Wherever you look now, it seems like technology is changing the way we do almost everything. From shopping to driving and everything in between, there’s always some new gadget or tool coming onto the market that we’re told will make our lives easier.
The reality is that while some solutions quickly become an integral part of our lives, others are fads that fade away as quickly as they arrive. So, when you’re buying tech, you need to make sure you know that you can get the most use out of it possible.
That’s particularly true when it comes to cycling gadgets and tech. The cycling accessories market is currently valued at $2.3 billion, and that keeps rising as new products are released and many individuals embrace biking as a low-cost, low-emission form of exercise and transport.
If you’re looking at the array of cycling tech and wondering what’s actually useful, then keep reading. We’ve curated a list of some of the best cycling tech solutions on the market that will benefit riders and improve the quality of their biking experience.
Electric Bikes
For anyone who loves cycling but sometimes needs a little assistance, an electric bike is the ultimate solution. Not to be confused with a motorcycle, an electric bike is the same as an ordinary cycle, but comes with a motor to assist with pedalling. It’s ideal for older riders, cyclists who love strenuous uphill rides or anyone who just sometimes needs a little extra push. These bikes are often more costly than traditional cycles, so it’s worth getting coverage for an electric bike from a specialist insurance provider like Velosurance. You’ll then have peace of mind that your new electric bike is covered if something happens to it and can feel confident using it on all your upcoming rides.
High-Tech Bike Lights
Lights are an essential for any rider and journey, even if you’re travelling during the day. After all, some routes might be darker than others, especially if you’re driving through forests or along dark lanes. Lighting tech for bikes has come a long way since the early days, so if you have an older bike with outdated lights, now might be the perfect time for an upgrade. Many lights now have options such as Bluetooth capabilities to allow you to control them through your phone or smartwatch, enhanced brightness settings for different stages of darkness and other great high-specification features. So, it could be worth seeking out a new light for your bike to make it easier to transition from light to dark and keep you safe as you enjoy your cycling journey.
Modern Bike Pumps
Another traditional cycling accessory that’s had a modern makeover is the humble bike pump. Almost every rider owns at least one bike pump to deal with a puncture, but today’s pumps go beyond anything we could ever have dreamed of years ago. Many modern bike pumps come with digital air pressure gauges to help you see how much air is needed and make it much easier to inflate your tyres correctly. So, if you’re currently using an old bike pump that’s been lying around for a while, it could be time for a new one! Most new bike pumps come with great features as standard, so even if you don’t have a massive budget, you should still be able to find one that suits your needs and makes it easier for you to keep your tyres fully inflated at all times.
Smart Bike Locks
Most bikes cost several hundred pounds or more, and require regular maintenance and upgrades. While criminals will only see dollar signs, for riders there’s an emotional attachment too. Your bike is an extension of your body and something you spend a lot of time curating to your body’s unique needs. As such, most riders work hard to reduce the chances of their precious ride getting stolen. That means finding the best bike locks on the market. Alarmed bike locks have been around for a while, but the latest option is a smart bike lock. These locks link to your smartphone via an app, and can be unlocked by your phone or fingerprint rather than with a physical key. Also, they have alarms that can inform you if someone is trying to steal your bike, and provide a locator to help you track it down. These locators can be useful on their own, particularly if you regularly forget where you parked your bike! So, it’s worth checking out a smart bike lock to see if it could upgrade your bike’s security and give you additional features to help you keep your bike safe and secure wherever you are.
Bike Computers
Most modern cars have a computer built-in, but that can be harder to do for a bike. After all, many riders have custom set-ups, which can make it difficult to instal a computer into the handlebars. Also, as these computers often become obsolete in a few years, and most bikes are kept for much longer, it’s not feasible to instal a built-in computer. Still, having a high-tech solution can be handy for cyclists looking to get more out of their bike riding experience. As such, the cycle industry has developed bike computers that can be mounted on the handlebars of any model. These handy devices can help you to plan your route, provide GPS navigation and measure your vital statistics, such as heart rate, distance travelled, and calories burned. Explore the best cycling computers on the market to find one that will give you all the features you expect and enhance your biking experience. While these gadgets are expensive and might be deemed unnecessary by some old-fashioned riders, they can be handy for anyone who spends a lot of time on their bike.
Bluetooth Helmets
If you love high-tech gadgets and are already eyeing up a bike computer, then you might also want to consider a Bluetooth helmet. Bluetooth helmets, also known as smart helmets, can give you some of the features that a bike computer does directly into your helmet. Everyone has to wear a helmet when cycling, so you might as well do it in style and get some extra fun out of it! Smart bike helmets usually have built-in lights and headphones, which can connect to your smartphone or bike computer. As such, you can listen to music or an audiobook as you ride without having to worry about your headphones falling out. Many smart bike helmets also track your heart rate and other vital statistics, making them ideal for anyone who’s focusing on achieving their fitness goals through cycling. So, the next time you need a new bike helmet, think about more than just the safety rating. Consider if you can find one with a range of features that will give you everything you need and more.
Cycling Tech: A Brief Roundup
Shopping for new cycling accessories is fun! It’s a great way to spend time and find items that will enhance your rides. Whether you’re looking to invest in an electric bike or a cycling computer, or you want to stay safe and get a better experience with a cutting-edge bike light, there are plenty of options to suit every rider. This guide gives you an insight into what’s out there and how to choose the best option for your bike.