Favourite urban bike accessories?

[Sparkthing]

I mostly cycle in London and I’m curious what accessories others swear by for urban riding. Lights, bags, locks, phone mounts — what’s on your must-have list and why?

I’ve been experimenting with a few set-ups lately, but I’m always looking for ideas from other riders’ real-world experience.

 

[raleighnut]

Carradice saddlebag

 

[HLaB]

My Garmin Varia radar but I cycle in Pottyboro it might be overloaded in central London 🤔

 

[vickster]

Topeak slide on rack bag with fold out panniers, fantastic for commuting, shopping etc.
Obviously at least one big lock if leaving for any period of time

 

[Drago]

Range of decent mitts/gloves.

Eye protection.

Dillon Aero M134.

 

[Gunk]

Mudguards, pannier rack, decent lights and Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres.

 

[All uphill]

I'm enjoying my new Atran Velo bags which clip on to the front and rear racks.

 

[T4tomo]

When I did London commute... plenty of that reflective 3M tape once into the dark of winter stuck on various bits of the bike. I used lights as well but the 3m tape is much much more effective for being seen. I also had a Provis gilet made from the stuff.

 

[All uphill]

When I did London commute... plenty of that reflective 3M tape once into the dark of winter stuck on various bits of the bike. I used lights as well but the 3m tape is much much more effective for being seen. I also had a Provis gilet made from the stuff.

It's very good, isn't it?

I put some on my utility bike a couple of years ago and have been impressed with how well it's lasting.

 

[T4tomo]

It's very good, isn't it?

I put some on my utility bike a couple of years ago and have been impressed with how well it's lasting.

Yep, I had it on front and rear forks / stays and pedal cranks, so you get 360 degree visibility.

 

[Dadam]

Osprey Metron 24 backpack. Carries everything I need for work, is easily the most comfortable backpack I've ever worn and stops my back getting too sweaty. Pricey for a backpack but compares well to a rack and decent panniers.

Bar end mirror: yes it doesn't replace a shoulder check but you can keep an eye on traffic approaching all the time whereas you can't really ride looking behind you all the time.

Cycliq Fly12 light/camera. Always record my rides, just in case.

Garmin Varia radar. Supplements the mirror, and gives audible warning further back than I can often see.

Lock-wise. For commuting I leave a sold secure gold D lock on the office rack but carry a foldylock forever (also sold secure gold) if I need to nip into the city centre.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Retro reflective clothing.

Got some PlanetX shoe toe covers, some DHB(?) yellow socks with two retro bands above ankles, plus a Boardman jacket/gillet that is completely retro.

Brilliant for visibility, especially if on a moving part like your pedalling lower legs.

 

[roley poley]

puncture repair kit inc tyre levers +pump

 

[Oldhippy]

Bar bag and small tool kit in a drink cage. For 'urban' and everything else except touring when the four panniers go on.

 

[MichaelW2]

Not sure if it counts as an " accessory" but Shimano dynohub solved all of my lighting issues. Always on, always attached, no worry about battery charge.