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Essential Cycling Accessories


"must have bike accessories"

Your List Of Must Have Bike Accessories


If you're just getting into cycling and aren't sure what gear you'll need to make your time on your bike the most fun and safe as possible we've made this guide to help guide you along the way. Having the necessary bike accessories can make or break your cycling experience. Get the gear you need and have more fun! 

Read on to learn more about what your essential cycling accessories and bike supplies are.

Matt Donovan,	3rd generation Owner and General Manager of Dedham Bike

By: Matt Donovan,
3rd generation Owner and General Manager of Dedham Bike
Last updated: 2/24/2024

What Bike Accessories Do I Need?

Everyone at Dedham Bike rides and we feel there are a core group of items that you should add to your gear kit. 

It is our feeling that every bike should at the minimum be decked out with the must have group of accessories.

The Must Haves

  • Helmet
  • Bike Safety Lights
  • Water bottle & cage
  • Bike Lock
  • Floor Pump
  • Flat Kit
    • Spare tube
    • Mini pump
    • Tire levers
    • Patch kit
  • Chain Lube
  • Bike Cleaning Supplies

Very Nice To Have

  • Car rack
  • Riding Gloves
  • Cycling Shoes 
  • Clipless Pedals
  • Cargo Rack
  • Saddle Bag
  • Rack Bag
  • Panniers
  • Phone Holder
  • Mini Tool Kit
  • Cycling Computer
  • Kickstand

Things To Think About

  • Repair Stand
  • Home Tool Kit
  • Indoor Trainer

Road Bike Accessories

Road riding comes with it's own unique add-on needs. With higher tire pressures, longer distances and a different rider position you'll want to be sure that you are set up for success on your road bike. We've curated some of our favorite road bike accessories for you.

Helmets


 

A safe bike helmet is the most important piece of gear you can have. It will protect your head in the event of a crash and actually helps cool your head due to it's well placed vents. Explore our top rated helmets page to learn more about MIPS and Wavecel, two bike helmet technologies that provide the highest levels of protection in the event of a crash. Do not skip out on a helmet, it really is number one on the must have list of accessories!

 

Safety Lighting

Today more than ever it is incredibly important to be seen out on the road as well as being able to see what's coming at you in low light situations. This where proper safety lighting comes into play. By pairing a high powered headlight with a similar blinking rear taillight, you can be sure that you have all angles covered. 

View Our Best Of Lights Guide     View Our Visibility Guide    Shop All Bike Lights

Bike Lock

A good bike lock is a must of you want to keep your bike secure. Choose from the ever secure u-lock style or an easy to use combination cable lock as well as several other styles. If you value your hard earned money and your new bicycle, a quality bike lock should be on your list of accessories. 

Shop All Bike Locks

Hydration


Having a way to carry fluids with you while riding is very important. You should be hydrating throughout your ride, especially in heat and cold weather. A basic water bottle and holder or hydration pack will do the trick nicely. Hydration is huge and should be very high on your need to have bicycle accessories list.

Hydration & Nutrition Guide

Shop Hydration Accessories

Cycling Gloves


A good pair of cycling gloves is essential for comfort and safety. The gloves will protect your hands in a crash and greatly add to the comfort factor when on your bike. You can choose from several types of gloves.

Cycling Comfort Guide

Shop Cycling Gloves

Bike Pumps & Co2 Chargers


Having a way to inflate your tires in the event of a flat tire or topping of your air pressure before your ride is a must. Being self sufficient out on the road or trail will make your cycling experience much more fun. Be sure to follow this quick tire pressure check before every ride for best performance and comfort!

Shop Bike Pumps

Shop Co2 Chargers

Padded Bike Shorts


A quality pair of riding shorts or bibs are huge for utmost comfort while riding your bike. The padding in the shorts helps to minimize compression of soft tissue and wards off soreness and chaffing on longer rides. You can choose from tight fitting shorts or the more baggy styles that also allow you to carry items, similar to a cargo short. As far as bike clothing goes, a good pair of riding shorts should be a must have on your list.

Shop Cycling Shorts

Flat Repair Kit & Tools


Having a flat repair kit & the associated tools will allow you to change a flat tire and replace your bad tube. Combined with your pump or Co2 setup you will have all you'll need to get rolling again.

Shop For Bike Tools

Shop Flat Repair Kits & Accessories

Chain Lube And Cleaning Supplies

 
 

Lubing your bike chain every few rides is essential to smooth shifting and quiet operation of your bicycle's drivetrain. A dry chain increases wear and friction which means you'll be working harder. Be sure to clean your bike after a hard ride with the proper bike supplies.

Basic Lube Up Guide

Shop Lubricants And Cleaning Supplies

Learn about chain maintenance and replacement

Car Racks


How will you transport your bike? Jamming it into a trunk or back seat is terrible for your bike. Spend a few extra dollars and get your self a quality bike rack for your car. We can help you determine what rack you need for your vehicle.

What Kind Of Car Rack Do I Need?

Shop Car Racks