Needs vs. Wants
Technically all you need is a bike to get from point A to B. That said, the more you fall in love with regular riding the more you encounter situations like a flat tire, overwhelming heat, or the need for a snack on a long and strenuous ride. Understanding what you need vs want for your style of riding will often lead you to gadgets that help you combat the sort of obstacles and challenges you plan on encountering on the road or trail.How did we choose these products?
Our gear recommendations come from personal experience and testing. This, combined with user reviews and thorough market research assure your next product or gear purchase will undoubtedly make for an enhanced experience.
Crank Brothers F15 Multi-Tool
Wine Rack Carrier
The oopsmark bicycle wine rack carrier is a stylish handmade leather harness perfect for pulling up to the party or park in style. It easily attaches to most bike frames using antique brass fasteners and hidden clamps that hold the bottle securely in place. Not to mention the vegetable-tanned leather only looks better as it ages and wears.
Repair Stand
Smith Shift Mag Glasses
Geared for speed, the Shift Mag gives cyclists an optimal advantage with a superlight frame, nosepiece, and interchangeable lens technology. Simply, snap the magnet on the side for quick, fingerprint-free lens changes. The shift mag sunglasses come with one clear lens as well as a color-enhancing ChromaPop™ lens. Flatter than most performance eyewear, the 5-base frames stay put with a two-position nosepiece and no-slip temples, giving you a secure feel at top speeds.
Rapha Cap
The Rapha Cap is an indispensable piece of any cycling kit. Available in two new sizes, the reshaped peak comes in two variants to match, ensuring the cap is perfectly proportioned while shielding your eyes from the elements. Combined with updated patterns and seams, this cap offers maximum comfort. Water-resistant fast-drying and highly breathable fabric add both comfort and style in any conditions. More than that, the inside brim features a moisture-wicking lining, anti-bacterial tape, and elastic fastener to hold it comfortably in place. Designed to fit neatly under your helmet, this cap also folds into a pocket for a flourish at the cafe stop.
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
This small Garmin GPS cycling computer combines navigation, performance, cycling awareness, and smart connectivity helping you ride without the fuss. The edge’s capabilities include indoor and outdoor workout syncing, personalized coaching, integrated cycling applications, and 24 hours of battery life. We've used this device on multi-day bikepacking adventures and battery was never an issue for the 1030. From remote gravel trails to epic climbs, the Edge is one of the best GPS bike computers.
Outer Shell Half Frame Bag
This Outer Shell frame bag comes in a variety of colors and sizes perfect for any fitting bike or style. Handmade in California, this bag features double-sided velcro straps that can be adjusted to short, narrow, or wide frames. The foam-padded perimeter prevents ratting with full zip internal and external pockets protected by PU coated Cordura water-resistant fabric. Not to mention, it's perfect size - you can still carry two full size water bottles in the frame with this frame bag. It's double-sided zipper makes it easy to seperate quick grab items and other items you carry with you.
Knog Oi Bike Bell
Sick of bike bells that look as bad as they sound? The Knog Oi classic is a beautifully designed bell that is both audibly and visually appealing, designed to be discrete and unrecognizable. What's better sounding than an angel playing the glockenspiel? The Knog Oi comes in a variety of sizes and colors including brass, copper, silver, and black.
Outer Shell Mini Saddlebag
This Outer Shell Mini Saddlebag has a tidy profile and clean lines to complement any bike, from sleek carbon road bikes to full-suspension trail stompers. Don’t let the compact dimensions fool you though! It easily fits one big tube for the MTB or two for the roadie; plus a multitool, levers, and CO₂ cartridge. Quick, secure, and dropper-compatible attachment using a rubber strap by Voilé (included).
Light Set
The Garmin Variant front and back taillight set perfect for riders who want the best in high tech, plus safety and visibility. This set of lights are a great option, especially if you’re already using a Garmin Edge cycling computer. These smart lights adjust to your speed and sense drivers behind you. If you’re suddenly heading downhill and your speed has picked up, your light automatically projects farther ahead so you can see what’s coming up. At $200 for the set, it’s certainly not the cheapest bicycle light setup on the market, however, it does pay to have a smart light watching out for you.
Ornot Mini Handlebar Bag
Set your pockets free and easily stash your phone, snacks, wallet, and other small bits with the aid of our handlebar bag mini. Handlebar bag mini nearly disappears under your bars. It’s the perfect accessory for all riders. It secures easily on drop bar and flat bar bikes via 2 durable velcro straps and a tether cord leaving plenty of room for your watt computer. The smooth YKK zipper grants easy access to your rations. The Mini is constructed with a durable Cordura canvas, lined with waterproof nylon fabric, and shaped via a lightweight thin custom cut of plastic.
While this is in no way a complete list of accessories, these honorable mentions will undoubtedly help you ride longer, safer, and have more fun saddle altogether. Visit Thread + Spoke collections today to explore our stylish collection of men’s and women’s cycling apparel or journal to learn more.
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Hot Wax vs. Chain Lube
If there's one thing every cyclist obsesses over (besides leg hair and donuts), it's drivetrain efficiency and making your bike silent. A clean, smooth-running chain can make or break your ride, and the battle between hot waxing and traditional chain lube is hotter than a mid-July crit race. As someone who has spent too much time in the garage tinkering with my drivetrain, I've tested both methods for years and wanted to share my findings.
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