It’s not just a fun activity - cycling is a way of life. Bike to school, work, or take on the trail for a sufferfest - riding keeps the wind in your hair. Avid riders know that bicycle accessories can be the difference between a good ride and a great one. So we’ve compiled a list of the best bicycle accessories you need to check out! We’ll look at helmets, locks, and the most protective phone cases to keep you pushing up the trail.
We’ll break down our rating criteria and get into reviews from fellow riders so you know exactly what to expect if you pick any of these items for yourselves. If you know us, you know we’re pretty enthusiastic riders ourselves, which paved the way for many of our bike mounts and accessories. We know what works and what doesn’t, what’s needed and what’s fluff. Let’s see if you agree without top picks and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s go!
Quick Links
TL;DR
The Giro Manifest Spherical Helmet for advanced safety and comfort
Rokform Rugged Cases for ultimate durability and phone protection
Kryptonite's New York Standard U-Lock to keep your bike invincible to thieves
Rokform V4 Pro Series Bike Stem Mount holds your phone down like no other
Garmin Edge 530 GPS Cycling Computer for ride data, GPS, and more
The Giro Manifest Spherical Helmet tops our list for its advanced safety features and comfort
Criteria Breakdown Summary
Let’s get into exactly how we’ve rated each item on our cycling accessories list. We wanted to know how each stood the test of time and a whole lot more - here’s a quick summary:
- Functionality: Does it do what it’s supposed to do?
- Durability: Will it crack under pressure?
- Compatibility: Does it fit with pretty much every bike out there?
- Ease of Use: Will it need a textbook and scientific tools for install?
- Value for Money: Is it overrated for the amount of money you need to dish out?
Each one of those criteria will get a rating out of five based on personal experience, community reviews, and a deep dive into its how-to’s. Let’s face it, even the best bike accessories may not be worth the cash when you really think about it. We’ve done all the digging for you, so let’s move onto our list toppers!
Giro Manifest Spherical Helmet
Best Known for: Advanced Protection Technology
The Giro Manifest Spherical Helmet made its way to our best bike accessories list mostly due to the best-in-class ventilation. Not to mention incorporating the leading brain protection system by Mips®.
There’s nothing worse than a sweaty and humid head under a helmet, and this one adds 19 wind tunnel vents to avoid just that. It weighs around 340g and complies with the US CPSC Safety Standard.
Features
Spherical MIPS technology for enhanced impact protection
19 vents for superior airflow
Integrated eyewear grippers
Roc Loc 5 Air fit system for customizable comfort
Antimicrobial padding
Pros
Exceptional impact protection
Excellent ventilation
Comfortable fit for long rides
Sleek, modern design
Cons
Higher price point compared to standard helmets
May not fit all head shapes equally well
Criteria Evaluation
Functionality: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Compatibility: 4/5
Ease of use: 4/5
Value for money: 3/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
On the Giro.com site, you’ll notice a solid 4.8 rating out of 17 reviews. From what we’re seeing, the .2 drop comes from the sizing guide and one reviewer experiencing a manufacturing issue with the inner velcro - nothing to write home about. The five star reviews are raves! Let’s see what they have to say:
“Well designed, typical Giro fit” ~ Ed G. Ed seems to get the sizing guide of this particular brand - no problems there!
“Awesome! Finally, I can block direct sunlight by slightly tilting my head down, the adjustable visor makes sure of that! Comfortable. Only wish it came in a red or maroon color.” ~ Chris C.
“Great helmet! Super comfortable—the wheel that adjusts the interior “grip” works especially well.” ~ Laurie N.
Even Gear Lab had something to say about this Giro helmet, giving it an overall score of 90/100. Here’s their verdict:
“...surpassed expectations and hugely impressed in our field test. With top-of-the-line breathability, a comfortable, well-padded interior, and above-average head coverage, this helmet edged out some stiff competition for the top spot on our podium. The Manifest includes all of the bells and whistles that we would expect from a high-end helmet, and Giro's clever Mips Spherical dual-shell rotational impact protection integrates seamlessly into the sleek design that doesn't feel bulky or awkward on your head.”
We’re liking what we’re seeing - need a minute to put our order through and we’ll continue with our list of the best bike accessories ;).
Price
Rokform Rugged Cases
Best Known for Superior Protection for Your Devices
Features
Military-grade drop protection (up to 4x MIL-STD 810G)
Dual-layer construction with polycarbonate and TPU materials
Magnetic Mounting System for easy attachment to bikes and other surfaces
RokLock twist lock system for secure mounting
Slim, lightweight design
Pros
Exceptional durability for rugged outdoor activities
Easy-to-use magnetic and twist lock mounting systems
Sleek design that doesn’t add bulk
Compatible with a wide range of accessories
Cons
Slightly higher price point compared to standard phone cases
Limited color options
Criteria Evaluation
Functionality: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Compatibility: 5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Whether you’re an Android die hard or an iPhone enthusiast, our Rokform rugged cases get rave reviews. With a 4.9 rating out of over six thousand reviews, in the world of smartphone protection, we top the charts. Here’s what Rokform buyers had to say:
“12 years I used only Rokform and all is well - I use Rokform on all of my iPhones and encourage my family to as well so they can toss it on a dashboard magnet or wireless charger on a windshield mount.” ~ Glen M. (Verified Buyer)
“Protection, Golf, Magsafe, New Order - Love this case! The magnet back isn't needed while on the golf course but definitely makes me feel my phone is more secure! The case has protected my phone for many drops and just feels safe! I use a magsafe wallet on my Samsung phone and this case accommodates the entire magsafe line which is like the best of both worlds! I just ordered my wife the S25 Ultra Case to protect her phone. I demanded she use this case with her track record of dropping phones!” ~ Ken A. (Verified Buyer)
“The Best in the Game - Well made product I really appreciate the craftsmanship.” ~ Juan S. (Verified Buyer)
Shout out to Roy Florez for his thorough video on our iPhone 16 Pro Rugged Case! He says “the magnets are stupid strong” - thanks Roy, ‘stupid strong’ is exactly what we were going for ;). Check out the full review below.
Price
A Rokform rugged runs for $69.99 - they’ve been baked (read the survival story), survived motorcycle accidents, and even dropped from a cell phone tower - and they lived to tell the tale. So is it worth it? Tell us in the comments below!
Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock
Best Known for: Uncompromising Security
Please take a moment with us here to curse bike thieves. Thank you. This is a problem plaguing ride communities everywhere - you need a lock that repels even the most motivated swindler. With a 16mm hardened steel shackle, a hardened double deadbolt, and a pick and drill resistant disc-style cylinder - this lock comes off as a tank.
We appreciate the 3 keys that come with the lock, the key safe program feature and the sliding dust cover to keep the key hole clean. Even more impressive is the lifetime warranty. Here’s to keeping our own bikes! This lock may be the ‘swiper, no swiping’ of the cycling world.
Features
16mm hardened steel shackle
Double deadbolt locking mechanism
Protective vinyl coating
3 stainless steel keys (including one LED-lit key)
Anti-theft protection offer
Pros
Extremely high security rating
Durable construction
Versatile fit for various frame sizes and fixed objects
Includes mounting bracket
Cons
Heavier than some other lock options
Can be cumbersome to carry
Criteria Evaluation
Functionality: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Compatibility: 4/5
Ease of use: 3/5
Value for money: 4/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
With 4.6 stars out of over 3,500 reviews - you gotta wonder what the .4 dock is about. To be fair, 80% of the reviews are 5 stars, 12% are 4 stars, and 8% land between 1 and 3 stars. Let’s cover the good and the bad and see what users have to say about this bike accessory.
A couple of the low star reviews claim that their bike or scooter was stolen while using the lock - no idea if the lock was cut or if the thieves have a way to unlock it. Here’s one of those reviews:
“My bike hasn't been stolen yet - This thing is heavy and sturdy as hell. The included mount is okay, I wish the mount were a little sturdier, but it works adequately.” ~ Unknown (Verified Buyer
“Really top of the line product. Nothing is 100% safe even if you lock your bike up in your garage. But this hefty well built lock is definitely worth every penny. Super heavy duty and at a decent price. Great mounting hardware too. I feel pretty confident they ain't getting my bike unless it's a pro with a portable grinder. Even then it wont be easy or quick to disable.”~ D Weiss (Verified Buyer)
“Used to love it, until a thief cut through it in minuntes with a portable saw. - …this lock will NOT stop any thief carrying a portable power saw. The cut that blade made through this thing was like butter. Maybe took him about a minute and it was done. So do NOT buy this thing thinking your bike is invulnerable from theft, because it is NOT.” ~ Solar Sailor (Verified Buyer)
That last one is a bit disappointing but doesn’t seem to be the overall sentiment. Thieves are getting smarter and possibly using new tools to take your bike. Stay safe and lock up either way!
Price
Rokform V4 Pro Series iPhone Bike Mount
Best Known for Secure and Adjustable Mounting System
With a lightweight CNC machined 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum build - this mount is built for adventure. We also finished it with black anodize - to keep that color from changing under the sun. It’s top of the line security for your smartphone with a California designed sleek look. When it comes to adjustability - there’s no limit with our V4 Pro.
The Rokform V4 Pro Series iPhone Bike Mount is a must-have for cyclists who rely on their phones for navigation or fitness tracking. This mount is designed for stability and easy adjustments, even on bumpy trails. It’s easy to install and fits in with our Rokform ecosystem. You’ll need a Rokform case to use this bike mount and the duo is hard to compete with. You read all about our rugged cases above, so you know durability is a strong point of ours! If you don’t have a Rokform case, try our Universal Adapter and don’t miss out on the best phone mount for your bike.
Features
CNC-machined aluminum construction for superior strength
Adjustable viewing angle for optimal phone positioning
Dual retention system with RokLock and magnetic connection
Compatible with all Rokform Rugged and Crystal Cases
Includes mounting hardware for easy installation
Pros
Rock-solid stability on rough terrains
Simple and quick installation process
Adjustable angles for better visibility
Sleek and durable design
Cons
Premium pricing
Limited compatibility with non-Rokform cases
Criteria Evaluation
Functionality: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Compatibility: 4.5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
A solid 4.8 stars on our V4 Pro Series Stem Bike Mount, reviewers had lots to say. The biggest mentions are around quality and security. The drop seems to stem from not being able to use just any case with the mount - but, hear us out. If we didn’t include our RokLock tech, it would undermine the security of the mount. We know our cases, we design them with ruggedness and potential road rashes in mind. We wanted to open this mount up for extreme rides, and most reviews seem to get it! Here’s what riders had to say:
“Rok Solid - Excellent quality. Easy installation and solid performance securing my phone on all types of riding surfaces.” ~ Scott W. (Verified Buyer)
“Happy cyclist - I’ve had these for several years. I feel really confident with my phone in this mount. I had another mount that I used for a little while & my phone didn’t feel as sturdy & secure as it did in the Rokform. Even when I’ve gone over really bad railroad tracks my phone is completely secure.” ~ Barb (Verified Buyer)
“Worth Every Penny - Probably my favorite bike mount out of 1/2 dozen I’ve bought/used. You need a Rokform case, but this mount is pretty much perfect. Phone sits in place, with absolutely no movement and it’s easy to angle to a better view.” ~ Dave (Verified Buyer)
There’s only put so much into words, see how it works for yourself:
Price
Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ Multi-Tool
Best Known for Compact Versatility
Features
Ratcheting tool handle
11 tool bits including hex, Torx, and screwdriver
Torque adapter (2-6 Nm)
Chain tool
Magnetic bit extender
Pros
Comprehensive tool selection
Compact and lightweight
Includes torque functionality
High-quality construction
Cons
More expensive than basic multi-tools
Requires some familiarity to use effectively
Criteria Evaluation
Functionality: 5/5
Durability: 4/5
Compatibility: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
With 4.6 stars on Amazon - we were curious what brought this handy tool down .4 points. Most non-five-star reviews are docking for price and for leaving out tire levers. Another couple of reviews mention the lack of proper instructions but seemed to help everyone out by including tidbits in their review. Let’s check out what everyone had to say:
“Great Product - The only complaint I have are the instructions. It doesn’t explain how the torque adapter works. You don’t have to set the torque like a regular torque wrench. Just start turning the wrench and look at the dial on it. When is at the pressure you want, just stop turning.” ~ Jose A. Gonzalez (Verified Buyer)
“This is a great set - This is a fantastic set...it has the right combination of bits, it's light, and it works VERY well. The ratchet is...it's tiny, but it's so incredibly well-made that you WANT to use it on things. Imagine a Swiss watch's attention to detail, on a tiny ratchet wrench...that's what it's like.” ~ Rogue Shoten (Verified Buyer)
“ Very practical for its size - Though pretty expensive, to me it has been very useful to date. The quality seems to be good enough for the purpose. Especially considering its compact zise.” ~ Bas (Verified Buyer)
One 2 star reviewermentioned that his Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ broke when he used it on a super tight bolt. Was it the bolt? Or was it the tool? We’re unsure but from the reviews overall, doesn’t look like that’s a common issue.
Price
Garmin Edge 530 GPS Cycling Computer
Best Known for: Comprehensive Performance Tracking
Features
2.6" color display
GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite reception
Advanced performance metrics (VO2 max, recovery, etc.)
Turn-by-turn navigation
Compatibility with Thank you for the reminder. I'll continue with the remaining items, picking up where I left off:
Compatibility with Garmin Connect and third-party apps
Pros
Extensive data tracking capabilities
Robust navigation features
Long battery life (up to 20 hours)
Integrates with a wide range of sensors
Cons
Learning curve for advanced features
Button-only interface (no touchscreen)
Criteria Evaluation
Functionality: 5/5
Durability: 4/5
Compatibility: 5/5
Ease of use: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
Majority screams ‘amazing’ for this bike accessory, with a few reviewers not happy with functionality or what they call ‘awkward’ buttons. With 4.5 stars on Amazon, we can safely say this gadget is a hit. Let’s see what buyers had to say about it:
“Great Bike Computer - Great bike computer that has some awesome capabilities and features. I mainly mountain bike so those are the features I use often. The jump tracking is surprisingly very good and neat to see your stats and attempt to beat them. This is the same with the flow and grit statistics that offer a cool analysis to compete with…” ~ Jared Mancha (Verified Buyer)
“Does more than I need it to do, and a but if work to set up - …Overall layout is okay, and it's functional, but the button are awkward to use in a day when so many things are touchscreen. If it's not in the mount it's pretty much a two handed device. Once I got it set up, I pretty much start the tracking and have a map up or stats up and leave it till my ride, walk or skiing is done. Setting this up is not the most intuitive process. Maybe because I am not looking for it to guide training, but just a data logger. I can see how it would be useful for setting a pace and maintaining it and many other road riding things.”~ William A.H. (Verified Buyer)
“Excellent purchase. 100% recommended - Excellent purchase, the device meets the requirements and exceeds them. The features and accessories that come with the Garmin Edge530 are perfect for my road bike and MTB. 100% recommended.” ~ Freddy Encarnacion (Verified Buyer)
Cycling Weekly weighs in calling the Garmin Edge 530 “quite possibly the best Garmin cycle computer ever produced.” They go on to say “it might not have the touchscreen of the 830 or the smartphone stature of the 1030 but it does a devastating job of emulating and even equalling the performance and functionality of both of these computers, just for far less money.”
So verdict is in - The Garmin Edge 50 is a win - did you pick one up? Let us know how you like the functionality and size.
Price
Notable Mentions
Knog Oi Classic Bike Bell
Rokform Premium Lanyard
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my bike accessories?
Are expensive accessories really worth the investment?
At the end of the day, we all get what we pay for - granted, you can find bicycle accessories that are way overpriced for what you get. But think about it this way. Quality materials and build costs money, and if you’re buying let’s say, a $20 phone case - you can almost always expect it to under perform. The seller had to cut corners somewhere to get that low price passed on to the buyer. So while not all high priced items are worth it, almost all low priced items won’t last.
BUT! While higher end bicycle accessories tend to offer better performance and features - you may not need all of that. Like the Garmin Edge 530 we mentioned above - maybe you’re just looking for a GPS - it wouldn’t make sense for you to drop $300 when you could just use a GPS on your phone.
Can I use road bike accessories on my mountain bike?
How do I maintain my cycling accessories?
Clean and inspect weekly for some, monthly, and yearly as needed. That’s where those manufacturer documents are going to come in handy. However, if we’re talking about safety gear - check those bike accessories before every single ride. Your life may depend on it!
Make sure what’s lubricated is lubricated and what’s electric is charged too!
What accessories are essential for beginner cyclists?
Final Thoughts
Best Bicycle Accessories
And there you have it, the best bicycle accessories to keep you safe and prepared for whatever the trail throws at you. The right biking gear can make or break your ride no matter if you’re a weekend warrior or a dedicated roadie - quality gear pays off.
We know that well at Rokform - our ecosystem is chalk full of cases, mounts, and accessories that Military and First Responder personnel rely on. Since 2010 we’ve been on a mission to put together the best bike kit for all types of riders. So whether you're a puncheur, a grimpeur, a sprinter, or just ride your bike to work - we got your back, err bike.
If you’re looking for cycling accessories for a specific bike check out our blogs on the Top 9 Road Bike Cycling Accessories, Top 10 Aventon E-Bike Accessories, and Top 11 Mountain Bike Must-Have Accessories to start.
We’ve also touched on Mountain Bike Maintenance and Mountain Bike Trends - and we’re just getting started!
Thanks for making it here with us, while you’re here, what was your favorite biking gear on our list? Let us know in the comments! Your top picks may end up in our next roundup!
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