Riding your bike can be a joy in the cool fall months. Take a day trip, run errands, head up to your local farmer’s market or save money and use it to commute to work. However you incorporate your bicycle into your life, you are sure to benefit from accessories created with an urban cyclist in mind. If you are like me, just because you ride your bike, does not mean you want to always look like you just got off your bike. I appreciate accessories that suit my fashion sense.
Hands free
Running errands on your bike is both economical and healthy. It can also be tricky when you have a lot of items to carry. Choose from a wide variety of chic panniers to help you stash all your goodies. Look for one that expresses your on unique style, one the matches your bike or goes a long with a theme. For example if you typically ride your bike to the farmers market, you can use a Kitsch Kitchen pannier in a print inspired by fresh favorites.
Unlock the pannier from your bike’s rack and carry it from vendor to vendor. If you are drawn to vintage style, then you will love the deluxe shopper bicycle pannier. Created from water-resistant woven pine, this spacious bag closes with Velcro flap and hooks easily to your bike rack. While you may be amazed at easy it is to use a pannier, remember not to cram your items inside or you will wind up with a squished and bruised haul.
Po Campo creates excellent bike accessories designed with the two-wheeled commuter in mind. You can leave your regular purse behind when you use Po Campo’s Armitage satchel or the Pilsen Bungee handbag, both clip securely to your bike with strong bungee attachment cords and metal clips. When you are ready, simply carry the purse as a normal accessory.
This little wristlet handbag may not look like much, but it is extremely handy. Just big enough for a large wallet, it comes with strong, adjustable clips to attach the bag to your handle bars. It is also water and fade resistant and available in solids and funky prints.
Stay safe
Bike helmets are not just for kids, and thankfully they don’t have to look like they are with these fashionable choices. YAKKAY offers a nifty two-piece number. Marketed as “brainwear for smart people,” the first part is the gloss black base which includes foam pads that allow you to adjust the size for a comfortable fit. Safety is first, but then you can add a removable hat cover that is interchangeable for the season or your mood.
If you are looking for a classy, urban look try the Paris helmet with a cap style cover in herringbone, khaki or black. YAKKAY also has a Tokyo version with a bucket-style look. The Lazer Cityzen helmet is another checkered plaid version with a nice, hat-like visor brim.
Let them know you are coming.
Bike bells and horns are other fun accessories with a function. Let others know you are approaching with a friendly ring, beep or honk. Try a handpainted telephone-inspired bike bell that sounds exactly like it should, “Dring, dring.” For those of us who are hopelessly directionally challenged, this bell compass is a wise choice. You can even match the color of your bike or other bike accessories with one of these pretty colored bells.
Bike accessories make traveling to town on your bike a practical choice. When you add a snazzy helmet, secure roomy bag and attention-getting bell you can truly make it your own. Whatever your style; classic, retro or funky there are accessories to suit your look.
