Best Cycling Gear and Accessories
You've got the bike. Now what? Turns out there's a whole world of accessories that make riding safer, more comfortable, and way more fun. But it's easy to go overboard — you don't need a $500 power meter when you're riding to the coffee shop on Saturdays. We focused on the gear that most cyclists actually use regularly. A good helmet is non-negotiable (your brain is worth it). Lights keep you alive when the sun goes down. And a GPS computer turns every ride into something you can track and improve on. Everything else is gravy, but nice gravy.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS Bike Computer | Cycling | Dual-band GPS accuracy | Buy on Amazon |
| Giro Syntax MIPS Road Cycling Helmet | Cycling | MIPS protection system | Buy on Amazon |
| Vont LED Bike Light Set Front and Rear USB Rechargeable | Cycling | Bright 400-lumen front light | Buy on Amazon |
| ROCKBROS Cycling Gloves Half Finger Gel Padded | Cycling | Gel padding reduces vibration | Buy on Amazon |
| Oakley Prizm Radar EV Path Sport Sunglasses | Cycling | Prizm lens technology enhances contrast | Buy on Amazon |
| Garmin Edge 540 GPS Cycling Computer | Cycling | Solar charging extends battery | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 GPS Bike Computer
Aerodynamic GPS cycling computer with color display and turn-by-turn navigation. Dual-band GPS provides accurate tracking even in urban canyons and dense forest. Integrates with all major cycling apps including Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Ride with GPS.
- Dual-band GPS accuracy
- Aerodynamic mount design
- Seamless app integrations
- Long battery life
- Touchscreen not as responsive as phone
- Map detail is basic compared to Garmin
Giro Syntax MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
Road cycling helmet with MIPS rotational impact protection and deep internal channeling for airflow. Roc Loc 5.5 fit system allows one-handed micro-adjustment while riding. Lightweight in-mold construction keeps total weight under 300 grams.
- MIPS protection system
- Excellent ventilation
- One-handed fit adjustment
- Visor not included
- Limited color selection
Vont LED Bike Light Set Front and Rear USB Rechargeable
USB rechargeable front and rear bike light set with multiple brightness modes. Front light delivers 400 lumens for clear nighttime visibility on roads and trails. IPX5 waterproof rating keeps the lights working in rain and wet conditions.
- Bright 400-lumen front light
- USB rechargeable saves on batteries
- IPX5 waterproof
- Mount can slip on thin handlebars
- Rear light is less bright than front
ROCKBROS Cycling Gloves Half Finger Gel Padded
Half-finger cycling gloves with gel palm padding to absorb road vibration and reduce hand fatigue. Pull-tab design makes removal easy even when sweaty. Breathable mesh back keeps hands cool during warm-weather rides.
- Gel padding reduces vibration
- Easy pull-tab removal
- Breathable mesh back
- Sizing runs slightly small
- No touchscreen fingertip compatibility
Oakley Prizm Radar EV Path Sport Sunglasses
High-performance sport sunglasses with Prizm lens technology that enhances contrast and visibility for cycling and running. Extended lens coverage provides a wide field of view with minimal frame obstruction. Unobtainium nose and ear pads increase grip with perspiration.
- Prizm lens technology enhances contrast
- Wide field of view
- Grip improves with sweat
- Lens replacement cost is high
- Not prescription-ready without adapter
Garmin Edge 540 GPS Cycling Computer
Advanced GPS cycling computer with solar charging capability and multi-band GNSS for precise positioning. Training features include stamina tracking, power guide, and climb planning with real-time gradient profiles. Up to 42 hours of battery life in GPS mode with solar assist.
- Solar charging extends battery
- Multi-band GNSS accuracy
- Advanced training metrics
- Steep learning curve for features
- Touchscreen absent on base model
Frequently Asked Questions
What cycling accessories do I actually need?
A helmet, lights, and gloves. That's the minimum. The Giro Syntax MIPS is a solid helmet with real safety tech. The Vont bike light set covers front and rear for under $20. And gloves save your hands on longer rides and if you ever go down. Everything else is optional but those three are must-haves.
Is a GPS bike computer worth it?
If you ride more than casually, yes. The Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 is the sweet spot — it does navigation, speed, distance, heart rate, and syncs with Strava automatically. The Garmin Edge 540 is another great pick if you're deeper into training metrics. But if you just ride around the neighborhood, your phone works fine.
Do I need cycling-specific sunglasses?
They help more than you'd think. Regular sunglasses slip, bounce, and don't wrap around your face enough to block wind. The Oakley Prizm lenses are designed for cycling — they enhance road contrast so you can spot potholes and debris better. But honestly, any snug-fitting sport sunglasses are better than nothing.
What's the best budget cycling upgrade?
Padded gloves. Seriously. They cost almost nothing and make a huge difference on rides longer than 30 minutes. The ROCKBROS gel-padded gloves absorb vibration and keep your hands from going numb. It's one of those things where you wonder why you didn't buy them sooner.