14 Best Gear For The Bike Commuter

$6+

Having a good bike for commuting is just the start. You will need plenty of other gear that will make the trip more efficient, safe and enjoyable. Today, we made a list of items that every bike commuter can find useful, whether it is essentials like good quality lights and locks, organization items like backpacks and phone cases or different tools you need during the ride. Whatever the case, we got it covered.

1 – ExOfficio Sol Cool Performance Pullover Hoodie

ExOfficio Sol Cool Performance Pullover Hoodie

A breathable performance hoodie that draws the heat and cools you down.

Let us start with a performance hoodie with premium cooling protection. It’s perfect for hot days and intensive cycling since its Ultrafine Nilit fabric draws heat away from your skin. This material is also breathable, moisture wicking, quick drying and thanks to mesh panels under the arms, it provides the necessary ventilation. There’s also a vented hood that will keep the sun or rain off your face. You can wear this hoodie to work and once you’re off the bike, change into a shirt. The odor-resistant finish will neutralize smells, so you can pack it into the backpack with the fear of it turning smelly. Available in three colors on Backcountry.

BUY | $66.46

2 – Heimplanet Motion Eclipse Backpack

Heimplanet Motion Eclipse Backpack

A durable backpack with comfortable 3D foam padding.

With a 25 L capacity, Heimplanet Motion Eclipse Backpack is perfect for daily commuting. It’s crafted out of nylon rip-stop melange fabric with a PEVR lamination and YKK zippers with PU coating. The back panel has a unique design – 3D foam that provides airflow between body and the pack. Also, its shape makes sure the weight is evenly distributed. As for its storing capabilities, you’ll find an internal pocket for a 15” laptop or a 3 L hydration pack, a wide main compartment with stretchable front layers and a floating pocket you can access directly.

BUY | $160

3 – Light & Motion Urban 800 LTD Trail Headlight

Light & Motion Urban 800 LTD Trail Headlight

A headlight with an 800-lumen output and 180-degree cover.

This headlight is not only compact but very powerful, especially in low light conditions. With its 800 lumen output and 180-degree LED projection, you’ll stay as visible as it gets. The headlight features a sleek design that is waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Its built-in rechargeable battery can be charged via Micro USB cable and can last somewhere between 90 minutes to 6 hours (depending on the mode you choose). Includes a helmet and GoPro mount.

BUY | $100

4 – Timbuk2 Especial Medio Backpack

Timbuk2 Especial Medio Backpack

One more backpack for the commuter who likes to keep the items organized.

Here’s one more backpack for the bike commuter you should consider. Timbuk2 Especial Medio is made from durable ripstop Cordura nylon and perfectly balances access and organization. It has a 30L capacity, flexible cooling panel for ventilation and high-density foam straps for comfort. Thanks to its waterproof seam tape construction, the content of the bag will stay dry for several hours when it’s raining. More features include an expandable volume, reflective hits and a loop for attaching bike lights. 

BUY | $179

5 – Garmin Forerunner 35 Watch

A fitness watch with plenty of digital features.

A fitness watch with plenty of digital features.

Although designed as a running watch, it’s very popular among commuters. It comes with a built-in GPS and monitors your heart rate 24/7. It also counts your calories and reminds you when to move. This Garmin watch allows you to stay connected as it sends you texts, social media notifications, and can serve as an alarm. Just connect it to the Garmin app and get access to your stats and fitness community of your choosing.

BUY | from $185

6 – Lezyne HP Drive Pump

Lezyne HP Drive Pump

A mini pump that’s easy to pack and quick for inflating the tires.

With its durable aluminum construction and high-pressure hose, Lezyne HP Drive Pump will inflate tires quickly. This mini pump has a composite handle and end caps and can be used for Presta and Schrader valves. Just un-thread the head to set for a different valve. It’s airtight, has a comfortable grip and delivers 120PSI. You can get it in two sizes- small- 170 mm and medium- 216 mm. Available in black and silver.

BUY | $28.99

7 – ALEX Spil-Proof Insulated Tumbler

ALEX Spil-Proof Insulated Tumbler

This tumbler is leak proof and has great temperature keeping abilities.

ALEX Spil-Proof Insulated Tumbler will turn your morning ride to a go-to coffee routine. It has a leak-proof screw-on cap and a durable construction. With it, you can keep your beverages hot for 6 hours and cold for 12 hours. The tumbler has a 20 oz capacity and a bottom that can be placed on any cup holder dimension. More features include a removable bottle opener at the bottom, silicone sleeve and a wide mouth to help you easily pour your drink. Finally, it has a comfortable grip and is dishwasher safe.

BUY | $27.98

8 – Thousand Heritage Helmet

Thousand Heritage Helmet

A protective and stylish helmet.

Described by Esquire as an urban biking essential, this helmet is a must-have. It not only offers you protection but comes in a sleek, minimalistic style you will want to own. It’s made from ABS thermoplastic body with a rubberized matte finish. The magnetic buckle can be set with one hand, the straps are comfortable, animal-free and eco-friendly. Speaking of comfort, the thousand heritage helmet has an interior padding and lots of ventilation, with the air coming through seven air vents and three internal cooling channels.

BUY | $85

9 – GEARONIC TM Gloves

GEARONIC TM Gloves

Ultra padded gloves that reduce sweating and soreness of the palms.

The Gearonic gloves are designed to decrease your risk of wrist injury, soreness and pain by softening the impact on the handlebars. This is achieved with a super abrasion resistant material and ultra padding. You will also find a breathable mesh material at the palms that will increase ventilation and reduce sweating in your palms. The friction pads also provide great comfort, especially if you’re cycling for longer periods of time. Available in three sizes and three colors.

BUY | $8.99

10 – UShake Bike Lock Cable

A four digit combination lock.

A four digit combination lock.

With its strong and flexible braided steel cable and vinyl shell, the UShake Bike Lock will protect your bike from theft. It has a four digit combination system that results in 10,000 possibilities, making it almost impossible to crack. The combination is resettable and you can change it whenever you want. As for its dimensions, the lock has a diameter of 1/2 inches.

BUY | $12.97

11 – Crank Brothers Multi Bicycle Tool

Crank Brothers Multi Bicycle Tool

A small multi-tool with 19 functions.

Crank Brothers Multi Bicycle Tool is so small you can pack it anywhere yet it comes with 19 functions perfect for road side repairs. So, what do you get in this compact tool set? It includes seven hex wrenches, four spoke wrench sizes, small and large Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, 8 and 10mm open wrenches, a t-25 Torx driver for disc brakes, and a universal chain tool. Each one is packed together in a durable but lightweight aluminum hard case. Finally, this trail companion comes with side grips so you can hold it steady even with gloves on.

BUY | $24

12 – Ass Savers SmartAss Bicycle Rain Fender

Ass Savers SmartAss Bicycle Rain Fender

A mudguard that protects your pants from the rain.

So, what happens when it starts raining and your seat gets wet? You wouldn’t want to ruin your pants before work with an annoying wet stripe, would you? Ass Saver is a foldable mudguard that folds under the seat and can be used when it starts to rain. It has a new attachment system that makes it compatible with almost every standard rail saddle. Available in different colors on Amazon.

BUY | $14.75

13 – Knog Oi Bell

Knog Oi Bell

A minimalistic, high volume bell.

You would want to cut through traffic with a clear sound and Knog Oi Bell doesn’t look like a typical bell. In fact, while designing it, Knog Oi decided to remove all unnecessary features and make it elegant and minimalistic. The bell itself is made from stainless steel and has a high tensile spring. It’s easy to mount and can also serve as a cable management system. The strike of the bell is firm and the volume is high. You can get a smaller and larger fit, depending on the bike you’re riding. Available in five colors on Amazon.

BUY | $13.50+

14 – Bellroy All Conditions Phone Pocket

Bellroy All Conditions Phone Pocket

A waterproof pocket for your phone, keys, cards, and cash.

The last item bike commuters will find useful is the Bellroy phone pocket that besides keeping your phone safe protects your cash and cards as well. On the outside, it features weather-proof materials (a hard wearing 500-denier woven polyamide) and on the inside a soft microfibre lining that will nest your phone. You’ll also find two pockets inside, for storing other smaller items. 

BUY | $109.95


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