who prefer the day. After all, it features a 50% anti-glare function. You’ll still be able to see during the sunniest of days.
It’s also pretty easy to install. You can install either above or below your handlebar. As for assembly, all you need to have on you is a 5mm Allen key.
Features and Specifications
- Super clear automotive-grade glass lens
- Slightly convex surface
- Anti-glare Blue Lens
- Shutter-proof function
- Install above or below the handlebar
Pros
- Easy to install
- Good rear view
- Good quality
Cons
- Needs adjustment on bumpy roads
Video: Hafny Handlebar Mirror Installation
10. Waterproof Outdoor Bike Cover
Description
You can’t go wrong with a good bike cover. This waterproof cover is everything you need: waterproof, durable, and heavy-duty.
It’s even made of ripstop material. Additionally, it’s an anti-UV cover, and it has a PU coating.
This bike cover can indeed tolerate all challenging conditions, from rain to ice to dust.
It’s also impressively secure. The cover will wrap around your bicycle in a snug, firm fit. It’ll remain in place when confronted with violent winds or even storms.
Getting it on your bike is no hard task. Begin by covering your bike from top to bottom, and then fix the strap into place, connecting the central buckle. And removing is easy as well: all you have to do is use the top handles.
Another thing you’ll appreciate about this bike cover is extra front and back lock holes, which allow for extra security.
The whole unit is also easily visible due to the reflective lining, So you’ll be able to spot it even in the dark.
Features and Specifications
- Heavy duty waterproof material
- Anti UV, with PU coating
- Front and back lock holes foe extra security
- Reflective stripes on both side
- Comes with a carrying bag made of the same high-quality material as the cover
- Two models available: stationary and transportation
- 2 year warranty
Pros
- Ultra-durable
- Offers a good fit
- Heavy-duty ripstop material
- Easy to put on and remove
Cons
- Isn’t very secure for travel; needs extra straps
Video: Waterproof Outdoor Bicycle Cover
11. VGSION 360 Bicycle Helmet Mount for Action Cameras
Description
Do you cycle in particularly beautiful areas? This mount is ideal for capturing your trail. It’s a particularly good choice for mountain biking.
With this VGSION mount, you’ll be able to record everything from multiple angles at once. You mount it on your helmet and then leave it to record. What’s even better is the mount: with it, you can use 360-degree cameras.
The mount itself is basic but practical. It’s accompanied by a ¼ inch head and GoPro tripod head. It’s also compatible with most action cameras available on the market today, such as GoPro Hero Black.
Along with the mount, you’d receive two straps made out of nylon. These straps go through the hole of the helmet. They’re adjusted according to your helmet size. The adjustment is easy, as you have your usual toothed lock buckle.
Features and Specifications
- Support 360 degrees cameras
- Easy to adjust strap
- 1/4” 20 tripod mount adapter
- 3m sticker
Pros
- Easily adjustable
- Well-designed
- Can host 360-degree cameras
Cons
- Isn’t impact-resistant
Video: Bike Helmet Mount GoPro Mounting Tips & Tricks
12. Vackoey HD Rear Bike Camera and 30 Lumen Tail Light
Description
This product is all about practicality. It’s a camera and a tail light all wrapped into one. You end up getting both: high visibility and great footage.
You might be a bit suspicious regarding the camera. After all, how good can it be? We’d say pretty good. It has a resolution of 1280 x 720p 30fps.
It can also record audio. This little feature can come in handy should you get involved in an accident.
Now, you might be thinking, “How will the audio survive if I crash?” Well, the camera is equipped with reliable protection. Even if you crash, the camera will still save your footage.
Then, there’s the 30 Lumen tail light. Red, intense, and bold, it’ll make sure that everyone will spot you on the road.
It’s also available in different settings, including camera-only mode.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.36 x 3.39 x 3.39 inches
- SD card included
- Records in HD
- Audio records
- SD card (included)
- Integrated 30 Lumen tail light
- Up to 6 hours of battery
- Weight: 4.5 ounces
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to mount
- Good quality
Cons
- No cons
Video: Rear facing HD Bike Camera
13. IPOW Universal Cell Phone Bicycle Holder
Description
Having your phone on you while cycling is hard. Sure, you could put it in your backpack, but it wouldn’t be easily accessible. And you could certainly keep it in your pocket, but it could slide and fall out at any time.
This is where the IPOW phone holder comes in. It supports your phone using two non-slip silicone butterfly bands. These bands hold onto your phone in all directions, keep it secure and safe.
You don’t have to worry about the fit, either. It can accommodate various smartphones: everything from the Galaxy S2 and up, and everything from iPhone 4S and up.
It also features soft red rubber lines for clamping. These rubber lines can avoid phone surface scratches. They also reduce phone vibration, which is really helpful if you’re cycling on bumpy roads.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 5 x 3.7 x 3.3 inches
- 360 degree rotation
- Soft red rubber strisce reduce vibration
- 5 different installation diameter
- Weight: 4.5 ounces
Pros
- Easy to install
- Reduces vibration
- Durable
Cons
- Ball joint tends to move a bit
Video: IPOW Universal Cell Phone Bicycle Holder
14. Bonmixc Bike Bell Brass Mini
Description
You might have your personal reservations about bike bells. However, this sounds less like a toddler’s bell and more like a gentle, subtle bell. Yet, it’s clear and loud, alerting pedestrians to your arrival without surprising them.
The quality of this bike bell is quite impressive. It’s made from brass (not aluminum alloy!) and polypropylene. It’s pretty durable, so we can safely say that it’s ideal for long-term use.
It takes no genius to install this bike bell. You could get a screw and get your bell going in only one minute. You’re also free to choose whether you’re installing on the right or left.
It has a satisfactory use range as well. It can fit handlebars ranging from 21mm to 23mm in diameter.
Features and Specifications
- Dome diameter: 1.3″
- Made from brass
- Fits for any standard straight bicycle
- 2 colors: silver or gold
- Weight: 0.1 lb
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Loud and clear
- Well-made
Cons
- Doesn’t fit around, especially large handlebars
Video: Bonmixc Bike Bell Brass Mini Ringing
15. Mattisam Bike Handlebar Bag
Description
This handlebar bag is well-designed. With a 3.5L capacity, it’s made to fit all of your belongings. And the best part about it? It affects your riding in absolutely no way.
On top of being equipped with two mesh pockets, this handlebar bag has a transparent pouch on the top. The goal of this pouch is to house your phone without blocking your view of the screen. You can answer calls through it, look at maps, and operate your phone as you’d like.
This bag is also water-resistant. It has excellent thermal insulation. It also supplies you with a cold preservation effect, which is due to the PEVA material. This material prevents water leakage, which is ideal during rainy weather.
Visibly is another key point of this bag. It features reflective stripes on its outside, ensuring maximum visibility during both the day and night. Anyone could spot you even from 20 meters away.
Features and Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 3 inches
- Capacity: 3.5L
- Water-resistant
- Made of PEVA material
- Reflective stripes
- Weight: 0.44 lb
Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly visible
- Great value for money
Cons
- Velcro straps can’t take a heavyweight
Video: Mattisam Bike Handlebar Bag
16. O2 Rainwear Original Cycling Jacket
Description
No bicycle kit is complete without a reliable rain jacket, especially if you live in a rainy climate. This O2 Rainwear seems to do the job well.
Made of %100 polypropylene, you can depend on this jacket to keep you dry. It’s also windproof. However, it’s not a “warm” jacket by any means, which could be ideal for some users.
On top of being lightweight, it’s also quite breathable. You won’t feel uncomfortable riding in it.
Of course, the fit varies depending on your size. If you have a small build, it can be a bit loose around some areas. But if you’re a large individual, you’ll enjoy a snug fit.
Storage won’t be a problem either. It’s quite compact and easy to tuck away.
Features and Specifications
- 100% Polypropylene
- Lightweight and compact for easy storage
- Machine wash cool/gentle
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Windproof
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Impressive rain shield
- Windproof
- Compact
Cons
- Some users are not satisfied with the quality
Video: How To Put On A Rain Jacket When Cycling
17. Foldylock Compact Bike Lock
Description
A dependable bike lock is critical to a cyclist. If you have an especially expensive bike, then you want to make sure you’re getting something to keep your gear safe.
This bike lock is a good choice for mountain bikes, road bikes. It’s also suitable for folding bikes and children’s bikes (yes, even children’s bikes can get stolen!)
The first thing to note about this bike lock is the hardened steel links. They’re super-strong and more robust than you’d expect them to be.
“But what about sawing?” The rivets on these bike locks are no joke either. Thanks to special VRS technology, the rivets are robust and saw-resistant.
Here’s the best thing: the cylinder in this bike lock is drill-resistant. You can rest easy knowing your bike is secure from now on.
This lock isn’t hard to use, as well. You can snap it in a second with no problem. It’s also pretty compact so that you can store it anywhere with complete ease.
Features and Specifications
- Folded dimensions (with case): 2.5 x 1.625 x 1.25 inches
- VSR technology against sawing and cutting
- Plastic coated to prevent scratches
- The lock has a mechanism that prevents shaking while riding
- Rust free
- Weight: 2.2 lb
Pros
- Ultra-secure
- Lightweight
- Compact
Cons
- Can sometimes rattle
Video: How Is It Made? Foldylock Compact Bike Lock
18. Wahoo Elemnt Bolt GPS Bike Computer
Description
Nothing’s better than convenient technology. This GPS bike computer is proof of that.
For one, it makes it unbelievably easy to follow any road. You can download all the routes you want, as well as receive turn-by-turn navigation from popular map apps.
You can also receive calls, texts, and emails. After pairing your phone, you can even go online and locate friends who are out riding in real-time. Staying in touch when riding won’t be hard anymore.
That’s not all. The things you could do with this computer are endless.
You could monitor heartbeat and speed. You could set a goal and check your progress on the screen any time you want. You could even use a “take-me-to” feature to reach any destination.
Features and Specifications
- Aerodynamic design
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Call, text and e-mail alerts
- Perfect view zoom
- Quicklook LED indicators
- Easy-to-press front buttons
- Weight: 0.14 lb
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to read
- Includes a cadence sensors for your cranks
- Has a heartbeat sensor
- Has great customizability
Cons
- Battery life
Video: Unboxing The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt Bike Computer
Conclusion and Best Offer
The number of bicycle accessories offered on the market can be overwhelming. You don’t have to purchase all of them. However, we’d say a good helmet like Lumos Kickstart Smart Bike Helmet is a must, as all protection gear is. It’s impact-resistant, durable, and highly visible. Basically, it had everything you need.
Best Offer
It’s impact-resistant, durable, and highly visible. Basically, it had everything you need.
The Alternative
If the Lumos Kickstart Smart Bike Helmet it’s not your choice, the Foldylock Compact Bike Lock is a worthy alternative that you can consider.
Foldylock Compact Bike Lock
It is an always useful accessory, designed and built very well, which ensures your bicycle against theft when you have to leave it unattended.