You come to buy a bike ? All you want to do is ride all day long, and we certainly won't disagree!
But do you have all the accessories Keys to fully enjoying your bike rides? 🚲
Here, in our opinion, is the list of 6 essential accessories to fully enjoy your bike on a daily basis.
The crutch
It's so much more practical to have a bike with a kickstand!
For several reasons:
- You can stop wherever you want without having to find a wall to lean your bike against, so it's convenient for short stops (deliveries, shopping, etc.) or for last-minute emergencies.
- You won't damage your bike!! The kickstand prevents you from putting the bike on the ground and therefore scratching it, especially the derailleur and the grips.
- If you have a cargo bike and you carry heavy loads such as groceries or camping equipment 🏕, The kickstand prevents the bike from tipping over.
- If you adjust the saddle or grease the chain, you can stabilize the bike while you do it! Of course, this requires a bit of mechanical know-how, but you'll manage, you'll see!
Good to know 💡: If you are carrying heavy loads, opt for a double (center) kickstand. It is even more effective at keeping the bike upright, especially when loading or unloading. 🚲
Mudguards
There are two types of mudguards:
A front mudguard: It will be fixed to the front wheel to protect your bike and clothing from water and mud spray coming from the front. It can be attached by cable ties to the fork or to the down tube, but also clipped onto the fork steerer tube or hung at the bottom of the fork using eyelets.
A rear mudguard: Conversely, the rear mudguard will protect you from spray coming from behind. It can be attached to the frame eyelets or to the seat post, depending on the model. The attachment system differs from one bike to another, as does the tire coverage, which varies depending on the type of mudguard.
- This accessory protects you from splashes of water or mud, preventing an embarrassing moment when you arrive at work because your nice outfit is soaked. Plus, it prevents getting soaked on your back or legs while cycling, which can be very unpleasant.
- Your bike will be in better condition when you use mudguards, because by limiting spray, you reduce wear on the chain, derailleur, and brakes. Your bike works much better when you take care of it!
If you use your bike every day, for example to go to work, you'll likely find yourself riding in the rain. In that case, a mudguard is all the more important.
💡 Good to know : For maximum protection, choose long, wide mudguards that fully cover the wheel. Some models even include a mud flap to further limit spray!
The bicycle lighto
🔦 Lighting on a bicycle is needed both at the front and at the rear.
The front lighting East White or yellow, it dazzles. and serves to illuminate the road while making the cyclist visible from the front. Its power varies between 100 and 1000 lumens, depending on the environment, and it must be fixed. It is usually attached to the handlebars, the fork or the luggage rack.
The rear light of a bicycle is red and serves to make the cyclist visible to vehicles approaching from behind. With a power of 10 to 100 lumens, it is frequently fixed on the seat post, luggage rack or mudguard. Since November 27, 2024, decree no. 2024-1074 of November 27, 2024 amending the highway code for EDPMs has prohibited the use of flashing lights on bicycles at the rear, which was already prohibited at the front.
They are mandatory for:
- See and be seen: Bicycle lights allow you to spot obstacles and other road users, but also to be seen by others. It's best to avoid an accident! 🚨 And what's more, you feel more at ease...
- Being safe, especially in winter or bad weather: when the days get shorter or it rains, headlights are necessary to be visible from a distance.
The Electrification Kit
The electrification kit is essential to transform your classic bike into an electric one and to avoid arriving at the office sweating!⚡
💲 Savings : pRather than investing in a new electric bike, which cost an average of €2,000 in France in 2023, it's wiser to opt for an electrification kit. This is a more affordable solution that breathes new life into your current bike, which you probably don't want to part with.
⚙ Increased efficiency : An electrification kit allows you to cover greater distances in less time, ideal for commuting. You'll never hesitate again when your GPS indicates a 30-minute bike ride.
🚴♂️ No more sweating! : Arriving at work all sweaty is not always pleasant. Electric assistance on inclines is sometimes the best option. It's possible to maintain a certain level of comfort while still engaging in moderate physical activity.
🍃 Support for sustainable mobility : Virvolt motors are easily replaceable and repairable, making them durable. They can last a lifetime and be transferred from one bike to another!
💕 Keep your favorite bike : An electrification kit allows you to give a second life to a beloved bicycle, while preserving its style and memories.
Beforehand, it's best to check the compatibility of your bike with the kit you choose.
Select the kit that suits you according to your uses: commuting by bike, hilly roads,... .
-
The doorbell
A bell on your bike is more than important for your safety! If you live in the city, you need it even more when riding on bike paths or busy streets! 📢
Thanks to it, you can:
- Warning other road users that you are coming helps avoid collisions. 👍
- Avoid shouting at pedestrians to make them move aside. A simple ring is much better received.
There are classic doorbells, dual-tone doorbells, and even more efficient electric doorbells!
💡 Remember to place it within easy reach on the handlebars to trigger it more quickly if needed! 🔔
-
The anti-theft device
L'anti-theft device is an essential accessory (even mandatory...) to protect your bike against theft.
The most obvious reason to use a bike lock is to secure your bicycle and prevent it from being stolen while parked. In addition, some insurance policies require the use of a certified lock to cover a bicycle against theft. It's much easier to feel more at ease knowing your bike is securely locked! 🔒
There are several types of locks (U-lock, chain, folding, cable) depending on the desired security level and how the bike is used. Given that bike theft is the primary deterrent to cycling in France, it's clear how important it is to properly protect your bicycle!
💡 Good to know : favor a Approved U-lock and always attach the frame and a wheel to a fixed point for better protection!
How to properly attach your bike lock for maximum security?
- Secure the bicycle to a fixed point.
✅ Good example : attach your bike to a metal bicycle rack in front of a shop.
❌ Bad example : Hang it on a wooden fence which can be easily sawn.
✅ Good example : attaching your bike to a thick post public lighting or to a high metal barrier.
❌ Bad example : Attach it to a low signpost, because the bike can be lifted over it.
- Secure the frame and at least one wheel
✅ Good example : spend a U-lock around the frame and front wheel, then use a chain to secure the rear wheel.
❌ Bad example : attach only the front wheel, because a thief can easily detach the frame and walk away with it.
- Avoid common mistakes ❌
✅ Good example : Make sure the lock is properly tight around the frame and the support where it is attached.
❌ Bad example : leave a flexible anti-theft cable, easy to cut with pliers.
- Choose a good location 📍
✅ Good example : park your bike on a busy, well-lit street, near a surveillance camera if possible.
❌ Bad example : leave your bike isolated in a dark alley, where a thief will have plenty of time to force the lock.
💡 Good to know : If you need to leave your bike outside for several hours, opt for a secure bike parking area or a monitored locker!
Share:
The electric bike is more ecological than the car, but is it also more economical ?
HUPPE: extraordinary cargo bikes!