Commuting by bike is a healthy, efficient way to travel to work. Choosing the right bike matters, but the right gear can make a big difference to your comfort, safety and overall experience. Here’s a simple guide to the best cycling clothing, accessories and essentials for your commute.
Cycle Clothing
1. Bike Helmet
A helmet is essential for any commuter. The Lazer CityZen Kineticore Helmet combines style with safety, featuring built-in crumple zones and Kineticore technology to help absorb impact energy. Ideal for urban riding and added peace of mind.
Offering style and performance, this sleek Lazer helmet features controlled crumple zones for ultimate protection on your commutes. The Kineticore technology helps absorb energy to provide greater peace of mind, particularly when cycling in urban areas.
2. High vis jacket
A high vis jacket or high vis vest can help make you more visible to other road users during the day and at night, benefiting both you and them.
The Ridge Unisex Waterproof Jacket is available in both fluorescent yellow and orange, and in seven sizes. The jacket features a removable hood and rear zipped pocket, which is perfect for keeping your essentials safe during a ride. It’s made from 100% waterproof polyester and includes reflective details to improve your visibility on the road.
A more tailored option with the same features is the Ridge Women’s Waterproof Jacket, which comes in navy and pink.
3. Cycling shorts
If you’ve got the time and facilities to change when you get to work, then we’d definitely recommend investing in some cycling shorts such as the Ridge Women’s Cycling Shorts or Ridge Men’s Cycling Shorts.
These shorts are specifically designed to maximise comfort while you’re riding, with a medium density cushioned pad that will keep you comfortable for rides of up to two hours. They’re available in a variety of sizes and include silicon hem grippers for a secure fit.
If you’d prefer something you could slip on under a pair of trousers or casual shorts, then check out our range of undershorts. They come in multiple sizes and offer a similar level of added comfort.
4. Bike lock
Unless you opt for a folding bike, then chances are that you’ll need to secure your bike somewhere while you go about your working day. There are a variety of bike locks available, but our pick is the Halfords 23cm D Lock.
The Halfords 23cm D Lock features a 23cm high shackle and a double bolt locking mechanism, which means that even if the bar is cut it can’t be rotated and will still hold the lock firmly in place. A rubber coating protects the frame of your bike from any damage, while an anti-pick lock provides further protection.
The lock has also been awarded a Gold Sold Secure approval rating, for extra peace of mind.
5. Pannier racks/bags
Adding a couple of pannier bags to your bike is an easy way to increase your storage space without having to take on the weight yourself.
The Halfords Rear Tour Pannier Rack is ideal for both touring and commuting. It carries a max weight of 25kg, perfect for attaching your pannier bags to. It’s lightweight and easy to set up, making transporting your essentials a breeze.
6. Bike pump
The Halfords Dual Action Bike Pump is the answer when it comes to keeping your tyres inflated when you’re on the move. This pump inflates up the 85 PSI, auto adjusts to Schrader and Presta valves, and can easily be transported in your bike bag or bike pannier. There’s even a bike fitting bracket included that you can use to fit the pump to your water bottle frame mount.
If you’d prefer something with a little more power then it has to be the Halfords Track Pump. The Track Pump inflates up to 140 PSI and features an easy-to-read gauge that allows you to measure your tyre pressures easily. It has a wider base for added stability and the twin heads fit both Schrader and Presta valves.
7. Bike lube
A damaged or rusted bike chain can derail a whole journey, so keep yours protected with some All Weather Lube 100ml.
This lube provides protection from all weathers and includes a Teflon surface protector for enhanced protection all year round. Simply apply it to your chain at least two hours before riding and you’ll be good to go.
8. Multi tool
It’s always a good idea to have a multi tool on your person when you’re a commuter and we’d recommend the Halfords Advanced 21 Function Multi Tool.
This neat little tool has a massive 21 functions, including:
- Hex keys: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm (8mm features a magnetic attachment for convenience)
- Screwdrivers: 2 Phillips and 1 Flat Head
- Torx keys: T-10 and T-25
- Wrenches: 8mm and 10mm
- Chain tool: Compatible with 8 to 12-speed chains
- Spoke key wrenches: Sizes 0, 1, 2, 3
- 15mm rotor truing tool for disc brake adjustment
9. Puncture repair kit and spare inner tube
Punctures are the nemesis of any cyclist, but there’s a simple way to ensure you’ll never be caught out: the Halfords Essentials Puncture Repair Kit with Tyre Levers.
The kit includes 18 patches, two 5g adhesive tubes, two tyre levers, sandpaper, chalk and a marker crayon, which is everything you’ll need to get yourself back on the road.
If you find that your tyre needs replacing, we’ve got a great range of inner tubes available.
10. Mudguards
Mudguards will help to keep you warm, dry and clean on your commute by protecting your clothes, feet and bike from any water or dirt on the road.
The SKS Beavertail XL Mudguard Set is an all-round clip-on mudguard with an innovative design that’s been optimised for dirt protection. It fits most hybrid and mountain bikes, and features robust steel brackets that make it safe and easy to fit.
11. Bike cleaning spray
The Bikehut Extreme Bike Cleaner easily removes dust, mud, dirt and oil to leave you with a bike to be proud of. Non-acid based, it’s kind to your bike while removing even the most stubborn of grime.
12. Heart rate monitor
One of the best by-products of commuting to work by bike is the free exercise. Why not keep an eye on your progress with a Halfords Heart Rate Monitor and Chest Strap?
The Halfords Heart Rate Monitor and Chest Strap allows you to accurately monitor your heart rate and therefore track your fitness progress. While the strap fits comfortably around your chest, you can connect to your smartphone or GPS device to clearly track your heart rate during or after your commute. The battery lasts for an impressive 6 months (based on riding for one hour a day), making this great value for money.
13. Phone mount
It’s great to be able to use a GPS while you’re cycling, but it’s important to protect it too – and that’s where the Halfords Waterproof Phone Mount comes in.
The Halfords Waterproof Phone Mount is suitable for screens of up to 6 inches and comes with tough welded seams, making it fully waterproof. It’s touchscreen compatible and the quick release mount means that you can easily remove it when you’re away from your bike.
That’s all the accessories you’ll need for the perfect commute.
Whether you regularly commute by bike or you’re just starting out, our free bike health check will help to make sure that your bike’s in top condition. You can also find our full range of road bikes, hybrid bikes, electric bikes and folding bikes online.
Cycle2Work
You could save on a new bike and cycling equipment with the Cycle2Work scheme. This government-backed initiative helps you get the gear you need while spreading the cost through your salary. The scheme works through your employer, allowing you to pay for your bike and accessories from your gross salary before tax and National Insurance. This means you could save up to 47%, depending on your circumstances.
Your payments are then spread over monthly instalments, making it easier to budget for your new bike.
To find out more about Cycle2Work and how to sign up, visit halfords.com.
