Best Cycle Accessories for Long Rides
Daily Dash8 min read
We all know cycling is not simply pedalling the cycle and riding it forward. There is a process involved - an experience - and the delightful purpose of riding to discover new paths, trails, and sights.
But every experienced cyclist knows – after some time, everything has its price.
In this case, long riding without proper tools turns into a boring, wearisome process. Whether it is a 160km opportunistic endurance fighting chance or just a drive around quiet roads, the proper tools determine if it is going to be a terrific experience or a no turning back ride.
Your cycle accessories are your aide-de-camp. They are meant to improve your experience, make you more effective or – better yet – allow you to keep on bike riding and enjoying the scenery.
Be it a cool hydration pack, a comfortable saddle, or a handy multi-tool to the rescue whenever something goes wrong, the right equipment will always turn your ride into an enjoyable, carefree excursion.
Anyway, let’s take a look at the best bike accessories that will keep you energised, secure, and grinning all the way through the end of the race!
1. A Comfy Saddle: Your Behind Will Thank You
We won’t beat around the bush - no amount of padding or gel inserts will help you enjoy your ride if your seat is painful.
Getting a sore bottom is the fastest way to spoil your day, and on any long trip, it is all about comfort.
Why You Need It:
- Cushioning and Support: The correct saddle will also provide comfort by providing padding where it is needed while ensuring that a proper riding posture is maintained.
- Ergonomic Designs: Almost every brand of saddle now is built to ease the weight on the core, middle section and rear, thus reducing healing time after prolonged riding.
Top Pick: EMotorad Foamlite
The EMotorad Foamlite has been built with the latest technology to ensure comfort when riding for long distances due to its already thick padding and ergonomic design.
Moreover, the lightweight design ensures you will not have the feeling of extra weight. The geared padding on the setting areas prevent excess suppression on one's buttocks making it ideal for long journeys.
2. Hydration System: Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated
You wouldn’t just go for a long-distance walk without carrying some water, would you?
The same rationale goes for cycling too. It’s not only wise to take along some fluids on long rides, it is actually paramount if you are to maintain energy levels and prevent exhaustion.
Why You Need It:
- Hands-Free Hydration: When you have a hydration pack, you do not have to slow down, let alone stop, to drink. One can simply sip the plastic tube while on the ride.
- Extra Storage: A few hydration packs have some additional space for carrying small items such as snacks, tools, or even a cellphone.
Top Pick: CamelBak M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack
The CamelBak M.U.L.E. includes a 3-litre water reservoir and area for gear. It is constructed to rest securely against the back without excess volume.
3. Multi-Tool: Be Ready for Anything
Imagine this scenario: You are 48 km into your ride, enjoying every bit of it when out of the blues, your cycle makes an unusual sound.
There is no reason to panic - a standard multi-tool should come to the rescue! This useful gadget is equivalent to having a bike shop version of a band-aid in your pocket.
Why You Need It:
- On-the-Go Repairs: A multi-tool comes in handy as it helps to address problems which are likely to occur such as a loose chain, a dangling seat post, and minor brake or gear problems.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easier to carry, but has all tools necessary for a prolonged ride.
Top Pick: Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool
Contemporary tool that features 19 functions such as Allen keys, screwdrivers and more.
Ideal for repairing on the go and durable in the sense that it won't become useless when you need it most i.e, during the ride.
4. Cycle Lights: Illuminate the Path Ahead
Long rides are all about leaving early in the morning when the sun is barely out and travelling late into the night. And seriously, no one wishes to be out in the dark with no proper lighting.
Contrary to popular beliefs, cycle lights are not only for illuminating the way ahead, but also to ensure the other road users can see the rider.
Why You Need It:
- Safety First: A bright front light should lead the way while a rear light ensures that cars and other riders coming from behind have a clear view of you.
- Night Riding: With the help of bike lights, riding can still be enjoyed even if it is dark since there is no need to limit riding.
Top Pick: EMotorad BlazeBeam
When it comes to night riding, the EMotorad BlazeBeam will light up the way with as much as 400 lumens and various beam modes for different types of terrains.
Whether on extremely dark trails or riding on urban highways, rest assured that this compact yet durable light will always keep you visible.
5. Phone Mount: Your Navigation Lifesaver
If you are cycling or walking and want to check new paths on a map or monitor your workouts with a fitness app, then you will definitely need to have your phone easily within reach.
A well-placed phone mount enables you to look at directions or check notifications without having to remove your hands from the safety of your handlebars.
Why You Need It:
- Hands-Free Navigation: Focus on the road ahead and still have an idea of the direction one is heading.
- Stay Connected: A very short pause to check the phone is not even worth the disturbance of stopping the cycle.
Top Pick: EMotorad Rivet 360
Whether going on a smooth or bumpy adventure ride, the EMotorad Rivet 360 Phone Mount is a product designed to prevent your phone slippage.
An adjustable grip secures the device so that the rider can access GPS or music in motion without interference.
Backpacks: Carry Your Gear in Style
Do you have many items to carry when going on a ride? Then, backpacks are the thing for you.
For long-distance cyclists, pannier bags come in handy where an additional room for food, clothing, tools, and perhaps even a picnic mat is required.
No more tiresome backpacks – this era is of lightweight backpacks that can carry all your gears, and some extra valuables.
Why You Need It:
- Ample Storage: These bags are often designed for the most comfortable burden for the longest of rides. With a backpack, you can bring everything you need for the entire day (or even several) riding.
- Lightweight: The modern backpacks are made with lightweight fabric and with a design that help cyclists carry it for a long period of time.
Top Pick: EMotorad Journeyman
This backpack is made to be lightweight with breathable waterproof material, and separate zipped compartment for laptops for size up to 15.6 inches and protective padding. There is also a provision for charging smart devices with integrated fast charging capabilities. For added convenience and protection, the backpack comes with padded shoulder straps and a cushioned back.
7. Cycling Gloves: Protect Your Hands
Cycling is considered one of the recreational activities that can be done for long periods of time and therefore would require something like cycling gloves for protection, grip and comfort.
They are especially important in reducing the hand stress and also lessening the shocks which are felt from the rough surfaces while riding the bicycle.
Why You Need It:
- Comfort and Protection: Gloves allow a cushion on the palms and protect the hands from under the strap blisters or pressure points.
- Improved Grip: A good pair of gloves will come in handy in ensuring that the racers maintain their grip on the handlebars even when it is sweaty or raining.
Top Pick: Giro Bravo Gel Gloves
These gloves come with good padding and ventilation and are best used for long rides where one has to struggle with the comfort and the grip of the hands on the handlebars.
8. Cycling Display: Keep Track of Your Ride
Wondering how much distance-covered, speed-limit, or calories you’ve burnt?
Cycling displays are any cyclists’ solid partner whilst on road, as they always provide real-time information to help track one’s performance and keep in the spirit.
Why You Need It:
- Track Performance: A cycling display measures distance, speed, elevation and a host of other parameters.
- GPS Navigation: Most cycling displays have the GPS feature installed in them to help the user navigate or explore different paths.
Top Pick: Garmin Edge 530
Garmin Edge 530 scene is rich with features such as GPS, performance assessment, and mapping.
It is ideal for cyclists who wish to capture every aspect of their journeys that cover vast distances.
Conclusion: Get, Set, Ride!
Every great cycle needs the perfect accessories to help everyone travel without fear.
Whether you are taking turns on windy trails or going from one office to another on your e-cycle, expect these accessories to support you and your bike all along the way.
The right gear doesn't only help in enhancing the comfort of the ride, it makes the ride more enjoyable and therefore allows one to explore even greater heights.
So, get your hydro pack, jump on your cycle and snap your feet on the pedals – it is time to face the adventure ahead of you like a seasoned rider.
Do not forget that the journey ahead is as entertaining as you would want it to be and equipped with these amazing accessories, you are ready to make the most of every inch on every terrain.
Now hurry up already, go grab the bike and ride off into the horizon!
