Some of the more general road cycling accessories that might come to mind include a good helmet, dedicated cycling clothes and a puncture repair kit.
However, there are some often overlooked accessories that I feel like I should mention in this article so that you can get the most out of your road cycling and make it as enjoyable as possible.
Cycling glasses
You should definitely invest in a pair of sunglasses to cut down on glare and protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, especially if you are spending extended periods of time outdoors.
The best glasses will be understated and unobtrusive in the sense that they won’t clash with your helmet and make them both uncomfortable to wear as a result.
Bike computer
No doubt if you are interested in cycling on the road then you will also have some sort of interest in how far you have ridden and what your average speed is. Some computers will also tell you what your heart rate is and track other important parameters.
Personally this is one of the most enjoyable parts of cycling – being able to set a goal in terms of a specific distance you want to achieve within a certain time.
The best bike computers will have buttons that aren’t too fiddly or hard to manipulate while you are riding and those that have a screen that is easily viewable in full sunlight.
They’ll also be easy to set up and will stay on the handle bars of the bike the longest without falling off all the time.
Shoes
A good pair of cycling shoes is also a must. They should be small and light but able to be walked on when the need arises.
Look for shoes with rubber soles to dampen the process of walking and breathable mesh on the top to allow air flow and decrease sweat build-up.
Cleaning kit
Every even half-serious cyclist should have a good cleaning kit that they can use to clean their bike at the end of each ride. We all know that bikes can pick up an incredible amout of road grime and dust and it becomes lodged in every nook and cranny from the spokes to the chain and pedals.
Investing in a good set of brushes is essential and you can easily pick up a good kit for around $20 that will do the job quite nicely.
Power meters
Perhaps one of the most high-end road cycling accessories is the power meter. It is basically a diagnostic device that tracks your pedal stroke and gives advice on how to improve performance and efficiency.
It can track speed, energy expenditure and current and determine if there are any ways that you can enhance your overall riding experience.
They won’t be for everyone however, with some power meters costing in the range of $1300 or more. As a result only the most enthusiastic cyclists or those who race competitively should consider this as a worthwhile purchase.
Now I recently bought one of the best mountain bike under 500 dollars and have fitted it with these accessories. No doubt I am loving every minute of my biking.