Bike Accessories

GUIDES

FAQ

How can I take my bike on a plane?: Most people taking their bikes abroad would use a padded bike bag. These special bags are well padded and offer substantial protection for your bike. Most bike bags fit most types of bikes. Check online video's for bike bag packing tips to ensure you get the best protection for your bike.
What should I look for in a bike bag?: Features such as a solid base, towing wheels, extra handles and secure internal pockets for pedals etc, all add practicality and easy usability for a bike bag. Whilst offering lots of padded protection, bike bags also need to be relatively light so they don't eat into your baggage allowance too much. Check user reviews for real life bike bag experiences.
What's the best way to transport my bike by car?: There are a few options for driving with your bike. A bike roof rack or boot rack keeps your bike securely outside the car, and so doesn't use up space in your car or boot. Racks are also the best option if your bike is dirty after your ride. With bigger hatch-back, SUV and estate cars, it might be possible to take your bike inside the car with wheels out, if seats and interior are well protected. However, this will eat into space in your car and no matter how careful you are, it is very easy to get oily / dirty marks on car interiors.
What's the best way to carry stuff for a longer bike ride / trip?: Racks and panniers provide the most storage on a bike - thes can fit on most modern gravel and touring bikes - fitting onto rack 'eyelets' built into the frame. Alternatively, you could fit racks using clips or a rack which mounts using the seatpost. Panniers can provide around 30L of storage, ideal for overnight or mutli-day trips.
There are also a wide range of bags which attach around the frame, handlebars or seatpost - ideal for bikepacking or multi-day gravel bike rides. Use protective tape to stop 'strap-rub' damaging paint or top coat of carbon frames.
I am starting to ride to work, besides the bike, what else do I need?: Essentials for trouble free commute include; helmet, gloves, sturdy footwear (or cycling shoes / pedals) lights and a good lock. Optional accessories such as; paniers / rack, mudguards and bell can all make the journey much easier. If you have bike parking / shower / change facilities at work, it makes the daily bike commute much easier. Leaving a bag of work clothing & deodorant stuffed under your desk is a good idea, rather than carrying them daily.
Do I need bike lights?: If you ride your bike between dusk and dawn, then you need front and rear bike lights to be legal. However, the hour before dusk and after dawn, can be dangerous for bike riders - statistically, many accidents happen at these times. If you regularly ride your bike in winter, visibility can drop hugely on murky, grey days - lights can help draw attention to you.
How do I lock up my new bike?: If you cannot lock up you bike somewhere inside your destination, it is really important to find somewhere, ideally visible from where you are. If you have to lock your bike outside in public, try to find somewhere which has people passing by to deter thieves and make sure your bike lock is up to the job. Lock your bike to something which is immovable, put the lock through the wheels and frame, if your lock isn’t big enough to get through both wheels and the frame, consider getting an extra lock for your front wheel. Hide the key opening away from passers-by and try to make your bike less steal-able to the potential thief, stickers and tape over expensive bike brand names can help.
Does an Ebike need any special attention compared to a regular bike?: Electric bikes need a little extra care when cleaning to make sure critical electric components don’t get damp. Try to follow manufacturer recommended instructions for battery charging and discharging to maximize battery life. As with regular bikes, keeping it clean will maximize how long it lasts, mid-drive ebikes can wear transmission components quicker, reduce this with regular cleaning and lubrication.
Do I need a bell?: Bells are a great way to let other people know that you are there. If you ride on shared paths they are very worthwhile, they seem more polite than a shout, which can be taken the wrong way.
Do mudguards work?: Yes they do! You, your ride mates and your bike will keep cleaner on filthy rides if you fit mudguards. The extent to which they work depends on your bike and the type of mudguards fitted. Fitting full mudguards and mudflaps gives the best coverage, if your road bike will fit them. Even short mudguards on MTB's can do a decent job of reducing the amount of mud and gloop spraying up.
How do I keep my bike working at its best?: Keep the bike clean! There are parts on your bike which will wear out through normal use (cassette, chain and brake pads), keep your bike clean and lubricated to maximize the lifespan. It is also easier to check the bike over when it is clean. If the bike is kept clean and lubricated it shouldn’t need much attention mechanically. Most routine maintenance jobs are pretty easy to do, see our blogs here, alternatively seek a reputable, skilled bicycle mechanic.