It’s very easy to get caught up in the technology race in cycling these days, with new products often aiming to be lighter, stiffer, faster, but this is usually due to functionality, comfort, and other will negate the benefits of . Many of us want a bike that is durable, easy to handle, and does exactly what we need it to do.
This concept was obtained by GCN‘s technology experts Alex Paton and Olly Bridgewood reflect on their favorite piece of functional bike technology: one that does the job without any frills. We’re talking mudguards, bags, and good lights. These are things that all of us cyclists need, perhaps more than the latest aero invention.
Here’s Alex and Ollie’s list of the best bike techniques to help you stay comfortable. Feel free to add your ideas in the comments section below.
read more: 6 of the best ‘bang for the buck’ bike upgrades
dynamo hub
A dynamo hub allows you to convert some of the energy produced while cycling into electricity. This means you can charge your lights, head unit, or just your power bank for later use while riding. Dynamo hubs are becoming increasingly popular among bikepackers as they enable off-grid riding with relative ease.
read more: How to set up a road bike for adventure riding and bikepacking
That being said, using a dynamo system does come with a penalty as it adds a few hundred grams of weight and some additional resistance from the generating unit. On a course of about 100 kilometers, a bike equipped with a dynamo can complete the course about four minutes slower than a bike with a regular hub.
If you don’t want to bother with setting a known fastest point-to-point time and instead prefer peace of mind, know that you can charge your devices or power your lights without the need for external power. It is safe to leave it there. If you have a source of information, Dynamo might be the best choice. They are practical and helpful, which is exactly what this list is about.
mudguard
Whether you choose a set of traditional full-length mudguards or a set of clip-on mudguards, we think these are one of the best bits of kit to fit your bike. Not only will it keep you cleaner and drier during your ride, it will also keep dirt and debris away from the more sensitive areas of your bike.
If you’re cycling outdoors during rainy or winter months, investing in a good mudguard will quickly pay for itself and add even more fun to your outing. If you choose a convenient clip-on mudguard, be sure to apply some kind of protective tape to the frame to prevent damage to the frame from gravel underneath the mudguard’s attachment points.
read more: How to install clip-on mudguards on almost any bike
bar bag
I’ll admit that attaching what is essentially a giant pencil case to the front of your bike isn’t going to win you any aerodynamic awards. However, for steady rides and gravel adventures, nothing beats a bar bag. With everything you need within reach, bar bags are perfect for keeping snacks and other essentials within reach.
Ollie wants to go one step further and believes that a top tube bag is even more functional as it is easier to access and does not affect the aerodynamics of the front of the bike. No matter what type of bag you prefer, we think it’s the perfect functional solution for carrying your kit.
saddle bag
A functional and original way to carry spares and repair items while riding, saddlebags allow you to carry all your essential kit in one neat solution, while the jersey pocket can hold your phone, snacks, etc. , or you can put in additional layers. . As saddlebag technology has evolved over the years, there has been a huge increase in what can be packed into a relatively small package, and some saddlebags even come with integrated tools.
With the advent of TPU inner tubes, the footprint occupied by spares has shrunk. This means you can hide everything you need under the saddle in case of an accident while riding. These little saddlebags are so great that you can just put them on your bike and forget about them because they’re always there when you need them.
read more: How to carry accessories and spare kit when riding your bike
High visibility
Wearing high-visibility clothing is one of the most effective ways to stand out when you’re out and about. Wearing bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night will help other road users recognize you.
Wearing a high-vis cuff on your tights in winter has the added benefit of sitting above anything that vibrates. The up and down movement of pedaling movements makes the high-visibility cuff more noticeable to road users than such static parts. Like your torso.
light
Another thing that is great to pair with high visibility clothing is lights. Lights aren’t purely for nighttime use, and studies have shown that irregularly flashing daytime lights are one of the best ways to draw attention to yourself. Although lights are a significant investment compared to high-visibility clothing, we think they are well worth the cost for city riding and are a must-have when riding in the dark.
If you are looking for a good light, we recommend one that is USB rechargeable so that you can easily charge the light wherever you are. Another thing to note is that there is a minimum flashing setting, but an irregular flashing pattern is ideal as it will be difficult for other road users to blank out.
read more: Be visible in autumn and winter: how to choose the right bike light
belt drive
If cycling is simply a mode of transportation you use to get around towns and cities, an oil-coated chain down the length of your pants can make things a hassle. Coming to work with oily pants is not the best way to start your day. For city riders, belt drive bikes are a more attractive option. They use durable rubberized belts that require much less maintenance and can run service-free for approximately 30,000 km.
There are some drawbacks to belt drives, such as belt drive bikes having slightly higher system friction, which makes them slightly less efficient. A limiting issue with belt drive bikes is that if you want to have multiple gears at your disposal, you have to use internal hub gears or a gearbox system.
internal gear
Internal hub gears take all the sensitive parts of your bike’s drivetrain and move them into a sealed housing inside your bike’s rear hub. This has the effect of creating a weatherproof environment for your gear. The advantage of this is that the gears are not exposed to the wear accelerated by a dirty or contaminated chain.
read more: Private release of white paper proving the efficiency of Powershift hub
Internal hub gears are known for their long service life and ease of use. Typical hub gears last up to 10,000 km between services, making them the ideal solution for riders looking for hassle-free riding.
mirror
Installing mirrors on your bike in the shape you think is most appropriate will give you a better view of the road around you. Having mirrors on your bike makes it easier to see what’s going on behind you while still paying attention to the road ahead, without having to turn your head completely over your shoulder when riding around town. This may not be the most professional accessory, but that’s not the point. It’s on this list because it has additional practical benefits.
Did we miss anything from the list? Let us know in the comments section below. Also, be sure to check out our other tech features here.