Having just returned from our first cycling trip – a tour of Myanmar – we look at useful cycling accessories we’d like for our next trip
We had an amazing experience on our cycle tour of Myanmar, but one thing we noticed was that we weren’t kitted out very well compared with fellow cyclists.
We are far more prepared for our hiking, climbing and mountaineering escapades than we are for adventures on two wheels. It didn’t stop us having a great time, but a few of the below cycling accessories would have made our days in the saddle just that bit easier.
10 cycling accessories
The cycling accessories listed below range from essential requirements to frivolous expense!
| 1. | Bib shorts We were pretty sceptical when we first saw one of our group members in a pair of bib shorts. The image of a mankini sprang to mind! However, after a day in the saddle we wished we’d invested in a pair each. Castelli free aero race for men and women offer well-positioned padding that doesn’t need adjusting throughout the day. |
| 2. | Cycling jersey A lightweight cycling jersey with zipped pockets at the rear would have been better than the hiking base layers we were in. They’re a bit more breathable and the rear pockets would have come in use. Tenn’s Sprint short sleeve jersey is a popular and economic option. |
| 3. | Saddle bag Kia and I were both cycling with backpacks which were noticeably larger than group members’ saddle bags. The TOPEAK Aero Wedge is big enough to carry essentials along with a few comfort items. |
| 4. | Cycling gloves It’s worth investing in a decent pair of cycling gloves especially if you’re planning to continue cycling. Fingerless gloves are ideal for hot climates. Giro Monaco are a popular and affordable option. |
| 5. | Identification bracelet The Roadid ID bracelet is a personalised bracelet that allows you to include essential information such as your name, emergency contact numbers, insurance and medical information. It’s not essential but does provide peace of mind on remote or solo rides. |
| 6. | Phone mount A useful cycling accessory for navigation as well as smartphone photography on the go. Finn and Choetech both offer universal quick release and secure smartphone handlebar mounts. |
| 7. | Hydration pack Reaching for a water bottle is far from ideal for newbie cyclists. In Myanmar, the sapping heat meant we had to carry lots of water so we both wished we had a hydration pack. The CamelBak 2016 M.U.L.E. is the “perfect balance of cargo and hydration” with plenty of backpack space for other essentials. |
| 8. | Sunscreen We had high-SPF sunscreen which certainly did the trick. However, we were constantly re-applying it thanks to Myanmar’s relentless heat. Sun Bum’s signature sunscreen is water and sweat resistant, fragrance free and soft on sensitive skin. |
| 9. | Sunglasses We only had leisure sunglasses which may have looked good but weren’t very practical. There’s no need to spend hundreds; a pair of polarised sports sunglasses such as [easyazon_link identifier=”B00JB3DU4U” locale=”US” tag=”atbo0c-20″]RIVBOS 805 will work perfectly well. |
| 10. | Mud guards We’re well into non-essential territory now, but if you’re on a cycling tour and in and out of restaurants, religious sites and tourist attractions then you may not want mud sprayed up your rear end! Ass Savers are lightweight fenders that sit subtly under your saddle, ready to deploy when the going gets wet. |
| 11. | WingLights Kia was not entirely confident signalling with her arms on certain busy roads in Myanmar and would have benefited from innovative WingLights that clip onto the end of your handlebars and are easily operated with a touch of a button. |
| 12. | Bike to bike radios Perhaps a little excessive, but these could be particularly useful if you’re riding in a large group with members of different abilities. Terrano-X bike to bike radios mean you can easily keep in touch with your fellow cyclists and update each other on dangers, directions and traffic conditions. |
