Five favorites :: bike accessories

I’m a “less is more” kind of gal, and I like to really think through purchases before making them. I’m wary of the idea that stuff is made to make our lives easier. Oftentimes more stuff just complicates things.

But there are a few bike accessories that have definitely made our daily rides better. Whether it be a pannier that accommodates my kids’ large backpacks, or a speaker that makes longer rides more festive. Below are my five favorite accessories for family cargo biking and bike commuting. Plus one extra because safety is cool!

one. // Wald Folding Back Rack - This rack is ubiquitous; I’m sure you’ve seen one before. It’s a metal folding rack that goes on the back of your bike. It’s installed with hardware so you can’t easily take it on and off. I like how it gives me a place to throw bags etc. and not have to worry about taking it inside when I lock my bike up.

two. // Green Guru Freerider Pannier Bag - I bought this bag recently to accommodate my eldest’s growing backpack. It’s easy to put on and off the back rack, and is quite large. I love the way it has side straps so you can attach random items and squeeze in extra coats and the like. It’s listed at $70 but I was able to get mine on sale for $48. It is also made with reclaimed materials, which is awesome.

three. // Kids’ Bike Basket - I bought this basket for my daughter’s bike years ago, and even though the handle has fallen off, it still easily mounts on the side of our cargo hold. It’s a good way to contain my kids’ items, such as water bottles, so they can easily access them during rides.

four. // Slap Bag - I’ll be honest: I resisted buying this bag for a long time. I’d seen them around, but at $34 each, I couldn’t quite stomach the investment. “I can make something similar,” I told myself. But then one day I found myself at my friend Arleigh’s bike shop, and decided to buy it under the pretense I was just supporting her business (I mean, I was!). But it’s the best bike accessory ever. I use it on every ride: for my keys, my phone, my mask…I can open and close it with one hand. So great. Just get one. Ideally from a local bike shop you love ;)

five. // Clearon Bluetooth Portable Speaker - We use this speaker multiple times a day, every day. It’s not only great for biking, but also for stroller walks, camping, audio books around the house…$40 well spent!

bonus. // Visibility Flag - It’s not fun to talk about, but being hit from behind by a vehicle is a common way bikers are injured. Make yourself as visible as possible with a large flag!

What’d I miss? What are your favorite accessories for making your bike rides more fun and functional?