Reasons to cycle are as numerous as there are cyclists. Some do it to run errands, others to get to work, or to simply get back into shape.
Whatever your reason might be to try cycling, including as part of your commute, you and your bike will benefit from these must-have accessories.
Bike Covers
Tucson can be a dusty place, so owning a bike cover can be a nice way to protect your investment, especially if you store your bike for the summer or if you keep it in a place that is exposed to dust and other elements such as a garage, patio or apartment balcony.
The good news is you can find a quality low-cost bike cover. Puroma and TopCrown offer options that are waterproof and UV resistant, and even a three-bike cover can be had for less than $20. Both brands have elastic that allows a tight fit and a lock hole to secure your bike.
TopCrown was named top bike cover by bicycling.com and was the No. 2 cover by Best Reviews Guide.
“For most of us, there’s no need to overthink what we need from a bike cover,” wrote Bobby Lea for bicycling.com. “An inexpensive, straightforward covering will provide protection from the elements, without any added worry about whether the cover itself might get stolen.”
Zettum and Team Obsidian also make well regarded bike covers but cost a little bit more. Zettum’s top bike covers can all be purchased for under $30. Team Obsidian had two of Best Review Guide’s top bike covers, including their top pick, but their covers will run about $60.
For those who park their bike inside, a stretchy wheel cover bag is the perfect way to keep your bike and your floors clean. This is especially handy for those who commute to work and need to park inside their office. Miayaya makes a well-reviewed model that costs less than $20.
Bike Helmets
There are plenty of good helmets on the market, with a variety of styles and price points, but one feature you may want is the ability to lock it to your bike. Many bike helmets today either have vents designed to have a U-lock clipped through them or have a special panel that can be removed to fit a lock.
Thousand Helmets make stylish options that have the removable pop holder, small panels on the back that can be easily removed to fit the lock. The panels are attached, so you don’t have to worry about losing them. Both the Heritage and Chapter collections have this feature along with magnetic chin straps for quick removal and easy fitting, as well as a place on the back of the helmet to attach a light.
The Heritage Collection helmets resemble an equestrian helmet and run about $100, while the Chapter Collection are a little more modern looking and run between $100-$175.
“I don’t have to carry the helmet with me, which I love,” said Youtuber Gadget Queen Jess of her Heritage collection helmet. “It fits great, it looks great.”
CyclingNews.com named the Chapter collection helmets the best helmet for locking it to your bike.
“When you get to your destination you don’t have to bring your helmet with you,” wrote John Ross of cyclingnews.com “Instead, just pop the cover off the side and thread your lock through the hole and now your helmet is as safe as your bike without having to carry extra bulk with you.”
Not worried about locking up the helmet to your bike. Cycling News had its list of best commuter bike helmets, each with a different function as an emphasis. The Giro Escape ($85-100) was voted best overall due to its built-in lights and comfortable fit.
The Specialized Mode is considered one of the safest helmets and is also budget-friendly, usually running less than $50.
