The best commuter bike accessories will help keep your commute trouble-free, or at least help you to sort ay issues that do occur.
Above all, you want your bike commute to be dependable, so sturdy tyres, a quality helmet and pedals suitable for commuting are all important, as are quality front and rear lights and mudguards and a robust bike lock.
If something does go wrong, you need to be able to get up and going again quickly. So a good minipump and multitool to carry with you are a good starting point, along with inner tubes and a puncture repair kit.
We have put together a checklist of some important things to consider so that you arrive at work on time and ready for the day ahead and recommended some choices for what to buy.
What are the best commuter bike accessories?
1. Tyres
While your bike will come with tyres, and any tyre will work for commuting, city streets are littered with glass and potholes waiting to dish out punctures to unsuspecting cyclists. Upgrading to a high-quality, commuter focussed tyre will greatly improve reliability as they prioritise puncture resistance and durability. They will feature additional puncture-resistant layers, thicker rubber and reinforced sidewalls to keep debris from causing damage.
If you are accustomed to road tyres you may notice a rolling resistance and weight penalty but we think, as a trade-off for not having to fix a puncture in the rain when you’re late for work, it is more than worth it.
There are many commuting tyre options to suit all riders from the tank-like Schwalbe Marathon to winter training tyres like the Continental Gatorskin. For more information check out our guide to the best commuting bike tyres (opens in new tab) , which includes our favourites along with a handy guide as to what to look for when buying some.
2. Mudguards
While they aren’t necessarily an essential commuter item, full mudguards (or fenders, for our readers across the pond) make a huge difference to riding enjoyment in poor weather conditions. By keeping the dirt, grime and spray off you and your bike, rider comfort is greatly increased and wear on expensive drivetrain components reduced. They may look a little dorky, but after the first commute in the rain without a wet bottom, or having to hose down your salt-covered drivetrain, you won’t look back.
Mudguards come in many different forms, and you really get what you pay for. Full mudguards are the way to go if you have…
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